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Essay Writing Guide

Essay Topics

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

Essay Topics: 100+ Best Essay Topics for your Guidance

By: Nova A.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Jan 29, 2019

Let’s face it, essay writing can be tedious and boring. Spending hours to write a good essay is difficult, and brainstorming essay topic ideas can be even more confusing.

This is what makes writing essays difficult and time-consuming. Luckily, you can learn essay writing with practice and by following some good examples. But before that, you should know how to choose a good and engaging topic for your essay.

To help you get started, we have categorized a list of a number of different types of essay topic lists.

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Argumentative Essay Topics

An argumentative essay investigates a topic in great detail, forms an argument over it, and defends it using supporting data.

Below are some good argumentative essay topic ideas to help you draft winning essays.

School students should be allowed to curate their high school curriculum.
The role of physical education in the school system.
Should the death sentence be implemented globally?
It should be illegal to use certain types of animals for experiments and other research purposes.
Should the government do more to improve accessibility for people with physical disabilities?
Do people learn the art of becoming a politician, or are they born with it?
Social media platform owners should monitor and block comments containing hateful language.
Does technology play a role in making people feel more isolated?
Will there ever be a time when there will be no further technological advancements?
It should be illegal to produce and sell tobacco.
Girls should be motivated to take part in sports.
Rape victims should abort their unborn children.
Fathers should get equal paternity leave.
Do teenagers get into trouble because they are bored?
Individuals who have failed at parenting should be punished.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
Covid-19 vaccination has more cons than pros.
Social media is the real cause of teenage depression.
Is the American education system perfect for society?
Recycling should be made compulsory.

Choosing a strong topic is key to writing a great essay. Have a look at our blog to select good argumentative essay topics to impress the audience.

Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is similar to an argumentative paper. However, in it, the writer wants to convince the readers of their point of view. Simple essay topics would make better essays as they help the students stay focused.

Below is a list of some good persuasive essay topics for you:

Energy drinks should be banned in schools and colleges.
Gambling should be banned in the United States.
Should abortions be banned worldwide?
Hunting is an immoral act.
Is it okay to use animals in a circus?
Harmful dogs should be euthanized.
Cell phones should not be allowed in schools.
Teachers should pass a professional exam, just like students.
Schools should reduce the workload on students.
Sex education should be mandatory in high schools.
Vlogging isn’t an actual profession.
Is LinkedIn helpful for finding a job?
Social media has played a big role in increasing business opportunities.
Is Java becoming obsolete?
Should employers go through the candidate’s social media profiles?
Animal testing should be banned.
Violent video games should be banned.
Parents with mental disabilities should not be allowed to adopt children.
Alcohol consumption should be legalized in Muslim countries.
Every person should get Covid-19 vaccination.

For your help, we have gathered a wide range of persuasive essay topics . Give it a read.

Descriptive Essay Topics

A descriptive essay describes a specific thing by using sensory data. It is done to engage the reader’s five senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, sight).

The following is a list of descriptive essay topic ideas for the students.

The person who is responsible for making a difference in my life.
Describe a smartphone and its benefits to someone from the ‘60s.
The most interesting piece of art I have ever seen.
Describe the experience of falling in love.
What does a place that only exists in your imagination look like?
Describe meeting a famous person.
Describe yourself and your personality to a stranger.
What will life be like in 2050?
An experience that changed my life forever.
Your idea of the perfect day.
My first trip abroad.
The most significant event in American History.
A popular book series that disappointed you.
A look into my daily life.
A day in the life of an ER doctor.
A trip to the museum.
The most interesting movie I watched during my summer vacation.
My favorite childhood memory.
An incident that changed my life.
An incident that restored my faith in humanity.

Here are some more descriptive essay topics to help you find a good idea for your essay.

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Narrative Essay Topics

In a narrative essay, your goal is to share a personal experience by telling a story. This creative form of writing depends on how strong and exciting the theme is. The article topics for students given here are carefully curated and would help the students do good in their essays.

Some examples and topics of narrative topic ideas are presented below.

The experience that taught me how looks could be deceiving.
A week without internet and technology.
The impact your first love had on your life.
How much did your teachers contribute to making you the person you are today?
An experience that made you realize your parents were or weren’t always right.
A moment when someone you didn’t like surprised you with kindness.
The influence technology has had on your hobbies and life.
An achievement outside of academic life?
Which school lesson had the biggest influence on your life?
A day when you fought procrastination.
The time you faced rejection.
The time when you stood against your parents.
An experience that left you helpless.
The time you prayed to be an only child.
An act of kindness you can never forget.
Death of a loved one.
Your biggest pet peeve.
Your definition of a perfect weekend.
The things you regret most in life.
Your first experience of an air trip.

Choosing interesting narrative essay topics is essential to make the content compelling for the readers.

Research Essay Topics

While writing a research essay, the most crucial step is choosing a topic for your essay. Select a topic that is broad enough to compose an entire research essay on it.

Below are some of the best topics for your research essay.

Effects of violent cartoons on children.
Should universities provide accommodations to disabled students?
Events and experiences I agree are causing the increase in terrorism.
How do technology and gadgets affect the studies of children?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school?
Universities are becoming business-driven.
Does college debt affect the future lives of students?
Why has the divorce rate changed in the past decade?
Schools should allow the use of smartphones in school.
Effective ways to decrease depression among our youth.
Analyze the relationship between the United States of America and North Korea.
Why did the UK decide to leave the EU?
Is it true that students learn better in a same-sex school?
How does giving kids different gadgets affect their studies?
Compare the immigration policies of two different countries.
Events that lead to World War I.
Pros and cons of studying abroad.
How has Covid-19 influenced the education system of the world?
Individual acts that lead to Global Warming.
Effectiveness of the policies made to control Covid-19.

Looking for more? We have an extensive range of research essay topics to make the audience fall in love with your work.

Expository Essay Topics

While writing an expository essay, you have to explain and clarify your topic clearly to the readers.

Below is a list of expository essay topics:

Why do teenagers commit suicide?
What is the impact of music on our youth?
What are the consequences of skipping school?
Why do teenagers use drugs?
How can pets make you happy and improve your life?
Consequences of having alcoholic drinks within a school campus.
How does drug use affect relationships?
Is global warming a cause of skin cancer?
Is sodium bad for your health?
What is the line between being overweight and being obese?
Why do you want to pursue your desired career?
Explain how advancements in science improve the quality of life for humans.
What are some unconventional ways of relieving stress?
If you could swap your lives with someone, who would it be and why?
What are some major stress factors in a teenager’s life?
Why is getting a degree important for job life?
Pros and cons of getting financial aid.
How emotional support animals help in treating mental conditions.
How does prostitution influence society?
The environmental causes of smoking.

5StarEssays.com has gathered an additional and extensive list of expository essay topics .

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

In a compare and contrast essay, you evaluate and analyze the similarities and differences between the two subjects. Your reader must be able to form an opinion after weighing the pros and cons you have set forth.

Below are some topics for you to choose for your compare and contrast paper:

Extroverts and introverts.
Generation Y Vs. Generation Z.
Traditional Helicopters Vs. Lifesize Drones.
Unemployed students Vs. students with a part-time job.
SAT and TOEFL.
Persuasive and argumentative essays - How are they similar?
How were the causes of World War I different from the causes of World War II?
Education vs. professional career: what is more difficult?
Real-life or spending your time daydreaming.
Consequences of earthquake and tsunami: what’s worse?
Being popular in high school or alone?
Part-time work or studying for a higher degree?
Getting married at an old age or a young age?
Fashion today Vs. twenty years ago.
Donald Trump Vs. Hillary Clinton.
Democracy Vs. Dictatorship
Vietnam War Vs. War on Terror.
Benefits of drinking tea Vs. coffee.
Greek and Roman methodologies - Similarities and differences.
Traditional Vs. distant learning.

Get more interesting compare and contrast essay topics at 5StarEssays.com to impress your instructors.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

The cause and effect essay explains why something happens and what happens as a result of those happenings. A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay.

Here are a few topics for your cause and effect essay:

What are the causes of eating disorders?
Effects of climate change and global warming.
The effects of the Feminism movement.
What are the causes of increasing depression among teenagers?
What are the causes of suicidal thoughts?
Is keeping a pet effective in calming your mind?
How does divorce affects children?
Why are men afraid of commitment?
Effects of social media on youth.
Has social media affected relationships among families?
Discuss the effects of homeschooling on children.
Causes of heart diseases.
Causes of sibling rivalry.
Cramming doesn't help improve test scores.
Cause and effect of depression in the workplace.
How do abusive parents influence the mental stability of a child?
Causes and effects of bullying.
Causes of obesity in teenagers.
Effects of taking a balanced diet on health?
Causes and effects of insomnia.

To get more ideas, visit our cause and effect essay topics that are remarkable and well-suited for a great essay.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics are quite popular assignments in universities. If you are a student searching for a captivating argumentative essay topic, here is a list of ideas you can consider.

Third world war should be prevented by the Russian and US governments.
Political policies and practices affecting students.
Is gun control effective in reducing crime?
Same-sex marriage and constitutional law.
Is society over-regulated?
Are leaders born or made?
No one should be above the law.
Monarchy: pros and cons.
Rules on Political Activities by Federal Employees.
The most corrupt countries in the world.
Mercy killing should be legalized in all countries of the world.
Death penalties should be abolished.
Third-world countries should be provided with education plans by the developed countries.
Muslims should not be labeled as terrorists.
Illegal immigrants should be given equal rights.
Abortions should be legalized.
Live-in relationships should be encouraged.
Professional athletes should be allowed to consume steroids.
Should physical punishments be given to children?
Smoking in public should be an offensive crime.

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

Are you looking for some funny argumentative essay topics for your essay? If so, choose a topic from the following list.

Why do people like watching funny videos?
What your cat is really thinking.
Why spam emails should be your favorite type of email.
Why wearing braces is fun.
School dropouts are the best in our society.
Why I don't like country music.
Types of dates.
A better way to get things done.
What organic food really is.
Things guys do that girls hate.
How to annoy your friend.
Why do women pretend that they enjoy sports?
Things preventing you from completing your homework in time.
Funny things we see in wedding ceremonies.
Why are spam emails more interesting?
Why does Starbucks coffee taste better?
Why are backbenchers smarter than other students?
Clowns are scarier than funny.
Should we be maintaining social distancing even after Covid-19?
Why is watching movies better than reading books?

Informative Essay Topics for Students

Essay writing requires depth. However, you don’t have to choose a complex topic in middle school, high school, or college.

Here is a list of interesting essay topics for middle school, high school, and college students.

Essay Topics for College Students

Virtual classes cannot replace the traditional class system.
Advantages and disadvantages of online classes.
Is there a need to reform the college education system?
Assault weapons should not be legal.
People with a history of mental illness should not be allowed to purchase firearms.
The taxation system needs to be changed around the globe.
Kids should not be the target audience in advertising.
The number of calories should be mentioned with every meal.
Feminists have effectively improved the workforce for women.
Is the death penalty effective?
How to identify fake news?
How to maintain a healthy life?
How to treat PTSD naturally?
Should people be judged on their appearance?
How is technology influencing the work performance of people?
Private Vs. public schools
How to choose majors in high school?
Impact of legalizing drugs on society.
Significance of learning social values.
How to prevent bullying on campus?

Essay Topics for High School

The choice to join the armed forces should be an individual decision.
Listening to music can increase work efficiency.
Being honest has more cons than pros.
People who have been in an accident value life more than others.
Embarrassing moments help boost your confidence.
Kindness is the most valuable personal trait.
Spontaneity can improve your life.
Can hobbies help improve the richness of one’s life?
Dressing properly in the office improves work efficiency
Being organized can help in school as well as the office.
Impact of homosexuality on society.
What is feminism?
How to overcome fears and phobias?
Significance of having leadership skills in job life?
Causes and treatments for bipolar disorder.
Side effects of consuming antidepressants.
How important is mental health in succeeding professionally?
How do teaching methods influence learning abilities?
Should specially-abled people be allowed to work in offices?
Discrimination and racism in the US.

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Essay Topics for Middle School

Every child should have chores at home.
There should not be any summer classes.
Should students continue studying during summer vacation?
Parents should pay attention to the amount of time their children spend watching television.
Favorite family summer vacation.
Sports should be mandatory in every school.
Processed foods should not be part of private and public school lunch.
Do students still use newspapers for research?
Every individual should spend a year doing community service.
The weekend should be 3 days long.

Still need help choosing an essay topic? 5StarEssays is a professional essay writing service that helps you get a high quality essay. We have a team of essay writers who are professionals and can do your essay .

We also have an AI-powered paper writer for you to help you generate an essay in seconds to use as a reference!

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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101 Great Essay Writing Topics for Students

Before you sit down to write, you need a topic, and these essay writing topics can help you get started.

Writing an essay is an important skill for high school and college students. Essays show a writer’s ability to think through a topic, explore their point of view and persuade or inform others of that. Yet, finding essay writing topics can feel vague.

This list will help students find the right topic for a descriptive essay or argumentative essay. It outlines a number of hot topics that students can delve into in order to express their opinions and showcase their writing skills. You can use these to practice your essay writing skills or as prompts for you or students.

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1. Is Climate Change Real?

2. the benefits (or drawbacks) of homework , 3. a funny childhood memory, 4. video game addiction, 5. the role of pets in our lives, 6. my summer vacation, 7. a personal victory or success, 8. what will life be like in 2050, 9. a trip to the museum, 10. describe meeting a famous person, 11. the impact of social media on tweens, 12. importance of school uniforms, 13. extracurricular activities: essential or optional, 14. favorite book and its impact, 15. the influence of celebrities on youth, 16. the significance of recreational activities, 17. if i were the principal of my school, 18. why the sale and production of tobacco should get banned, 19. should every country have the death sentence, 20. is homeschooling better or worse than public school, 21. is the us election process fair, 22. how can we reduce climate change, 23. your responsibility in climate change, 24. are you politically influenced by media, 25. feminism then and now, 26. the impact of immigration on host countries, 27. are environmentalist groups doing the wrong protests, 28. should we cancel cancel culture, 29. is artificial intelligence a boon or bane to society, 30. is genetic engineering ethical, 31. the role of social movements in social change, 32. censorship in media: necessary or suppressive, 33. is technology making education lazy, 34. are we supposed to share culture, 35. why soda should not be on fast food kids meals, 36. illegal immigrants should not be jailed, 37. breastfeeding in public should be considered normal, 38. why gun control is needed, 39. a turning point in your life, 40. should religion be taught in schools, 41. recycling should be compulsory, 42. colleges are becoming business driven, 43. the necessity of art in education, 44. the importance of space exploration, 45. the future of renewable energy, 46. fast fashion’s environmental impact, 47. social media and its influence on body image, 48. the role of social media in interpersonal relationships, 49. the consequences of cyberbullying, 50. the relevance of standardized testing today, 51. the influence of video games on youth behavior, 52. homework vs. class assignments, 53. social media vs. in-person interaction, 54. physical education vs. nutritional education, 55. life before and after the internet, 56. right side vs left side of the brian thinkers, 57. tea vs coffee, 58. fashion today vs 20 years ago, 59. ebooks vs. physical books, 60. urban vs. rural living, 61. traditional vs. digital art, 62. freelance vs. full-time employment, 63. western vs. eastern philosophies, 64. democracy vs. dictatorship, 65. introverts vs. extroverts, 66. working in your country vs. working abroad, 67. science fiction vs. fantasy, 68. public vs. private healthcare, 69. first day of school memories, 70. a memorable act of kindness, 71. your best or worst holiday, 72. an experience with peer pressure, 73. a surprising event or change of fortune., 74. your first teacher, 75. your idea of the perfect day, 76. imagine a week without the internet or technology, 77. a day you overcame rejection, 78. overcoming my fear, 79. the day i lost my first pet, 80. that someone who influenced me, 81. the most embarrassing moment, 82. the time i stood up for what i believe, 83. the invention i wish i had thought of, 84. an unexpected friendship, 85. the day that defined my future, 86. how is global warming changing the environment, 87. the causes of world war ii, 88. what is racism, and how are people sometimes unaware of it, 89. does free will exist, 90. what reading means to me, 91. the role of journalists and the media, 92. animal testing should be banned, 93. why do teenagers commit suicide, 94. the role of the united nations, 95. the history and impact of the internet, 96. why is financial literacy crucial today, 97. the importance of technology in healthcare, 98. the rise of electric vehicles, 99. an analysis of a popular tv show, 100. the value of learning a second language, 101. the stigma around mental health, a final word on the best essay writing topics, what are some topics for a persuasive essay, what are some good topics for an essay, best essay writing topics for middle school students.

If you are picking an essay for a 7th or 8th-grade student, the topic needs to be something that students in that age range are interested in. This will help them want to do the research and explore their ideas. This age range will often write expository essays or narrative essays, rather than persuasive ones.

Here are some essay topics to consider:

Climate change is a hot topic with middle schoolers, and this essay topic idea lets them explore it. This essay topic can work well for a persuasive, informative, or cause-and-effect essay.

Few middle school students enjoy homework, but this can be a great way to get them to dig into why the education system relies on homework. Students can give their opinions about the need for homework or why homework should be eliminated.

Middle school students who are not ready to write on argumentative essay topics can practice their English essay writing skills by writing about a funny thing that happened as a child. This topic should focus on entertaining, engaging storytelling.

Many young students spend a lot of time playing video games, and this can translate into an essay topic. Exploring the mental health effects of too much video gameplay is a good option. Ask them to write about games they live or spend too much time playing.

Do you have a pet at home that you can’t imagine not being there when you return? How do you treat it, and do you think of your pet as a best friend? Opt for a cause-and-effect essay on the role of pets in our lives to showcase this bond. Then, include the positive effects of owning a pet. Don’t forget to talk about the responsibilities that come with it.

This is a staple choice of teachers everywhere, particularly after the summer break. All younger students can write essays easily enough about how they spent a few weeks off school and where they went. Perhaps it was time with a family member or a best friend? There is a good reason that many elementary and middle school teachers assign this as a writing assignment at the start of school.

A student could start writing this essay by writing about when they felt like all was lost. Then, they could describe how they picked themselves up off the dirt and achieved a victory.

Will we find solutions to the problems we face today, like poverty and homelessness? Will technology enrich our lives further or be the cause of new issues?

Many young students often think about the future, and this topic allows them to let their imaginations run loose.

This way, they can express their ideas on how the world will look like in a few decades. It also gives you insight into the child’s personality. Do they see the positives in everything, or are they a bit more realistic?

As children, we loved going to the museum. Even today, it’s interesting to look at historical art, sculptures, and old vehicles.

This essay topic works exceptionally well right after a school holiday. Maybe the young student just witnessed some of the best historical pieces. Writing about this topic allows them to reconnect with the emotions they felt.

In this essay, ask students what they liked most about visiting the museum, what important lessons they learned, and how they felt in the moment.

We all have favorite celebrities that we’d love to meet. This could be an actor, musician, or athlete.

In this essay topic, ask students to describe what it’s like to meet a famous person. How would they feel, what questions would the student ask them, and what activities would they do together?

By asking your student to write the essay as descriptively as possible, they’ll experience the positive emotions associated with meeting their idol.

For this prompt, your goal is to explore the balance between the good, the bad, and the unknown in social media platforms. As a middle schooler, you know better than anyone how integral social media is in your daily life. Think about it – how many people your age don’t have a phone connected to the internet?

A cause-and-effect essay on this subject will allow you to investigate how social networking systems influence people. Self-reflect and analyze how social media sites affect your feelings, friendships, and even schoolwork.

Have you ever wondered why some schools insist on their students having uniforms? This is despite other schools being more lenient and letting their students wear whatever they want. If you are, then satiate your curiosity via this prompt.

An argumentative essay will help you understand both sides of the debate. You can discuss why schools make uniforms mandatory or optional and investigate how uniforms affect students’ behavior, academic performance, and school pride.

Are you a part of your school’s sports team or another club, or do you prefer to focus your time on academics only? If you have ever wondered what extracurricular activities are for, use this prompt to write an informative essay on the importance of extracurricular activities.

Write about the exact details of the role of extracurricular activities in a student’s overall development. Explore and add the benefits and drawbacks of these activities as well. Through your essay, other students can make informed choices about how they spend their time at school.

Books are all about exploration. When you use books for school, they aim to make you more knowledgeable. But they are also doors to fantasy lands and help you learn more about yourself.

Do you have a favorite book that left a mark on you? For this prompt, write a personal narrative essay sharing that experience. Analyze why the book matters, then add how it has changed or defined you. Your essay might sway others to read your favorite book.

Celebrities and influences are everywhere – so much so that you can’t avoid them no matter how hard you try. They’re in the music you listen to, the streets you drive through, and even the boxes of your favorite cereals. For this prompt, write an argumentative essay about these celebrities and their critical influence on younger people.

Focus on celebrities’ sway on youth’s behavior, values, and aspirations. Argue whether they are positive role models or if they set unrealistic expectations. It’s best to choose celebrities everyone knows, like the Kardashians or the Bangtan Boys.

What do you do when you have time off from school? Aside from the instances you attend family events, do you like swimming, biking, or drawing? This prompt is perfect for a descriptive essay where you can detail your favored recreational activity.

Start with how you discovered the activity and why you got hooked on it. Include its significance to your life. Does it help you relax, meet new people, etc.? You can also talk about the skills you gained by doing this recreational activity regularly.

Have you ever dreamt of calling the shots at school? What about imagining being the principal? In this essay, share ideas on what parts of your school you want to keep or change. Analyze each critically and propose the improvements the school needs. Via this prompt, you can showcase your leadership skills. Remember to express your thoughts respectfully and constructively, and don’t forget to offer rational explanations for each proposed change.

Controversial Essay Writing Topics for Older Students

As they enter high school and college, students should start transitioning from informative essays to persuasive ones. Controversial essay topics are a good way to do this. They help students develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to reason an argument. The below topics the bill well:

Few people would argue about the health benefits of tobacco, yet it remains a top-selling product. This essay will explore the benefits of banning the sale of the product altogether.

The death sentence is a controversial ethical and social issue. This essay will explore whether or not it is a suitable method of punishment and deterrent for serious crimes and the benefits or drawbacks of adding it to every country across the globe.

Homeschooling is growing in popularity, and this school essay topic will explore the benefits or drawbacks of this particular school choice. It may be pulled from personal experience if the student is homeschooled.

