controversial definition essay

Definition Essay Topics: The Best Selections

In the ever-evolving landscape of academic writing, the definition essay topic has emerged as a versatile and dynamic form of expression. However, what many may find surprising is that the roots of this genre trace back to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates engaged in dialectical conversations to uncover the true essence of abstract concepts. These early philosophical dialogues laid the foundation for the modern definition essay, a genre that continues to thrive today, with topics ranging from profound metaphysical inquiries to the analysis of everyday concepts that shape our lives.

Definition Essay Topics: Short Description

In this article, you'll embark on a learning journey to grasp the ins and outs of what makes a definition essay unique. We'll guide you through the art of crafting these essays, providing you with the essential skills and techniques to express your ideas effectively. But that's not all – our platform, where you have the option to buy essay online , will also open the door to a world of inspiration with a plethora of engaging topic suggestions and enlightening example essays. With this resource at your fingertips, you're poised to become a confident and skilled at writing a definition essay in no time!

What is Definition Essay

At first glance, a definition essay might seem like the most straightforward form of writing. After all, it's right there in the name, isn't it? You define something, and you're done! Well, not quite. While the basic premise is to provide a clear and concise explanation of a particular term or concept, the true artistry of your definition custom essays lies in its ability to transcend mere dictionary definitions. It's a form of linguistic gymnastics, a quest to unlock the multifaceted nature of words and ideas.

Consider this: Is a tree merely a collection of roots, branches, leaves, and bark? Or is it something more profound? Exploring a topic for a definition essay ventures beyond the ordinary to dissect these elements, exploring their significance, historical context, and even their emotional resonance. It delves into the nuances, exposing the rich tapestry of meanings that a single word can carry.

One of the most alluring aspects of the definition essay topics is its dance with ambiguity. Words are not always neatly packaged entities; they often morph with time and context. What was once a straightforward term can evolve into a complex, multidimensional concept. This essay form allows writers to revel in this ambiguity, to question and examine the ever-shifting boundaries of language.

When generating captivating definition research paper topics , these concise points can serve as a starting point:

Cultural Shifts : Investigate how societal changes reshape a term's meaning.
Controversial Concepts : Explore terms sparking debates with multiple interpretations.
Untranslatable Words : Delve into culturally unique, untranslatable terms.
Morphing in the Digital Age : Examine how digital advancements redefine terminology.
Philosophical Abstractions : Analyze complex philosophical concepts.
Cultural Context : Study how terms vary across cultures and regions.
Concepts in Literature and Art : Explore how artists redefine terms.

Key Aspects of Good Definition Essay Topics

Choosing the right definition essay topic can be as daunting as searching for buried treasure. However, when it comes to writing a definition essay, the quest for the perfect topic becomes an art in itself. So, what are the key aspects of a captivating definition essay topic? Let's embark on this intellectual adventure and unearth the gems hidden within these topics.

Complexity and Depth : Much like when learning how to write a hook for an essay , look for terms that aren't just superficial labels but concepts with depth, history, and room for interpretation.
Controversy and Debate : Seek out topics that spark debate and controversy. These are the battlefields of ideas, where multiple perspectives collide.
Relevance and Significance : The best topics are those that resonate with the times. A topic that speaks to the human experience, both past and present, is worth its weight in gold.
Personal Connection : A great definition essay topic often has a personal resonance. This personal connection can infuse your essay with passion and authenticity, making it more engaging for your readers.
Room for Exploration : A good topic should provide ample room for exploration. It shouldn't be so narrow that you run out of things to say after a few paragraphs, nor so broad that it becomes overwhelming.
Intellectual Challenge : Embrace the challenge. A good topic should make you think, question, and dig deeper. It should push you to research, analyze, and perhaps even challenge your own assumptions.
Uniqueness : Finally, strive for uniqueness. While classic topics have their merits, exploring lesser-known terms or offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path can make your essay stand out.

How To Choose Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the perfect words for your paper can be a formidable task. Here's a guide to help you navigate this linguistic maze:

Embrace Complexity : Don't settle for words with a single, straightforward meaning. Opt for terms that invite you to flex your writing muscles and showcase your subject expertise.
Stir Debate : Seek words that thrive on controversy within varying contexts. A great definition essay thrives on the debates surrounding the term, so choose words that spark discussions.
Build Your Lexicon : Create a repository of potential definition essay topic ideas, especially when your instructor leaves the choice up to you. Having a list ready ensures you're never short of intriguing subjects.
Multiple Meanings : Delve into the richness of language by exploring words with multiple meanings. They offer a canvas for you to paint multifaceted portraits of ideas, pushing your writing to new heights.

Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Having a captivating topic at your disposal is like holding the key to unlocking a world of ideas. It's your ticket to dive deep into a subject, concept, or notion and let your creativity soar. Below, you'll find an endless list of captivating topic ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your writing journey. So, let your exploration begin!

Ready to Redefine Essay Excellence with Our Word Wizards?

Don't delay; let's sculpt your definition essay into a masterpiece of wordsmithery!

Send us your request and be sure that you’ll receive a definition essay on any topic of the highest quality within the set timeframe!Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Cybersecurity: Explore the evolving concept of cybersecurity in the digital age and its importance in safeguarding information.
Cancel Culture: Analyze the phenomenon of 'cancel culture' and its impact on freedom of speech and public figures.
Sustainable Living: Define what it means to live sustainably and how individuals can make environmentally conscious choices.
Mental Health Stigma: Investigate the stigma surrounding mental health and how it affects individuals and society.
Intersectionality: Delve into the concept of intersectionality, examining how various social identities intersect and influence a person's experiences.
Artificial Intelligence: Define the ever-expanding world of artificial intelligence and its implications for society, ethics, and employment.
Cultural Appropriation: Explore the nuances of cultural appropriation in fashion, art, and entertainment industries.
The Gig Economy: Define the gig economy and its impact on the traditional job market and workers' rights.
Gender Fluidity: Analyze the concept of gender fluidity and how it challenges traditional gender norms.
Cryptocurrency: Define the world of cryptocurrency and its potential to reshape the financial landscape.
Climate Change: Explore the concept of climate change and its far-reaching effects on the planet, ecosystems, and human societies.
Body Positivity: Examine the body positivity movement and its role in redefining beauty standards and self-esteem.
Online Privacy: Define online privacy in the digital age and discuss the ethical implications of data collection and surveillance.
Civic Engagement: Analyze the concept of civic engagement and its importance in modern democracies, focusing on youth involvement.
Minimalism: Explore the philosophy of minimalism and its impact on lifestyle, consumerism, and sustainability.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Procrastination: Define the art of procrastination and its various stages, from 'productive procrastination' to 'epic procrastination fails.'
Internet Memes: Explore the world of internet memes, their origins, and their role in modern online culture.
Dad Jokes: Define the characteristics of dad jokes and their enduring appeal, even when they make us groan.
The 'Hangry' Phenomenon: Analyze the concept of being 'hangry' (hungry + angry) and its effects on behavior and relationships.
Netflix Binge-Watching: Define the act of binge-watching TV series on Netflix and its impact on productivity and sleep patterns.
The Art of Selfies: Explore the world of selfies and the psychology behind capturing the perfect self-portrait.
Properly Folding Fitted Sheets: Define the elusive skill of folding fitted sheets in a way that doesn't resemble a wad of laundry.
The Perfect Cup of Coffee: Analyze what constitutes the perfect cup of coffee and the rituals surrounding its creation.
Social Media Stalking: Explore the humorous side of social media stalking and the fine line between curiosity and obsession.
Tardiness: Define the concept of 'always late' and the comical excuses that accompany perpetual tardiness.
Pajama Fashion: Examine the trend of wearing pajamas in public and the evolving definition of comfortable fashion.
The 'Unread' Email: Define the ever-expanding category of unread emails in our inboxes and the guilt it carries.
The 'Diet Starts Tomorrow' Mentality: Analyze the humorous cycle of starting a diet 'tomorrow' and the pitfalls of procrastination in healthy living.
Pet Personifications: Explore how pet owners anthropomorphize their pets and the humorous conversations they have with their furry friends.
The 'I'll Just Google It' Approach to DIY: Define the DIY spirit and the humorous consequences of relying on Google for home improvement projects.

Society Definition Essay Topics

Community: Explore the meaning of a 'community' in the digital age and its role in people's lives.
Cultural Diversity: Explore the significance of cultural diversity in contemporary society.
Work-Life Balance: Analyze the concept of work-life balance and its significance in modern society.
Family Dynamics: Explore changing family dynamics and relationships in today's society.
Education Accessibility: Define education accessibility and its impact on social mobility.
Youth Engagement: Analyze the role of youth engagement in shaping the future of societies.
Consumer Culture: Define the influence of consumer culture on societal values and priorities.
Environmental Conservation: Define environmental conservation and its significance in contemporary society.
Online Dating: Analyze the impact of online dating on modern relationships and societal norms.
Volunteerism: Explore the meaning and importance of volunteerism in society today.

