As an experienced elementary school teacher in sydney over the years I have seen firsthand effect of argumentative writing on children and teens. Argumentative writing can shape the minds of middle schooler and enhance their cognitive abilities.
Also read my 20 Creative Middle School Journal Prompt ideas to improve your children creativity and imagination.
So, argumentative essays generally follow one of these three formats – Classical model, the Toulmin model, or the Rogerian model.
Parents and teachers must teach middle school students to use any of these methods to write a persuasive essay or paper. Ardumentative writing fosters methodical way of writing and researching a topic.
My colleagues at Parental Daily have also covered best learning apps, educational apps, reading apps and pre-school apps.
It teaches students to evaluate claims and methods based on evidence – teaching young genaration to have a clarity in their thoughts and articulate their thoughts towards an idea or topic accurately.
When I was in Middle school my english teacher used to give us comprehenssions, essay writings, and journal writing so that we can articulate our thoughts well and put forth our personal views on a contreversial topic like country economy, unemployment, state of politics in our country and other argumentative topics which let you explore and question the reality around you.
Also make sure that your kids read these books – Books for Teen Girls and 10 Best Books for 12 Year Olds and free reading apps to enhance your kid’s cognitive ability. Parmjit Sudan, Parenting editor at Parental Daily, has covered 9 Toddler cognitive development activities that a parent or teacher must try.
I remember that writing those argumentative essays were thought provoking. I always felt like an investigative journalist while writing those essays during my middle school years as I have to explore every angle of the topic – from it’s drawbacks to it’s vitality and consequences in the future.
I’m here to share my insights on interesting and thought-provoking argumentative essay topics that can engage your middle school child.
These topics aren’t just about teaching young children and teens how to construct an argument or win an argument. The real essence of argumentative writing if you ask me is, “that it can kindle curiosity and encourage pupils to think critically about the world.”
Argumentative essay topics for middle school students can include various topics from different number of fields including; from common school-related subjects such as school uniforms, the role of physical education, or the quality of school lunch, to broader societal issues such as the minimum wage, the death penalty, or whether the United States is ready for a female president.
All these topics allow pupils to analyze different perspectives, share their personal opinion, strengthen their reasoning skills, use cirtical thinking, articulate ideas and thoughts correctly, and assert their point of view.
From my experience, giving students the to their choose freedom topic can increase their engagement in the task.
Here are my top 37 argumentative essay topics, designed to engage your middle schooler:
| Statistic | Percentage/Number |
|---|---|
| Students eating school lunches daily | > 30 million |
| Physically active students due to physical education | Higher likelihood |
| High school students physically active for ≥60 mins/day | 19% |
| Students skipping school daily due to bullying | 160,000 |
| Middle school students with cell phones | Nearly 70% |
| Middle school students spending >2 hours/day on social media | > 50% |
| Public schools requiring uniforms | 25% |
| Americans supporting the death penalty | Nearly 60% |
| Americans against selling junk food in schools | > 60% |
| Americans supporting a minimum wage increase | > 80% |
| Americans favoring physical education for middle schoolers | > 90% |
| Americans against student cell phone use during class | 70% |
| Americans ready for a female president | > 80% |
| Overweight or obese American children/adolescents | > 30% |
| Parents believing child’s screen time affects mental health | > 60% |
| Last federal minimum wage increase (as of 2021) | 2009 |
| American high school students eating junk food daily | > 50% |
1. The Importance of Physical Education
Should physical education be a mandatory part of the school curriculum? This topic invites students to share their points of view on the role of gym class in the overall educational experience.
Physical activity is important for kids and teens. We’ve covered various sports on this blog such as hoverboarding, football and golf. You can check top kids Golf Club Sets, football helmets, hoverboard for kids, and electric scooters to keep your children physically active and mentally strong.
Young kids can also play with outdoor toys to take part in a physical activity.
Fact: Students who study physical education are more likely to be physically active outside of school.
Physical education should be a required class for all public school students.
– Nora Wiium
2. Junk Food and School Lunch
Should schools ban junk food in school lunches? This provokes a debate about health, nutrition, and the responsibility of public schools in promoting healthy eating habits.
Fact: Over 30 million students in the United States eat school lunches every day.