Elections are an essential part of our lives. It gives us the power to determine who will govern our country. However, is the election process fair?

In the essay, your student will get an opportunity to voice their ideas, describe what changes they’d like to see, and how those changes will positively impact the nation.

This essay topic requires more research, and students walk away with knowledge that can help them in the long term.

Climate change is a serious topic that impacts everyone’s life. Sea levels are rising, which makes it difficult for animals like polar bears to survive.

When writing about this essay topic, students will have to research the effect of climate change, what causes it, and how to reduce its impact.

This requires logical thinking and creativity. It’ll encourage students to come up with a plan of action. Maybe they’ll limit the number of carbon emissions released by companies, promote solar power, or decrease the price of energy-efficient appliances.

Climate change has always been a controversial topic. There are many protests about it, but despite the protests, there are still no proper solutions. For this prompt, focus on what you, as a student, can do to help stop or slow down climate change. Identify your personal role in this phenomenon. Examine both your positive and negative contributions. As you write this essay, you can also discover sustainable life changes to add to your life. You can even encourage your future readers to follow your example.

Keeping up to date with world news is easy because we’re connected to the media 24/7. With this in mind, create a cause-and-effect essay and inspect the power of media in shaping your political views.

For instance, have you sided with a viewpoint because of a convincing social media post? For sure, many have experienced this once or twice. Dig deeper via your essay, analyze the media’s role and motivations, and present your findings.

If you plan to create a compare-and-contrast essay, go for this prompt. Analyze the evolution of feminist movements. Then, examine their origins, goals, and the changes they’ve brought about.

Have you ever wondered how the feminism of your grandma’s era differed from today’s? By researching this topic, you’ll not only increase your knowledge – you’ll also be able to educate others.

Are you looking at writing about globally relevant issues? If so, immigration is a complex subject you can explore—research immigration in the news, books, or even movies. You can even ask your teacher for help if you need to. For this prompt, connect your findings to the issues of the countries receiving immigrants. Make sure to differentiate the legal from illegal immigrants to relay your points better.

The environment is a sacred and essential part of our lives. And so it’s easy to understand the movements and the organizations that want to protect it. But do you think their actions will make others appreciate their cause in the long run?

This is why this controversial prompt is perfect for a persuasive essay. Talk about the recent protests. It can be the protestor’s destruction of paintings of legendary artists, glueing their hands on airport runways, or stopping people on the streets. Critique the strategies of environmental activist groups. Are they properly raising awareness? Or are their methods causing more harm than good?

Cancel culture is often based on limited evidence and incites blind hate. As an older student, you’re likely familiar with the term and its implications. In your essay, list cancel culture’s pros and cons and analyze each in depth.

Is cancel culture helpful? Is it only spreading misinformation? Is the hive mentality it encourages good? Share your thoughts on this recent societal development. Then, offer ways on how to better interact with cancel culture. For instance, you can recommend holding off judgment and thoroughly researching the issue first to make up your own mind.

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, but how helpful is it? For this prompt, create an expository essay that analyzes how AI is both a boon and a bane. For example, AI can make companies’ systems more efficient. But at the same time, it takes jobs away from writers, artists, and even tech devs.

Cite recent happenings, like the Texas A&M Commerce professor who failed his entire class to show the issue’s relevancy. As a student, you’re pretty familiar with AI developments. You might even have experienced it first-hand. Stop and think about AI’s broader implications via your essay.

Genetic engineering has always been a controversial subject. Since you’re an older student, you’ve probably had debates about this in class or with friends. To better understand the issue, construct a well-researched, argumentative essay on genetic engineering and the ethics that surround it.

As a student and a general public member, you are not just an observer of what happens in society. You are an active participant in social dynamics. So, for this prompt, opt for a cause-and-effect essay where you analyze how collective actions and thinking shape societies. Support your thoughts with evidence and share your realizations.

For this prompt, start by defining freedom of expression and comparing it with censorship. Then, present cases (preferably recent ones) to explain why censorship is necessary or repressive. This will help you create an informative essay that educates your readers.

In your essay, answer the question: “Is technology helpful or detrimental to education?” As a student, you’re at the center of this revolution. For instance, online classes are more prevalent now than some years ago. Submitting soft copies of papers online wasn’t even a thing then. Write an expository essay about whether technology aids or hampers your learning process.

If you want to write a thought-provoking descriptive essay, consider this prompt: There are unique cultures. But should these cultures remain exclusive? Think about your own culture and what it means to you. Would you like to share your culture? It’s time to share your thoughts and experiences.

In the same essay, you can also mention cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation. Talk about these ideas’ differences and similarities.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Older Students

Persuasive essays work to convince a reader of the writer’s point of view. These topics lend themselves well to a great essay that focuses on persuasion.

Fast food kids meals target young consumers, and soda is often included. Making junk food a way of life contributes to childhood obesity, and this topic could explore alternatives to soda for these kid-centered meals.

When people enter a country illegally, putting them in jail does not solve the problem. Instead, alternative punishments or even help with attaining legal immigrant status can reduce the strain on an overloaded system while also helping these individuals become part of society.

Babies need breast milk to survive, yet many places in society frown on women feeding their babies in public. This essay will explore why this is an outdated and unhealthy idea.

The best topics for persuasive essays are ones that are a little controversial. Gun control fits the bill well, and it can be a good topic for an essay. Other topics include alcohol, drugs and, in some cases, religion. That said, it depends on the nature of your students and school.

All the students can typically point to an occasion or life event when their worldview or concept changed. Ask them to write about a defining life experience.

This essay topic is for older students and adult learners who can take a thoughtful but critical stance on the role of religion in schools today. Should it be taught or removed from schools, and why?

The average American produces 1,704 pounds of garbage per year. Most of this is thrown in landfills, which can be equally as damaging to the environment as littering. Oceans are also filled with plastic that negatively affects the lives of marine life.

However, if we can recycle all that waste, we won’t damage the environment. This essay topic encourages older students to research recycling and the pros and cons of making it mandatory.

Getting a tertiary education is essential. It allows you to learn a marketable skill that other people pay you for.

However, private colleges are becoming more common, leading people to think that these institutions are more focused on making money.

When writing about this topic, students need to research the cost of college tuition, how this high price negatively impacts their adult lives, and how the government can fix it.

Through this prompt, explore and express the value of creativity and aesthetics in one’s learning. Explain why art is essential. How does it influence your learning and perception of the world? Consider this: art is a medium of expression and critical thinking. To write this essay effectively, identify, describe, and reflect on different art forms. You can also focus on art forms that you’ve experienced.

Have you ever looked at the night sky and wondered what’s out there? Space exploration is all about the curiosity to discover the unknown. In your essay, go beyond rockets or astronauts and highlight man’s thirst for knowledge.

Start with the historical record of space exploration. Mention how it started and how it became possible. You can even include its milestone achievements. Then, move on to experts’ predictions on the future of space exploration. Discuss its benefits to humans, common challenges, and implications for our future.

Let’s now jump to another vital global discourse. Are you aware of the environmental and economic connotations of renewable energy? You may be young now, but you’re not a stranger to the problems of this planet. Through this prompt, you can become a part of the solution. In your essay, define and discuss different types of renewable energy. Underscore their potential, pros, and cons versus traditional energy sources.

Have you ever wondered where your clothes come from and where they end up? Sadly, most of us consume fast fashion. But have you considered fast fashion’s environmental consequences?

In your essay, identify facts about fast fashion. Credible sources should support these facts so readers can realize how detrimental it is to the environment. Review the lifecycle of a typical fast fashion item. Include the environmental cost at each stage. Then, look for ways to promote sustainable fashion choices.

Today, social media dominates our lives. But have you thought about how it affects how you view your body image? This is a sensitive issue, but timely nonetheless.

For this prompt, voice your experiences and insights about social media and the unrealistic body standards it presents. By doing so, you can help others navigate through the maze of internet likes and shares. Talk about how social networking services impact how people view themselves, including their self-esteem. Then, offer ways on how to circumvent these problems.

It’s a fact today that most of our relationships start and are maintained online. But does this virtual connection hamper real-life relationships?

Through your essay, explore the link between social media and interpersonal relationships. You can tell it from your perspective. How have your relationships evolved in the age of social media? Review the dynamics of online friendships, mentioning the blurred lines between the virtual and real world. It would be useful to talk to someone you know who remembers a time before mobile phones and social media, which only became prevalent in recent decades.

Sadly, the rise of social networks also gives bullies more channels to hurt others. Now, they can also hide behind screens. In your essay, define cyberbullying and its effects on the victim’s mental health. You can even include real-life cases for illustration. End your paper by presenting measures to prevent cyberbullying.

The education system needs some updating. If you want to delve into this issue, use a prompt that critiques its current methods. One of the most timely is standardized testing. What’s your take on it? Does it measure intelligence, or is it merely rote learning? List the pros and cons of standardized testing from your perspective as a student. Write as if you want to spark a conversation about educational reform.

At your age, you’ve probably experienced the evolution of video games first-hand. If you’re a gamer, have you ever questioned how it influenced your behavior? What about your peers?

For this prompt, focus on the psychological aspects of gaming. Mention the impact of different gaming genres on mental health and behavior. Don’t just talk about the adverse effects. It’s best to also consider the potential benefits of gaming as a learning tool.

Compare and Contrast Essays for Older Students

This type of essay compares two like or unlike things, drawing ways they are the same or different. It’s useful as it provides a structure for aspiring essayists that they can use to outline a longer work. Some ideas include:

Which has more value, homework or assignments completed in class? This essay topic will explore the contrast between these two types of school assignments. For fun, give it to students to complete in class… and then ask them to revise it at home.

Social media can keep people connected, but the increased push for social media connection can detract from in-person communication. This essay will explore the contrast between the two types of communication.

Both exercise and diet play a role in health. This essay will explore the impact of both through the education system.

Older students and adult learners can remember a time before we spend so much time. Is life any better now that we spend so much time connected to the Internet? This essay explores what it means to be constantly connected.

Right side of the brain thinkers are typically more creative and artistic. The left side of the brain thinkers are analytical and mathematical. What’s more valuable in today’s society? What can each type learn from its counterpart? And are you truly one type exclusively?

Caffeine is a staple for many students and workers. It gives you a boost of energy in the morning, which allows you to get more done. It also helps if you have a test coming up and need to study hard.

However, larger amounts of caffeine are known to cause heart palpitations, anxiety, and increased stress.

In this essay, students look at the benefits and drawbacks of tea and coffee. It empowers them with knowledge on when to limit their consumption.

Fashion is constantly changing. What looked cool 20 years ago might look weird today. Older students will also notice how their fashion choices changed from middle school to high school and from high school to college.

In this essay, students talk about what causes this change and how long it takes for the public to accept a specific style.

You’ve likely used ebooks and physical books for your studies and hobbies. In your essay, use your experience to analyze these different reading mediums. Are you an avid Kindle user? Or do you thrive on the feel of a physical book? Write about relevant aspects like convenience, feel, accessibility, and cost. Always support your arguments with personal anecdotes and factual data.

Do you live in the city or the outskirts? Both have pros and cons. If you’ve always been a city student, maybe you’ve wondered what life is like on the other side. If so, then this prompt lets you delve into these contrasting lifestyles.

Feel free to discuss factors such as access to amenities, social interactions, and lifestyle choices. Try to visualize and put yourself in both scenarios to offer an authentic perspective.

There’s been a divide between traditional and digital art for a long time. In this prompt, uncover the why . Consider aspects like skill set, accessibility, impact, and audience reach. Then, add your thoughts on the issue. Are you drawn to the authenticity of traditional art? Or do you admire the versatility of digital art? Bring in your observations and experiences to make your essay stand out.

You might still be a student, but you’ve thought about what your job will be like in the future, right? Then, have you ever wondered about the benefits of being your boss versus the security of a full-time job? Explore these contrasting work styles. By the end of your essay, you will also better understand what awaits you after graduation.

Talk about job stability, work-life balance, income potential, and personal growth. You can draw on real-life examples from people you know.

For a more intriguing essay, explore different philosophical frameworks. Are you drawn to Western philosophy’s empirical approach? Or do you prefer Eastern thought’s spiritual aspects? Explore themes such as the self, ethics, knowledge, and reality. Then, compare how these philosophies approach these ideas differently. This is your chance to show off your critical thinking skills.

Another complicated but interesting prompt is analyzing two contrasting political systems, democracy and dictatorship. Inspect how each system impacts citizens’ rights, economic development, social equality, and international relations. Don’t shy away from using historical and current examples to solidify your arguments.

Are you an introvert, extrovert, or something in between? Picking this topic will not only give you an exciting essay. You will also learn more about yourself. This encourages you to delve into the psychological aspects of these personality types.

In your essay, analyze how these traits affect one’s social interactions, career choices, and personal well-being. Be critical of stereotypes and delve into the potential benefits and challenges of both.

Have you ever dreamed of living and working abroad? Or do you want to stay where you are now, close to home? Here, you can explore the pros and cons of working or leaving your home country. Mention cultural exposure, career opportunities, and personal growth. Contrast it with the challenges of adapting to a new environment.

Science fiction and fantasy are both popular, even today. Why not when it opens doors to various imaginations? For your essay, dive into why these genres are favored and highlight their unique characteristics. Include their societal implications and why they appeal to certain readers.

Debate has been raging on the implications of public and private healthcare systems. These debates often concern a country’s economy and its citizens’ lives. When writing this essay, you can use your personal experience or rely on secondary research. Discuss aspects like accessibility, cost, quality of care, and efficiency. For this prompt, add real-world examples and facts to strengthen your arguments.

Narrative Essay Topics for Older Students

Sometimes, an everyday life experience can make great essay material, and writing about your own life means less risk of plagiarism. Here are some ideas:

The first day of school in a new school can be the fodder for a number of personal stories about school life and the social aspects of it. Writers can capture those emotions in this type of essay. It’s also a suitable type of essay to write as it can serve as a gateway into other types of writing, like a memoir.

If someone did something for you once that really stood out, transform that into an essay topic. You will enjoy remembering the action while creating your essay.

What you did or didn’t do on your summer vacation as a child can be a great starting point for a narrative essay. Older students can use this essay prompt to write about past experiences and reflect on them beyond simply reporting.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative, but everyone has experienced it. This essay will explore a time when peer pressure made you do something or not do something and what the effect of that decision was.

Was this change in your life for the best or the worst, and how did you respond? Describe in detail.

When you first met your mentor, teacher or guide. How did you respond to them, and what did they have to show you? Similarly, a student could also write an essay about a teacher they shunned or turned away from.

When waking up in the morning, we all strive to have the perfect day. Ask students what their perfect day will look like, what activities they’d do, and with whom.

By being as descriptive as possible, students picture the perfect day in their minds. This improves students’ storytelling skills and helps them structure events in chronological order.

This fun experiment gives students insight into how reliant they are on technology and how their lives will look without it.

By imagining this week in their heads, it’ll give them an idea of what other activities they’ll engage in. This could be working out, socializing, or learning a new skill.

Rejection is something everyone must face at some point. Few things are scarier than rejection. But when you overcome it, you get a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

For example, this could be asking that cute guy or girl out on a date or applying for a job at your dream company.

Are you interested in writing an essay while also self-reflecting? When you use this prompt, you also demonstrate your tenacity to overcome obstacles. Think back to any fear you have had. It doesn’t matter if they’re big or small as long as they shape your character.

Begin your essay by describing the fear you had and why. Then, narrate what you did to overcome it. Remember to discuss the aftermath and the personal growth you experienced.

Losing a pet is a personal experience. How you handled your emotions at that time shows your nature. When you write your essay, paint a vivid picture of your pet by describing quirks and traits. Explain how losing a pet changed you; don’t avoid the pain. Then, talk about your grieving process and eventual acceptance.

Did someone come to mind when you read the prompt? It’s unsurprising if they did, considering that every person has that one person who left a significant impact on their life.

For your essay, choose and write about that individual who helps you appreciate life. Give specific details, such as when they made you realize something, and then connect them to how their teachings shaped you. This prompt also allows students to reflect on their character description and development.

For a fun narrative essay, share the moment you felt the most embarrassed. You don’t have to be specific about it; you can instead focus on what you felt then and how you cope during that awkward situation. You can also mention what you think of the memory now that you’re looking back at it. Is it as embarrassing as you’ve thought back then?

Here is a medium to exhibit your ethics and the strength of your convictions. For this prompt, narrate the situation and explain why you must stand up. What were your thoughts during that moment? Talk about your emotions then and the consequences you’ve faced, if any. Mention how the experience shaped your approach to similar situations.

Is there any invention that made you go, “Ah, I wish I thought of that before!” It can be because of the fame that came with it, the profit, or just the sheer genius of its inventor. Select an invention that fascinates you and explain why it interests you. Think of why you wish you’d come up with it. Talk about its impact on the world and how it aligns with your interests or passions.

Friendships often form in the most unexpected places and situations. For this prompt, highlight your openness to diverse experiences and people.

In your essay, describe the circumstances that led to this unexpected friendship. Add why you found it so surprising. Speak about the qualities you appreciate in your friend and include how this relationship has affected your life. Your objective is to encourage others to broaden their social circles.

For this prompt, share a turning point in your life that set your future course. Present a comprehensive account of the event or decision that significantly impacted your future by mentioning factors that influenced it. Add your thoughts and feelings then and how things have unfolded since then.

Informative Essay Topics for Older Students

Sometimes, the goal of an essay is not to persuade but to inform. Informative or expository essay topics need to have a lot of information behind them so students have something to write about. These topics lend themselves well to that:

Global warming has many effects, and this essay will explore those thoroughly. The goal is to inform, not persuade or create change.

Exploring the causes behind a global war, like World War II, can create a long essay. You can spin this essay topic easily enough by picking other historical events.

Racism is a hot topic today, and this essay will explore how it can often hide in someone’s way of thinking.

A popular essay topic in many philosophy and art classes, this is an open-ended subject. A student can use it to explore their personal philosophy and develop their critical thinking skills.

Check out this list for other philosophy questions .

Becoming a better writer means spending a lot of time reading great books. One of the best ways to encourage reading is asking readers and students to reflect on why they love reading what they learned from previous books. It’s good subject matter for an essay too.

Many people are skeptical and or don’t trust news produced by journalists. But are they right? Surely there is a bar between trustworthy and untrustworthy sources? In this essay, explore how to tell good journalism apart from bad journalism.

When testing products to see if it’s safe for humans, scientists will run tests on animals. However, this testing isn’t only cruel but ineffective. Animals don’t get certain diseases that humans do. This includes HIV, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and certain types of cancers.

In this essay, students must conduct research and present a case for why animal testing is unethical.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 to 24. This is a complex topic since there could be several different factors at play. Some of these include bullying, abuse, and traumatic stress.

When writing this essay, students will be encouraged to dig deeper into the main reasons why teenagers commit suicide and how we can help them as a community. This spreads awareness and gets people to take positive action.

How much do you know about the United Nations? This prompt will test your knowledge of international relations and politics as you have to pen a paper that’s easy to understand. Include the intricacies of global leadership and peacekeeping by explaining the critical functions of the UN. Then, add how it helps society and how its efforts benefit you as a student.

Where did the internet come from? How did it develop to be what it is today? In your essay, recall the history of the World Wide Web and its profound impact on our daily lives. As an older student, you’ve lived through some of the internet’s transformative phases. How has that shaped the way you live, work, or study? Answer all of these in your paper.

Many people still get confused about handling their incomes, budgets, and expenses. In your essay, explain why many fumble their finances. Include how understanding one’s finances matters now more than ever.

For a more relatable paper, you can narrate your personal journey towards financial literacy. You can also analyze current financial trends and their implications for the average person.

Technology has revolutionized healthcare, so it’ll always be a timely topic. For this prompt, delve into the impact of technological advancements on health and medicine. It’s a brilliant way to explore subjects like telemedicine or electronic health records. You can even include the role of AI in disease diagnosis.

Have you noticed more electric vehicles on the road recently? In your essay, analyze the surge in popularity of electric vehicles. Add their environmental impact and the technological advances that have made them viable. Don’t forget to include your thoughts on a future dominated by electric vehicles.

If you have a TV show you’re fond of, then you can talk about it in your essay. Explore the show’s central themes, character developments, and narrative techniques. It might even give you an excuse to rewatch your favorite series!

Parlez-vous Français? If you have a second language or are interested in learning one someday, this prompt is for you. Remember to focus your essay on the benefits of bilingualism or multilingualism. If you have any, include your memories of learning a new language. You can also ask others who speak more than one language about their experiences. Add the challenges, triumphs, and doors it has opened for you.

Today, there is the question of whether we’re doing enough to address mental health. In your paper, be open and talk about the stigma around mental health issues. You can opt to share your personal experiences or observations. Then, don’t forget to add the consequences of ignoring mental health. It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and promote empathy.

Whether you are a high school student writing an essay for homework or you are sitting down to write a college essay as you apply for school, procrastination often occurs because you do not know what to write about. Having a list of topics handy will help.

To choose a topic, first, decide what type of essay you need to write. Then, browse this list of writing topics to find one that is interesting to you, or use the list to think of a different, similar topic. Soon, you will have an essay that is engaging and informative and can showcase your writing abilities well.

If you need more inspiration, check out our guide to the 101+ best writing prompts .

FAQs About the Best Essay Writing Topics

Persuasive essays require a controversial topic in order to give the writer the freedom to write in a persuasive manner. Some good topics for these essays include: Soda in fast food meals Breastfeeding in public Using jail to deter illegal immigrants Banning cell phones for young children

Some good topics for an essay include: Gun control Social media Personal experiences Health Social issues A life event

How To Write An Essay

Essay Topics

Amazing Essay Topics & Ideas for Your Next Project (2024)

19 min read

Published on: Jan 25, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

Good Essay Topics for Students

A good essay topic will make your writing phase easy and help you get good grades from the teacher. When you pick the essay topic, make sure it is interesting and meets your teacherâs requirements.

We compiled some simple essay topics that will help you in creating a great essay.

Essay Topics for Kids

Describe your worst nightmare.
Football vs. baseball.
Why is math hard?
How to help animals?
If I Could Fly.
Benefits of drinking tea Vs. Coffee.
Is your school day too short?
Our school library.
What do you like best about winter?
Christmas Eve with family and friends.