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Techlash: Define the concept of 'techlash' - the backlash against big tech companies - and explore its implications for the tech industry and society.
Instafame: Analyze the notion of 'instafame,' where individuals become famous primarily through social media platforms like Instagram.
Eco-Anxiety: Define 'eco-anxiety' and its growing presence in a world grappling with climate change and environmental concerns.
Nomophobia: Explore the term' nomophobia,' or the fear of being without one's mobile phone, and its impact on modern behavior.
Doomscrolling: Analyze the phenomenon of 'doomscrolling,' where individuals obsessively consume negative news and its effects on mental health.
Infodemic: Define 'infodemic,' the overwhelming spread of misinformation during crises, such as pandemics, and its consequences.
Dark Patterns: Define 'dark patterns' in UX design and how they are used to influence user behavior online.
Virtual Learning Fatigue: Explore 'virtual learning fatigue' and the challenges it poses to students during remote education.
Algorithmic Bias: Analyze the issue of 'algorithmic bias' in technology and its impact on fairness and equity in AI systems.
Zoom Fatigue: Define 'Zoom fatigue' and discuss its prevalence in a world increasingly reliant on virtual meetings.
Post-Truth Era: Explore the 'post-truth era,' characterized by the erosion of facts and objective reality in public discourse.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Define 'FOMO' and discuss how it affects decision-making and well-being in the digital age.
Digital Detox: Analyze the concept of a 'digital detox' and its popularity as a way to combat screen addiction and regain mindfulness.
Phubbing: Analyze the term 'phubbing,' or the act of snubbing someone in favor of a mobile phone, and its impact on interpersonal relationships and communication.
Influencer Burnout: Define 'influencer burnout' and examine the pressures and challenges faced by social media influencers in their pursuit of online fame and success.

Common Definition Essay Topics

Friendship: Define the concept of friendship and its characteristics, such as trust, loyalty, and companionship.
Success: Analyze what constitutes success and how it varies from person to person and across cultures.
Love: Define the multifaceted and often complex emotion of love, exploring its different forms and expressions.
Respect: Define respect and its significance in personal relationships, professional settings, and society at large.
Courage: Analyze the concept of courage, discussing acts of bravery and their motivations.
Happiness: Define happiness and explore the factors that contribute to individual happiness and well-being.
Freedom: Analyze the meaning of freedom and its various dimensions, including political, personal, and social freedom.
Justice: Define justice and its role in legal systems, fairness, and the treatment of individuals in society.
Leadership: Explore the qualities and attributes that define effective leadership in various contexts.
Beauty: Define beauty and discuss how perceptions of beauty can be subjective and culturally influenced.

History Definition Essay Topics

Colonialism: Define colonialism and discuss its impact on colonized regions, economies, and cultures.
Renaissance: Analyze the Renaissance period and its contributions to art, literature, and intellectual thought.
Industrial Revolution: Define the Industrial Revolution and its transformative effects on society, labor, and urbanization.
Civil Rights Movement: Explore the Civil Rights Movement and its pursuit of equality and racial justice in the United States.
Feudalism: Define feudalism and its hierarchical social structure during the Middle Ages.
Imperialism: Analyze imperialism and the expansion of European powers into Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Enlightenment: Define the Enlightenment era and its emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights.
World War I: Explore the causes, events, and consequences of World War I on a global scale.
Great Depression: Define the Great Depression and its impact on the economy, society, and government policies.
Cold War: Analyze the Cold War era, including the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Holocaust: Define the Holocaust and its tragic events during World War II, discussing its historical significance.
Cultural Revolution (China): Explore China's Cultural Revolution and its profound impact on society, politics, and culture.
Ancient Egypt: Define the civilization of Ancient Egypt and its contributions to architecture, religion, and governance.
The French Revolution: Analyze the French Revolution and its role in the transformation of France and Europe.
The Silk Road: Define the historical Silk Road trade routes and their impact on the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

Existentialism: Define existentialism and explore its key principles, including individual freedom and the search for meaning in life.
Utilitarianism: Analyze the philosophy of utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering.
Ethical Relativism: Define ethical relativism and discuss the idea that ethical standards vary depending on culture and context.
Dialectical Materialism: Explore the concept of dialectical materialism, a fundamental principle in Marxist philosophy.
Absurdism: Define absurdism and discuss its exploration of the inherent meaninglessness of life.
Virtue Ethics: Analyze virtue ethics and its emphasis on cultivating moral character traits.
Determinism: Define determinism and examine the philosophical debate over free will and determinism.
Social Contract Theory: Explore social contract theory and its implications for political philosophy and governance.
Dualism: Analyze dualism, which posits a separation between mind and body, and its philosophical implications.
Hedonism: Define hedonism and discuss the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good.
Epistemology: Explore epistemology, the study of knowledge, and its branches, including empiricism and rationalism.
Ontology: Define ontology and discuss its exploration of the nature of being and existence.
Skepticism: Analyze philosophical skepticism and its questioning of the certainty of knowledge.
Aesthetics: Explore aesthetics, the philosophy of art and beauty, and its subjective nature.
Nihilism: Define nihilism and discuss its rejection of traditional values and beliefs.

How to Write a Definition Essay: 6 Simple Tips

When selecting topics for definition essay, keep these expert tips in mind for successful writing:

Choose Wisely : Opt for more informative essay topics that go beyond simple nouns or verbs like 'swimming' or 'necklace.' Focus on processes or concepts that offer depth.
Add Your Insight : Alongside official dictionary definitions, provide your personal interpretations of the terms. Maintain a balanced perspective, avoiding excessive subjectivity.
Real-Life Examples : Enhance comprehension by incorporating real-world examples that illustrate how the term is used in context.
Embrace Complexity : Select social issues topics with multiple meanings, such as beauty, fight, freedom, or rock, to enrich your analysis.
Skip the Mundane : Avoid discussing universal words like 'hi,' 'café,' or 'telephone' to ensure a more engaging essay.
Research Matters : While it's not a research paper, conduct some background research to uncover the term's origins, various meanings, and historical usage, making your essay more captivating.

Definition Essay Example

Here, we've prepared some compelling definition essay examples that illuminate the richness of language and thought, providing clarity on topics both familiar and intriguing. These definition essay topics invite you to embark on a journey of understanding, where your own words and concepts reveal their hidden depths and discover more about the human experience.

Final Words

In the realm of definition essays, the power of words to shape our understanding of the world becomes evident. Through this diverse array of topics, we've unlocked the doors to deeper comprehension and insight. So, choose your definition essay topic wisely, apply your unique perspective, and let the fascinating world of definitions broaden your horizons, one word at a time. And if you ever need a simple yet helpful guide to how to write a conclusion for an essay , we've got you covered on that too!

Unlock the Lexicon of Brilliance!

Choose your best definition essay topics today and let our word wizards conjure intellectual magic!

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.

Mental Health Research Topics: 200 Writing Ideas for You

Definition Essay Writing

Definition Essay Topics

150 Best Definition Essay Topics For Students

12 min read

A Closer Look at Definition Essay

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that defines or explains a word, term, concept, or idea. There are some words that have literal meanings and they are very easy to explain i.e. pencil, table, chair, etc.

There are some terms that have abstract meanings and are difficult to explain i.e. love, care, emotion, and feelings.

This type of essay includes both the official meanings of the word and the writer's interpretation. This interpretation is supported by examples.

A good definition essay will not exceed one page in length, and it should include 250-500 words. The goal is for the student to expand on a word’s usage. This can be done by explaining other possible concepts of what they are analyzing - this makes them more interesting!

Definition Essay Topics Ideas

When you search over the internet you’ll get plenty of definition essay topics. Having a lot of ideas in hand can make the topic selection process difficult. That is why we have compiled a list of some effective and interesting definition essay topics.

Check out these creative definition essay topics lists below and choose the best one for your essay.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Definition Essay Topics for High School Students

Identity in the Digital Age
Empathy in a Diverse World
Global Citizenship
Intellectual Curiosity
Civic Engagement
Environmental Stewardship
Ethical Leadership
Cultural Fluency
Mindfulness in Education
Critical Thinking

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

What is the meaning of optimism?
What does sincerity mean?
Love at first sight
The true meaning of respect
The actual definition of family
Define Buddhism
Who is a strong leader?
What is the actual meaning of ambitions?
Define racism in your own words
How will you define success?

