What are some strong argumentative essay topics for college applications or classes?

You’re absolutely right to look beyond the most frequently chosen argumentative essay topics. Teachers and admissions readers see essays on gun control and abortion all the time, so picking something specific or with an original angle can really make your essay stand out.

Given your interests in social issues, tech, and education, here are some fresh and thoughtful ideas you might consider:

1. Should AI-generated content be regulated in academic settings? You can explore academic honesty, implications for learning, and the challenge of defining original work in this era.

2. Are social media platforms responsible for the mental health of their users? Instead of just rehashing that social media affects people’s well-being, argue about the role and limits of corporate responsibility.

3. Should college admissions continue to use standardized test scores, or are there better ways to predict student success? This takes a classic education issue but lets you get specific, perhaps backing up your stance with stats or recent policy changes.

4. The role of coding or tech literacy as a mandatory high school requirement. Is it essential for all students, or does it create new disparities?

5. Should schools ban smartphone use entirely during school hours? You could take a nuanced stance here, considering productivity, learning, and student autonomy.

One way to develop a strong argumentative angle is to start with a broad issue, then zoom in on a recent event or a less-discussed facet of the topic. For example, rather than a generic essay on education reform, you could argue that remote learning during the pandemic revealed specific inequities that schools are now ethically obligated to address.

A former student of mine, who was interested in both tech and social justice, argued that facial recognition software should not be allowed in public schools until racial bias issues are resolved. Their essay stood out because they weren’t just repeating general privacy concerns—they zoomed in on one relevant, specific application with immediate consequences for real people.

Try to tie your own experiences or observations to the topic. Maybe you noticed how AI tools affected group work in class, or how your school handled tech disparities during remote learning. Bringing in a personal anecdote can give your argument authenticity and help it resonate.

Avoid overly broad or heavily moral topics unless you offer a truly fresh perspective or have a unique personal connection. When in doubt, think specific, current, and nuanced. Good luck!