Junk food should not be sold in schools.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/michelle-obama-proposes-ban-on-in-school-junk-food-marketing/
– Michelle Obama
3. Dress Code: School Uniforms
Do school uniforms contribute to a more disciplined learning environment, or do they stifle individuality? This topic encourages students to argue for or against the implementation of school uniforms.
4. The Role of Social Media in Education
Is social media a beneficial learning tool or a distraction for middle schoolers? Students can discuss the pros and cons of integrating social media into education.
5. Cell Phones in School
Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom? This topic asks students to consider the implications of technology in the classroom, including distractions versus the potential for educational apps and internet access for research purposes.
You can check which phones are best for kids, in case you really want to get a phone for your teenager to know their whereabouts at all times. You can also check – recommended apple watch, smartwatch and camera for kids.
Fact: Nearly 70% of middle school students in the United States have a cell phone.
Cell phones should be allowed in schools for emergency purposes.
– Randi Weingarten
6. Screen Time Limitations
Should there be a limit on screen time for middle schoolers? Here, students can argue about the impact of excessive screen time on health, academic performance, and social skills.
Screen time can have negative effects on children’s development and well-being.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens
– American Academy of Pediatrics
7. The Death Penalty
Although a serious topic even for high school students, this can lead to a deep discussion about justice, morality, and the value of human life in the United States.
8. The Case for a Female President
Is the United States ready for a female president? This controversial topic invites students to explore gender equality and political leadership.
9. The Minimum Wage Debate
Should the minimum wage be raised? This topic can open a dialogue about economics, living standards, and work ethics.
Fact: The federal minimum wage in the United States has not been raised since 2009.
Minimum wage should be increased to provide a living wage for all workers.
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-scott-29-democratic-senators-introduce-legislation-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-to-17-by-2028-benefitting-nearly-28-million-workers-across-america/
– Bernie Sanders
10. Internet Access: A Right or Privilege?
Should internet access be considered a basic human right? This argumentative topic allows students to consider the role of the internet in society, access to information, and digital divide issues.
11. The Necessity of Physical Education
Should physical education be made mandatory in all schools? Students can explore the advantages and disadvantages of gym class in public schools, from the point of view of health benefits to the potential for injury or embarrassment.
12. The Junk Food Conundrum
Is banning junk food in schools a desirable measure? Middle schoolers can delve into the impact of school lunch choices on students’ health, and debate the role of school authorities in regulating these choices.
Fact: Over 30% of American children and adolescents are overweight or obese.
School lunch programs should prioritize healthy and nutritious options for students.
– Jamie Oliver
13. High School Entry Age
Should the age for entering high school be raised or lowered? This topic encourages students to weigh the academic, emotional, and social impacts of such a shift.
14. The Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty
Many states in the United States still retain the death penalty. Should it be abolished? Students can argue the ethics, effectiveness, and potential for wrongful convictions associated with this severe form of punishment.
15. Ready for a Female President
Is the United States ready for a female president? This argumentative topic allows students to consider gender equality, representation, and the country’s readiness for change at the highest level.
Fact: More than 80% of Americans believe that the United States is ready for a female president.
16. The Debate around School Uniforms
Are school uniforms necessary? This topic allows students to present their views on individual expression, equality, and discipline related to school uniforms.
17. The Impact of Screen Time
Should there be a limit on screen time for middle schoolers? Students can argue the impact of screen time on health, academics, and social life, and consider potential regulations.
18. Social Media and Teens
Does social media have more positive or negative impacts on teens? This topic allows teens to explore their own experiences with social media and consider its influence on mental health, relationships, and self-image.
19. Raising the Minimum Wage
Should the minimum wage be raised? Students can explore the economic implications of this issue, considering the potential benefits for workers and the possible drawbacks for businesses and the economy.
20. Cell Phones in School
Should cell phones be allowed in school? Students can consider the potential for distraction, the benefits for learning, and the issue of privacy and safety.
21. The Role of Internet Access
Should internet access be considered a basic human right? This argumentative topic allows students to consider the role of the internet in society, access to information, and digital divide issues.
22. The Role of Social Media in Today’s Society
Is social media a blessing or a curse? This topic encourages students to discuss the positive and negative effects of social media on individuals and society as a whole. They can explore issues such as cyberbullying, privacy, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.