Definition Essay Topic on Mass Media

The evolution of 'news' in the digital age: redefining journalism.
The true meaning of 'media bias': navigating perspectives.
The influence of 'social media': defining modern connectivity.
The power of 'advertising': shaping perceptions and desires.
Reality TV: a new definition of 'entertainment'?
The impact of 'fake news': deconstructing information manipulation.
The definition of 'clickbait': balancing engagement and misleading content.
Streaming services: redefining 'television' in the 21st century.
The role of 'podcasts' in modern communication: beyond radio.
Citizen journalism: broadening the scope of 'media.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Awkward Dancing
Chaos Theory
Social Media Stalking
Mismatched Socks
Infinite Scroll
Bad Hair Days
Pajama Fashion
Fast Food Gourmet
Napping Olympics
Pencil Tossing

Creative Definition Essay Topics

The Essence of Wanderlust: Defining the Spirit of Adventure
Epic Fails: The Art and Science of Learning from Mistakes
Digital Detox: Navigating Life in the Age of Screens
Ambition Redefined: Pursuing Dreams in the Real World
Friendship in the Digital Age: The Modern Definition of 'BFF'
Mindfulness Unveiled: Embracing the Present Moment
Nostalgia: Journeying into the Past Through Rose-Tinted Glasses
Resilience: Bouncing Back from Life's Unexpected Twists
The Art of Simplicity: Finding Beauty in the Basics
Silence Speaks: Exploring the Power of Quiet Moments

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Privacy
Humanity

Good Definition Essay Topics

Describe laziness
Define attitude
What is magnetism?
How do you define attraction?
Define human rights
What is the meaning of responsibilities?
Time management
Define health
Define class
What is the meaning of wealth

Unique Definition Essay Topics

The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures.
The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe.
Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort.
The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film.
The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.
Decoding 'meme culture': more than just humor.
The complexity of 'cool': an ever-changing definition.
The 'hacktivist' movement: merging hacking and activism.
Retro: nostalgia or a timeless definition?
The art of 'hygge': coziness in a single word.

One Word Definition Essay Topics:

Sustainability

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Classification and Definition Essay Topics

Types of friendship: defining bonds beyond acquaintanceship.
Genres of literature: from mystery to science fiction.
Learning styles: understanding varied approaches to education.
Personality types: navigating the landscape of traits.
Cuisine categories: exploring the world through food.
Forms of government: beyond democracy and authoritarianism.
Music genres: from classical to experimental.
Social media users: the diverse landscape of online presence.
Educational philosophies: from Montessori to Waldorf.
The world of gaming: classifying video game genres.

Simple Definition Essay Topics:

Friendship: what does it truly mean to be a friend?
Happiness: beyond smiles and laughter.
Home: defining the heart of comfort.
Success: navigating achievements and fulfillment.
Courage: facing fear with grace.
Kindness: the power of small acts.
Respect: cultivating dignity in interactions.
Family: beyond blood ties.
Trust: the foundation of genuine connections.
Wisdom: gained through experience and reflection.

Extended Definition Essay Topics

What does the term freedom mean?
Define ownership in your own words
What is the meaning of the term character?
The current American dream
The evolution of the definitions
Define experience in your own words
What is common sense?
Explore the term science
What role does a degree play in a student’s life?
Time: The Elusive Concept That Shapes Our Lives

Random Definition Essay Topics

Small business
Masculinity
Artificial Intelligence
Individuality

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

Democracy vs. Dictatorship
Meaning of two sides of a coin
Classical music vs. Pop music
Friendship vs. Love
The Fluid Concept of 'Justice'
Equality vs. Equity
The Definition of 'Art'
Security in the 21st Century
Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Society
The Definition of 'Heroism'

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Defining Patriotism: Where Loyalty Ends and Extremism Begins.
Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Thin Line Between Expression and Harm.
The Slippery Slope of Political Correctness: Balancing Respect and Censorship.
The Fluid Boundaries of 'Cultural Appropriation' in Art and Fashion.
Gender Identity: Beyond Binary – The Controversy of Pronouns.
The Definition of 'Addiction': Disease or Personal Responsibility?
Euthanasia: Dignity in Death or Slippery Moral Slope?
The Controversy of 'Trigger Warnings': Protecting or Censoring?
Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Era: Information or Manipulation?
The Line Between 'National Security' and Invasion of Privacy.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The success of your essay majorly depends on the topic. A good topic is a key element in writing a good essay. So when you choose a topic for your essay, keep the following things in mind.

Choose a topic that has a broad meaning rather than a literal meaning.
Make sure you understand the topic completely.
Make sure that the subject should be interesting for you.
The topic should be interesting for the reader as well.
Choose a word, idea or term that is fresh for the audience.
Avoid picking any common topic that the reader is already familiar with.
Choose an idea that connects with your target audience.

Choosing a controversial topic is quite easier than choosing a common definition essay topic. As you have a few options to choose from and a little space to write about it. But if you keep the instructions given above in mind, you can easily choose an amazing topic for your essay.

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

Here are some tips that you should learn before writing your essay. These steps will help you structure your essay in a proper format.

Pick an interesting and unique paper topic.
Research the topic thoroughly and collect detailed information about it.
Create a definition essay outline , it will help you follow the essay pattern. Without an outline, it is really difficult to craft a good essay according to the format.
Tell the exact meaning of your subject in the introduction part. Present the thesis statement that provides a detailed meaning of the essay topic. Your introduction should be able to grab the reader’s attention and make them read the complete essay.
In the body paragraphs, provide evidence that supports your personal and dictionary definitions. Elaborate on the topic with the help of your personal experience examples.
In the conclusion section, just sum up all the explanations and descriptions. This is akin to closing remarks, so do not provide a fresh idea over here. Provide your close remarks and finish the essay.
After writing the essay, spare some time for the proofreading and editing process. Check your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Remove all the errors from the essay to make it flawless.

Definition Essay Structure

Your final definition paper may have a structure similar to this:

A copy-pasted or paraphrased definition from the dictionary.
Writer’s personal understanding and interpretation of the word.
An example of the usage of the word in a real context.
Supporting evidence justifying the writer’s interpretation of the word.
Conclusion summarizing each point briefly.

In conclusion, our exploration into the world of definition essays has been a journey of discovery. We've dived into the meanings of words, navigated through controversies, and embraced creativity. Words are more than just letters; they have the power to shape thoughts and connect us in unique ways.

This essay writing guide will help you a lot in writing your essay. Make sure you follow the procedure so that you don’t make any mistakes.

Found a topic but don’t have time to write an essay?

Well, fret no more, we have got your back!

Hire a professional definition essay writer from MyPerfectWords.com . We are a professional writing service that provides high-quality academic papers and essays at reasonable prices.

So, don’t wait, and get the best essay writing help online today!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Definitional Argument Essay

For a definitional essay, you need to write an argument that a borderline or contested case fits (or does not fit) within a particular category by classifying that particular case and defining the category.

Definitional arguments require a definition of key terms:

Example: Joe is too bossy.

Define “bossy” and provide examples of his bossy attitude (poor listening skills, shouting at people, making decisions without asking committee—these are what define “bossy” in your argument.

Example : Low-carb diets are dangerous.

Define what constitutes “low-carb” and define what you mean by “dangerous.” Cite studies showing harmful effects, how substances affect the body, etc.

Criteria-Match Structure:

The criteria section of your argument explains and illustrates your criteria.

The match section of your argument persuades the reader that your example meets those criteria.

Example: Although the Hercules Shoe Company is nonpolluting and provides a socially useful product, [CLAIM] it is not a socially responsible company [BECAUSE CLAUSE] because it treats its workers unjustly.

Criteria Part: What points must be met for a company to be deemed “socially responsible”?

(1) Research how others have defined your term (dictionaries, judicial opinions, expert testimony, etc.
(2) Use your own critical thinking to make your own extended definition.

Match Part : In what ways does the shoe company meet those points?

(1) Supply examples of how this and other situations meet your criteria.
(2) Give other evidence about how your example meets your criteria.

For your Definitional Argument Essay :

introduce the issue and state the claim
define key terms
present your first criterion and argument that your case meets your definition
present your second criterion and argument that your case meets your definition
present your third criterion and argument that your case meets your definition (if necessary)
anticipate and respond to possible objections/arguments
conclude with return to the “big picture,” what is at stake, why your argument is important, etc.

Definitional Argument Essay Proposal

What vague or arguable term, phrase, or situation are you defining?
What scenario are you going to use to introduce your claim?
What is your first (1) criterion and (2) argument that your case meets your definition?
What is your second (1) criterion and (2) argument that your case meets your definition?
What is your third (1) criterion and (2) argument that your case meets your definition?
What are your (1) anticipated objections/arguments and (2) responses to them?
How will you conclude with return to the “big picture,” what is at stake, why your argument is important, etc?
Definition Argument. Provided by : Martin's College English. Located at : http://www.oercommons.org/courses/definitional-argument-essay/view# . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

Introduction to the Writing Process
Introduction to Writing
Your Role as a Learner
What is an Essay?
Reading to Write
Defining the Writing Process
Videos: Prewriting Techniques
Thesis Statements
Organizing an Essay
Creating Paragraphs
Conclusions
Editing and Proofreading
Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
Peer Review Checklist
Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

How to Write a Definition Essay
Critical Thinking
Video: Thesis Explained
Effective Thesis Statements
Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

Introduction to Narrative Essay
Student Sample: Narrative Essay
"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
"Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
Video: The Danger of a Single Story
How to Write an Annotation
How to Write a Summary
Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
"She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
"April & Paris" by David Sedaris
Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
"Disability" by Nancy Mairs
"Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
"A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast
Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
"Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
"Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

Introduction to Argument Essay
Rogerian Argument
"The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
"The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
Writing for Success: Argument
Student Sample: Argument Essay
Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
Mini-lesson: Fragments I
Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
Mini-lesson: Parallelism
Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
Style Exercise: Voice

Definition Essay Guide

Definition Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 28, 2022

Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Academic Essay

By: Leanne R.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: May 4, 2021

Your definition essay does not have to be boring. Though it should present the actual definition of the chosen subject, you can also present some interesting information about the topic. There is no restriction that you should only discuss the dictionary definition of the topic. You need to collect sufficient information from credible sources to make your essay informative and interesting.