Essay Topics for Grade 3

My Favorite Season
My Best Friend
If I Were a Superhero
A Place I Like to Visit
My Dream Job
The Best Day of My Life
My Favorite Animal
The Importance of Kindness
My Favorite Book

Essay Topics for Grade 4

My last summer vacation.
What is the funniest thing you've ever seen?
How to prevent bullying?
Why is it important to be honest and not lie?
What do you like about how you look?
What is your favorite television show, and why?
Can you live without television?
How are we affecting the environment?
Importance of recycling.
If I Could Have a Superpower

Essay Topics for Grade 5

Write a poem about your favorite season.
Skating and running have a lot in common.
Who is your hero, and why?
What if the president were a kid?
Being rich vs. being famous.
Cereal is not a healthy breakfast.
A random act of kindness.
Are boys too dominating?
The rainy season.
The Value of Honesty

Essay Topics for Middle School Students

What is your favorite childrenâs literature?
From your point of view, what factors contribute to a good movie?
Write about a vacation that you will never forget.
Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
Should sports marketing professionals earn more money?
Difference between effects of books and video games on morals.
How many friends do teens need to have?
How do online high schools compare to traditional education?
What are the best informative essay topics?
Should students be able to pick their teachers?

Essay Topics for Grade 6

Tom and Jerry are the best cartoons.
Reading is more important than math.
A field trip that your class took.
Annual day in my school.
How to deal with a bully
A world where dogs take over.
Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
Describe your future life.
How should parents be an example to their children?
Technology and education.

Essay Topics for Grade 7

The value of volunteerism
The impact of social media on relationships
A good diet means good health.
Zoos are unsafe for young children.
My favorite academic writing website.
Why is it important to set goals?
What is the best decision you ever made?
Schools and colleges should minimize the fees.
Effects of social media on youth.
How fair is our election process?

Essay Topics for Class 8

The importance of financial literacy
Exploring gender equality.
Technology makes people's lives better.
Is the death penalty right?
Youth activism
The power of literature
Do you prefer weekdays or weekends?
The matter of age in a relationship.
Do your teachers use technology well?
Do you make friends slowly or quickly?

Essay Topics for Class 9

The impact of social media on young people's mental health
Should school uniforms be mandatory? Why or why not?
How can we reduce bullying in schools?
The importance of physical exercise for students
Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
The benefits and drawbacks of online learning
The impact of technology on communication skills
The impact of fast food on public health
The effects of climate change on the environment
The importance of conserving natural resources for future generations

Essay Topics for Class 10

The impact of chemical fertilizers on the environment
The role of mathematics in daily life
The importance of vaccines in preventing diseases
The physics of roller coasters
The impact of social media on mental health
The benefits of learning a second language
The impact of computers on modern society
The role of art and music in promoting mental health
The history and significance of the Indian Constitution
The impact of globalization on Indian economy

Essay Topics for O levels

Why is education important for personal and societal development?
How has social media changed the way we communicate and interact with one another?
How can sports help individuals develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills?
What are some of the drawbacks of technological advancements in our daily lives?
What can individuals and governments do to promote sustainable development?
How has globalization affected cultural diversity and individual identity?
Why is it important to prioritize mental health?
Should animals be used for scientific research?
How have historical events shaped the world we live in today?
How can volunteerism and community service benefit both individuals and society?

Essay Topics for High School Students

Does social media negatively impact teenagersâ social lives?
Do you always have your phone or tablet at your side?
Should children be punished for inappropriate behavior?
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
Is there a connection between real-life violence and video games?
Ways to deal with insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
Do advancements in modern technologies ruin childhood?
The implementation of capital punishment should be adopted universally.
Methods of preventing excessive air pollution from factories.
Pros and cons of getting admission to an expensive university.

Essay Topics for Grade 12

The Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
The Role of Social Media in Politics
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
The Impact of Climate Change on Global Health
The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
The Pros and Cons of Universal Basic Income
The Future of Space Exploration
The Value of Intercultural Competence
The Role of Art and Culture in Society

Essay Topics for College Students

What are the advantages the US educational system offers to international students?
Explain the possible consequences of dropping out of college.
Social media has played a big role in increasing business opportunities.
What is one thing you want to accomplish in college?
How would you feel about a computer grading your essays?
What is an extracurricular activity that has been meaningful to you?
Professional athletes are overpaid.
Do you know the secret to Taylor Swift's popularity?
The day you decided to change your life.
Can you succeed in life working in the field of art?

Essay Topics for University Level

The Ethics of Human Cloning
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
The Role of Mass Media in Shaping Public Opinion
The Relationship between Technology and Privacy
The Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy
The Future of Healthcare
The Impact of Globalization on Economic Inequality
The Ethics of Animal Rights
The Importance of Cultural Diversity in Education
The Role of Government in Addressing Climate Change

COVID-19 Topics

As the world continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, it's worth examining some of the topics that emerged during this unprecedented time.

Here are some potential COVID-19 topics to reflect on:

How does the current situation compare with other major outbreaks in history?
What steps need to be taken now, or soon inaction might lead?
How do you get COVID-19?
Where do coronaviruses come from?
School life during COVID-19
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
Mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
Pros and cons of self-isolation
The effects of Covid-19 on business
A person or special friend you lost due to COVID-19

Essay Topics by Category

Here are some essay topics that can be categorized into different types of essays.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

An argumentative essay presents arguments for and against an issue. You have to show both sides of the issue, but you only need to focus on the side that you support the most.

Some good argumentative essay topics are below:

What should be done to reduce income inequality?
Should self-driving cars be legal?
Should companies market to children?
Is it still important to teach English in schools?
Are emojis beneficial or destructive to communication?
Should women be allowed to fight on the front lines alongside men?
Is cheese a good enough substitute for milk?
Should the United States have one official language?
Are the public school policies reasonable?
The sales and production of tobacco should be made illegal.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Essay topics are sometimes controversial. For your help, check this list that gives you ideas for a great essay.

Are hot dogs bad for you?
Should euthanasia be illegal?
Paper books vs. E-books.
Are school uniforms advantageous?
Should torture be acceptable?
Sports make you a good student.
Is bottled water safe?
Monarchy: pros and cons.
Is prostitution a crime?
Should gym classes be required?

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

Do you want to make your essay more interesting? Why not try a funny topic? Humor is a great way to get your reader's attention and keep them interested in what you have to say.

Look at the below-mentioned interesting essay topics and write a great one.

Why is wearing braces fun?
Why are dogs, irreplaceable friends?
Can a diamond be a girlâs best friend?
Does Google make us smart?
Things your mother is always saying.
How to deal with breakups?
Is music class necessary?
Why do women like evening outs?
Can I join your family?
How not to sleep?

If there's a specific topic or type of writing that interests you, be sure to check more argumentative essay topics .

Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is a type of writing that you are often asked to do in high school, college, and university. It shows how well you can persuade people with facts and logic.

Here are some topics that you can use for your help.

Should healthcare be universal?
Should students learn cursive writing in school?
School should take place in the evenings.
What is the funniest movie youâve ever seen?
Do hobbies help people with their careers?
How does it benefit nature to reduce human paper consumption?
Dreamers must obtain permission to stay in the US.
Schools should have playtime in between classes.
Churches should pay taxes too.
Is solar energy worth the cost?

Continue reading our blog persuasive essay topics and get some more interesting topics.

Narrative Essay Topics

A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells the writer's story and experiences. The writer's point of view and life events entertain the audience in this essay type.

Below are some good narrative essay topics for your help.

The story of how you got your first pet.
How did you write your first essay?
The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
What I remember most about my childhood.
The best songwriters of modern times.
Write about a time when you felt on top of the world.
Growing up in New York.
How much time do you spend alone?
A day in the life of a flight attendant.
Did you like any particular subject when in school?

You can also get more interesting narrative essay topics and choose the one that suits your needs.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

In a compare and contrast essay , you show how two things are similar and different. This essay type is easy to write because you donât need to use facts, but you have to express your thoughts.

The following are the topics for your ease.

Mobile healthcare units or stationary clinics.
Formulas of two different chemical reactions.
Public vs. private transportation.
Chocolate and marmalade candies.
How do education and employment compare?
British colonization and Spanish colonization.
Eating fast food against consuming healthy meals.
African countries vs. European countries.
Differences and similarities: Writing emails and letters.
Plagiarizing content vs. cheating on exams.

You can also check more compare and contrast essay topics an d get ideas for your next essay.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

It is fascinating to discuss the effects and causes of two subjects in an essay. An essay that discusses the effects and causes of two subjects enhances the studentsâ creative and analytical skills.

Take a look at the below topics and choose the best one for your essay.

How happy relationships affect a person.
Coke and Pepsi: Their influence on our health.
What causes social media sites to lose popularity?
Why would you mix Coke and Pepsi at breakfast?
How does college differ from university?
Explain the outcomes of low social status.
Microplastic in food damages human health.
What are the main reasons couples get divorced?
What are the consequences of drinking and driving?
How does social media help in overcoming shyness?

Choose from the best cause and effect essay topics for your academic assignment.

Informative Essay Topics

An informative essay is a type of essay that provides detailed information to the readers. This type of essay requires good research skills.

Check out the below topics for your informative essay assignment.

Kindness is the utmost personal trait.
Things that cause eating disorders.
What is the importance of oxygen?
How can tanning be dangerous for your skin?
The events that led up to World War II.
Trump presidency outcomes.
The important human health vitamins.
How to clean your room?
Eating Maggi destroys your health.
Importance of vitamin C.

You can also get more informative essay topics from our blog for your essay assignment.

Research Essay Topics

When you write a research essay, you present an issue based on the work of scholars and scientists.

Here are some interesting research essay topics that you can use or alter according to your teacherâs requirements:

What is the future of religion?
Effects of homeschooling.
What are the pros and cons of cloud computing?
How does a search engine work?
Should prayer be a part of high school?
Can bullying be a cause for murder?
Effects of vaccination.
How do behavioral patterns develop?
The importance of mental health.
Explain the art of Ancient Egypt.

Expository Essay Topics

An expository essay's main goal is to explain a process or a cause-and-effect relationship. You have to use facts and research to support what you say. The biggest difference between an expository essay and other types of essays is that the point you are trying to argue is based on analysis, not just your opinion.

Some good expository essay topics below for your essay assignment:

Explain why teens do drugs.
How would you stop racism?
How was your first day at school?
Explain how a seed becomes a plant?
Describe the state of the cure for cancer
What makes a good friend?
Explain how tobacco companies target teenagers.
How to become a leader?
Why do kids lie?
Autocorrect could ruin your life.

Explore more expository essay topics and begin your essay with ease!

Definition Essay Topics

In a definition essay , the essay writer gives a clear and concise definition of a term. In most cases, these essays are about terms that are not concrete and which can have different meanings depending on the culture or personal perspective.

Here are some excellent topics for a definition essay:

Does money matter?
Is one friend enough?
What is honesty?
Social media
Define smelly cats/
What is college for you?
What is physics?
Are bananas fruit?
Explain the word âagility.â

Get more outstanding definition essay topics from our blog and make your topic selection process easy.

Descriptive Essay Topics

A descriptive essay focuses on describing details of a particular person, place, event, etc. Descriptive essays are usually about personal experiences or things that are vivid in the writer's memory.

Any topic can be used for a descriptive essay. For your help, we gathered some great topics, so take a look at them and pick the best one.

Describe a lucky object.
The best singer
My first flight
My favorite singer
Going fishing.
The traffic signal
An inspiring view
Best summer vacation
Piece of art

If you're looking for more great descriptive essay topics , check out this blog.

Personal Essay Topics

A personal essay is a story about your life. It should be written in a friendly, intimate tone. The essay should reflect your character and examine the emotions you have felt because of certain events that have happened to you.

Here is a great list of topics for your help.

Your biggest loss
What makes you a good coworker or friend?
How did you get hurt?
What was your most precious childhood possession?
Why do people like karaoke?
Your bucket list of wishes
Why do some people avoid vaccines?
Child discipline
Your family traditions.
Why donât I smoke?

Problem Solution Essay Topics

A problem-solution essay is a persuasive type of writing. It presents a problem and then describes it in detail. The writer must show how to fix the problem, and they must be convincing. The essay must have strong evidence and arguments that prove that the given solution is the best.

Below are some topics that can make your essay great.

What obstacles prevent people from getting help?
Should college athletes be paid?
How can schools promote tolerance?
Educating women on self-defense
Helping young people create a healthy family.
What are the ways of avoiding cheating?
The films are just not very good
Cyberbullying
Business problems
Rising costs of bills

Classification Essay Topics

A classification essay is a formal piece of writing that shows how you group things together. You might put things with similar characteristics together or with things that are different.

Check out some great essay topics.

Types of Music Genres
Healthy breakfast foods
Types of fashion brands.
Reasons why graffiti is an art form.
Types of lectures
Portable music players
Types of Food Cuisines
Types of therapies
Examples of women
Types of internet commerce

Proposal Essay Topics

A proposal essay is a type of essay where you propose an idea and try to convince the reader why it is a good or bad idea.

You can pick any of the topics from the below-mentioned list and write a great essay.

Can vaccines cause autism?
The impact of gender roles in Roman society.
A program for attracting more men nurses.
What tests should be eliminated?
Offer simple ways to deal with stray animals.
Best ways to handle overbearing parents.
Do statistical arguments in sports help?
Turning points in personal life
Should teens have jobs?
How to decrease the number of smokers?

Essay Topics on Technology

The impact of blockchain technology on supply chain management
The ethics of using drones in military operations
The role of technology in promoting sustainable agriculture
The use of biometrics in modern security systems
The impact of technology on the music industry
The benefits and drawbacks of self-driving cars
The potential of nanotechnology in medical research
The impact of technology on modern art
The role of artificial intelligence in improving cybersecurity
The impact of technology on the gig economy

Tips for Choosing the Best Topics

Choosing the perfect essay topic is one of those things you really should do before starting your essay. If it's not something that interests or excites you, then how will anyone else find any passion in reading about it?

A good backbone for an interesting essay starts with a strong idea. For your help, we gathered some tips that will help you in choosing a good essay topic.

Identify your interests: Choose a topic that you are interested in or passionate about. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging for you.
Consider your audience: Think about who will be reading your essay. Choose a topic that is relevant and interesting to your audience.
Research your options: Do some preliminary research on your topic options. Ensure that there is enough information available to write a comprehensive essay.
Narrow your focus: If a topic seems too broad or general, try to narrow it down to a specific aspect or angle that you can explore in more detail.
Brainstorm multiple ideas: Generate a list of potential essay topics and then narrow down the options based on your interests, research, and audience.
Be creative: Don't be afraid to explore unique or unconventional topics that may not have been covered extensively before. This can help your essay stand out and capture the reader's attention.

Now, you get a list of several essay topics for your college essay assignment. You can experiment with generating new topics using an AI essay writer as well. However, if you need help in the essay writing phase, simply consult CollegeEssay.org .

Our professional essay writers will help you in writing top-notch essays. So, place your " write my essay " request now and get an experienced writerâs help for your assignments.

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Essay Topics: 450+ Awesome Picks

Picking the perfect essay topic can feel like a real head-scratcher, can't it? But trust me, it's worth the effort. A great topic doesn't just make the writing process more enjoyable - it's like a magnet for your readers, pulling them in from the very first sentence.

I remember when I was a student, staring at a blank page, feeling completely stumped. Whether you're in those shoes right now, tackling a school assignment, or you're a writer looking for that spark of inspiration, having a treasure trove of topic ideas can be a real lifesaver.

That's why I've put together this article with over 450 essay topics. It's like a buffet for your brain! We've got everything from persuasive and argumentative topics that'll get your debating juices flowing, to narrative and descriptive ideas that'll let your creativity soar.

I've organized these topics into neat categories, so you can easily browse and find something that clicks with you. Maybe you'll stumble upon a topic you're passionate about but never considered writing about before. Or perhaps you'll find a fresh angle on a familiar subject.

Remember, the goal here is to find a topic that not only meets your assignment requirements but also gets you excited to write. When you're genuinely interested in your subject, it shows in your writing, and that enthusiasm is contagious for your readers.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's more your style), get comfy, and let's dive into this smorgasbord of essay topics. I'm confident you'll find something that makes you think, "Yes, that's it! That's what I want to write about!" Happy browsing, and here's to finding your perfect essay topic!

Struggling to find the perfect essay topic? EssayPro offers a plethora of choices to spark your creativity. From academic to personal, we have topics that will ignite your writing passion and help you produce exceptional essays.

Topics for Technology Essay

As the advancements in technology shape human civilization, choosing great essay topics in this field gives you plenty to write about. Let's check out some recommendations by our custom essay writing experts.

The impact of 5G networks on global connectivity
Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence development
The role of quantum computing in scientific research
Cybersecurity challenges in the age of IoT
The future of wearable technology in healthcare
Virtual reality applications in education and training
The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining
Robotics in manufacturing: benefits and challenges
The evolution of cloud computing and its business implications
Augmented reality in retail and e-commerce
The potential of brain-computer interfaces
Nanotechnology in medicine: current applications and future prospects
The impact of social media algorithms on information consumption
3D printing revolution: implications for various industries
The role of big data in personalized marketing
Autonomous vehicles and the future of transportation
Ethical considerations in facial recognition technology
The impact of streaming services on traditional media
Space technology and its applications in everyday life
The role of artificial intelligence in climate change mitigation
Blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies
The future of human-robot interaction
Biometric technology and privacy concerns
The impact of automation on the job market
Edge computing and its role in the Internet of Things

Cause and Effect Essay Ideas

To write a cause and effect essay, first, find a situation where an action has consequences. Then, describe what happened. If you're stuck for ideas, check out this list for inspiration.

How social media usage affects mental health
The impact of fast fashion on the environment
Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
How childhood nutrition influences long-term health
The consequences of overfishing on marine ecosystems
Impact of remote work on urban development
Effects of screen time on child development
How air pollution affects respiratory health
The influence of advertising on consumer behavior
Effects of stress on the immune system
How deforestation contributes to climate change
The impact of video games on cognitive skills
Effects of single-use plastics on marine life
How parenting styles influence child behavior
The consequences of antibiotic resistance on public health
Impact of digital technology on interpersonal communication
How urbanization affects wildlife habitats
The effects of multitasking on productivity
How music education influences academic performance
The impact of social isolation on mental well-being
Effects of caffeine consumption on sleep patterns
How college debt influences career choices
The consequences of microplastics in the food chain
Impact of gentrification on local communities
How mindfulness practices affect stress levels

Problem Solution Essay Topics

In a problem-solution essay you simply state the problem, talk about why it matters, suggest a solution, and explain why it's the best choice. Our essay writer can assist you by providing a list of topics to explore in your writing.

Addressing the global plastic waste crisis
Combating the spread of misinformation online
Reducing traffic congestion in major cities
Improving access to quality education in rural areas
Tackling the rising cost of healthcare
Solving food waste in the restaurant industry
Addressing the shortage of affordable housing
Combating cyberbullying among teenagers
Reducing carbon emissions in urban areas
Improving water conservation in agriculture
Addressing the opioid epidemic
Enhancing workplace diversity and inclusion
Reducing e-waste through sustainable electronics
Improving public transportation in suburban areas
Addressing the decline of bee populations
Combating obesity through community initiatives
Reducing school dropout rates in low-income areas
Improving mental health support for college students
Addressing the gender pay gap in various industries
Reducing noise pollution in urban environments
Improving financial literacy among young adults
Addressing food deserts in low-income neighborhoods
Reducing plastic packaging in consumer goods
Improving emergency preparedness for natural disasters
Addressing digital privacy concerns in smart cities

Informative Essay Topics

Let's look at some essay topic ideas that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge without attempting to convince or express an opinion.

The history and cultural significance of tea ceremonies
How the human immune system works
The process of making artisanal cheese
The evolution of written language
Understanding the basics of quantum physics
The life cycle of stars
The history and techniques of glassblowing
How weather forecasting works
The process of film production
The science behind dreams
The history and development of cryptography
How solar panels convert sunlight into electricity
The process of writing and publishing a book
The mechanics of 3D printing
The history and cultural impact of tattoos
How vaccines are developed and tested
The process of archaeological excavation
The science of composting
How political polling works
The process of wine making
The history and techniques of origami
How nuclear power plants function
The process of creating animated films
The science behind memory formation
How tsunamis form and propagate
The process of coffee production from bean to cup
The mechanics of earthquakes and plate tectonics
How perfumes are created and formulated
The history and techniques of bonsai cultivation
The process of diamond mining and processing

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Research Essay Topics

When it comes to delivering research papers on time, it could leave you feeling overloaded and drained. Thankfully, our dissertation writing help provided you with excellent research essay topics for students.

