{"id":6694,"date":"2018-09-17T17:00:58","date_gmt":"2018-09-18T00:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?post_type=essay-writing-blog&p=6694"},"modified":"2018-07-02T09:27:31","modified_gmt":"2018-07-02T16:27:31","slug":"discursive-essay-topics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/discursive-essay-topics\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Discursive Essay Topics That Make the Grade"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re assigned to write an essay, you usually have two options when it comes to topics. Your prof either says, \u201cWrite about one of these assigned topics,\u201d or, \u201cPick something, and write about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are advantages and disadvantages to both.<\/p>\n

On the plus side, if you\u2019re assigned a topic, you don\u2019t have to spend time trying to figure out what to write about. But on minus side, you\u2019re often forced to write about something that you may have little or no interest in.<\/p>\n

If you can choose <\/i>your own topic, you may spend a long time selecting and narrowing a topic<\/a>–definitely on the minus side. But on the plus side, you usually end up with something you have at least some <\/i>interest in writing about.<\/p>\n

The fact that you can ponder whether it\u2019s better to have an essay topic assigned or to choose your own topic leads me to the subject of this post: discursive essays<\/a> and discursive essay topics.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re trying to choose a topic for your discursive essay (and you don\u2019t want to write about whether essay topics should even be assigned), here are 20 discursive essay topics for your next paper.<\/p>\n

20 Discursive Essay Topics That Make the Grade<\/h2>\n

Need a quick reminder of how a discursive essay works?<\/p>\n

Remember, this type of essay presents both <\/i>sides of an argument and then states your stance. When choosing a topic for your discursive essay, it\u2019s therefore important to pick something a little controversial<\/a>–or at least debatable.<\/p>\n

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When picking a discursive essay topic, pick something a little controversial–or at least debatable.<\/a><\/div>\n

Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n

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I\u2019ve divided this list of topics into four categories for easy reference and included a few points about each side of the argument to help you get started on developing your paper.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve linked topics 1-16 to a related argumentative essay<\/a> or discursive essay to give you a few ideas of what a complete essay might look like.<\/p>\n

Topics 17-20 are topics that generally won\u2019t require research<\/a>, but I\u2019ve still provided a link to a related article that might help spark your creative genius.<\/p>\n

Health\/Wellness<\/h3>\n

Discursive essay topic #1: Do energy drinks pose health risks to people under 18?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Many swear by energy drinks and the boost of energy from caffeine they provide, but others claim that such high levels of caffeine are too dangerous for young people.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #2: Should GMOs be permitted in food?<\/a><\/h4>\n

While some feel that GMOs are harmless and are essential to providing the world with an ample supply of food, others argue that GMOs are not safe because they pose serious health risks.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #3: Do all adults need eight hours of sleep each night?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Many experts state that adults require eight hours of sleep to stay healthy. But others argue that sleep needs vary, and some people may require fewer (or even more) hours of restful sleep each night.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #4: Is technology addiction a real addiction?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Some believe that technology<\/a> is a tool and that limiting technology use is simply a matter of putting down the gaming system, tablet, or phone. Yet others argue that tech addiction<\/a> is real. They claim people need professional medical treatment to manage their addictions.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #7: Is the military\u2019s use of drones an invasion of privacy?<\/a><\/h4>\n

The military can use drones to safely surveil dangerous areas and unmanned drones in areas where it’s unsafe for personnel.<\/p>\n

However, some believe that this technology comes at a price as the drones can invade privacy and may be more likely to harm innocent civilians.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #8: Should public places, such as restaurants and libraries, use internet filters?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Internet filters are used in public places to keep users from objectionable sites. Some believe this filtering helps keep people (mainly children) safe, while others feel that internet filters are censorship.<\/p>\n

Environment<\/h3>\n

Discursive essay topic #9: Should offshore drilling be expanded?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Proponents of offshore drilling argue that expanding operations will further reduce dependence on foreign oil, create more jobs, and lower fuel costs.<\/p>\n

Opponents, however, argue that it is too risky. They think that oil rig jobs are dangerous and that oil spills are extremely likely.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #10: Are you helping the environment by recycling your household waste?<\/a><\/h4>\n

If you recycle your frozen pizza boxes, water bottles, and junk mail, you likely feel that every little bit helps. You see it as doing your part to save the planet.<\/p>\n