However, to write a definition essay, you need to first come up with a good topic. A good definition essay specifically defines an idea, word, term, or concept. It defines the paper topic in a way that becomes easily understandable for the reader. It can be written for both types of words that have concrete or abstract meanings.

Here we have presented a list of interesting topics to help you get started with your definition essay. Check out the list given below and choose the best topic for your essay.

On this Page

Good Definition Essay Topics for Students

You might be wondering which are good definition essay topics that you can use for writing your essay. Stop stressing out and have a look at the list given below. We have compiled a list of some amazing definition essay topics for all academic-level students.

Universal definition of love
Importance of self-respect
Capitalism vs. communism
Sense of humor
What is kindness?
How do you define nobility?
What is the meaning of confidence?
How do you define the term freedom?
Define creative writing
Define optimism

Easy Definition Essay Topics for College Student

Define charisma
The versatile feeling of love
Define democracy
What is the dictionary definition of maths?
Define psychology
What is a political party?
Define feminism
What is the meaning of a successful career for you?
What is the meaning of independence to you?
Define terrorism in your own words

Definition Essay Topics for High School

Define Pythagoras theorem
What is millennial?
Define sportsmanship
Define chemistry
Define industrial revolution
How do you define a hero?
What is physical fitness?
Define multiculturalism
Define laziness
Define physics

Interesting Definition Essay Topics

Choosing an interesting topic for your essay is the first step towards writing a successful essay. Once you have an interesting topic in hand, you can easily write a perfect and flawless essay quickly. Here is a list of interesting definition essay topics we have compiled for you.

What is classical music?
Devotion to pets
Heterogeneous vs. homogeneous
Define romance in your own words
Define a correlation between passion and love
What does being a good person mean?
How is artificial intelligence benefitting our lives?
Pros and cons of smartphones?
Describe globalization
Define culture diversity

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

Who is better, a team player or an individual player?
Define mental health
Pros and cons of using the internet in school and college
What is the meaning of “two sides of a picture.”
What kind of influence do drugs have on children’s brains?
Definition essay on Love vs. hate
Define the term “white privilege.”
Define the clause “beauty with brains.”
Define death penalty
What is happiness?

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Define the concept of race as a social construct.
How do you define democracy?
The non-importance of money
Unrealistic expectations
What are the main causes of global warming?
What is the purpose of cloning?
The consequences of insane love
How did famous people succeed?
Define racial segregation
What is cheating, and how does it impact a relationship?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Looking for an extended definition essay topic so that you can easily write a long definition essay?

We have got your back!

Here is an amazing extended definition essay topics list for your help. Choose the one that interests you the most.

What is climate change?
Discuss the pastry war
Define ambitions
Define friendship and best friend
Define a dog as an emotional support animal
Define the love of parents
Why do people become drug addicts?
What is cybercrime, and what are its penalties?
Significance of learning social values
What is the meaning of a “balanced diet” and maintaining a “healthy weight.”

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Define literary theme
How to cope with laziness?
Define wisdom
Define anarchism
What makes someone a villain?
Rugby Vs. Football
What makes a culture diverse?
What was the Arab spring?
What makes a good cover story?
Define being free and truly happy

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Money: a source of happiness
How do Robots work?
First breakup
Interpretation of being ugly
What are dreams?
Define contemporary art
Why can’t we feel the movement of the earth?
What is fun for you?
Define the best holiday
Why deserts are better than fruits

Definition Exemplification Essay Topics

In an exemplification definition essay, you are supposed to explain a controversial subject by exploring different perspectives about it. You need to assess the subject thoroughly and then demonstrate it clearly to the reader. Check out the list given below and choose the best definition exemplification essay topic.

What is a cold war?
Define your perspective about dreaming
Define self-development
Define individuality
Define social media
Define maturity
How does an area become polluted?
What is “everyday life”?
Give your perspective about rituals.
Define secularization

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Unique definition essay topics.

Define the concept of privileged
Free time at work
Why is the customer always right?
Is courage and bravery the same?
How is wisdom different from knowledge?
How to win someone’s trust?
Define honesty
How do you define generosity?
Can people live without the internet?
How to take fewer photographs?

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Definition Classification Essay Topics

Definition classification essay is a type of academic writing in which the writer has to classify an object, character, or idea. Classification essays are not very popular among professors, so they might not assign you a topic. For your help, we have presented some easy definition classification essay topics here. Check out the list given below.

Define the concept of grief
What was the Spanish inquisition?
What is the importance of voting?
Love of God
Define the term “history.”
What is the meaning of the term “just.”
Traits of a good person
What is peer pressure?
Cause and effects of inflation
Traits of a lazy person

Definition Essay Topics With Multiple Meanings

Natural beauty
Independence
Perfect couple

Definition Persuasive Essay Topics

Define friendship in your own words
Define bravery
How do you define Gothic Romanticism?
What is the concept of the perfect family?
What does “stereotype” mean?
Inhuman things people do
Bad effects of inflation
Pros and cons of e-learning
Business Women
Child marriage

How to Write a Good Definition Essay?

Now that you have a long list of topic ideas, you can easily choose a topic for your essay. After choosing the topic, the next step is to write the definition essay. Here are the steps that you need to follow to write a perfect definition essay.

Thoroughly research the topic of your essay and collect credible information.
Create an essay outline to organize the information
Draft a strong thesis statement that clearly defines your topic
Present the dictionary definition in the introduction paragraph
Use the body paragraphs to explain the essay topic in detail
Compile the details in the conclusion paragraph
Reread and revise your essay to remove all the mistakes and errors
Have someone proofread your essay

Follow these steps and write the perfect definition essay in no time. However, if you feel the need to get help, contact us immediately. 5StarEssays.com is a legal paper writing service that helps students with academic writing.

Our “ write my essay ” service is the perfect option for you, and you can trust us without having a doubt. We provide help with every type of academic writing, i.e., case studies, research papers, term papers, etc.

You can come to us at any time of the day because we are available round the clock. Place your order now and get a perfect definition essay tailored specifically for you according to your instructions.

PhD Essay, Literature

Leanne is one of the most experienced writers on our platform and holds a Ph.D. degree from Cambridge. She has worked as a journalist, an editor, and a content creator for newspapers, magazines, and websites around the world. Leanne’s research and writing skills are unsurpassed making her one of the best-reviewed writers on our platform.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

How to Write A Definition Essay - Topics and Samples

Definition Essay Topics

But writing an effective definition essay requires exploring the nuances of a word and explaining it from several different perspectives. Confused? Don’t worry, this article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a high scoring definition essay.

What is a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a common writing assignment in schools and universities. Put simply, It asks a student to choose a word and define it in-depth. The common dictionary definition is the first thing to state (in your own words), then the lesser-known meanings of the concept, followed by personal anecdotes and opinions further explaining the word.

These assignments usually have word limits of up to 500 words. There are two main difficulties, either finding a definition essay topic to write 500 words about or fitting a lengthy and complex definition into the word limit.

Some words are concrete concepts like clothes, telescope, or computer which may seem simple to write about but are ill-suited topics for a definition essay, while others are abstract like morality, envy, or justice which are much better because they allow for a more nuanced essay.

Writing a successful definition essay means exploring a word more deeply than just stating its definition. The goal is to show a deep understanding of the chosen word or concept. Choosing the right word is crucial to writing a successful definition essay.

The overall structure of a definition paper is the same as any essay. Just remember that each body paragraph should explain the term in a different way.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic

Choosing the right topic can make or break your essay. What is a good topic for a definition essay? Concrete concepts may seem easy to write about, but they often defeat the purpose of the assignment by not letting the writer show their critical thinking and writing skills.

An abstract concept with disputed meanings or definition essay topics with multiple meanings will give you enough to write about, but choose something specific rather than broad. Paranoia is a better definition essay topic choice than just the concept of fear in general. Remember, you have to find a concept that you know enough to write about, but also one that you can fully explain in about 500 words or so.