The long-term effects of social media on adolescent development
The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems
The effectiveness of various renewable energy sources
The role of gut bacteria in mental health
The economic impact of automation on different industries
The influence of diet on cognitive function in older adults
The effects of urbanization on biodiversity
The psychological impact of long-term space travel
The role of sleep in memory consolidation
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies for anxiety disorders
The impact of climate change on global food security
The role of genetics in addiction susceptibility
The effects of music education on cognitive development in children
The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health
The role of exercise in preventing cognitive decline
The effectiveness of various conservation strategies for endangered species
The impact of artificial intelligence on job markets
The role of epigenetics in human health and disease
The effects of screen time on child development
The impact of microfinance on poverty reduction in developing countries
The role of gut health in autoimmune diseases
The effects of virtual reality on pain management
The impact of social isolation on mental health in older adults
The role of probiotics in digestive health
The effects of meditation on brain structure and function
The impact of deforestation on global climate patterns
The role of stem cells in regenerative medicine
The effects of pesticides on pollinator populations
The impact of ocean acidification on marine life
The role of artificial light at night on wildlife behavior

Education Essay Topics

Certain themes always seem to come up while writing an essay on education. To assist you in your quest for knowledge, we have compiled a list of ideas below, among which we have good college topics, essay on school and student life essay topics:

The impact of technology integration in classrooms
The effectiveness of standardized testing in measuring student achievement
The role of arts education in overall academic performance
The benefits and challenges of homeschooling
The impact of class size on student learning outcomes
The effectiveness of single-sex education versus co-education
The role of physical education in academic performance
The impact of school start times on student performance
The effectiveness of project-based learning in STEM education
The role of extracurricular activities in student development
The impact of teacher quality on student achievement
The effectiveness of peer tutoring programs
The role of parental involvement in student success
The impact of school nutrition programs on academic performance
The effectiveness of bilingual education programs
The role of outdoor education in student development
The impact of homework on student learning and well-being
The effectiveness of flipped classroom models
The role of mindfulness practices in education
The impact of school discipline policies on student behavior
The effectiveness of gamification in education
The role of vocational education in career readiness
The impact of socioeconomic status on educational outcomes
The effectiveness of inclusive education for students with disabilities
The role of critical thinking skills in education
The impact of student-teacher relationships on academic success
The effectiveness of online learning platforms
The role of emotional intelligence in education
The impact of school architecture on learning environments
The effectiveness of mentorship programs in higher education

Personal Essay Topics

In your personal essay, readers will gain insight into your most private life events and thoughts from this kind of paper. The secret is to try to merge viewpoints and storytelling. The ideas listed below might serve as inspiration:

A life-changing moment that shaped your worldview
The most challenging decision you've ever made
A person who has had a significant influence on your life
An experience that taught you the value of perseverance
A time when you had to overcome a fear
The role of cultural heritage in shaping your identity
A moment when you realized the importance of family
An experience that changed your perspective on success
A time when you had to stand up for what you believe in
The impact of a particular book or movie on your life
A childhood memory that still affects you today
An experience that taught you the importance of honesty
A time when you had to adapt to a new environment
The most valuable lesson you learned from a mistake
An experience that taught you the power of kindness
A moment when you discovered a hidden talent or passion
The role of friendship in your personal growth
An experience that taught you the importance of self-care
A time when you had to overcome a personal prejudice
The impact of technology on your personal relationships
An experience that changed your career aspirations
A moment when you felt truly proud of yourself
The role of nature in your personal well-being
An experience that taught you the value of empathy
A time when you had to forgive someone
The impact of a travel experience on your worldview
An experience that taught you the importance of time management
A moment when you realized the power of words
The role of creativity in your personal development
An experience that taught you the value of diversity

Ideas for an Opinion Essay

A good opinion essay poses an issue, formulates a question, and then makes a statement. Below are some inspirational opinion topic examples.

Should voting be mandatory in democratic countries?
Is human genetic editing ethically justifiable?
Should governments impose a sugar tax to combat obesity?
Is universal basic income a viable solution to poverty?
Should animal testing be completely banned?
Is space colonization a necessary step for human survival?
Should schools replace textbooks with digital devices?
Is social media doing more harm than good to society?
Should countries adopt a four-day workweek?
Is nuclear energy the solution to climate change?
Should governments regulate cryptocurrency?
Is AI-generated art real art?
Should college education be free for all?
Is cancel culture beneficial or harmful to society?
Should euthanasia be legalized globally?
Is veganism the most ethical diet choice?
Should violent video games be banned?
Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
Should voting age be lowered to 16?
Is social media addiction a mental health disorder?

While you’re still on the lookout for a perfect topic, check out our guide on different types of sentences . They’ll surely come in handy during your essay writing process.

Ideas for Nature Essay

Nature essays may examine how human activity affects the environment or how nature affects people. There are several directions that nature essays might go in.

Ones that describe how beautiful nature is might motivate readers. On the other hand, an essay on pollution can be thought-provoking and encourage one to act.

You may also use an informative essay on environmental pollution to explain how people harm the environment. Below you’ll find ample nature essay topics for students that allow for interesting exploration.

Environment Essay

The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
Sustainable urban planning: Creating green cities for the future
The role of renewable energy in combating climate change
Deforestation: Causes, effects, and potential solutions
The importance of biodiversity conservation in maintaining ecological balance
Climate change and its effects on global water resources
The environmental impact of fast fashion and sustainable alternatives
Overfishing and its consequences on ocean ecosystems
The pros and cons of nuclear energy as a clean energy source
Air pollution in megacities: Causes, health impacts, and mitigation strategies
The role of individual action in environmental conservation
E-waste management: Challenges and innovative solutions
The impact of agriculture on soil degradation and potential sustainable practices
Coral reef destruction: Causes, consequences, and conservation efforts
The effectiveness of international environmental agreements and policies
Sustainable transportation: Reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector
The environmental impact of meat consumption and the rise of plant-based diets
Microplastics in the environment: Sources, effects, and potential solutions
The role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation
Green technology innovations: Their potential in addressing environmental challenges

Essay on Deforestation

The primary causes of deforestation: Agriculture, logging, and urban expansion
The impact of deforestation on global climate change and carbon emissions
Deforestation and biodiversity loss: Threats to endangered species and ecosystems
The role of palm oil production in tropical deforestation
Indigenous communities and deforestation: Rights, conflicts, and conservation efforts
The economic consequences of deforestation on local and global scales
Reforestation and afforestation: Strategies for combating deforestation
The link between deforestation and increased risk of zoonotic diseases
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest: Causes, consequences, and international responses
Technological solutions for monitoring and preventing illegal deforestation

Pollution Essay

The impact of industrial waste on water pollution and aquatic ecosystems
Air pollution in urban areas: Sources, health effects, and mitigation strategies
Plastic pollution in oceans: Long-term consequences and global initiatives
Noise pollution: Its effects on human health and wildlife
Agricultural runoff and its role in water pollution and eutrophication
The growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) and its environmental impact
Light pollution: Consequences for wildlife and human health
Soil contamination: Causes, effects on food security, and remediation techniques
Thermal pollution in water bodies: Sources and impacts on aquatic life
Atmospheric pollution and its role in climate change and global warming

Water Pollution Essay

The impact of industrial effluents on freshwater ecosystems
Agricultural runoff: A major source of water pollution and its effects on aquatic life
Microplastics in water bodies: Sources, consequences, and potential solutions
Eutrophication: Causes, effects, and strategies for prevention
Oil spills and their long-term impact on marine ecosystems
The role of urbanization in water pollution: Stormwater runoff and sewage contamination
Groundwater pollution: Sources, health risks, and remediation techniques
Thermal pollution in rivers and lakes: Causes and ecological consequences
The effects of water pollution on human health and access to clean drinking water
International cooperation and policies to address transboundary water pollution

My Favorite Season

Why autumn is my favorite season: The beauty of changing colors
Summer: My favorite season for outdoor adventures and family vacations
The magic of winter: Why I love the snow and holiday spirit
Spring awakening: My favorite season of renewal and growth
The comfort of fall: Cozy activities that make autumn my favorite season
Summer nights: Why warm evenings make it my preferred time of year
Winter wonderland: The joys of winter sports and snowy landscapes
The energy of spring: Why I love the season of new beginnings
Fall flavors and festivities: Culinary delights that make autumn special
The long days of summer: Why extended daylight makes it my favorite season

A Raining Day Essay

The Simple Joys of a Rainy Day: Finding Comfort in Gray Skies
Why should we appreciate beauty in rain-soaked moments
How do I find cozy comfort on rainy days
My favorite indoor activities for rainy day adventures
Discovering the benefits of a refreshing rainy day

Psychology Topics for Essay

Psychology has multiple subfields, so if you need ideas, have a look at the following topics:

The impact of social media on self-esteem and body image
The psychology of conspiracy theory belief
The role of attachment styles in adult relationships
The effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction
The psychology of procrastination and strategies to overcome it
The impact of color on mood and behavior
The role of birth order in personality development
The psychological effects of long-term space travel
The impact of music on cognitive performance
The psychology of addiction and recovery
The role of dreams in psychological processing
The effects of sleep deprivation on decision-making
The psychology of consumer behavior and marketing
The impact of nature exposure on mental health
The role of cognitive biases in decision-making
The psychological effects of social isolation
The impact of parenting styles on child development
The psychology of political polarization
The role of emotional intelligence in leadership
The effects of violent video games on aggression
The psychology of habit formation and breaking
The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
The role of placebo effect in psychological treatment
The psychology of creativity and innovation
The impact of social comparison on well-being
The psychology of resilience in the face of adversity
The role of unconscious bias in decision-making
The effects of gratitude practices on mental health
The psychology of moral decision-making and ethical behavior

Gender Equality Essay

There are many different concerns in the field of gender studies, such as the salary gap, the bias against women in the classroom, women empowerment, etc. Here are a few pointers that may help you choose an excellent topic.

The impact of gender quotas in corporate leadership
Addressing the gender pay gap in sports
The role of education in promoting gender equality
Gender bias in healthcare: Recognizing and addressing disparities
The importance of intersectionality in feminism
Challenging gender stereotypes in career choices
The impact of gender-neutral parenting on child development
Addressing gender inequality in STEM fields
The role of men in promoting gender equality
Gender representation in media and its societal impact
The effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in policy-making
Addressing gender-based violence in conflict zones
The impact of menstrual leave policies on workplace equality
Gender equality in inheritance laws across cultures
The role of language in perpetuating gender stereotypes
Addressing gender bias in artificial intelligence and algorithms
The impact of gender-inclusive restrooms on social equality
Gender equality in access to financial services and credit
The role of gender equality in achieving sustainable development goals
Addressing gender disparities in unpaid care work

Process Analysis Essay Topics

Process essay topics allow you to format your piece effectively and offer your ideas to the target audience in a way they can grasp. Let's go through the list for inspiration:

How to plan and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign
The process of writing and publishing a novel
How to start a successful podcast from scratch
The step-by-step process of brewing craft beer
How to create a sustainable urban garden
The process of developing a mobile application
How to plan and execute a zero-waste event
The step-by-step process of restoring a classic car
How to create a successful social media marketing strategy
The process of training for a marathon
How to start a successful e-commerce business
The step-by-step process of making artisanal cheese
How to create and maintain a successful blog
The process of becoming a certified scuba diver
How to plan and execute a destination wedding
The step-by-step process of building a tiny house
How to create a successful YouTube channel
The process of adopting a child internationally
How to start and manage a successful beehive
The step-by-step process of creating a documentary film

Essay Ideas on Stereotypes

Because stereotypes are such a pervasive societal problem, educators often encourage students to reflect on them. Here are some great topic examples for your essay:

The impact of racial stereotypes in the criminal justice system
Gender stereotypes in children's toys and media
Age stereotypes in the workplace and their effect on hiring practices
Cultural stereotypes in travel and tourism
The role of media in perpetuating and challenging stereotypes
Stereotypes surrounding mental health and their impact on treatment
The effect of religious stereotypes on interfaith dialogue
Body type stereotypes in the fashion industry
Stereotypes about introverts and extroverts in social settings
The impact of socioeconomic stereotypes on educational opportunities
Stereotypes about disabilities and their effect on accessibility
The role of stereotypes in political campaigns and voting behavior
Stereotypes about different generations (Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z) in the workplace
The impact of LGBTQ+ stereotypes on coming out experiences
Stereotypes about athletes and their effect on career opportunities
The role of stereotypes in international relations and diplomacy
Stereotypes about single parents and their impact on social support
The effect of accent and language stereotypes on job opportunities
Stereotypes about artistic careers and their impact on career choices
The role of stereotypes in healthcare diagnosis and treatment

Ideas on Essay about COVID-19

The Coronavirus has overrun the planet, which has kept us indoors. Life, as we know it, has transformed. As a result, leaving us with far more questions than solutions. As the epidemic has affected practically every aspect of our lives, it is crucial to comprehend it by composing interesting essay topics on this matter:

The impact of COVID-19 on global mental health
How the pandemic has reshaped the future of work
The role of technology in pandemic response and management
COVID-19's effect on the global economy and wealth inequality
The impact of the pandemic on education systems worldwide
How COVID-19 has changed social norms and behavior
The role of misinformation in the pandemic response
COVID-19's impact on the healthcare system and medical professionals
The pandemic's effect on international relations and global cooperation
How COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation across industries
The impact of the pandemic on the travel and tourism industry
COVID-19's role in highlighting racial and socioeconomic disparities
The pandemic's influence on urban planning and architecture
How COVID-19 has affected the arts and entertainment industry
The impact of the pandemic on global supply chains
COVID-19's role in advancing telemedicine and remote healthcare
The pandemic's effect on environmental conservation efforts
How COVID-19 has changed consumer behavior and marketing strategies
The impact of the pandemic on sports and athletic competitions
COVID-19's influence on vaccine development and global health initiatives

Topics for Essay Based on Proverbs

Proverbs are a powerful tool for writing that may increase the impact of your points and assist your readers in believing you when you employ them. Let's examine some sayings that will make powerful topics for essays:

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step": Overcoming procrastination and achieving long-term goals
"Don't judge a book by its cover": The dangers of stereotyping and prejudice in modern society
"The early bird catches the worm": The benefits and drawbacks of being proactive in various aspects of life
"Too many cooks spoil the broth": Examining the effectiveness of group decision-making vs. individual leadership
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do": The importance of cultural adaptability in a globalized world

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

If you've been assigned to write a compare and contrast essay, you should seek engaging topics. So, take a look at some related essay questions examples created by our essay help platform:

Online education vs. traditional classroom learning
Renewable energy vs. fossil fuels: environmental and economic impacts
Introverts vs. extroverts: social and professional experiences
Traditional medicine vs. alternative therapies
Rural living vs. urban living: quality of life comparison
Print books vs. e-books: reading experience and environmental impact
Social media marketing vs. traditional advertising methods
Monarchy vs. democracy: governance structures and societal impacts
Veganism vs. omnivorous diets: health and environmental considerations
Public transportation vs. private vehicles in urban settings
Artificial intelligence vs. human intelligence in problem-solving
Freelance work vs. traditional employment: benefits and challenges
Virtual reality vs. augmented reality: applications and potential
Nuclear family vs. extended family structures across cultures
Disposable products vs. reusable alternatives: convenience and environmental impact
Traditional banking vs. cryptocurrency: security and accessibility
Team sports vs. individual sports: personal development and social skills
Fast fashion vs. sustainable fashion: industry practices and consumer impact
Vertical farming vs. traditional agriculture: efficiency and sustainability
In-person therapy vs. online counseling: effectiveness and accessibility

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How to Choose a Topic for an Essay

If you're still searching for the right topic and prefer brainstorming on your own, our college paper writing service is here to assist you in making your writing stand out.

Stay Updated : Keep abreast of current affairs and choose a topic that relates to contemporary issues or ongoing debates. This not only makes your essay timely but also demonstrates your awareness of the world around you.
Think Outside the Box : Approach common topics from unconventional angles to find fresh perspectives or unique aspects that haven't been explored extensively. Unexpected twists can transform a standard essay into something extraordinary.
Draw from Personal Experiences : Reflect on your own experiences and observations to find a personal story or moment that connects with your essay's theme. Sharing your perspective adds authenticity and depth to your writing, making it more relatable to your audience.
Understand Your Audience : Consider your target audience and what matters to them. Choosing a topic that resonates with your readers creates an immediate connection, enhancing the impact of your essay.
Test Your Ideas : Before committing to a topic, test it out by writing a brief outline or paragraph. This preliminary step helps you gauge your interest and ensures you have enough material to develop a great essay.

Once you've settled on a topic, consider the following to ensure it fits both your interests and the requirements of your assignment:

Am I genuinely interested in this topic?
Is the topic suitable for my audience?
What is my purpose in writing about this topic?
Can I adequately research and develop this topic within the assignment's time frame and word limit?
Is the topic's scope narrow or broad enough to meet the assignment's requirements?
Will I have access to sufficient sources to research this topic thoroughly?

Ideas for Essay by Category

Academic writing encompasses various essay types, but let's focus on four common categories that you're likely to encounter during your undergraduate studies:

In persuasive essays , your mission is clear: persuade your reader. Unlike expository essays that rely on facts, persuasive essays thrive on opinion-based writing. Here, you craft arguments to convince others, relying on compelling rhetoric rather than specific facts.
Expository essays prioritize facts. They require you to research, analyze a topic, and present a position based solely on factual data, without injecting personal opinions. Expository essay topics provide a platform for showcasing your logical thinking and engagement with scientific articles.
Descriptive writing is about painting a vivid picture with words. When working on descriptive essays, you immerse yourself in the subject, employing abundant descriptive language. Whether describing a person, place, event, or feeling, the goal is to convey it vividly without using first-person language.
Narrative essays are for those who love storytelling. They aim to captivate readers by weaving personal experiences into a narrative structure. Following the standard essay format of introduction, body, and conclusion, narrative essay topics introduce characters, describe actions, and explore central themes.

What Are Good Essay Topics?

What are some good argumentative essay topics, what college essay topics to avoid.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Updated each category with new topics, worded more clearly
Added more discussion and tips for choosing an essay topic
Choosing and Narrowing an Essay Topic Choosing the topic . (n.d.). https://www.stcloudstate.edu/writeplace/_files/documents/writing%20process/choosing-and-narrowing-an-essay-topic.pdf
‌ How to Choose an Essay Topic - Pre-writing, Writing and Revising . (n.d.). Gallaudet University. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://gallaudet.edu/student-success/tutorial-center/english-center/writing/pre-writing-writing-and-revising/how-to-choose-an-essay-topic/

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Writing Tips

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

● Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

● Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

● Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

● Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

● Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

● Is AI helping or hurting society?

● Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

● Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

● Is war always a political decision?

● Should people join a political party?

● Is capitalism ethical?

● Is the electoral college an effective system?

● Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

● Should the death penalty be legal?

● Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

● Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

● Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

● Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

● Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

● Should abortion be legal?

● Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

● Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

● Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

● What causes the stigma around mental health?

● Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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● Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

● Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

● Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

● Should sports be segregated by gender?

● Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

● Are professional athletes overpaid?

● Should college athletes be paid?

● Should sports betting be legal?

● Should online access to art such as music be free?

● Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

● Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

● Should schools be required to offer art courses?

● Is art necessary to society?

● Should schools require uniforms?

● Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

● Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

● Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

● Should higher education be free?

● Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

● Are children better off in two-parent households?

● Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

● Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

● Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

● Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

● Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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19 College Essay Topics and Prompts

Not sure what to write for your college essay? We've got you covered with a number of topics and prompts to help shape your unique story.

[Featured image] A woman works on her college essay with a pen, notebook, and laptop computer.

As part of your college application materials, you'll likely be asked to submit a college essay. These tend to be between 250 and 650 words , and are a unique opportunity to showcase your personality. Admissions panels are typically looking for students who will positively represent the school as a whole. In the end, your goal is to show them that you and the college are a good match.

When drafting your college essay, you may be expected to answer a prompt or come up with a topic on your own. In this article, we've rounded up several ideas to get you thinking—and writing.

19 college essay topics

Each school sets different requirements around the college essay, so it's important to review the expectations around every application you intend to submit. Some give you creative freedom, while others expect you to respond to a pre-developed prompt. Either way, a strong college essay conveys to the admissions team who you are, why you want to attend that particular school, and what matters to you. It's a way to personalize an application that often focuses on quantitative data, such as GPA and SAT scores.

If you're given the creative freedom to write about whatever you want, consider a college essay topic that allows you to be honest and original. We've compiled the following ideas to help you brainstorm:

What's an important issue you care about? How have you gotten involved?

Have you changed your mind about something in recent years? What was it and why?

What's a situation that caused you to grow?

Explain a time when you failed. What did you learn from that moment?

Share a surprising pastime or hobby and what interested you about it.

What extracurricular activity are you involved in that speaks to your personality?

Detail a meaningful volunteer experience.

Dive into a meaningful travel experience.

Who do you most admire and why?

If you have a unique background, share a bit about it. How did you get where you are?

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Was there ever a time when you had to stand up for something—or someone?

What's something you might change about the world to make it better?

What do you hope to accomplish by attending college?

Is there something you want to do after graduating college?

Have you ever made or created something? Talk about it.

Do you have a big idea that could potentially impact your community?

What is most valuable to you? Dive into your values and share an example.

What are you most passionate about? Why?

Pre-developed college essay prompts

Some colleges and universities will give you a series of prompts to choose from. These will vary from school to school, and can either be questions or statements. Here are a few examples of both.

Sample question prompts:

What excites your intellectual curiosity?

How has your upbringing shaped the person you are today?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Sample statement prompts:

Talk about an unusual circumstance in your life

Share how you hope to use your college education

Discuss a list of books you have read in the last year

Common App essay prompts

Common App is an online platform designed to simplify the college application process. Over 900 colleges use Common App, making it possible for you to fill out one application that's then submitted to multiple schools.

If you choose to complete the Common App, you'll have a choice of several distinctive prompts that change every academic year. Here's a sample of the 2022-2023 essay prompts [ 1 ]:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Stick to the prompt.

No matter what type of prompt you receive, it's your job to stick to it. The admissions team has a lot of essays to read, so you'll have a better chance of standing out if you develop a cohesive response that stays on topic.

Start by identifying the prompt's main topic, then spend some time brainstorming to find the idea that resonates most with you. For many people, it's the topic that makes them feel some sort of emotion or reminds them of an entertaining story. Understanding what you're being asked to write about should make staying on topic throughout the entire composition easier.

5 additional college essay tips

Once you decide what you'd like to write, follow the tips below to craft a standout essay. You can also find more advice about college essays in our article College Essay Format: Writing and Editing Tips .

1. Be considerate with humor.

Showing off your sense of humor lets your personality show through your words and can make reading the essay more entertaining. Try including a few sentences that you think will bring a smile to the reader's face, or use adjectives to insert some colorful comedy.

2. Offer insight.

Beyond recounting an event, experience, or memory, a great essay shows insight aka an ability to highlight meaningful takeaways. For example, if you choose to write about your unique hobby, try to discuss what you've learned from that pastime—or how you've grown as a result of it.

3. Add details

Great essays also invite the reader to connect with the story on an emotional level. With that in mind, it can help to recount a specific memory rather than answer a prompt without those colorful details. More than discussing something on a surface level—or vaguely—you want to provide enough particulars to keep your readers engaged. For example, if you choose to write about the best advice you ever received, set the scene and take the reader back to that moment.

4. Have an editor.

Your essay should ideally be error-free. Ask a trusted friend or family member to review your essay and suggest edits. An editor can help you catch grammatical errors or points out ways to better develop your response.

Avoid passing your paper along to too many people, though, so you don't lose your own voice amid all of the edits and suggestions. The admissions team wants to get to know you through your writing and not your sister or best friend who edited your paper.

5. Revise your essay.

Your first draft is just that: a draft. Give yourself plenty of time to read and revise your first pass and make sure you fully developed your response, stayed on topic, and shared your personality.

When revising your essay, you may find it helpful to read it aloud so you hear the words as you're saying them. Some people prefer to print a copy on paper and write notes by hand. Both options give your brain a new way to process the information to catch details you may miss if you keep everything in your head and on the computer.