Those who don\u2019t recycle, though, often believe that our household recycling still ends up in landfills. Even if these items did get recycled, they argue, it would do very little to actually solve the problem.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #11: Should the EPA roll back emissions standards for vehicles?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Many believe that rolling back current emissions standards would be a setback for the environment<\/a> as it would create additional air pollution.<\/p>\n

Others, however, feel that the standards are already too strict and that rolling back emissions standards would jump-start the auto industry.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #12: Are plastic water bottles destroying the environment?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Some statistics estimate that 80% of water bottles end up in landfills. Thus, people argue that water bottles are causing landfills to overflow. The bottles are not only wasting natural resources but also polluting the planet<\/a>. (It can take 1,000 years for a bottle to decompose.)<\/p>\n

While many concede that filing landfills isn\u2019t the best option, they don\u2019t believe that plastic water bottles are any more damaging than other products that end up in the landfill.<\/p>\n

Social media<\/h3>\n

Discursive essay topic #13: social media<\/a> damages self-esteem because too many people compare themselves to others, creating unreasonable expectations and lowering self-esteem.\n

Discursive essay topic #14: Are dating websites a good place to meet potential romantic partners?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Many people (especially those who use dating websites) swear by the effectiveness of the sites as they allow people to connect based on shared interests. Others argue that dating websites are too dangerous as there\u2019s no way of knowing who is actually behind the screen.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #15: Is a social media presence necessary in order for a small business to succeed?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Some feel that, without a social media presence, small businesses<\/a> cannot effectively promote their products and cannot connect with their customers (especially younger customers).<\/p>\n

There are many, however, who feel that social media isn\u2019t a necessity. They feel that traditional marketing, including word-of-mouth, is the best way to market a business and increase its customer base.<\/p>\n\t

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Stuck on Your Essay?<\/div>\n\t\t\t
Check out thousands of example essays.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Discursive essay topic #16: Does use of social media impact academic performance?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Social media users often feel that they use social media responsibly and that it doesn\u2019t hinder any aspect of their lives, including academic performance.<\/p>\n

However, many (including professors) often see social media use in the classroom as problematic. They feel that this distraction causes students to miss out on important course information and thus harms academic performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On the lighter side<\/h3>\n

Discursive essay topic #17: Are goldfish better pets than cats or dogs?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Fish fans unite! Some believe that fish are better pets than any cat or dog. Fish don\u2019t have to be walked, don\u2019t destroy your furniture, and don\u2019t require a trip to the vet.<\/p>\n

Cat and dog lovers might argue that dogs or cats are far superior pets to goldfish. Goldfish can\u2019t go for a walk with you or happily greet you when you come home from work. Goldfish are awfully hard to snuggle up on the couch with too!<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #18: Should clothes labeled as activewear be worn as casual wear?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Those who live in yoga pants would certainly claim that they should <\/i>be worn as casual clothing. After all, it\u2019s a common fashion trend. Plus, who wouldn\u2019t want to be comfortable all day?<\/p>\n

Those who disagree with the fashion trend claim that yoga pants and activewear should strictly be used for yoga and other physical activities. They argue that activeware is not appropriate for casual wear.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #19: Is soup a meal?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Fans of the classic sitcom Seinfeld <\/i>will remember an episode in which Jerry and a friend, Bania, argue whether soup actually constitutes a meal. Some will side with Bania, claiming that soup is a first course or a side dish. It cannot be considered a full meal.<\/p>\n

Those who side with Jerry claim that soup can be a filling, hearty meal, especially if it contains rice, chicken, beef, and\/or pasta.<\/p>\n

Discursive essay topic #20: Is it better to watch a movie on the big screen or in your home?<\/a><\/h4>\n

Movie theater fans love nothing more than to enjoy a movie surrounded by a crowd. They enjoy the experience of seeing a movie<\/a> on the big screen and munching on theater popcorn. They claim it\u2019s the only way to see a movie.<\/p>\n

Those who prefer to watch a movie at home claim that it\u2019s much cheaper to stream a movie and microwave a bag of popcorn.<\/p>\n

For this group of people, watching a movie in a crowd is a hassle because they feel someone always ruins the experience (by talking or using a cellphone). They would much rather watch from the comfort of their couches.<\/p>\n

Making the Grade<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve settled on a topic for your discursive essay but can\u2019t figure out how to move forward, make sure to follow the writing process<\/a>. Start by using an outline<\/a> or graphic organizer<\/a> to help organize and develop ideas.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve drafted your paper, your work still isn\u2019t complete. Try a reverse outline<\/a>. This can help you see whether your…<\/p>\n