Avoid choosing a noun about a place, person, or thing since they are concrete concepts and might not give you enough to write about. An abstract noun, referring to an idea and adjectives are better choices for a definition essay topic. For example, gaming rather than console.

Choose a word that you already have some information about or feel passionate about. The better you know the concept, the easier it will be to write.

Answering some questions will help you understand and decide on a word.

What is the Origin of the Word?

What are the roots of the word? What do the roots mean? How did the modern meaning of the word come to be? Understanding the roots of a word can give you insight into what the word truly means and be excellent research for your essay.

What is the Context of the Word?

Does the word mean the same thing in different contexts? It’s quite possible that the word means different things in different places, or that there are multiple meanings to the word that you aren’t aware of.

What are the Previous Versions of the Word?

The meanings of words tend to change over time. Sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it’s drastic. Tracking the previous meaning of the word will give you insight into the evolution of its meaning.

What is the Common Modern Usage of the Word?

The way the word is used today should be the main explanation. By doing the research you make sure that you aren’t working with an outdated concept of the word.

Just because you now know how to choose a topic for your definition essay doesn’t mean that examples won’t be helpful. Here’s a list of 100 good definition essay topics across several categories.

Struggling with your Definition Essay Homework?

Get your assignments done by real pros. Save your precious time and boost your marks with ease.

Definition Essay Topics List by Category

Extended definition essay topics.

An extended definition essay has essentially the same purpose as a definition essay except it asks you to analyze the term even more deeply and gives you the opportunity to incorporate additional personal opinion. You can pinpoint the exact meaning of a term and explain why other meanings may be incorrect. Analyze the word by identifying its antonym (opposite). Delve deeper into the history and roots of the word to back your interpretations etc. The topic of an extended definition needs to be chosen carefully because there needs to be enough complexity to work with. Have a look at these definition essay topic ideas.

The difference between a “Novel” and other pieces of long-form writing.

Why poverty means different things in different countries

Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder?

My experiments with truth

Does faith actually require a leap?

The different forms of love

Is there really something as an “Ideal” form of something?

Why a home is more than a house

A stirring inside: Music

When are humans not acting?

Good Definition Argument Essay Topics

There are always going to be people on multiple sides of an issue. An argument definition essay gives you the chance to convince the reader of your perspective on a controversial or ill-defined concept. It lets you state what you feel and what side you’re on. Take a look at these topics for an argument definition essay.

Conspiracy theories are just as valid as mainstream theories

Deep dish versus New York: What makes a pizza a pizza?

Is emotional infidelity as bad as cheating?

Science fiction is the best literary genre

Sports are the ideal hobby

Is corporate social responsibility done for the wrong reasons?

The death penalty: Justice or arrogance?

Does secular mean all-inclusive or completely non-inclusive?

The difference between a freedom fighter and a rebel is which side wins

Patient care: A doctor who’s nice or a doctor who’s effective?

Definition Essay Topics for College

Definition essays assigned in college are expected to be masterfully written with nuance and subtle understanding of the concept being explored. The following are 10 examples of definition essay topics for college.

Is college the best path to upward social mobility?

Does maturity mean different things at different stages of life?

A personal account of personal independence

The misery of loneliness

How to define success

Bullying doesn’t end in high school, it evolves

Homesick for the very first time

The joy of self-determination

The importance of time management

Changing concepts of the self

Funny Definition Essay Topics

A definition essay can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your wit! You can choose to play with an amusing concept, or explore an idea from an interesting viewpoint. Get inspired by the following topics.

Puppy love: How a dog feels about its master

Why dork is a worse insult than you think

Wrench: A useful tool? Or to take something away?

Lit: Not about candles anymore

I speak sarcasm

Facebook: Social media for old-timers

I think my dads going through a midlife crisis

Jokes for children and why they aren't funny anymore

Why a Lorry is not a truck

French fries weren’t invented in France

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Writing about things you’re passionate about is a good decision when writing a definition essay. These controversial topics should ignite your passion, just make sure that you don’t get too carried away!

Vaccines have changed the course of humanity

War, what is it good for?

What is the purpose of incarceration?

Is happiness overrated?

Why being sad doesn’t mean being depressed

Gaming doesn’t rot your brain

Is it still addiction without a physical dependency?

Romantic love is a modern concept

Globalist is actually a compliment

Why nationalism is bad

Did you like our inspiring Definition Essay Guide?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay editing services!

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Abstract topics for definition essay can be simple or incredibly complex. They give you the freedom to give your own interpretation (backed by supporting arguments) on words that have a fluid meaning.

Honor is valued differently by people

What does freedom mean for a refugee?

Schadenfreude: Pleasure at the misfortune of others

Compassion is the most valuable human trait

I’m the best at being humble

The speed of thought

Boredom: A state of mind

Why friendship means more than family

Humour is the best medicine

Spotting a charismatic person

Easy Definition Essay Topics

It’s completely fine If you don’t want to explore a complicated concept or you just want something easy to write about. Give the words dictionary definition, explain the perception of the word, and then add your personal thoughts. Feel free to use some of these good topics for a definition essay.

What makes a house a home?

Why vacations are important

Laughter is the best medicine

What family means to me?

What is democracy?

Popularity and why it’s important

My connection with worship

What exactly is science?

Why is a beach the perfect place to be?

Dancing is freedom

Definition Essay Topics on Love, Poetry, and Music

A topic that you feel emotional about is always a good choice, and nothing inspires passion more than love, poetry, and music.

Love: Pleasure through pain

Why plutonic love is the purest form of love

The fascinating ways love is expressed in different cultures

Poetry: Words that pull at the heart

Why poetry has always been admired

Do rap lyrics count as poetry?

Music: A language that every human speaks

Explaining different tastes in music

Music as the first form of human communication

The connection between dance and music

Definition Essay Topics on History, Politics, and Governance

Writing a definition essay about things you’re interested in or studying cut down on a lot of research time and can be more enjoyable. Or maybe your teacher assigned the general topic, in any case, here are some examples!

If history is written by the winners, do we really truly know what happened?

Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?

What is personal history?

The perception of politics in different places in the world

The origin of politics in early human civilizations

Politics: One for all or all for one?

Was the feudal system a form of social governance?

The changing role of governance in the 2020s

Governance: Serving the people or feeding one’s ego

The difference between politics and governance

Definition Essay Topics on Economics, Business, IT, and Commerce

If you’re aspiring to join the business world or want an MBA, you’ll have to know the definitions and complexities of many terms. A lot of concepts in economics, business, IT, and commerce are abstract and ill-defined, which makes them perfect for a definition essay. Have a look at some of these topic examples.

Is scarcity an artificial construct?

What does economic freedom really mean?

Economics in the middle ages

Business ethics in a globalized world

Is there a connection between busyness and business?

What makes a person a businessman?

The origins of the word “programming’

What information technology meant in the 1980s

Is free-market trade good for the world?

How monetary supply affects day to day life

This list of definition essay topics examples should set you on the right track!

Things to Keep in Mind

The structure of a definition essay is the same as any other essay. The challenge is in describing a word or concept in a compelling way while showing in-depth understanding. Choosing the right definition essay topics are the most important element of writing a successful definition essay. Here’s a summary of how to make sure you’ve chosen an appropriate topic

An abstract concept is better than a concrete concept
Make the term specific rather than broad
The word should have multiple meanings
A word with disputed meaning is a good choice
Choose a word that has a different meaning based on the context
Select a topic that you already understand well
Choose a term that you feel passionately about
Identify the origins of the word
Look into previous versions of the word
Track the history of the word

If you are looking for assistance with your academic writing, Studyfy is a comprehensive platform that offers a range of services to suit your needs. Whether you require history essay help , need someone to write my philosophy essay , or seek support with term paper writing service or nursing paper writing service , Studyfy can provide you with the necessary assistance. Additionally, if you need help with a definition essay, whether it be finding example topics or receiving help from essay editors and online proofreading services, Studyfy is the one-stop solution for all your academic needs. With the support of Studyfy's essay writing service online , you can produce high-quality papers and showcase your writing skills with confidence.

Featured Posts

Cause and effect essay topics.

180 Persuasive Essay Topics

150 Narrative Essay Topics

457 Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips

A definition explains the meaning of a term or a concept. In a dictionary, you’ll find a definition in a single sentence. A definition paper, however, encompasses several paragraphs. Such an essay, amongst other things, can include personal experience and examples.

The picture explains what a definition essay is.

To write a successful definition paper, you need to provide a unique view of your chosen subject. In this article by Custom-Writing.org , we have compiled a list of the best definition essay ideas for high school and college students. We will also:

explain how to choose a topic;
give some writing tips;
provide a definition essay sample.   
🔝 Top 10 Topics
⭐ How to Choose a Topic
💭 Top 7 Prompts
👍 70 Easy Definition Topics
🏫 High School Topics
🎓 Definition Topics for College

🧐 Definition Argument Topics

🤯 Controversial Definition Topics
🎈 Funny Definition Topics
📚 Other Topics
✅ Essay Writing Tips
📑 Definition Essay Example

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 definition essay topics.