Watch to find out why the essay many admission counselor's favorite part of the application:

Next steps: Apply with confidence

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Article sources

Common App. " First-year essay prompts , https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts." Accessed February 8, 2023.

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How to Write an Essay

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Essay Writing Fundamentals

How to prepare to write an essay, how to edit an essay, how to share and publish your essays, how to get essay writing help, how to find essay writing inspiration, resources for teaching essay writing.

Essays, short prose compositions on a particular theme or topic, are the bread and butter of academic life. You write them in class, for homework, and on standardized tests to show what you know. Unlike other kinds of academic writing (like the research paper) and creative writing (like short stories and poems), essays allow you to develop your original thoughts on a prompt or question. Essays come in many varieties: they can be expository (fleshing out an idea or claim), descriptive, (explaining a person, place, or thing), narrative (relating a personal experience), or persuasive (attempting to win over a reader). This guide is a collection of dozens of links about academic essay writing that we have researched, categorized, and annotated in order to help you improve your essay writing.

Essays are different from other forms of writing; in turn, there are different kinds of essays. This section contains general resources for getting to know the essay and its variants. These resources introduce and define the essay as a genre, and will teach you what to expect from essay-based assessments.

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab

One of the most trusted academic writing sites, Purdue OWL provides a concise introduction to the four most common types of academic essays.

"The Essay: History and Definition" (ThoughtCo)

This snappy article from ThoughtCo talks about the origins of the essay and different kinds of essays you might be asked to write.

"What Is An Essay?" Video Lecture (Coursera)

The University of California at Irvine's free video lecture, available on Coursera, tells you everything you need to know about the essay.

Wikipedia Article on the "Essay"

Wikipedia's article on the essay is comprehensive, providing both English-language and global perspectives on the essay form. Learn about the essay's history, forms, and styles.

"Understanding College and Academic Writing" (Aims Online Writing Lab)

This list of common academic writing assignments (including types of essay prompts) will help you know what to expect from essay-based assessments.

Before you start writing your essay, you need to figure out who you're writing for (audience), what you're writing about (topic/theme), and what you're going to say (argument and thesis). This section contains links to handouts, chapters, videos and more to help you prepare to write an essay.

How to Identify Your Audience

"Audience" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

This handout provides questions you can ask yourself to determine the audience for an academic writing assignment. It also suggests strategies for fitting your paper to your intended audience.

"Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content" (Univ. of Minnesota Libraries)

This extensive book chapter from Writing for Success , available online through Minnesota Libraries Publishing, is followed by exercises to try out your new pre-writing skills.

"Determining Audience" (Aims Online Writing Lab)

This guide from a community college's writing center shows you how to know your audience, and how to incorporate that knowledge in your thesis statement.

"Know Your Audience" ( Paper Rater Blog)

This short blog post uses examples to show how implied audiences for essays differ. It reminds you to think of your instructor as an observer, who will know only the information you pass along.

How to Choose a Theme or Topic

"Research Tutorial: Developing Your Topic" (YouTube)

Take a look at this short video tutorial from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to understand the basics of developing a writing topic.

"How to Choose a Paper Topic" (WikiHow)

This simple, step-by-step guide (with pictures!) walks you through choosing a paper topic. It starts with a detailed description of brainstorming and ends with strategies to refine your broad topic.

"How to Read an Assignment: Moving From Assignment to Topic" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Did your teacher give you a prompt or other instructions? This guide helps you understand the relationship between an essay assignment and your essay's topic.

"Guidelines for Choosing a Topic" (CliffsNotes)

This study guide from CliffsNotes both discusses how to choose a topic and makes a useful distinction between "topic" and "thesis."

How to Come Up with an Argument

"Argument" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

Not sure what "argument" means in the context of academic writing? This page from the University of North Carolina is a good place to start.

"The Essay Guide: Finding an Argument" (Study Hub)

This handout explains why it's important to have an argument when beginning your essay, and provides tools to help you choose a viable argument.

"Writing a Thesis and Making an Argument" (University of Iowa)

This page from the University of Iowa's Writing Center contains exercises through which you can develop and refine your argument and thesis statement.

"Developing a Thesis" (Harvard College Writing Center)

This page from Harvard's Writing Center collates some helpful dos and don'ts of argumentative writing, from steps in constructing a thesis to avoiding vague and confrontational thesis statements.

"Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays" (Berkeley Student Learning Center)

This page offers concrete suggestions for each stage of the essay writing process, from topic selection to drafting and editing.

How to Outline your Essay

"Outlines" (Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill via YouTube)

This short video tutorial from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows how to group your ideas into paragraphs or sections to begin the outlining process.

"Essay Outline" (Univ. of Washington Tacoma)

This two-page handout by a university professor simply defines the parts of an essay and then organizes them into an example outline.

"Types of Outlines and Samples" (Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab)

Purdue OWL gives examples of diverse outline strategies on this page, including the alphanumeric, full sentence, and decimal styles.

"Outlining" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Once you have an argument, according to this handout, there are only three steps in the outline process: generalizing, ordering, and putting it all together. Then you're ready to write!

"Writing Essays" (Plymouth Univ.)

This packet, part of Plymouth University's Learning Development series, contains descriptions and diagrams relating to the outlining process.

"How to Write A Good Argumentative Essay: Logical Structure" (Criticalthinkingtutorials.com via YouTube)

This longer video tutorial gives an overview of how to structure your essay in order to support your argument or thesis. It is part of a longer course on academic writing hosted on Udemy.

Now that you've chosen and refined your topic and created an outline, use these resources to complete the writing process. Most essays contain introductions (which articulate your thesis statement), body paragraphs, and conclusions. Transitions facilitate the flow from one paragraph to the next so that support for your thesis builds throughout the essay. Sources and citations show where you got the evidence to support your thesis, which ensures that you avoid plagiarism.

How to Write an Introduction

"Introductions" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

This page identifies the role of the introduction in any successful paper, suggests strategies for writing introductions, and warns against less effective introductions.

"How to Write A Good Introduction" (Michigan State Writing Center)

Beginning with the most common missteps in writing introductions, this guide condenses the essentials of introduction composition into seven points.

"The Introductory Paragraph" (ThoughtCo)

This blog post from academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming focuses on ways to grab your reader's attention at the beginning of your essay.

"Introductions and Conclusions" (Univ. of Toronto)

This guide from the University of Toronto gives advice that applies to writing both introductions and conclusions, including dos and don'ts.

"How to Write Better Essays: No One Does Introductions Properly" ( The Guardian )

This news article interviews UK professors on student essay writing; they point to introductions as the area that needs the most improvement.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

"Writing an Effective Thesis Statement" (YouTube)

This short, simple video tutorial from a college composition instructor at Tulsa Community College explains what a thesis statement is and what it does.

"Thesis Statement: Four Steps to a Great Essay" (YouTube)

This fantastic tutorial walks you through drafting a thesis, using an essay prompt on Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter as an example.

"How to Write a Thesis Statement" (WikiHow)

This step-by-step guide (with pictures!) walks you through coming up with, writing, and editing a thesis statement. It invites you think of your statement as a "working thesis" that can change.

"How to Write a Thesis Statement" (Univ. of Indiana Bloomington)

Ask yourself the questions on this page, part of Indiana Bloomington's Writing Tutorial Services, when you're writing and refining your thesis statement.

"Writing Tips: Thesis Statements" (Univ. of Illinois Center for Writing Studies)

This page gives plentiful examples of good to great thesis statements, and offers questions to ask yourself when formulating a thesis statement.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

"Body Paragraph" (Brightstorm)

This module of a free online course introduces you to the components of a body paragraph. These include the topic sentence, information, evidence, and analysis.

"Strong Body Paragraphs" (Washington Univ.)

This handout from Washington's Writing and Research Center offers in-depth descriptions of the parts of a successful body paragraph.

"Guide to Paragraph Structure" (Deakin Univ.)

This handout is notable for color-coding example body paragraphs to help you identify the functions various sentences perform.

"Writing Body Paragraphs" (Univ. of Minnesota Libraries)

The exercises in this section of Writing for Success will help you practice writing good body paragraphs. It includes guidance on selecting primary support for your thesis.

"The Writing Process—Body Paragraphs" (Aims Online Writing Lab)

The information and exercises on this page will familiarize you with outlining and writing body paragraphs, and includes links to more information on topic sentences and transitions.

"The Five-Paragraph Essay" (ThoughtCo)

This blog post discusses body paragraphs in the context of one of the most common academic essay types in secondary schools.

How to Use Transitions

"Transitions" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

This page from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explains what a transition is, and how to know if you need to improve your transitions.

"Using Transitions Effectively" (Washington Univ.)

This handout defines transitions, offers tips for using them, and contains a useful list of common transitional words and phrases grouped by function.

"Transitions" (Aims Online Writing Lab)

This page compares paragraphs without transitions to paragraphs with transitions, and in doing so shows how important these connective words and phrases are.

"Transitions in Academic Essays" (Scribbr)

This page lists four techniques that will help you make sure your reader follows your train of thought, including grouping similar information and using transition words.

"Transitions" (El Paso Community College)

This handout shows example transitions within paragraphs for context, and explains how transitions improve your essay's flow and voice.

"Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing" (ThoughtCo)

This blog post, another from academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, talks about transitions and other strategies to improve your essay's overall flow.

"Transition Words" (smartwords.org)

This handy word bank will help you find transition words when you're feeling stuck. It's grouped by the transition's function, whether that is to show agreement, opposition, condition, or consequence.

How to Write a Conclusion

"Parts of An Essay: Conclusions" (Brightstorm)

This module of a free online course explains how to conclude an academic essay. It suggests thinking about the "3Rs": return to hook, restate your thesis, and relate to the reader.

"Essay Conclusions" (Univ. of Maryland University College)

This overview of the academic essay conclusion contains helpful examples and links to further resources for writing good conclusions.

"How to End An Essay" (WikiHow)

This step-by-step guide (with pictures!) by an English Ph.D. walks you through writing a conclusion, from brainstorming to ending with a flourish.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

This page collates useful strategies for writing an effective conclusion, and reminds you to "close the discussion without closing it off" to further conversation.

How to Include Sources and Citations

"Research and Citation Resources" (Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab)

Purdue OWL streamlines information about the three most common referencing styles (MLA, Chicago, and APA) and provides examples of how to cite different resources in each system.

EasyBib: Free Bibliography Generator

This online tool allows you to input information about your source and automatically generate citations in any style. Be sure to select your resource type before clicking the "cite it" button.

CitationMachine

Like EasyBib, this online tool allows you to input information about your source and automatically generate citations in any style.

Modern Language Association Handbook (MLA)

Here, you'll find the definitive and up-to-date record of MLA referencing rules. Order through the link above, or check to see if your library has a copy.

Chicago Manual of Style

Here, you'll find the definitive and up-to-date record of Chicago referencing rules. You can take a look at the table of contents, then choose to subscribe or start a free trial.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

"What is Plagiarism?" (plagiarism.org)

This nonprofit website contains numerous resources for identifying and avoiding plagiarism, and reminds you that even common activities like copying images from another website to your own site may constitute plagiarism.

"Plagiarism" (University of Oxford)

This interactive page from the University of Oxford helps you check for plagiarism in your work, making it clear how to avoid citing another person's work without full acknowledgement.

"Avoiding Plagiarism" (MIT Comparative Media Studies)

This quick guide explains what plagiarism is, what its consequences are, and how to avoid it. It starts by defining three words—quotation, paraphrase, and summary—that all constitute citation.

"Harvard Guide to Using Sources" (Harvard Extension School)

This comprehensive website from Harvard brings together articles, videos, and handouts about referencing, citation, and plagiarism.

Grammarly contains tons of helpful grammar and writing resources, including a free tool to automatically scan your essay to check for close affinities to published work.

Noplag is another popular online tool that automatically scans your essay to check for signs of plagiarism. Simply copy and paste your essay into the box and click "start checking."

Once you've written your essay, you'll want to edit (improve content), proofread (check for spelling and grammar mistakes), and finalize your work until you're ready to hand it in. This section brings together tips and resources for navigating the editing process.

"Writing a First Draft" (Academic Help)

This is an introduction to the drafting process from the site Academic Help, with tips for getting your ideas on paper before editing begins.

"Editing and Proofreading" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

This page provides general strategies for revising your writing. They've intentionally left seven errors in the handout, to give you practice in spotting them.

"How to Proofread Effectively" (ThoughtCo)

This article from ThoughtCo, along with those linked at the bottom, help describe common mistakes to check for when proofreading.

"7 Simple Edits That Make Your Writing 100% More Powerful" (SmartBlogger)

This blog post emphasizes the importance of powerful, concise language, and reminds you that even your personal writing heroes create clunky first drafts.

"Editing Tips for Effective Writing" (Univ. of Pennsylvania)

On this page from Penn's International Relations department, you'll find tips for effective prose, errors to watch out for, and reminders about formatting.

"Editing the Essay" (Harvard College Writing Center)

This article, the first of two parts, gives you applicable strategies for the editing process. It suggests reading your essay aloud, removing any jargon, and being unafraid to remove even "dazzling" sentences that don't belong.

"Guide to Editing and Proofreading" (Oxford Learning Institute)

This handout from Oxford covers the basics of editing and proofreading, and reminds you that neither task should be rushed.

In addition to plagiarism-checkers, Grammarly has a plug-in for your web browser that checks your writing for common mistakes.

After you've prepared, written, and edited your essay, you might want to share it outside the classroom. This section alerts you to print and web opportunities to share your essays with the wider world, from online writing communities and blogs to published journals geared toward young writers.

Sharing Your Essays Online

Go Teen Writers

Go Teen Writers is an online community for writers aged 13 - 19. It was founded by Stephanie Morrill, an author of contemporary young adult novels.

Tumblr is a blogging website where you can share your writing and interact with other writers online. It's easy to add photos, links, audio, and video components.

Writersky provides an online platform for publishing and reading other youth writers' work. Its current content is mostly devoted to fiction.

Publishing Your Essays Online

This teen literary journal publishes in print, on the web, and (more frequently), on a blog. It is committed to ensuring that "teens see their authentic experience reflected on its pages."

The Matador Review

This youth writing platform celebrates "alternative," unconventional writing. The link above will take you directly to the site's "submissions" page.

Teen Ink has a website, monthly newsprint magazine, and quarterly poetry magazine promoting the work of young writers.

The largest online reading platform, Wattpad enables you to publish your work and read others' work. Its inline commenting feature allows you to share thoughts as you read along.

Publishing Your Essays in Print

Canvas Teen Literary Journal

This quarterly literary magazine is published for young writers by young writers. They accept many kinds of writing, including essays.

The Claremont Review

This biannual international magazine, first published in 1992, publishes poetry, essays, and short stories from writers aged 13 - 19.

Skipping Stones

This young writers magazine, founded in 1988, celebrates themes relating to ecological and cultural diversity. It publishes poems, photos, articles, and stories.

The Telling Room

This nonprofit writing center based in Maine publishes children's work on their website and in book form. The link above directs you to the site's submissions page.

Essay Contests

Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards

This prestigious international writing contest for students in grades 7 - 12 has been committed to "supporting the future of creativity since 1923."

Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest

An annual essay contest on the theme of journalism and media, the Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest awards scholarships up to $1,000.

National YoungArts Foundation

Here, you'll find information on a government-sponsored writing competition for writers aged 15 - 18. The foundation welcomes submissions of creative nonfiction, novels, scripts, poetry, short story and spoken word.

Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest

With prompts on a different literary work each year, this competition from Signet Classics awards college scholarships up to $1,000.

"The Ultimate Guide to High School Essay Contests" (CollegeVine)

See this handy guide from CollegeVine for a list of more competitions you can enter with your academic essay, from the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards to the National High School Essay Contest by the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Whether you're struggling to write academic essays or you think you're a pro, there are workshops and online tools that can help you become an even better writer. Even the most seasoned writers encounter writer's block, so be proactive and look through our curated list of resources to combat this common frustration.

Online Essay-writing Classes and Workshops

"Getting Started with Essay Writing" (Coursera)

Coursera offers lots of free, high-quality online classes taught by college professors. Here's one example, taught by instructors from the University of California Irvine.

"Writing and English" (Brightstorm)

Brightstorm's free video lectures are easy to navigate by topic. This unit on the parts of an essay features content on the essay hook, thesis, supporting evidence, and more.

"How to Write an Essay" (EdX)

EdX is another open online university course website with several two- to five-week courses on the essay. This one is geared toward English language learners.

Writer's Digest University

This renowned writers' website offers online workshops and interactive tutorials. The courses offered cover everything from how to get started through how to get published.

Writing.com

Signing up for this online writer's community gives you access to helpful resources as well as an international community of writers.

How to Overcome Writer's Block

"Symptoms and Cures for Writer's Block" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue OWL offers a list of signs you might have writer's block, along with ways to overcome it. Consider trying out some "invention strategies" or ways to curb writing anxiety.

"Overcoming Writer's Block: Three Tips" ( The Guardian )

These tips, geared toward academic writing specifically, are practical and effective. The authors advocate setting realistic goals, creating dedicated writing time, and participating in social writing.

"Writing Tips: Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block" (Univ. of Illinois)

This page from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Center for Writing Studies acquaints you with strategies that do and do not work to overcome writer's block.

"Writer's Block" (Univ. of Toronto)

Ask yourself the questions on this page; if the answer is "yes," try out some of the article's strategies. Each question is accompanied by at least two possible solutions.

If you have essays to write but are short on ideas, this section's links to prompts, example student essays, and celebrated essays by professional writers might help. You'll find writing prompts from a variety of sources, student essays to inspire you, and a number of essay writing collections.

Essay Writing Prompts

"50 Argumentative Essay Topics" (ThoughtCo)

Take a look at this list and the others ThoughtCo has curated for different kinds of essays. As the author notes, "a number of these topics are controversial and that's the point."

"401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing" ( New York Times )

This list (and the linked lists to persuasive and narrative writing prompts), besides being impressive in length, is put together by actual high school English teachers.

"SAT Sample Essay Prompts" (College Board)

If you're a student in the U.S., your classroom essay prompts are likely modeled on the prompts in U.S. college entrance exams. Take a look at these official examples from the SAT.

"Popular College Application Essay Topics" (Princeton Review)

This page from the Princeton Review dissects recent Common Application essay topics and discusses strategies for answering them.

Example Student Essays

"501 Writing Prompts" (DePaul Univ.)

This nearly 200-page packet, compiled by the LearningExpress Skill Builder in Focus Writing Team, is stuffed with writing prompts, example essays, and commentary.

"Topics in English" (Kibin)

Kibin is a for-pay essay help website, but its example essays (organized by topic) are available for free. You'll find essays on everything from A Christmas Carol to perseverance.

"Student Writing Models" (Thoughtful Learning)

Thoughtful Learning, a website that offers a variety of teaching materials, provides sample student essays on various topics and organizes them by grade level.

"Five-Paragraph Essay" (ThoughtCo)

In this blog post by a former professor of English and rhetoric, ThoughtCo brings together examples of five-paragraph essays and commentary on the form.

The Best Essay Writing Collections

The Best American Essays of the Century by Joyce Carol Oates (Amazon)

This collection of American essays spanning the twentieth century was compiled by award winning author and Princeton professor Joyce Carol Oates.

The Best American Essays 2017 by Leslie Jamison (Amazon)

Leslie Jamison, the celebrated author of essay collection The Empathy Exams , collects recent, high-profile essays into a single volume.

The Art of the Personal Essay by Phillip Lopate (Amazon)

Documentary writer Phillip Lopate curates this historical overview of the personal essay's development, from the classical era to the present.

The White Album by Joan Didion (Amazon)

This seminal essay collection was authored by one of the most acclaimed personal essayists of all time, American journalist Joan Didion.

Consider the Lobster by David Foster Wallace (Amazon)

Read this famous essay collection by David Foster Wallace, who is known for his experimentation with the essay form. He pushed the boundaries of personal essay, reportage, and political polemic.

"50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" (Staff of the The Harvard Crimson )

If you're looking for examples of exceptional college application essays, this volume from Harvard's daily student newspaper is one of the best collections on the market.

Are you an instructor looking for the best resources for teaching essay writing? This section contains resources for developing in-class activities and student homework assignments. You'll find content from both well-known university writing centers and online writing labs.

Essay Writing Classroom Activities for Students

"In-class Writing Exercises" (Univ. of North Carolina Writing Center)

This page lists exercises related to brainstorming, organizing, drafting, and revising. It also contains suggestions for how to implement the suggested exercises.

"Teaching with Writing" (Univ. of Minnesota Center for Writing)

Instructions and encouragement for using "freewriting," one-minute papers, logbooks, and other write-to-learn activities in the classroom can be found here.

"Writing Worksheets" (Berkeley Student Learning Center)

Berkeley offers this bank of writing worksheets to use in class. They are nested under headings for "Prewriting," "Revision," "Research Papers" and more.

"Using Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism" (DePaul University)

Use these activities and worksheets from DePaul's Teaching Commons when instructing students on proper academic citation practices.

Essay Writing Homework Activities for Students

"Grammar and Punctuation Exercises" (Aims Online Writing Lab)

These five interactive online activities allow students to practice editing and proofreading. They'll hone their skills in correcting comma splices and run-ons, identifying fragments, using correct pronoun agreement, and comma usage.

"Student Interactives" (Read Write Think)

Read Write Think hosts interactive tools, games, and videos for developing writing skills. They can practice organizing and summarizing, writing poetry, and developing lines of inquiry and analysis.

This free website offers writing and grammar activities for all grade levels. The lessons are designed to be used both for large classes and smaller groups.

"Writing Activities and Lessons for Every Grade" (Education World)

Education World's page on writing activities and lessons links you to more free, online resources for learning how to "W.R.I.T.E.": write, revise, inform, think, and edit.

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Essay Topics – List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

Essay topics in English can be difficult to come up with. While writing essays , many college and high school students face writer’s block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Following list of essay topics are for all – from kids to college students. We have the largest collection of essays. An essay is nothing but a piece of content which is written from the perception of writer or author. Essays are similar to a story, pamphlet, thesis, etc. The best thing about Essay is you can use any type of language – formal or informal. It can biography, the autobiography of anyone. Following is a great list of 100 essay topics. We will be adding 400 more soon!

But Before that you may wanna read some awesome Essay Writing Tips here .

