Selecting effective topics for argumentative essays

¶ … student to investigate a topic and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner" (Purdue OWL, 2013). Thus, a prerequisite for an argumentative topic is that it must be sufficiently complex and nuanced as to require research, and compelling enough that there is relevance to establishing a position on the topic. A bad argumentative essay, for example, might be "American children should learn English," because there is no real substance to the position. Nobody would dispute the claim, and there is nobody that needs to be convinced of it. "American children should learn Spanish" is a far more complex and nuanced subject and is therefore much better suited to an argumentative essay.

To find a good topic, it is best to look for topics where there are at least two clear positions that can be juxtaposed with each other (Fleming, 2013). The above topic "American children should learn Spanish' can be argued effectively from two different perspectives. Furthermore, there is nuance to the argument that can be incorporated into the research and discussion. For example, there could be contingent factors such as location -- one could argue that a child in Miami or Albuquerque should learn Spanish but this requirement is illogical for children in Madison or Portland, Maine. Where nuance, complexity and multiple perspectives exist there is opportunity for an effective argumentative essay. I would build the essay around the thesis that American children should learn Spanish, because taking a stance contrary to social norms will make for a more compelling argumentative essay, if I can prove the point effectively. The argument will probably have to juxtapose a pragmatic perspective with a principled perspective.

Another trait of a good argumentative essay is that it grabs attention. Some subjects are just too boring to be effective. One could argue the merits of underhand vs. overhand hanging of toilet paper, but unless the context is humorous there is little here to grab the reader. It is important, therefore, to seek out topics that are topical. The legalization of recreational marijuana is a topic that is both socially and politically relevant. Furthermore, it is nuanced and one can take a strong position on this subject. I would again argue the position contrary to the prevailing norms. I would take the position that recreational marijuana use should be legalized, and retroactively so that hundreds of thousands of Americans can have their criminal records pardoned. Again, this is an argument that will contrast a pragmatic and ethical approach against the prevailing norms, which also rest on ethics.