Can love be defined? 
Is empathy a weakness? 
Is optimism a strength? 
How do you define success? 
What is considered racism? 
What does it mean to be happy? 
What is independence for you? 
When does one become an adult? 
What does it take to be an ambitious person? 
How to know if someone is a perfectionist?

⭐ Definition Essay Topics: How to Choose

When it comes to papers explaining a concept, essay topics are notoriously hard to choose. How do you find a good idea to write about? Well, here are a few steps that you might want to consider while making the decision:

Choose a word with a complex meaning. For instance, notions such as “love” or “home” are hard to define because everyone has their own understanding of them.
Make sure the meaning of the word is arguable. Unlike “love” and “home,” words such as “coffee” or “hose” have a precise meaning you can’t really argue about.
Choose the word you are familiar with. You can educate yourself on the meaning of certain words before writing an essay, but it’s still different from incorporating it into your daily life.

So, let’s get started with our prompts and topics for a definition essay!

💭 Top 7 Definition Essay Prompts

Definition of love essay prompt.

Practically all people have felt love at some point in their life. However, what is love, exactly? How do you define it? Well, love is a term that encompasses various meanings and has different implications:

You can write about different characteristics of love. For instance, it can be all-consuming and passionate or tender and gentle.
There are various types of love, such as romantic and platonic, and you can explore them in your essay.
You may also dive into how love shouldn’t necessarily be related to another human being. One can also love certain activities or objects. 
Another widely discussed topic is the love language. You can write about how different people perceive and express their love.

Family Definition Essay Prompt

Family is another term that has a vast spectrum of meanings. Here are some ideas for your essay:

Talk about the difference between an immediate and a chosen family. For instance, you may think of family while referring to your parents or siblings. For others, a family can also be a group of people who love and care for one another. It doesn’t matter if they are related by blood or not.
You can talk about the traditional understanding of a family vs. the modern one.

Definition of a Hero Essay Prompt

People’s ideas of heroes and heroic qualities change throughout time. Consider discussing the following in your essay:

Look into the mythological roots of a hero and how Ancient Greeks described someone with heroic traits.
Talk about the modern understanding of a hero.
Is having superpowers a pre-requirement to being a hero, or can anyone spiritually strong and brave be called a hero?

Racism Definition Essay Prompt

Racism is one of the most permanent issues in society. It happens when people divide themselves into exclusive, separate groups according to their race and skin color. In your paper, you may discuss:

Talk about how the word “racism” when it comes to law and the legal system.
You can talk about the etymology of the word racism and how it came to be.
Discuss how racism is understood in philosophy, literature, and psychology.
Mention the differences between the implications the term “racism” has when it comes to social life and the law.

Home Definition Essay Prompt

If you look up the word “home” in a dictionary, you’ll see definitions like “a place where a person lives” or “a place where one originally comes from.” However, each person has a different understanding of what it actually means. Here are a few things that you can discuss in your essay:

You can write about your interpretation of the famous saying, “There’s no place like home.” 
Talk about the differences between “home” and “house.”
Explore how the word “home” is understood in philosophy, literature, and psychology.

Definition Essay: American Dream Prompt

American Dream is a concept that’s almost synonymous with the word America itself. This term and its meaning have been discussed since its first appearance in Epic of America in 1931. You can explore the following topics in your paper:

Discuss how the notion of the American Dream has changed and evolved throughout time.
Write about the concept of “4 freedoms for all” and how it has affected people’s perception of the American Dream.
You may also want to mention globalization and how it has affected people’s interpretation of the American Dream.

Kindness Definition Essay Prompt

The concept of what it means to be kind is debated in religion, philosophy, and psychology. Writing about this topic will allow you to contemplate and look at it from different perspectives. Here are some exciting ideas to consider:

Discuss the phenomenon of kindness and how it’s reflected in philosophy, religion, and literature.
Talk about the concept of kindness and its origin. You can see how people’s understanding of being kind has evolved through time. 
Interpret the phrase “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” You can discuss how this saying relates to people’s perception of kindness.
Talk about altruism and to what extent this principle reflects the meaning people attach to the word “kindness.”

👍 70 Best Definition Essay Topics: Easy & Exciting

What is anarchism ?
What does “ commitment ” mean?
The ancient and modern concept of a healthy person.
Why does “break a leg” mean “good luck”?
How does the definition of mimesis change through time?
Define postmodern theatre and its elements.
What is the difference between Platonic and Aristotelian understandings of mimesis?
What is euthanasia, and how is it different from assisted suicide ?
What is industrialization, and how does it affect our society ?
Define individualism from a psychological and sociological perspective.
How would you define grief ?
What is the poetry of mourning ?
The concept of independence .
What does it mean “to narrate” in literature ?
Define liberalism as a political ideology .
How does the concept of family vary depending on the culture ?
Egoism in psychology.
The meaning behind the phrase “ peace of mind.”
Interpreting Marxism .
What is metaphysics about?
How would you define modernism in theatre?
Define Nietzsche’s ideas of nihilism.
Define the abolitionist movement in Western Europe and the Americas.
The origin of the word “science.”
What is an eating disorder ?
What is Ziggurat, and how is it important to the ancient Mesopotamian culture ?
What is anorexia ?
The meaning of depression from a medical perspective.
What does bulking mean in sports?
People’s perception of sports as a hobby and as a career.
What does it mean to “do business”?
What is a kinetic sculpture?
Papier-mâché and its place in sculpting.
The concept of death and how it affects people’s perception of life .
What is the origin and meaning of the word arena?
Religion as a belief and an institutionalized notion.
Define pacifism and what it means to be a pacifist .
How would you define artistic works through philosophy?
What is cultural pluralism ?
What does it mean to be responsible ?
What is “ common sense ?”
Define the modern phenomenon of cyberbullying.
Ego and egoism : how are the two connected?
How would you define the word “rosary”?
Altruism and kindness: the definitions.
People’s understanding of success in the 21st century .
What is the Indian reservation, and what historical importance does it have?
Trauma in psychology.
What is the equality of rights?
The image of a contemporary vs. ancient hero .
What is democracy?
What is an argument in writing?
What does it means to lose one’s identity ?
What is the meaning of identity in the cultural context ?
The concept of time in history.
The perspective on time: linear and circular.
What does it mean to be confident ?
People’s perception of gender and the impact it has on society.
Define gothic literature and talk about its key features.
What does the word “ taboo ” means?
Define grotesque and its importance in art .
What is maturity in psychology?
A butterfly effect in chaos theory .
The meaning of ethics in philosophy .
What does it mean to “fancy someone”?
The understanding of science in ancient Greece and philosophy .
People’s interpretation of art and beauty in the Middle Ages.
What can be called poetry ?
What does it mean to “make a long story short”?
How people’s perception of war has been changing throughout history.

🏫 Definition Essay Topics for High School

What is global warming?
How would you define progress?
Define imperialism .
What is polynomial in mathematics?
How are the ideas of imperialism reflected in Orwell’s essay Shooting an Elephant ?
The meaning of the hippie movement in the 60s and 70s.
How would you interpret the saying “a friend in need is a friend in deed?”
What is the cultural meaning of the tea ceremony in Japan ?
Define teamwork in business.
What does it mean to be a good student?
What is mass culture as opposed to popular culture?
The meaning of the phrase “ natural beauty .”
What does it mean to be a good role model ?
What is self-confidence ?
Intellectual and intelligent: is there any difference?
What is popular culture ?
Social media and its influence on teenagers’ communication skills .
Define parenthood .
What is alliteration in poetry?
What does it mean to be a reliable person?
What is classical music ?
How would you define happiness ?
Does social media increase people’s anxiety levels?
Why do smartphones decrease our attention span?
What can be considered an artwork ?
Globalization in contemporary art .
The meaning and the usage of the term lithography.
Activism as an art form.
Explain the term decalcomania.
What does the expression “bite the bullet” mean?
What is biochemistry , and how is it used in nursing?
Astrophysics vs. astrochemistry: definition.
What is sarcasm?
How would you define antisemitism?
What does it mean to have a bad sense of humor?
What does it mean “ to oppress ?”
Define careerism .
What is housing segregation ?
The concept of collectivism in communism.
The meaning of consumerism in the modern world.
What does it mean to be cynical?
Meaning of determinism in philosophy .
Define fascism during the Second World War.
What are the fundamental principles of fatalism ?
The philosophy of finalism.
What is Hinduism ?
The critical points of liberal discourse.
What does it mean “to exploit”?
What can be called “ realistic “?
What does it mean to be creative ?

Feel free to explore our list of high school essay topics for more ideas.