500+ essay topics for students and children

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

Should plastic be banned?
Pollution due to Urbanization
Education should be free
Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
Selling Tobacco should be banned
Smoking in public places should be banned
Facebook should be banned
Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

Wonder Of Science
Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

Independence Day (15 August)
Teachers Day
Summer Vacation
Children’s Day
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Janmashtami
Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

Education Essay
Importance of Education
Contribution of Technology in Education

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

Mahatma Gandhi
APJ Abdul Kalam
Jawaharlal Nehru
Swami Vivekananda
Mother Teresa
Rabindranath Tagore
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Subhash Chandra Bose
Abraham Lincoln
Martin Luther King
Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

My Best Friend
My Favourite Teacher
My Aim In Life
My Favourite Game – Badminton
My Favourite Game – Essay
My Favourite Book
My Ambition
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
India of My Dreams
My School Life
I Love My Family
My Favourite Subject
My Favourite Game Badminton
My Father My Hero
My School Library
My Favourite Author
My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

Global Warming
Environment
Air Pollution
Environmental Pollution
Water Pollution
Rainy Season
Climate Change
Importance Of Trees
Winter Season
Deforestation
Natural Disasters
Save Environment
Summer Season
Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

Health Is Wealth
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
Where there is a will, there is way
Time and Tide wait for none

Toppr provides free study materials like NCERT Solutions for Students, Previous 10 Years of Question Papers, 1000+ hours of video lectures for free. Download Toppr app for Android and iOS or signup for free.

Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

Noise Pollution
Environment Pollution
Women Empowerment
Time and Tide Wait for none
Science and Technology
Importance of Sports
Sports and Games
Time Management
Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Cleanliness
Rome was not Built in a Day
Unemployment
Clean India
Cow Essay In English
Describe Yourself
Festivals Of India
Ganesh Chaturthi
Healthy Food
Importance Of Water
Plastic Pollution
Value of Time
Honesty is the Best Policy
Gandhi Jayanti
Human Rights
Knowledge Is Power
Same Sex Marriage
Childhood Memories
Cyber Crime
Kalpana Chawla
Punctuality
Rani Lakshmi Bai
Spring Season
Unity In Diversity
Artificial Intelligence
Online Shopping
Indian Culture
Healthy Lifestyle
Indian Education System
Disaster Management
Environmental Issues
Freedom Fighters
Grandparents
Save Fuel For Better Environment
Importance Of Newspaper
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Raksha Bandhan
World Environment Day
Narendra Modi
What Is Religion
Charity Begins at Home
A Journey by Train
Ideal student
Save Water Save Earth
Indian Farmer
Safety of Women in India
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Capital Punishment
College Life
Natural Resources
Peer Pressure
Nature Vs Nurture
Romeo And Juliet
Generation Gap
Makar Sankranti
Constitution of India
Girl Education
Importance of Family
Importance of Independence Day
Brain Drain
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
Action Speaks Louder Than Words
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Bhagat Singh
Demonetization
Agriculture
Importance of Discipline
Population Explosion
Poverty in India
Uses Of Mobile Phones
Water Scarcity
Train Journey
Land Pollution
Environment Protection
Indian Army
Uses of Internet
All that Glitters is not Gold
Balanced Diet
Blood Donation
Digital India
Dussehra Essay
Energy Conservation
National Integration
Railway Station
Sachin Tendulkar
Health And Hygiene
Importance Of Forest
Indira Gandhi
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Career Goals
Mental Health
Save Water Save Life
International Yoga Day
Winter Vacation
Soil Pollution
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
Indian Culture And Tradition
Unity Is Strength
Unity is Diversity
Wildlife Conservation
Cruelty To Animals
Nelson Mandela
Of Mice And Men
Organ Donation
Life in a Big City
Democracy in India
Waste Management
Biodiversity
Afforestation
Female Foeticide
Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
Rain Water Harvesting
Save Electricity
Social Media
Social Networking Sites
Sound Pollution
Procrastination
Life in an Indian Village
Life in Big City
Population Growth
World Population Day
Greenhouse Effect
Statue of Unity
Traffic Jam
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Importance of Good Manners
Good Manners
Cyber Security
Green Revolution
Health And Fitness
Incredible India
Make In India
Surgical Strike
Triple Talaq
A Good Friend
Importance of Friends in our Life
Should Plastic be Banned
Nationalism
Traffic Rules
Effects of Global Warming
Fundamental Rights
Solar System
National Constitution Day
Good Mother
Importance of Trees in our Life
City Life Vs Village Life
Importance of Communication
Conservation of Nature
Man vs. Machine
Indian Economy
Mothers Love
Importance of National Integration
Black Money
Greenhouse effect
Untouchability
Self Discipline
Global Terrorism
Conservation of Biodiversity
Newspaper and Its Uses
World Health Day
Conservation of Natural Resources
A Picnic with Family
Indian Heritage
Status of Women in India
Child is Father of the Man
Reading is Good Habit
Plastic Bag
Terrorism in India
Library and Its Uses
Life on Mars
Urbanization
Pollution Due to Diwali
National Flag of India
Vocational Education
Importance of Tree Plantation
Summer Camp
Vehicle Pollution
Women Education in India
Seasons in India
Freedom of the Press
Caste System
Environment and Human Health
Mountain Climbing
Depletion of Natural Resources
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Health Education
Effects of Deforestation
Life after School
Starvation in India
Jan Dhan Yojana
Impact of Privatization
Election Commission of India
Election and Democracy
Prevention of Global Warming
Impact of Cinema in Life
Subhas Chandra Bose
Dowry System
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Role of Science in Making India
Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
Pollution due to Festivals
Ambedkar Jayanti
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Family Planning in India
Democracy vs Dictatorship
National Festivals of India
Sri Aurobindo
Casteism in India
Organ trafficking
Consequences of Global Warming
Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
Role of Youths in Nation Building
Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
Farmer Suicides in India
Start-up India
Pollution Due to Firecrackers
Life of Soldiers
Child Labour
Save Girl Child
Morning Walk
My School Fete
Essay on Financial Literacy
Essay On Sustainable Development
Essay On Punjab
Essay On Travel
My Home Essay
Child Marriage Essay
Importance Of English Language Essay
Essay On Mass Media
Essay On Horse
Essay On Police
Essay On Eid
Essay On Solar Energy
Animal Essay
Essay On Mango
Gender Discrimination Essay
Essay On Advertisement
My First Day At School Essay
My Neighborhood Essay
True Friendship Essay
Work Is Worship Essay
Essay On Self Confidence
Essay On Superstition
Essay On Bangalore
Sex Vs Gender Essay
Essay On Social Issues
Time Is Money Essay
Essay About Grandmothers
Essay On Hard Work
First Day Of School Essay
Flowers Essay
My Favorite Food Essay
Essay on Birds
Essay on Humanity
Essay on Sun
Essay on Kargil War
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining Essay
Francis Bacon Essays
Importance of Cleanliness Essay
My Sister Essay
Self Introduction Essay
Solar Energy Essay
Sports Day Essa
Value Of Education Essay
Essay On Isro
Essay On Balance Is Beneficial
Essay On Reservation In India
Essay On Water Management
Essay On Smoking
Essay On Stress Management
Essay On William Shakespeare
Essay on Apple
Essay On Albert Einstein
Essay On Feminism
Essay On Kindness
Essay On Domestic Violence
Essay on English as a Global Language
Essay On Co-Education
Importance Of Exercise Essay
Overpopulation Essay
Smartphone Essay
Essay on River
Essay on Cyclone
Essay On Facebook
Essay On Science In Everyday Life
Essay On Women Rights
Essay On Right To Education
Essay on Quotes
Essay On Peace
Essay On Drawing
Essay On Bicycle
Essay On Sexual Harassment
Essay On Hospital
Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan
Essay On Golden Temple
Essay On Art
Essay On Ruskin Bond
Essay On Moon
Birthday Essay
Dont Judge A Book By Its Cover Essay
Draught Essay
Gratitude Essay
Indian Politics Essay
Who am I Essay
Essay on Positive Thinking
Essay on Dance
Essay on Navratri
Essay on Onam
Essay on New Education Policy 2020
Esasy on Thank you Coronavirus Helpers
Essay on Coronavirus and Coronavirus Symptoms
Essay on Baseball
Essay on coronavirus vaccine
Fitness beats pandemic essay
Essay on coronavirus tips
Essay on coronavirus prevention
Essay on coronavirus treatment
Essay on essay on trees
Essay on television
Gender inequality essay
Water conservation essay
Essay on Gurpurab
Essay on Types of sports
Essay on road safety
Essay on my favourite season
My pet essay
Student life essay
Essay on Railway station
Essay on earth
Essay on knowledge is power
Essay on favourite personality
Essay on memorable day of my life
My parents essay
Our country essay
Picnic essay
Travelling essay

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Guide to Essay Writing: 5 Steps to Write an Outstanding Essay

Feel passionately about something and want to share it? Write an essay! Disagree with a popular opinion and wish to convince others to join you? Write an essay! Need to write something because the college you dream of attending is making you? Write an essay!

“Essay” is a loose term for writing that asserts the author’s opinion on a topic, whether academic, editorial, or even humorous. There are a thousand different approaches to essay writing and a million different topics to choose from, but what we’ve found is that good essay writing tends to follow the same framework.

Give your essays extra polish Grammarly helps you write with confidence Write with Grammarly

Below we discuss that framework and how you can apply it to your essays, whatever types they may be. But first, let’s start with a basic overview of how to write an essay.

How to write an essay.

Your essay needs a thesis statement

The essay-writing process

Essay structure, know your essay’s audience, 6 types of essays, essay writing tips.

The basic steps for how to write an essay are:

Generate ideas and pick a type of essay to write.
Outline your essay paragraph by paragraph.
Write a rough first draft without worrying about details like word choice or grammar.
Edit your rough draft, and revise and fix the details.
Review your essay for typos, mistakes, and any other problems.

Want to know more? We cover the specifics below, but for now let’s talk about the nucleus of any good essay: the topic.

Your essay needs a thesis statement

Three things to consider before writing your essay:

Of these, the most important by far is your thesis, or the crux of what your essay is about.

Your thesis, encapsulated in your thesis statement , is the central point you’re trying to make. The thesis of Bertrand Russell’s essay “ In Praise of Idleness ,” for example, is that people focus too much on work and don’t value time spent idly. Essays can occasionally stray and go into related tangents, but they always come back to that one core idea in the thesis.

You should always pinpoint your thesis before writing. If you’re having trouble nailing it down, ask yourself, “What’s the one thing I want my reader to remember when they’re done reading my essay?”

The best practice is to include your thesis as soon as possible, even in your topic sentence if it’s appropriate. You’ll want to reiterate it throughout the essay as well, especially when wrapping up everything in the conclusion.

The rest of your essay, then, supports your thesis. You can include empirical evidence, testimonials, logical deductions, or even persuasive rhetoric —whatever gets the job done. The point is that you’re building upon your initial thesis, not switching to completely different topics.

If you’re writing an essay, research paper , term paper, novel, short story, poem , screenplay, blog article about essay writing—when writing just about anything , really—it’s crucial to follow an efficient writing process. Even if you prefer the stream-of-consciousness style for writing your rough draft, you still need to have an orderly system that allows you to revise and hone.

For essay writing, we recommend this five-step writing process :

1 Brainstorming

It always helps to collect your thoughts before you begin writing by brainstorming . Based on your prompt or thesis, try to generate as many ideas as possible to include in your essay. Think of as many as time allows, knowing that you’ll be able to set aside the ideas that don’t work later.

2 Preparing

The preparation phase consists of both outlining your essay and collecting resources for evidence. Take a look at the results of your brainstorming session. First, isolate the ideas that are essential to support your thesis and then organize them in a logical and progressive order. In this stage you’ll incorporate your essay structure, which we explain below.

If you want empirical evidence or complementary citations, track them down now. The way you write citations depends on the style guide you’re using. The three most common style guides for academics are MLA , APA , and Chicago , and each has its own particular rules and requirements for citing just about any kind of source, including newspaper articles , websites , speeches , and YouTube videos .

This is the main stage of essay writing where you roll up your sleeves and actually write your first draft . Remember that everything doesn’t have to be perfect; this is your first draft, not your final draft, so give yourself the freedom to make errors. If you’re focusing on getting every single word right, you’ll miss the big picture.

The revisions stage involves your second draft, your third draft, or even your twelfth draft if necessary. Address all the nuances and subtleties you glossed over in the first draft.

Pay attention to both word choice and clarity , as well as sophisticated writing techniques like avoiding the passive voice . If you’re not confident in your writing skills yet, the Grammarly Editor ensures your writing is readable, clear, and concise by offering sentence structure and word choice suggestions, plus clarity revisions as you write. Grammarly helps catch common mistakes with sentence structure—like run-on sentences, sentence fragments, passive voice, and more.

5 Proofreading

When all the heavy-duty revisions are finished, it’s time for the final polish. Go through your essay and correct misspellings , formatting issues, or grammatical errors. This is also where you can turn to Grammarly’s AI-powered writing assistant, which helps catch these common mistakes for you. Or copy and paste your writing to check your grammar and get instant feedback on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mistakes you might have missed.

Essay structure almost always follows a simple beginning-middle-end format, or in this case, an introduction-body-conclusion format. However, it’s what’s contained within those sections that makes all the difference.

Introduction

Essays follow the same guidelines for introductions as any other piece of writing, with an extra emphasis on presenting the thesis prominently, ideally in the topic sentence. By the end of your introduction paragraph, your reader should know without a doubt what your essay is about. From there, follow the conventional best practices on how to write an introduction .

Body paragraphs

The majority of your essay is body paragraphs , all of which support your thesis and present evidence.

Pay close attention to how you organize your body paragraphs. Some arguments benefit from a logical progression, where one point leads to a second, and that second point leads to a third. Remember that the reader doesn’t understand the topic like you do (that’s why you’re writing the essay), so structure your paragraphs in the way that’s best for their comprehension.

What if you’re writing an argumentative essay where you compare and contrast two or more points of view? Do you present your argument first and then share opposing points of view, or do you open with your opposition’s argument and then refute it?

Serious writers can get pretty technical about how to organize an argumentative essay. There are three approaches in particular used often: Aristotlian (classical), Rogerian , and Toulmin . However, these can get exceedingly complicated, so for a simple essay, a basic structure will do just fine:

Counterpoint
Evidence supporting your point and/or disproving counterpoint

Essay conclusions wrap up or summarize your thesis in a way that’s easy for the reader to digest. If you get the chance, you can add a new perspective or context for understanding your thesis, but in general the conclusion should not present any new evidence or supporting data. Rather, it’s more of a recap. For more specific tips, read about how to write a conclusion for an essay here .

Five-paragraph essay

For quick and simple essays, you don’t need to get too technical with your essay structure. The five-paragraph essay structure works well in a pinch. This contains:

One introduction paragraph
Three body paragraphs
One conclusion paragraph

While this essay structure might not be flexible enough for more advanced topics, it comes in handy when speed is a factor, like during timed tests.

Your final consideration is who will read your essay—a teacher, an admissions counselor, your peers, the internet at large, etc.

No matter what you’re writing, your audience should influence your language. For one thing, your readers determine whether the essay is formal or casual , which has an enormous impact on language, word choice, and style . Take emojis for example: In a casual essay they might be welcome, but for formal writing they’re not the most appropriate choice. 😓

Your audience also affects the essay’s tone, or how you sound on an emotional level (enthusiastic, cautious, confident, etc.). If you’d like to know more, you can read about the 10 common types of tone here .

Like any form of writing, essays come in many different types . Sometimes the assignment dictates the type, as with admissions essays, and other times the thesis will determine it. Regardless, it helps to know what your options are, so here are some of the most common essay types:

1 Argumentative essay

Argumentative essays assert or defend a position. This is the most common type of school paper, so keep that in mind when writing your first college essay .

2 Admissions essay

Most colleges request an admissions essay in applications, which typically revolve around why you’re interested in their school.

3 Persuasive essay

A persuasive essay is just as it sounds: an essay to persuade or convince the reader of a certain point. It’s similar to an argumentative essay— they both strongly favor a particular point of view, but the difference is the end goal: Argumentative essays just have to present their case, while persuasive essays have to present their case and win over the reader.

4 Compare-and-contrast essay

When you want to devote equal attention to two opposing things, a compare-and-contrast essay works better than argumentative or persuasive essays, which lean to one side over the other.

5 Personal essay

Personal essays are often anecdotal or real-life stories of the authors, like the works of David Sedaris . Because they tend to follow narrative structures, the thesis can be flexible or interpretive.

6 Expository essay

An expository essay thoroughly explains a certain topic to expand the reader’s knowledge. It is similar to an argumentative and persuasive essay in format, but with one key difference: expository essays don’t have a bias.

Master the five fundamentals

Especially for school essays, your reader will scrutinize how well you handle the fundamentals. Knowing about essay structure and the writing process is one thing, but can you demonstrate an understanding of language style? Can you develop your thesis logically and coherently? Are your references and citations trustworthy?

When you’re ready for the next step of essay writing, take a look at the five concepts you must master to write better essays . The tips there pick up where this guide leaves off.

Seek out another pair of eyes

This tip is not just for essays; it’s always advisable to have someone else read over your writing before finalizing it. All too often we miss the forest for the trees, and thinking long and hard on the same topic can give you tunnel vision. The solution is to get a fresh take from someone who’s seeing it for the first time.

Typically you can swap with a friend and edit each others’ works. If that’s not an option, however, you can also use a writing center or join a writing group online. At the very least, you should sleep on it and take another look when you’re refreshed.

Remember: Grammar and form are essential

It’s not always about what you say, but how you say it. You could have the most obvious, objectively agreeable thesis in the world, but if your writing is incoherent, confusing, and full of mistakes, it’s tough to engage with your reader.

For when your writing needs to make the right impact, Grammarly Premium offers full-sentence rewrites for confusing sentences—from splitting long sentences, cutting extra words, or rearranging key phrases—in addition to catching common grammar mistakes. It also gives you readability-focused formatting suggestions, so you know your writing is clear. It also helps those who are looking to improve their writing skill level in English, with suggestions for commonly misused words and phrases.

Honing your writing with these elements in mind is key to relaying your point to your reader—and asserting your thesis as effectively as possible.

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Essay Writing Guide

Essay Topics

A Catalog of 370+ Essay Topics for Students

38 min read

Essay Topics For Different Academic Levels

Essay writing spans various academic levels, offering students a structured platform to express their thoughts and demonstrate knowledge. From elementary school to university, essays refine critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate ideas.

Let’s take a look at some best essay topic ideas for students from different academic levels.

Essay Topics for Grade 3

My Favorite Animal
A Day at the Amusement Park
If I Could Fly
My Best Friend
My Favorite Season
A Special Family Tradition
If I Found a Magic Wand
The Importance of Being Kind
My Dream House
A Day in the Life of a Superhero

Essay Topics for Grade 4

My Favorite Book and Why I Love It
The Most Exciting Adventure I've Ever Had
My Role Model and Why I Look Up to Them
The Importance of Saving Money
If I Could Travel Back in Time
A Day Without Electricity
My Favorite Food and How to Prepare It
The Best Day of My Life and Why It Was Special
How I Would Spend a Day on a Deserted Island
The Benefits of Homework and Studying

Essay Topics for Grade 5

My Dream Vacation Destination
The Impact of Technology on My Life
The Importance of Environmental Conservation
My Hobbies and Why They Matter
If I Could Change One Thing About the World
The Role of Friendship in My Life
A Memorable Family Trip
The Power of Imagination
The Benefits of Physical Exercise
A Day in the Life of My Favorite Book Character

Essay Topics for Grade 6

My Personal Hero and Their Influence on Me
The Challenges of Growing Up
The Significance of Volunteering in the Community
The Impact of Social Media on Society
The Value of Setting Goals
If I Could Invent a New Holiday
The Role of Art and Music in My Life
The Benefits of Traveling and Experiencing Different Cultures
A Time I Overcame a Fear
The Importance of Time Management

Essay Topics for Grade 7

The Role of Technology in Education
The Impact of Bullying and How to Prevent It
The Value of a Good Education
The Pros and Cons of Social Networking
The Effects of Peer Pressure
If I Could Change One Thing About My School
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
The Importance of Financial Literacy
A Time I Faced a Difficult Decision
The Significance of Gender Equality

Essay Topics for Grade 8

The Influence of Role Models in Our Lives
The Impact of Climate Change on the Environment
The Value of Diversity and Inclusion
The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future
The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills
If I Could Travel to Any Period in History
The Ethics of Animal Testing
The Benefits of Team Sports
A Time I Learned a Valuable Life Lesson
The Significance of Freedom of Speech

Essay Topics for High School Students

Does the fashion industry need to change the way they advertise?
Do beauty pageants carry any benefits for women?
Should women get plastic surgery?
What instigated World War 2?
What do people mean when they say “Fake news?”
Can constant use of drugs cause brain damage?
Can gun control help in regulating crime?
Is summer school designed to help children?
Methods that are used by professionals to get their dream job.
The ways to deal with on-campus violence.

Best College Essay Topics Ideas

Role of Modern Media in contributing to eating disorders.
Is technology turning people into zombies?
Is censorship on the internet necessary?
Will there be a 3rd World War?
Should every student have the right to choose the discipline they are interested in?
What does it take to become a politician?
The reasons behind high unemployment rates.
The aftermath of earthquakes.
Which countries have the most corruption?
Should there be a restriction on the sales and production of tobacco?

Essay Topics for University Students

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Human Gene Editing.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Movements.
The Influence of Climate Change on Global Security.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Education.
The Intersection of Technology and Mental Health.
The Economic Implications of Renewable Energy Adoption.
The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization.
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.
The Cultural Significance of Contemporary Art Movements.

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Essay Topics for Different Types of Essays

Here, you can find interesting topics and ideas for different types of essays to help you get started.

Argumentative Essay Topics

Is Climate Change Primarily Caused by Human Activities?
Should Affirmative Action Policies be Continued in College Admissions?
Is Universal Healthcare a Viable Option for the United States?
Should Euthanasia be Allowed for Severely Disabled Newborns?
Is Genetic Engineering Ethical in Humans?
Should the Voting Age be Lowered to 16?
Is Internet Censorship Necessary to Protect National Security?
Should Hate Speech be Protected as Free Speech?
Does asking someone to reduce weight equate to body shaming?
Should kids be allowed to adopt e-gaming as a progressive career?

In need of more debatable essay topics? We have a comprehensive list of more excellent argumentative essay topics to assist you.