23. The Necessity of Gym Class in Schools
With the rise of childhood obesity, should physical education be made mandatory in public schools? This topic enables students to argue about the importance of gym class in promoting fitness and healthy lifestyle among school students.
24. Junk Food and School Lunch
Should junk food be banned from school lunches? Students can argue about the nutritional value of school lunch, the role of schools in promoting healthy eating, and the practicality of implementing such a ban.
Fact: Over 60% of Americans believe that junk food should not be sold in schools.
25. The Importance of Wearing School Uniforms
Does wearing school uniforms foster discipline and equality among students? Or does it infringe upon their right to self-expression? This topic allows students to argue about the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools.
Fact: Only 25% of public schools in the United States require students to wear uniforms.
26. The Role of Cell Phones in Schools
Should cell phones be allowed in schools? This topic encourages students to discuss the potential benefits and distractions brought by cell phones. They can explore issues such as screen time, learning efficiency, and cyberbullying.
27. Is America Ready for a Female President?
This topic challenges students to consider gender issues in politics. They can argue about the progress made towards gender equality in the United States and whether the country is ready for a female president.
28. The Ethics of the Death Penalty
Should the death penalty be abolished? Students can explore this highly controversial issue from various points of view, discussing the moral, legal, and practical implications of capital punishment.
Fact: Nearly 60% of Americans support the death penalty.
29. The Debate Over Minimum Wage
Should the minimum wage be raised? Pupils can explore the economic, social, and political aspects of the minimum wage debate. They can consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of raising the minimum wage. While researching the topic they can also learn various ways of earning money from a very young age.
Fact: More than 80% of Americans support a minimum wage increase.
30. The Impact of Screen Time on Middle Schoolers
How does screen time affect middle schoolers’ physical and mental health? Students can argue about the potential harms and benefits of screen time, and discuss whether there should be limits on screen time for middle schoolers.
31. Should internet access be a basic right?
Students can argue about the role of the internet in today’s society and whether it should be accessible to everyone.
32. Is social media doing more harm than good?
Students can discuss the impact of social media on mental health, relationships, and productivity.
33. Is it necessary to learn a second language in high school?
Discuss the benefits and challenges of learning a second language. Like, I know three languages fluently – Panjabi, English and Hindi. Being multi-lingual makes you more open to conversations and dialogues with other cultures thus improving your intercultural communication skills.
34. Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts?
Pupils can discuss privacy issues in the digital age and the role of parents in monitoring their children’s online activities. Like parental control apps, location tracking apps, GPS tracking devices and more.
35. Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
Students can discuss the pros and cons of homeschooling versus traditional school. They can also share their parents views in their essays.
36. Should humans colonize other planets?
Students can discuss the feasibility and ethical implications of space colonization. They can watch and refer to various scientific journals, online videos and authority blogs to put forth their views.
37. Does climate change deserve more attention in schools?
Pupils can argue about the importance of education on climate change, and how it can help in mitigating the issue. My middle school curriculum had environmental sciences subject which I liked a lot.
Meet Jeninder Kaur, an accomplished individual who has seamlessly blended her passion for education with her academic background in finance. Currently residing in the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia, Jeninder holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from University of the Sunshine Coast. Her unique journey has led her to a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher at Montessori Academy in Burwood, where she brings her expertise and dedication to the forefront of education.
Jeninder’s commitment to nurturing young minds is apparent in her role as an elementary school teacher. Her understanding of financial concepts, combined with her teaching skills, allows her to impart knowledge in a holistic and engaging manner. With a foundation in finance, she brings a fresh perspective to the classroom, fostering a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to think critically and understand real-world concepts.
Beyond her academic achievements and professional endeavors, Jeninder’s warm and approachable demeanor creates a welcoming space for her students to thrive. Her enthusiasm for education and her unique background make her a true asset to both her students and the education community.
In her free time, Jeninder enjoys exploring the diverse cultural offerings of Sydney, further enriching her experiences and perspectives. Her journey continues to inspire those around her, as she exemplifies the fusion of expertise and passion in her pursuit of excellence in education.
Jeninder Kaur’s story serves as an inspiration to all, highlighting the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved by embracing diverse interests and channeling them into a purposeful career.