🎓 Definition Essay Topics for College Students

Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Music.
Define Jazz culture in the ’90s America.
What is capitalism?
The meaning of calisthenics.
Define a nuclear family .
What is transcendentalism ?
Define surrealism in painting.
The relation between puritanism and capitalism.
What does it mean to have freedom of choice?
Capitalism vs. Communism : which one is more human-oriented? 
Does Jimi Hendrix’s performance of Star Spangled Banner in 1969 correspond with the definition of activism?
The philosophy of absurdism in Albert Camus’s works .
Impressionism vs. Expressionism: meanings .
How would you define a sense of responsibility ?
What is an operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.) ?
What does “ a start-up ” mean?
What is a farewell ?
Beauty standards in the 20 th century and medieval Europe.
Define the omniscient narrator in a novel .
How is French materialism different from American materialism?
Define the 3 rd wave of feminism .
Admiration and respect : differences in defining.
What is artificial intelligence ?
Define the concept of memory in history and science. 
What is a genetic code?
Immunology and its impact on modern medicine.
What is gene therapy ?
What are prions ?
How does drama translation differ from prose translation?
What is an extreme long shot, and how is it used in movies?
According to Structuralism , what are “Langue” and “Parole”? 
In your opinion, what is the main difference between Structuralism and Poststructuralism? 
Define the poetry of the Beat Generation.
The importance of Thought and Language in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 .
What is a loophole?
Define multiculturalism and its effect on society.
What is Brexit ? 
What is social identity ?
How does social media affect people’s idea of attractiveness?
Male vs. female gaze : how it is used in cinema.
What makes something “addictive”?
Define the Silent Movie Era as opposed to sound films .
The meaning of the American Dream as depicted in road movies.
What is so unique about film noir ?
The meaning of mental health portrayed in movies and how it affects people’s perception of it.
What is online education ?
Hip-hop culture and b-boying: definition and historical roots.
Define modern poetry .
What is blues , and how is it different from jazz?
Define imagism in poetry .

Want more essay ideas? Check out our list of essay ideas for college students !

Science is not always precise.
Sports should be encouraged more.
Should uniform in school be obligatory?
What are the effects of global warming ?
Pros and cons of the death penalty .
Do students benefit from assignments ?
Ways to deal with drug abuse .
Why should childbirth be encouraged?
Natural food is more beneficial for health than manufactured products.
Children should be taught about sex from an early age.
Education has no actual value in the modern world.
Does the legalization of drugs have a positive or negative effect on society ?
Why is diet more effective than doing sports for losing weight?
Working out is beneficial for mental health . 
The Keto diet doesn’t work for everyone.
Weightlifting helps with weight loss .
Natural protein is better than protein supplements.
Does the level of emotional affect depend on gender?
The reasons why we should ban factory farming .
Animal testing is unethical .
Farm animals should not be treated with antibiotics.
Should vaccination be mandatory ?
Is there a way to store nuclear waste safely?
Plastic surgery reinforces beauty standards.
Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
Animal testing is a necessary evil.
The benefits of animal-assisted therapy .
Advertising can be considered an art form.
Animal euthanasia should be illegal.
There should be no mandatory military service .
Education should be free .
Is a vegan diet beneficial for your health?
Should parents limit screen time for their children ? 
Unpaid internships should be illegal.
Should teachers be able to express their political views freely?
Schools should start later.
Should the grading system be abolished?
Art should not be censored.
Video games can be good for children’s development.
It is essential to encourage kids to do sports.
Live-action movies are better than animated ones .
GMOs are not safe for consumption and should be banned.
Should children own personal mobile phones ?
Reading helps to develop creativity.
Group training and mental help services are essential for large organizations .
Does the use of outsourcing take away legal responsibilities?
Technology affects the way businesses deal with their failures.
Is it morally acceptable to advertise to minors?

When it comes to the definition argument essay, you may need to do a little more research and support your ideas with some strong arguments. First, you need to introduce the issue, state the claim and define the key term. Then you can present your arguments to prove your point and convince the reader. For more ideas, check out our list of argumentative topics .

🤯 Controversial Definition Essay Topics

What are the benefits of sex education in school ?
What is a polyamorous relationship ?
The meaning of death penalties.
What can be considered a mental disorder?
Different perceptions of age in various cultures.
What is abortion ?
People’s changing attitude towards childbirth .
Define assisted suicide .
What is taurobolium in religious cults?
The meaning and benefits of gun control .
Free journalism doesn’t exist anymore: is it true?
Define violence in video games .
What is internet addiction ?
The meaning of love in popular culture.
How polygamy is understood in modern society.
What is cannibalism ?
The usage of the n-word: who has the right to say it?
The perception of underage marriages in different cultures.
What is artificial insemination?
What are the negative aspects of the feminist movement?
What is considered explicit content?
How would you define consciousness ?
What is home-schooling ?
Define prostitution in ancient Greece.
What is a prison in the cultural context?
What can be called “ censorship “?
Define “a man” and “a woman.”
Define climate change and its impact on social movements.
What is illegal immigration, and what are its leading causes ?
What is a “ prescription drug “?
Vaping vs. smoking : definition.
What is an ethical zoo ?
Explain the meaning of the word “crime.”
What does the word “ gender ” means?
Define the word “ orphan. ”
Define the LGBTQ + rights movement.
What does “gender-neutral” mean?
The meaning and benefits of conventional medicine.
Cancel culture: what is it ?
What is anorexia in a medical context?
The most common side effects of war .

Some issues cause controversy due to people’s divided opinions and feelings about them. You may want to pay special attention to those topics and be more careful while discussing them. For more ideas, check out our list of controversial issues .

🎈 Funny Definition Essay Topics

What does it mean to be an expert in gaming?
What are the implications behind the phrase “I got a nice job”?
What does “chilling” mean?
Describe the various meanings of the verb “to quit” and its usage.
Define the worst tattoo ever.
What kind of song can be called a love ballad ?
What does a “dirty joke” mean?
Define stand-up comedy .
How would you interpret the phrase “couch potato”?
Define humor in Family Guy .
What does “drama queen” mean?
Stereotypes and how they are used in movies and books.
What does it mean to “skip classes”?
What does “pulling an all-nighter” mean?
What are good drinking habits?
Reasons why silly movies make you feel good about yourself.
What does “friendship zone” mean?
In your opinion, what qualities does one need to have to be described as a player?
What does it mean to “have a crush”?
What does “to break up” mean?
Define femininity and its attributes.
What does the word “frenemies” mean?
What dishes can be called Mediterranean?
What does it mean to have a “cat nap”?
What is a horoscope, and why are people so obsessed with it?
How do you understand the expression “fake person”?
What does it mean to be attractive ?
What is a Quentin Tarantino movie?
What does it mean to be a narcissist ?
Where does the phrase “sweet tooth” comes from?
Define gen Z .
How would you define fashion ?
What does the phrase “Netflix and chill” mean?
What does it mean “ to cheat ” on someone?
Who are “boomers” ?
What is WWE , and what social impact does it have on young people?
Define cringe comedy and what makes it special.
What does the internet slang word “simp” mean?
What is a good selfie ?
The meaning behind the “blondes are stupid” stereotype.
What does it mean to be a “ gym rat”?
What does it mean “to split the check”?
What is binge-watching?
What does it mean to be obsessed ?
What is lactose intolerance?
Define a trend and its social effect.

Need even more ideas? Find them in our funny topics list !

📚 Other Definition Essay Topics

Extended Definition Essay Topics

The meaning of sensitivity  .
What makes a good husband ? 
How do you define a mature person? 
What does it mean to be a good person ? 
What makes someone trustworthy ? 
What does it mean to be conservative ? 
How to know if someone is being sexist . 
What does it take to be charismatic ? 
How do you define a happy marriage ? 
What makes someone a hero ?
What is happiness for you ?
Explain what it means to be a charismatic leader .
What is humor ?
How can we define laziness ?

Definitions can be extended, formal, or informal.

Describe the characteristics of true leadership .
Determine what can be called common sense .
What constitutes progress ?
What does it mean to be proud?
How can we define loyalty ?
Point out the implications of the word “pessimism.”
How do people show courage ?
What does it mean to respect yourself?

Extended definition essays need enough room for elaborate explanation and illustration. Unlike ordinary definition papers, they are more general. Besides, they are open to discussion, counterarguments, and doubts. Because of this, abstract concepts are an excellent starting point for a paper.

Society Definition Essay Topics

What makes a good person ?
Explain how you understand equality.
How can you define globalization ?
What does the term “white privilege” signify ?
What does “family” mean?
Determine the meaning of the word “ respect ” in today’s society.
What does it mean to become an adult ?
What is feminism ?
When can a system be called just?
Explain what patriarchy is.
When is a child well-behaved?
What do the words “masculinity” and “femininity” mean to you?
What does the concept of the “glass ceiling” signify ?
Determine how peer pressure manifests itself.
How can you define the term “mansplaining”?