Persuasive Essay Topics

Covid19 : Should Covid-19 Vaccination be Mandatory?
Recycling: Should Recycling Be Mandatory in Every Household?
Online Education : Should Online Education Replace Traditional Classroom Learning?
Dress Codes: Should Schools Implement Uniform Dress Codes to Promote Equality?
Smoking : Should Smoking in Public Places be Banned?
Vaccinations: Should Vaccinations Be Mandatory for All Children to Ensure Public Health?
Gun Control : Should There be Stricter Gun Control Laws in the United States?
Animal Testing: Is Animal Testing Justified in the Name of Scientific Progress?
Business : Should Businesses Adopt Environmentally Sustainable Practices?
Abortion : Should Abortion be Legalized in All Countries?

Read our comprehensive guide to persuasive essay topics to find a trending topic or a good idea for your paper.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Comparison of High School vs. College Life
Contrast of Traditional Education vs. Online Learning
Comparison of Two Major Religions: Christianity vs. Islam
Contrasting the Novels of Jane Austen vs. Emily Brontë
Comparing Two Art Movements: Renaissance vs. Baroque
Contrasting Classical Music vs. Jazz
Comparing Two Smartphone Brands: iPhone vs. Android
Contrast of Two Political Systems: Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
Comparison of Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine
Comparing the Characters of Romeo and Juliet vs. West Side Story

If you need more ideas, here are some interesting compare contrast essay topics for your help.

Descriptive Essay Topics

Person : Describe a mentor or role model who has influenced your life.
Person You Admire : Write about someone you admire for their courage and resilience.
My Mother : Capture the essence of your mother’s personality and daily routines.
Autumn : Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn in a rural setting.
Nature : Describe a serene forest scene during sunrise or sunset.
Place : Paint a vivid picture of your favorite vacation spot by the beach.
Myself : Reflect on your own characteristics and how they shape your identity.
Food : Describe the preparation and flavors of a traditional dish from your culture.
Historical Place: Describe the architecture and ambiance of a famous historical landmark.
Sporting Event: Capture the excitement and atmosphere of attending a major sporting event.

Check out this extensive list of descriptive essay topics ideas for your help.

Narrative Essay Topics

My First Day of School: A Memorable Experience
The Day I Overcame My Greatest Fear
The Most Important Lesson I Learned from a Family Member
The Time I Achieved a Personal Goal, I Never Thought Possible
The Day I Discovered My Passion for a Hobby or Interest
The Impact of a Life-Altering Event on My Perspective
The Story Behind My Most Prized Possession
My Experience as a Volunteer or in Community Service
The Day I Realized the Power of Kindness
A Special Bond I Share with a Childhood Friend

Need more topics? Check out this extensive blog on narrative essay topics for your next assignment.

Classification Essay Topics

Types of Pet Owners: A Classification.
Classification of Musical Genres: From Classical to Hip-Hop.
Types of Travelers: Exploring the Adventurer, Relaxer, and Culture Enthusiast.
Classifying Different Types of Social Media Users.
Types of Students in a Classroom: From the Overachiever to the Laid-Back.
Classifying Different Styles of Fashion: Bohemian, Classic, and Trendy.
Types of Moviegoers: The Action Lover, Rom-Com Fan, and Film Buff.
Classifying Different Forms of Exercise: Yoga, Weightlifting, and Cardio.
Types of Foodies: From Gourmet Enthusiasts to Fast Food Lovers.
Classifying Various Types of Vehicles: Cars, Motorcycles, and Bicycles

Check out other compelling classification essay topics for more ideas.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Causes and Effects of Stress in Modern Society
The Consequences of Bullying on Mental Health
Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
The Influence of Parental Divorce on Children's Well-being
The Causes and Effects of Obesity in Developed Countries
The Causes and Effects of Economic Inequality
The Causes and Consequences of Academic Procrastination
The Impact of Social Pressure on Teenagers' Decision-Making
The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
The Influence of Early Education on a Child's Future Success

Check out this comprehensive guide on 100+ cause and effect essay topics for more ideas.

Expository Essay Topics

About a Person : Analyze the leadership qualities of a historical figure.
About Yourself : Reflect on the experiences that shaped your character.
About a Book : Examine the themes of justice and revenge in "The Count of Monte Cristo."
About Mental Health : Discuss the impact of mindfulness practices on mental well-being.
About Dogs : Explore the evolution of dog breeds and their domestication.
About Education : Evaluate the effectiveness of online learning in today's educational system.
Friendship : Investigate the qualities that make a friendship resilient over time.
Bullying : Analyze the psychological effects of cyberbullying on adolescents.
Music : Explore the influence of technology on music production and distribution.
Life Events of a Person: Trace the career milestones and achievements of a renowned scientist.

For some more intriguing ideas check out our blog on expository essay topics .

Informative Essay Topics

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market
The History and Cultural Significance of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics
The Benefits and Risks of Gene Editing Technology
Exploring Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
The Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ice Caps and Wildlife
A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Time Management
Exploring the Role of Nutrition in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
The Significance of Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future
The Origins and Cultural Significance of a Traditional Festival
A Guide to Sustainable Farming and Agriculture Practices

Here’s a comprehensive list of interesting, 100+ informative essay topics .

Definition Essay Topics

The Meaning of "Success" in Modern Society
Defining the Concept of "Love" in All Its Forms
The True Definition of "Friendship"
The Ever-Changing Meaning of "Freedom"
Exploring the Notion of "Happiness"
Defining "Cultural Diversity" and Its Importance
The Multifaceted Definition of "Beauty"
The Various Interpretations of "Justice"
Understanding "Mental Health" and Its Stigma
Defining "Leadership" and Its Qualities

Process Analysis Essay Topics

How to Plan and Organize a Successful Study Group.
The Process of Making Homemade Pizza from Scratch.
Steps to Mastering a Musical Instrument.
How to Write a Winning College Application Essay.
The Process of Brewing Your Own Craft Beer.
Steps to Launching a Small Business Online.
How to Effectively Manage Time and Prioritize Tasks.
The Art of DIY Home Renovation.
The Process of Creating a Stunning Piece of Art.
How to Cook a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.

Check out some other process analysis essay topics for inspiration!

Exemplification Essay Topics

The Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships
Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work in Today's Job Market
The Role of Technology in Education: Enhancing Learning or Creating Distractions?
Environmental Policies: Effectiveness in Combating Climate Change
The Importance of Financial Literacy in High School Curriculum
Challenges Faced by International Students Studying Abroad
The Rise of Veganism: Lifestyle Choice or Necessary Environmental Movement?
The Influence of Pop Culture on Youth Identity
Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Fast-Paced Society
The Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes

For more ideas on exemplification essays visit our dedicated blog on ‘ exemplification essay topics ’

Analogy Essay Topics

Comparing the human brain to a computer's processing system.
The relationship between a teacher and a gardener nurturing plants.
Friendship compared to a tree growing strong over time.
The immune system as a city's defense force.
Comparing time management to juggling multiple balls.
The life cycle of a butterfly and personal growth through challenges.
A good book is like a journey to an unknown land.
The internet as a vast library of knowledge and misinformation.
Love compared to a delicate, blooming flower.
The process of writing an essay and constructing a building.

Research Essay Topics

The Impact of Renewable Energy Sources on Global Economies
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Medicine
The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems
The Evolution of Space Exploration Technologies
The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Thought
The Significance of Biodiversity in Maintaining Ecological Balance
The History and Development of Quantum Computing
The Role of Women in the Scientific Revolution
The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures and Traditions
The Advancements in Genetic Engineering and Their Ethical Implications

Personal Essay Topics

A person you admire the most.
Are you addicted to games?
How did you learn to draw?
What is your life’s goal?
Things you hate the most.
Why do I prefer online shopping?
Your biggest achievement.
What does success mean to you?
What annoys you the most?
Why is volunteering important?

Essay Topics by Subjects

Students are often asked by teachers to write essays on a variety of topics related to a particular subject. The sheer number of discussion areas can be overwhelming for students, making it difficult to choose a good essay topic.

This list of essay topics by subject can help you narrow down your choices and find a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your studies.

Essay Topics on Technology

Technology and the global economy.
The positives and effects of technology.
The role of 3-D printing in Medicine.
What science has to offer to disabled people?
Face detection software and the problem of identity theft.
Adding connectivity to our home devices: is it helpful or not?
Cloud computing and artificial intelligence
How has technology changed our life?
Life without technology
Technology has its own rules

Essay Topics on Science

Engineering: The Future of Renewable Energy Sources Beyond Solar and Wind
Science Fiction : Exploring the Role of AI in Dystopian Futures
Space Science: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life Beyond Our Solar System
Science and Technology : Blockchain Technology and Its Applications in Various Industries
Environmental Science: The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems
Science in Everyday Life : The Science Behind Cooking and Food Preservation
Health Science: The Role of Genetics in Personalized Medicine
Essay about Science Fair : The Benefits of Participating in Science Fairs for Students
Physics: The Concept of Dark Matter and Its Implications in Cosmology
Chemistry: Advances in Nanotechnology and Their Applications in Medicine

Essay Topics on Climate Change

The effects of climate change on human health
The impact of climate change on global food security
The economic impacts of climate change
The role of the media in communicating the risks of climate change
The ethical implications of climate change
The Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture
The Impacts of Climate Change on Wildlife
The Potential Solutions to Climate Change
The Challenges in Implementing Solutions to Climate Change
The Role of the Individual in Solving Climate Change

Essay Topics About Yourself

Introduce yourself in a unique way that captures your reader's attention.
Discuss an accomplishment that you are proud of, and how it has shaped who you are today.
Describe a time when you faced a challenge, and how you overcame it.
Share an experience that has helped to shape your values and beliefs.
What are your hobbies and interests?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your career aspirations?
Describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you coped with it.
Tell us about a time when you were proud of yourself and why.
What are your plans for the future?

Essay Topics About the Environment

The Impact of Climate Change on Global Weather Patterns.
Deforestation and Its Effects on Biodiversity.
The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Combating Climate Change.
Plastic Pollution: Analyzing the Impact on Marine Ecosystems.
The Importance of Environmental Education in Schools.
Urbanization and Its Environmental Consequences.
Sustainable Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Environmental Conservation.
The Significance of Wildlife Conservation and Preservation.
The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research.
Environmental Justice: Addressing Disparities in Environmental Quality.

Essay Topics on Festivals and Events

The Cultural Significance of Diwali in India
The Historical Roots of Thanksgiving in America
The Evolution of the Olympic Games Over Time
The Role of Carnival in Brazilian Culture
The Impact of Oktoberfest on German Economy and Culture
The Celebration of Chinese New Year Around the World
The Environmental Effects of Large Music Festivals
The Religious and Social Importance of Ramadan
The Origins and Traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
The Global Influence of the Cannes Film Festival

Essay Topics on Education

The Impact of Technology on Modern Education
The Role of Standardized Testing in Student Assessment
The Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
The Importance of Arts Education in Schools
The Effectiveness of Montessori Education Methods
The Debate Over School Uniform Policies
The Influence of Early Childhood Education on Development
The Role of Vocational Training in the Workforce
The Challenges of Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Achievement

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

The Leadership Style of Nelson Mandela and Its Impact on South Africa
The Political Legacy of Winston Churchill During World War II
The Influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy of Nonviolence
The Economic Reforms of Deng Xiaoping in China
The Role of Cleopatra in Ancient Egyptian Politics
The Visionary Leadership of Steve Jobs in the Tech Industry
The Human Rights Advocacy of Eleanor Roosevelt
The Military Strategies of Alexander the Great
The Contributions of Angela Merkel to European Politics
The Reforms Introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt During the Great Depression

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

The Role of Bees in Ecosystem Balance and Agriculture
The Social Structures and Behaviors of Elephant Herds
The Migration Patterns of Monarch Butterflies
The Endangered Status of Tigers and Conservation Efforts
The Communication Methods of Dolphins
The Importance of Wetlands for Bird Habitats
The Evolutionary Adaptations of Arctic Foxes
The Impact of Deforestation on Orangutan Populations
The Role of Birds in Pollination and Seed Dispersal
The Ethical Implications of Zoos and Wildlife Parks

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

"A Stitch in Time Saves Nine": The Importance of Timeliness and Preventive Actions
"Actions Speak Louder Than Words": Analyzing the Power of Deeds Over Words
"All That Glitters Is Not Gold": Understanding Superficial Appearances vs. Reality
"Birds of a Feather Flock Together": The Influence of Social Circles on Behavior
"Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining": Finding Positivity in Adversity
"The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword": The Impact of Writing and Ideas Over Violence
"When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do": The Value of Cultural Adaptation
"A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step": The Significance of Taking Initiative
"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch": The Pitfalls of Overconfidence and Assumptions
"You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover": The Importance of Looking Beyond Surface Appearances

Essay Topics About Life Goals

The Importance of Setting and Achieving Personal Goals
How Career Aspirations Shape Individual Identity and Life Choices
The Role of Education in Achieving Long-term Life Goals
Balancing Professional Ambitions with Personal Happiness
The Influence of Family Expectations on Life Goals
Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Life Goals
The Impact of Mentors and Role Models on Goal Setting
How Travel and Exploration Can Inspire New Life Goals
The Role of Financial Planning in Achieving Life Goals
The Connection Between Health Goals and Overall Life Satisfaction

Simple Essay Topics

The Benefits of Reading Books
The Importance of Recycling
My Favorite Hobby and Why I Love It
The Advantages of Eating Healthy
The Impact of Pets on Our Lives
A Memorable Family Vacation
The Role of Sports in Our Daily Life
The Importance of Learning a Second Language
How to Keep a Balanced Diet
The Significance of Friendship in Our Lives

Interesting Essay Topics

The Future of Space Tourism
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
The Role of Virtual Reality in Education
The Cultural Impact of Video Games
The Evolution of Fashion Over the Decades
The Influence of Music on Human Emotions
The Benefits and Risks of Genetic Engineering
The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories
The Impact of Climate Change on Endangered Species
The Social Implications of Remote Work Trends

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Tips for Choosing the Best Topic for Your Essay

Choosing the right topic for your essay is a critical step in the essay writing process. It sets the tone for your work and can greatly impact your ability to engage your readers. Here are some tips to help you select the best topic:

Align with the Essay Format

Make sure your topic fits the required essay format , whether it's argumentative , descriptive , or narrative .

Craft a Strong Essay Outline

Choose a topic that allows for a clear and structured essay outline , making it easier to organize your thoughts.

Engaging Essay Introduction

Select a topic that can hook your readers from the essay introduction , capturing their interest immediately.

Clear Thesis Statement

Pick a topic that enables you to develop a concise and arguable thesis statement , guiding the direction of your essay.

Effective Topic Sentence

Ensure your topic allows for strong and relevant topic sentences in each paragraph to support your thesis.

Compelling Essay Title

Select a topic that can be transformed into an intriguing essay title , drawing readers in from the start.

Avoid Irrelevant and Long Topic

Pick a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow to avoid common essay writing problems , such as lack of depth or insufficient content.

In conclusion, selecting the best topic for your essay is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the quality and engagement level of your writing. By considering your interests, you can set yourself up for success in crafting an exceptional essay.

Still need help? Head over to our website and request ' Write an essay for me '. At MyPerfectWords.com , our team of skilled writers is ready to assist you through every phase of the writing process, from topic selection to delivering a polished final draft.

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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Tags: Academic Writing , Essay , Essay Writing

Knowing how to write an essay can help you out significantly in both, your academic and professional life. An essay is a highly versatile nonfiction piece of writing that not only tests your knowledge of a topic but also your literary and argumentative skills.

Each essay requires the same basic process of planning, writing, and editing. Naturally, we’ve used these stages to group our steps on how to write an essay. So w ithout further ado, let’s get into it! Here are the eight steps to write an essay:

Stage 1: Planning

1. Pick an appropriate research topic

In certain cases, your teacher or professor may assign you a topic. However, in many cases, students have the freedom to select a topic of their choice. Make sure you choose a topic that you’re well versed in and have significant knowledge of.

Having prior knowledge of the topic will help you determine the subsequent steps to write an essay. It will also make your research process considerably easier.

2. Form an appropriate thesis statement

A thesis statement is the central idea or premise your essay is based on. It is usually a sentence or two long and is included in the introduction of the essay. The scope of your thesis statement depends on the type of your essay and its length.

For instance, the scope of the thesis statement for a 500–1000 word school essay will be narrower than a 1000–5000 word college essay. A rule of thumb is that your essay topic should be broad enough to gather enough information, but narrow enough to address specific points and not be vague. Here’s an example:

The invention of the airplane by the Wright Brothers in 1903 revolutionized transportation and paved the way for modern aviation. It represents a monumental achievement in human history that forever changed the course of human civilization.

3. Create an essay outline

Creating a well-organized essay outline not only gives structure and flow to your essay but also makes it more impactful and easy to understand. The idea is to collect the main points of information that support or elaborate on your thesis statement. You can also include references or examples under these main points.

For example, if your thesis statement revolves around the invention of the airplane, your main points will include travel before the invention of the airplane, how it was invented, and its effects on modern-day travel. Take a look:

The Wright Brothers’ invention had a massive impact on modern-day travel. The subsequent growth of the aviation industry led to increased accessibility of air travel to the general public.

Stage 2: Writing

4. Write a comprehensive introduction

After creating the basic outline, it is important to know how to write an essay. Begin your essay by introducing your voice and point of view to the reader. An introduction is usually a paragraph or two long and consists of three main parts:

Background information
Thesis statement

Let’s better understand this with the help of an example:

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane in 1903 revolutionized the way humans travel and explore the world. Prior to this invention, transportation relied on trains, boats, and cars, which limited the distance and speed of travel. However, the airplane made air travel a reality, allowing people to reach far-off destinations in mere hours. This breakthrough paved the way for modern-day air travel, transforming the world into a smaller, more connected place. In this essay, we will explore the impact of the Wright Brothers’ invention on modern-day travel, including the growth of the aviation industry, increased accessibility of air travel to the general public, and the economic and cultural benefits of air travel.

Let’s understand how to construct each of these sections in more detail.

A. Construct an attractive hook

The opening sentence of an essay, also known as the hook, should include a powerful or startling statement that captures the reader’s attention. Depending on the type of your essay, it can be an interesting fact, a surprising statistic, or an engaging anecdote.

B. Provide relevant background information

While writing the introduction, it’s important to provide context or background information before including the thesis statement. The background information may include the time before a groundbreaking invention, the pros and cons of a significant discovery, or the short- and long-term effects of an event.

C. Edit the thesis statement

If you’ve constructed your thesis statement during the outlining stage, it’s time to edit it based on the background information you’ve provided. Observe the slight changes we’ve made to the scope of the thesis statement in the example above. This accommodates the bits of information we’ve provided in the background history.

5. Form relevant body paragraphs

Body paragraphs play a crucial role in supporting and expanding the central argument presented in the thesis statement. The number of body paragraphs depends on the type of essay as well as the scope of the thesis statement.

Most school-level essays contain three body paragraphs while college-level essays can vary in length depending on the assignment.

A well-crafted body paragraph consists of the following parts:

A topic sentence
Supporting information
An analysis of the information
A smooth transition to the next paragraph

Let’s understand this with the help of an example.

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane revolutionized air travel. They achieved the first-ever successful powered flight with the Wright Flyer in 1903, after years of conducting experiments and studying flight principles. Despite their first flight lasting only 12 seconds, it was a significant milestone that paved the way for modern aviation. The Wright Brothers’ success can be attributed to their systematic approach to problem-solving, which included numerous experiments with gliders, the development of a wind tunnel to test their designs, and meticulous analysis and recording of their results. Their dedication and ingenuity forever changed the way we travel, making modern aviation possible.

Here’s a detailed overview of how to construct each of these sections.

A. Construct appropriate topic sentences

A topic sentence is the title of the body paragraph that elaborates on the thesis statement. It is the main idea on which the body paragraph is developed. Ensure that each topic sentence is relevant to the thesis statement and makes the essay flow seamlessly.

The order of topic sentences is key in creating an impactful essay. This order varies depending on the type of essay you choose to write. These sentences may be arranged chronologically, in the order of importance, or in a cause-and-effect format.

B. Provide supporting information

It is necessary to provide relevant supporting information and evidence to validate your topic statement. This may include examples, relevant statistics, history, or even personal anecdotes.

You should also remember to cite your sources wherever you use them to substantiate your arguments. Always give researchers and authors credit for their work!

C. Analyze the supporting information

After presenting the appropriate evidence, the next step is to conduct an in-depth analysis. Establish connections and provide additional details to strengthen the link between your topic sentence and the supporting information.

Depending on the type of essay, this step may also involve sharing your subjective opinions and key takeaways.

D. Create a smooth transition

In case you plan to create multiple body paragraphs, it is crucial to create a seamless transition between them. Transitional statements not only make the essay less jarring to read but also guide the reader in the right direction.

However, these statements need not be too lengthy and complicated. Use words such as “however”, “in addition to”, and “therefore” to convey transitions.

6. Construct an impactful conclusion

An impactful conclusion creates a lasting impression on the mind of the reader. Although it varies in length depending on the specific essay, the conclusion is typically a paragraph long.

It consists of

A restated thesis statement
Summary of the main points
The broader implications of the thesis statement

Here’s an example of a well-structured conclusion:

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane forever changed history by paving the way for modern aviation and countless aerospace advancements. Their persistence, innovation, and dedication to problem-solving led to the first successful powered flight in 1903, sparking a revolution in transportation that transformed the world. Today, air travel remains an integral part of our globalized society, highlighting the undeniable impact of the Wright Brothers’ contribution to human civilization.

Let’s take a closer look at how to construct each of these sections.

A. Restate the thesis statement

Your conclusion should call back to your original argument or thesis statement.

However, this does not mean repeating the thesis statement as is. The essence of your argument should remain the same, but it should also be modified and evolved as per the information presented in your essay.

B. Summarize important points

A powerful conclusion not only lingers in the reader’s mind but also provokes thought. You can create a strong impression on the reader by highlighting the most impactful points of your essay.

C. State the greater implications

End your essay with the most powerful and impactful part: the larger perspective. This can‌ include a question you’d like to leave the reader with, the broader implications and impact of your thesis statement, or the long-term, lingering effects of your experience.

Make sure to include no new evidence or arguments, or to undermine your findings in any way.

Stage 3: Editing

7. Review your essay

Knowing how to write an essay is just one part of essay writing. Properly reviewing and editing your essay is just as important. Make sure to spend enough time going over your essay and adding any bits of information that you’ve missed.

This is also a good time to make minor structural changes in your essay.

8. Thoroughly proofread your essay

After making the necessary structural changes, recheck your essay word by word. It is important to not only correct major grammatical and spelling errors but also minor errors regarding the phrasing or tone of voice.

You can either choose to do this by yourself, ask a friend for assistance, or hire an essay proofreading service to go over your writing. To construct a fool-proof, error-free essay, it is helpful to have a trained pair of eyes go over it. Professional proofreaders can spot errors that are not visible to most people and set the right tone for your essay.

Now that you know the basics of how to write an essay, it’s time to learn about the specifics. Feel free to dig into the articles below and keep reading!

How to Write an Essay Header in 4 Steps
How to Write an Essay Outline
What is an Expository Essay?
How to Start an Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

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A Sample Essay for Common Application Option #7: Topic of Your Choice

Alexis writes about her love of Harpo Marx for her Common Application essay

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Alexis chose option #7 for her Common Application essay. This is the popular "topic of your choice" option on the 2020-21 application. The question asks,

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The other six essay options on the Common Application give applicants so much flexibility that it is rare for a topic not fit elsewhere, but in some cases the "topic of your choice" is indeed the best choice. This is true for Alexis's essay below.

Sample Essay on the "Topic of Your Choice" Option

My Hero Harpo

In middle school, I took part in an essay competition where we had to write about one of our strongest role models—who they were, what they did, and how they had influenced us. Other students wrote about Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, George Washington, etc. I, the youngest of five sisters and one of the quietest people in the school, chose Harpo Marx.

I did not win the competition—to be honest, my essay wasn’t very good, and I knew that, even at the time. I had bigger, better things to worry about, though. I was taking swimming lessons, and was terrified of discovering a shark in the deep end. I was making little hats for my dog Alexa, which she did not appreciate. I was busy working on a clay chess set in art class, and learning how to garden with my grandmother. I’m getting off-topic, but my point is: I didn’t need to win a competition or write an essay to feel validated. I was learning who I was, and what was important in my life. Which brings me back to the Marx Brothers.

My great-uncle was a big old-movie buff. We’d go over to his house most mornings during summer vacation, and watch Philadelphia Story , The Thin Man , or His Girl Friday . My favorites, though, were the Marx Brothers’ films. Duck Soup . A Night at the Opera (my personal favorite). Animal Crackers . I can’t logically explain why I found these particular movies so hilarious and entertaining—there was something about them that not only made me laugh, but made me happy. Now, of course, watching those movies again, I’m reminded of those summer mornings, and of being surrounded by the people I loved, unconcerned with the world outside, that adds another layer of appreciation and joy.

The brothers each brought their own unique humor to the pictures, but Harpo—he was perfect . The hair. The wide ties and crazy trench coats. The way he doesn’t have to say anything to be funny. His facial expressions. How he offers people his leg when they try to shake his hand. The way you can see the change in him when he sits down at the piano or the harp. The subtle shift from comedian to musician—not a complete shift, of course, but in that moment, you know just how talented and hard-working he must have been. I love that rather than being a full-time, professional musician, which he certainly could have done, Harpo (known as Adolph off-screen) instead devoted his time and energy to entertain, to make people laugh, to be a big goof with a bicycle horn and a killer whistle. I identified with him—and still do. Harpo was quiet, funny-looking, not the most outgoing or famous performers, silly, and still insanely dedicated and a serious artist.

I don’t plan on going into show business. I mean, never say never and all that, but I don’t see myself as ever really getting bitten by that particular acting or performing bug. But the lessons I’ve learned from Harpo (and Groucho, Chico, Zeppo, etc.) are the kind that can transcend careers. It’s ok to fall down (a lot.) Learn to laugh at yourself. Learn to laugh at your family. Making faces is a perfectly good way to express yourself. Wear the weird clothes. Don’t be afraid to show off your talents when given the chance. Be kind to children. Have a cigar, if you want. Make up a silly song, or a goofy dance. Work hard at what you love. Work hard at what you don’t love, but what is still necessary. Don’t shy away from being the strangest, brightest, wildest, wackiest, passionate you you can be. And also carry a bicycle horn with you, just in case.

A Critique of Alexis's "Topic of Your Choice" Essay

With the "topic of your choice" essay option, one of the first issues to consider is whether or not the essay should have been presented under one of the more focused Common Application prompts. It's easy to be lazy and simply choose "topic of your choice" to avoid thinking too hard about the most appropriate fit for an essay.

For Alexis's essay "My Hero Harpo," the "topic of your choice" option does, in fact, work well. The essay could potentially fall under Common Application essay option #5 on a "realization that sparked a period of personal growth." Alexis's experiences watching Marx Brother movies did lead to an understanding of personal identity and life balances. That said, an essay on comedic actors doesn't quite fit the general seriousness of the option #5 prompt. In the end, however, college's care much, much more about the quality of your essay than which prompt you choose.

Now let's breakdown some of the important elements of Alexis's essay:

The Essay's Topic

Harpo Marx is a rather unusual focus for an admissions essay. This can be a good thing, for Alexis's essay won't be a clone of other essays the admissions office receives. At the same time, one could argue that Harpo's slapstick comedy is a rather superficial focus for an application essay. This certainly could be true if the subject matter were handled poorly, but Alexis manages to turn an essay focused on Harpo Marx into an essay that is really about much more than Marx. Alexis identifies with Harpo, and she explains why she identifies with him. In the end, the essay is as much about Alexis as it is Harpo. It is an essay that reveals Alexis's self-awareness, analytical skills, and sense of humor.

The Essay's Tone

Many applicants wrongly assume that an application essay needs to shine a bright light on a writer's accomplishments while hiding any warts. The reality, however, is that we're all quirky, flawed, complex people. Revealing an awareness of this fact is a sign of maturity, and it will often play well in an admissions essay. Alexis succeeds admirably on this front. The overall tone here is conversational and slightly self-deprecating. Alexis identifies with Harpo's goofiness and his decision to focus on bringing happiness to others rather than personal prestige. We finish Alexis's essay with a sense that she is reserved, silly, able to laugh at herself, yet quietly confident. The overall impression is certainly a positive one.

The Writing Quality

Alexis's language is clear and engaging, and she avoids common stylistic errors . The essay has a strong voice and personality. The essay does, in fact, have several sentence fragments, but these are clearly used deliberately for rhetorical punch, not because Alexis is a grammatically inept writer.

The Essay's Overall Impact

It's always important to step back from an application essay and consider the big picture: what will a reader take away from the essay? Alexis's essay doesn't present any remarkable accomplishment or impressive talent. It does, however, present a student who is thoughtful, self-aware, generous, talented, and quietly ambitious. Does Alexis come across as someone who the admissions folks would want to join their campus community? Yes.

Make Your Essay as Strong as Possible

If a college requires you to submit an essay with the Common Application, it is because the school has holistic admissions—the admissions folks want to get to know you as a whole person, not as a simple compilation of numerical data such as grades and standardized test scores . Along with extracurricular activities , letters of recommendation , and in some cases an interview , the essay can plan an important role in the admissions process. Make sure yours is as strong as possible.

As you write your own essay, be sure to avoid the bad essay topics , and follow these tips for a winning essay . Most of all, make sure that your essay makes a good impression. Does it present a dimension of your personality and interests that isn't obvious from other parts of your application? Does it present you as someone who will contribute to the campus community in a meaningful way? If "yes," your essay is performing its purpose well.

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100+ Most Popular Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics in 2024

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can feel like stepping into a world where words are weapons, and arguments are battles to be won. Whether you’re in high school or college, finding the right rhetorical analysis essay topic can set the stage for a compelling and insightful piece. In 2024, with the ever-evolving landscape of media, literature, and public discourse, there’s no shortage of fascinating topics to choose from. So, let’s dive into some of the most popular and intriguing rhetorical analysis essay topics that can help you craft an essay that not only meets your academic requirements but also captivates your audience.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Rhetorical analysis is the process of examining how an author or speaker uses language to persuade or influence their audience. It goes beyond simply understanding the message; it involves analyzing the techniques and strategies used to convey that message effectively. This includes looking at the use of ethos, or credibility; pathos, or emotional appeal; and logos, or logical reasoning. By breaking down these elements, a rhetorical analysis seeks to understand the effectiveness of the communication and how it achieves its intended purpose.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial. A well-chosen topic not only makes your writing process smoother but also engages your readers from the get-go. You want something that has enough depth for analysis, but not so obscure that you can’t find sources or examples. The following list of rhetorical analysis essay topics in 2024 offers a wide range of options, ensuring that you can find a topic that interests you and meets your assignment’s requirements.

Literary Works: Classic and Contemporary

The Use of Rhetoric in George Orwell’s “1984”
Persuasive Techniques in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Rhetorical Strategies in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Analyzing the Use of Irony in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
The Role of Pathos in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
How Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” Employs Rhetoric to Influence the Audience
The Use of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Rhetorical Analysis of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists”

Literary works often provide a rich ground for rhetorical analysis because of the intricate ways in which authors weave their arguments. Whether it’s classic literature or contemporary works, analyzing these texts helps you understand how authors have historically used rhetoric to influence societal perspectives.

Political Speeches: Power of Persuasion

The Rhetoric of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Barack Obama’s 2008 Victory Speech: A Rhetorical Analysis
The Persuasive Techniques in Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” Speech
Analyzing the Use of Ethos in John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address
The Role of Logos in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
How Rhetoric Shaped Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign Speeches
Rhetorical Strategies in Greta Thunberg’s Climate Change Speeches
The Impact of Pathos in Nelson Mandela’s “I Am Prepared to Die” Speech

Political speeches are gold mines for rhetorical analysis. These speeches are crafted to influence, motivate, and sometimes manipulate public opinion. Analyzing these can provide deep insights into how leaders shape narratives and rally support.

Advertising Campaigns: Selling Through Words

Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign: A Rhetorical Analysis
The Use of Pathos in Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign
Analyzing Ethos in Apple’s “Think Different” Ads
The Rhetorical Strategies Behind Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign
How Fear Appeals are Used in Anti-Smoking Ads
Persuasion in Political Campaign Advertisements
The Role of Humor in Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” Campaign
The Use of Rhetoric in Social Awareness Campaigns like “Stop the Spread”

Advertising is all about persuasion. Companies spend millions to craft messages that resonate with their audience, and rhetorical analysis can peel back the layers to reveal how these campaigns influence consumer behavior.

Analyzing Modern Media: Films, TV Shows, and Music

Film and television.

The Rhetoric of Heroism in Marvel’s “The Avengers”
Analyzing the Use of Rhetoric in “Breaking Bad”
How “The Handmaid’s Tale” TV Series Uses Rhetoric to Highlight Gender Inequality
The Persuasive Techniques in Netflix’s “13th”
Rhetorical Analysis of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”
The Use of Pathos in Pixar’s “Up”
Analyzing Rhetorical Devices in HBO’s “Game of Thrones”
The Role of Ethos in “Schindler’s List”

Music and Lyrics

The Rhetoric of Protest in Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Analyzing Pathos in Adele’s “Someone Like You”
The Use of Logos in Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”
How Beyoncé’s “Formation” Employs Ethos to Empower
The Persuasive Power of Lyrics in John Lennon’s “Imagine”
Rhetorical Analysis of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”
The Role of Repetition in Queen’s “We Will Rock You”
The Use of Symbolism in Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”

Modern media, whether films, TV shows, or music, is a reflection of the society we live in. Analyzing the rhetoric in these mediums not only deepens your understanding of the content but also helps you appreciate the subtle ways in which messages are conveyed.

Rhetoric in Social Media: The Digital Influence

The Rhetorical Power of Memes in Political Campaigns
How Influencers Use Rhetoric to Build Their Brand on Instagram
Analyzing the Rhetoric of Cancel Culture on Twitter
The Persuasive Techniques in Viral TikTok Trends
The Role of Pathos in Mental Health Advocacy on Social Media
Rhetorical Strategies in Facebook’s Data Privacy Communications
The Use of Ethos in LinkedIn Professional Branding
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Online Debates

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, and with it, the way rhetoric is used. Whether it’s a viral tweet or a YouTube video, rhetorical analysis can uncover the persuasive tactics that define the digital age.

Public Discourse: Shaping Society

The Rhetoric of Fear in Post-9/11 Political Speeches
Analyzing Ethos in the Me Too Movement’s Public Statements
The Role of Logos in the Gun Control Debate in America
Rhetorical Strategies in the Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Argument
The Persuasive Techniques in Environmental Activism Speeches
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Immigration Reform Debates
Analyzing the Use of Pathos in Campaigns Against Human Trafficking
The Rhetoric of Anti-Vaccination Movements on Social Media
Persuasive Strategies in the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
The Impact of Rhetoric in the Black Lives Matter Movement’s Messaging

Public discourse plays a significant role in shaping societal beliefs and actions. Analyzing the rhetoric used in these discussions reveals how language can mobilize, polarize, and inspire change. By examining these topics, students can gain insight into the power of words in public arenas and their role in societal transformations.

Business and Corporate Communications: The Language of Commerce

Analyzing the Rhetoric in Amazon’s Corporate Social Responsibility Reports
The Use of Ethos in Apple’s Product Launch Presentations
Persuasive Techniques in Nike’s Social Justice Advertising
How Rhetoric is Used in Tesla’s Earnings Calls
The Role of Logos in Corporate Apologies after Scandals
Rhetorical Strategies in Coca-Cola’s Global Advertising Campaigns
Analyzing Pathos in Charity Appeals by Large Corporations
The Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Fortune 500 Companies’ Diversity Statements
The Impact of Rhetoric in Anti-Smoking Campaigns by Big Tobacco
Persuasive Techniques in Pharmaceutical Industry Advertising

Corporate communications are carefully crafted to influence public perception, consumer behavior, and shareholder confidence. By analyzing the rhetoric in business contexts, students can understand how companies use language to build brand loyalty, manage crises, and navigate the competitive market.

Cultural Movements: The Power of Collective Voice

Analyzing the Rhetoric in the Feminist Movement’s Key Texts
The Use of Ethos in the Civil Rights Movement’s Leadership Speeches
Rhetorical Strategies in the Gay Rights Movement’s Historic Campaigns
The Role of Pathos in the Anti-Apartheid Movement
Persuasive Techniques in the Native American Rights Movement
Analyzing Logos in the Disability Rights Movement’s Advocacy
The Rhetoric of Solidarity in the Labor Union Movement
The Impact of Rhetoric in the Anti-War Movement during the Vietnam Era
Persuasive Strategies in the Global Human Rights Movement
The Role of Social Media Rhetoric in the Arab Spring

Cultural movements are often driven by powerful rhetoric that rallies support and fosters a sense of unity. Analyzing these movements offers valuable insights into how language can drive social change and empower marginalized communities to voice their demands.

Education and Academia: Rhetoric in Learning

The Use of Rhetoric in Educational Policy Debates
Analyzing Ethos in University Commencement Speeches
Persuasive Techniques in the Debate Over Standardized Testing
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Opinion on Charter Schools
The Role of Pathos in Advocating for Higher Education Funding
Rhetorical Strategies in the Fight for Free College Tuition
Analyzing the Use of Logos in Academic Research Presentations
The Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Diversity and Inclusion Statements
Persuasive Techniques in Promoting STEM Education
The Impact of Rhetoric in the Debate Over Student Loan Forgiveness

Education and academia are fertile grounds for rhetorical analysis, as debates over policy, funding, and access to education often hinge on the effective use of language. By examining these topics, students can explore how rhetoric is used to advocate for educational reforms and shape public discourse around learning.

Health and Medicine: Persuasion in Public Health

The Rhetoric of Fear in Anti-Smoking Campaigns
Analyzing Pathos in Public Health Campaigns Against Obesity
The Role of Ethos in Vaccine Promotion Efforts
Persuasive Strategies in Anti-Drug Campaigns
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception of Mental Health Issues
The Use of Logos in Debates Over Universal Healthcare
Analyzing the Rhetoric of Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life in Reproductive Health
The Impact of Rhetoric in Anti-AIDS Campaigns in the 1980s
Persuasive Techniques in Government Health Warnings on Tobacco Products
The Rhetoric of Wellness in Alternative Medicine Promotions

Tips for Writing Your Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About: If you’re interested in the topic, it’ll be easier to write and more engaging for your readers.
Identify the Rhetorical Strategies Used: Look for examples of ethos, pathos, and logos, and analyze how effective they are.
Support Your Analysis with Examples: Always back up your points with evidence from the text, speech, or media you’re analyzing.
Keep Your Audience in Mind: Consider who will be reading your essay and tailor your analysis to their interests and knowledge level.
Revise and Edit: Always leave time to go back and refine your essay. A polished essay will make a stronger impression.

Finding the right rhetorical analysis essay topic is the first step towards crafting a compelling essay. Whether you’re analyzing a classic novel, a modern film, or a political speech, the key is to dig deep and uncover the persuasive techniques at play. With the topics listed above, you’re well on your way to writing an essay that not only meets your academic requirements but also engages and enlightens your readers. Happy writing!

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How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose

Published on July 21, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 5, 2023.

Every paragraph in your paper needs a topic sentence . The topic sentence expresses what the paragraph is about. It should include two key things:

The topic of the paragraph
The central point of the paragraph.

After the topic sentence, you expand on the point zwith evidence and examples.

To build a well-structured argument, you can also use your topic sentences to transition smoothly between paragraphs and show the connections between your points.

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Writing strong topic sentences, topic sentences as transitions between paragraphs, topic sentences that introduce more than one paragraph, where does the topic sentence go, frequently asked questions about topic sentences.

Topic sentences aren’t the first or the last thing you write—you’ll develop them throughout the writing process. To make sure every topic sentence and paragraph serves your argument, follow these steps.

Step 1: Write a thesis statement

The first step to developing your topic sentences is to make sure you have a strong thesis statement . The thesis statement sums up the purpose and argument of the whole paper.

Thesis statement example

Food is an increasingly urgent environmental issue, and to reduce humans’ impact on the planet, it is necessary to change global patterns of food production and consumption.

Step 2: Make an essay outline and draft topic sentences

Next, you should make an outline of your essay’s structure , planning what you want to say in each paragraph and what evidence you’ll use.

At this stage, you can draft a topic sentence that sums up the main point you want to make in each paragraph. The topic sentences should be more specific than the thesis statement, but always clearly related to it.

Topic sentence example

Research has consistently shown that the meat industry has a significant environmental impact .

Step 3: Expand with evidence

The rest of the paragraph should flow logically from the topic sentence, expanding on the point with evidence, examples, or argumentation. This helps keep your paragraphs focused: everything you write should relate to the central idea expressed in the topic sentence.

In our example, you might mention specific research studies and statistics that support your point about the overall impact of the meat industry.

Step 4: Refine your topic sentences

Topic sentences usually start out as simple statements. But it’s important to revise them as you write, making sure they match the content of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence is specific enough to give a clear sense of what to expect from the paragraph, but general enough that it doesn’t give everything away. You can think of it like a signpost: it should tell the reader which direction your argument is going in.

To make your writing stronger and ensure the connections between your paragraphs are clear and logical, you can also use topic sentences to create smooth transitions. To improve sentence flow even more, you can also utilize the paraphrase tool .

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As you write each topic sentence, ask yourself: how does this point relate to what you wrote in the preceding paragraph? It’s often helpful to use transition words in your topic sentences to show the connections between your ideas.

Emphasize and expand

If the paragraph goes into more detail or gives another example to make the same point, the topic sentence can use words that imply emphasis or similarity (for example, furthermore , indeed , in fact , also ).

Indeed , cattle farming alone is responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions.

Summarize and anticipate

If the paragraph turns to a different aspect of the same subject, the topic sentence can briefly sum up the previous paragraph and anticipate the new information that will appear in this one.

While beef clearly has the most dramatic footprint, other animal products also have serious impacts in terms of emissions, water and land use.

Compare and contrast

If the paragraph makes a comparison or introduces contrasting information, the topic sentence can use words that highlight difference or conflict (for example, in contrast , however , yet , on the other hand ).

However , the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

You can also imply contrast or complicate your argument by formulating the topic sentence as a question.

Is veganism the only solution, or are there more sustainable ways of producing meat and dairy?

Sometimes you can use a topic sentence to introduce several paragraphs at once.

All of the examples above address the environmental impact of meat-eating versus veganism. Together, they make up one coherent part of a larger argument, so the first paragraph could use a topic sentence to introduce the whole section.

In countries with high levels of meat consumption, a move towards plant-based diets is the most obvious route to making food more sustainable. Research has consistently shown that the meat industry has significant environmental impacts.

The topic sentence usually goes at the very start of a paragraph, but sometimes it can come later to indicate a change of direction in the paragraph’s argument.

Given this evidence of the meat industry’s impact on the planet, veganism seems like the only environmentally responsible option for consumers. However, the environmental costs of dietary choices are not always clear-cut; in some cases, small-scale livestock farming is more sustainable than plant-based food production.

In this example, the first sentence summarizes the main point that has been made so far. Then the topic sentence indicates that this paragraph will address evidence that complicates or contradicts that point.

In more advanced or creative forms of academic writing , you can play with the placement of topic sentences to build suspense and give your arguments more force. But if in doubt, to keep your research paper clear and focused, the easiest method is to place the topic sentence at the start of the paragraph.

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A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

Topic sentences help keep your writing focused and guide the reader through your argument.

In an essay or paper , each paragraph should focus on a single idea. By stating the main idea in the topic sentence, you clarify what the paragraph is about for both yourself and your reader.

The topic sentence usually comes at the very start of the paragraph .

However, sometimes you might start with a transition sentence to summarize what was discussed in previous paragraphs, followed by the topic sentence that expresses the focus of the current paragraph.

Let’s say you’re writing a five-paragraph essay about the environmental impacts of dietary choices. Here are three examples of topic sentences you could use for each of the three body paragraphs :

Research has shown that the meat industry has severe environmental impacts.
However, many plant-based foods are also produced in environmentally damaging ways.
It’s important to consider not only what type of diet we eat, but where our food comes from and how it is produced.

Each of these sentences expresses one main idea – by listing them in order, we can see the overall structure of the essay at a glance. Each paragraph will expand on the topic sentence with relevant detail, evidence, and arguments.

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