Definition essays on society analyze social structures and human interaction. An individual’s perspective on society stems from various influences. It includes their cultural background, age, and gender. Choose one of the following prompts, and ask your relatives or friends what they think about it. You can find some additional helpful ideas in our sociology topics list .

History Definition Essay Topics

What can we call a revolution ?
Define a hippie movement.
Explain who the Suffragettes were .
What was the Land of Punt?
What is colonization?
What does independence mean for a country?
What makes something “historic”?
Explain the “Lebensreform” movement of the 1920s.
Who were the Untouchables?
Which events designate the end of the Medieval Period?
Define the White movement during the Russian revolution.
What was the Arab Spring?
Explain who Joan of Arc was.
What does the term “ Antebellum South ” signify?
What was the Pastry War?

Learning from history is integral to progress. If we understand our past failures, we can shape a better future. Writing about history grants exciting insights into various issues. There are even more essay ideas in our history topics list .

Politics Definition Essay Topics

What does “ anarchism ” mean?
How does the system of checks and balances work ?
Explain what constitutes liberal ideology.
How does democracy work?
How can you define monarchy ?
Determine when a regime can be called totalitarian.
Define the meaning of the word “politics.”
What is McCarthyism?
What does it take to be a political party ?
What are the implications of the word “democracy”?
Describe a society that can be called communist .
What defines a capitalistic system?

How do electoral systems work?
How can you define the term “witch hunt”?
What is Gerrymandering?

Definition essays on politics explore mechanisms of governance. There are only four major types of political systems, but there are infinite ways to implement them. Additionally, you can consult our list of compelling political topics to look into .

Mass Media Definition Essay Topics

The origin of the word “media.”
What does the term “ mainstream ” entail?
What is the purpose of broadcasting ?
Define the different types of mass media .
What is cross-media publishing?
Define the term “publicity.”
What makes a good cover story?
Explain what television is.
Describe different types of news articles.
Define the word “communication.”
How does propaganda work?
What is gonzo journalism ?
Come up with the definition of the word “sensationalism.”
What does “gatekeeping” mean?
How can you explain what “radio” is ?

Mass media is various means of communication aiming to reach as much of the public as possible. Nowadays, it is nearly inescapable, which makes it an interesting subject to investigate.

Culture Definition Essay Topics

What does the term “ belief ” mean to you?
What makes a culture diverse?
How does a culture shock feel ?
How is the notion of “global village” defined?
What does “stereotype” mean ?
What is “cultural appropriation” ?
What topics can be called taboo?
Explain the notion of “ zeitgeist. ”
What is “secularization” ?
Define the word “ ritual. ”
What does your culture consider traditional values ?
What does the notion of “civilization” describe ?

Explain what cultural techniques are.
What is “ everyday life ”?
What type of culture is agriculture ?

Culture encompasses abstract notions such as rituals, norms, and manners. Simply put, it has everything to do with people’s way of living. Besides, it expands into the worlds of art, religion, and law. Want some more ideas? Read our extensive list of culture essay topics .

Science and Technology Definition Essay Topics

What are fossil fuels ?
How does an area become polluted ?
How can you define renewable energy sources ?
Explain what the term “smart technology” means.
How does a CPU work?
Define the word “technology.”
What does the term “ science ” encompass?
What defines a vegetable?
What is energy ?
What characterizes digital data ?
How does blockchain work?
What is weather ?
Explain the use of cryptocurrency .
Where did the term “ ecology ” originate?
Define the notion of time .

Technology becomes increasingly important with each passing day. The IT sector is developing particularly fast. For more inspiration, visit our page with topics on science and technology .

Sports Definition Essay Topics

What does it mean to be in shape?
What were the ancient Olympics ?

The first ever Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C.

Explain the difference between American football and rugby.
What makes a good chess player?
When does an activity become a sport?
Explain the word “agility.”
What are the typical forms of indoor sports ?
What is the Tough Mudder?
Define the difference between a sport and a game .
What does the term “ fitness ” signify?
What does it mean to be athletic ?
When does a sport become a niche sport?
What is chess boxing?
What makes a good football player ?
What constitutes the different types of wrestling?

Some enjoy sport as a healthy past-time activity. Others prefer to watch it on TV after a long day. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that sport is one of the world’s biggest industries. You can find more ideas in our list of topics on sports .

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

How does boredom manifest itself?
What does it mean to be beautiful?
How can you define the word “ freedom ”?
What does “friendship” mean ?
Define the word “ passion. ”
What is devotion?
What does the notion of “home” mean to you ?
How can you define an aura?
Explain the Categorical Imperative .
What makes someone a villain ?
Determine the meaning of the word “ justice. ”
What does it mean to love someone or something ?
What acts show that a person is selfish ?
What does it mean to be human?
How does hatred show itself?

“I know that I know nothing.” To this day, Socrates is the prime example of a philosopher. However, philosophy is much more than a profession of ancient times. If you like pondering abstract concepts, have a look at our list of philosophy topics .

✅ Definition Essay Outline Structure & Writing Tips

Definition essay: before you start.

Step #1: Select a topic.

First of all, if your teacher has not specified a theme, you need to select a topic. It can be a subject you know well or something you care about. A bit of research prior to choosing a theme can help pinpoint potential problems. A good idea would be to use a  topic generator for writing .

Step #2: Consider the audience.

Start by creating an outline and organizing your arguments. In doing so, keep your audience in mind. Ask yourself the following questions:

Who will read your essay?
What do they already know about the subject?
Are you addressing a specific group?

Identifying the audience helps to prevent under- or over-explanation. If you know who you are writing for, you know what kind of language to use.

Step #3: Choose a strategy.

Each type of academic writing has its own set of requirements. A definition paper needs to contain an explanation of a concept. Here are different strategies of explaining that you can use in an essay:

By denotation.  Denotation explains a term through its literal meaning. You can find it in a dictionary. Example: According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, nature is “a creative and controlling force in the universe”.
By connotation.  Connotation deals with the implications of a word. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. Have a look at this example: even though “old” and “vintage” have the same denotation, the connotation for “vintage” is more positive. Example: My grandfather calls himself vintage, but I just think he’s old.
By negation.  Negation defines what the term is not. Example: Freedom is not the absence of handcuffs.
By analogy.  An analogy juxtaposes two things that are similar to each other. Example: Socks are like cages for the feet.
By enumeration.  An enumeration is a list of words that serve as an explanation. Example: A hero is someone who is genuinely selfless, helps other people, and wears a cape.

Definition Essay Introduction

An introduction is the opening part of your essay, which sets the tone and piques the reader’s interest. In this part, you can briefly introduce the topic and develop a strong thesis statement.

Start with a nice hook that draws attention to the subject.
Follow it with a transition sentence that leads to the thesis.
A good thesis statement usually gives its reader a clearly stated definition. That way, they can prepare themselves for the discussion and easily follow your paper.

Definition Essay Body

The body of your essay is a part that includes all the information you want to present to the reader. How you divide your body paragraphs and how many of them you have in your paper depends on the topic and how you choose to present it.

Usually, the body consists of two to four paragraphs.
Each body paragraph needs to include a topic sentence, which explains to the reader what this particular paragraph will discuss.
Every new definition, idea, or argument should be explored in a separate paragraph. That makes your essay more cohesive and professional.

Definition Essay Conclusion

Wrap thing up with a good conclusion. This part of the essay usually summarizes most information from the body and reminds readers of the thesis.

The summary shouldn’t be elaborate or too long. Only mention the key points.
When you go back to the thesis statement, don’t use it in the exact same form, but rephrase the sentence while keeping the meaning.

📑 Definition Essay Example: Beauty

So we’ve mentioned all the essential points that can help you write a definition essay. Below, you will find an excellent sample you can use as reference or inspiration while working on your paper. You’re welcome to download the PDF file below:

Throughout centuries people have struggled to define the true meaning of beauty. This phenomenon has been and still is discussed in various literary works and movies. People strive to be beautiful, or they try to find beauty in their life. This essay will argue that beauty is an immense concept with aesthetical and sensual value and varies from person to person.

Definition of Beauty

We hope that this article will help you write a perfect essay! Don’t hesitate and start writing your own definition essay. If you have any questions or ideas on this topic, feel free to share them in the comment section.

How to Write a Definition Essay: St. Cloud State University
Definition Essay: Excelsior College OWL
Vocabulary: Political Words: Scholastic
Science and Technology: British Council
NTID-Supported Athletes at RIT: Rochester Institute of Technology
Glossary of Philosophical Terms: Oxford University Press
Basic World History Terms and Definitions: Quia
Essay Structure: Harvard University
The Definition Essay: Dallas Baptist University
How to Write an Introduction to an Essay: BBC
Definition Essays: Reed College
Essay Writing Tips: Deakin University
Essay Body Paragraphs: Massey University
Conclusions: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Negation: Stanford University
Enumeration: Literary Devices
“Denotation” vs. “Connotation”: What’s The Difference?: Dictionary.com
Before You Start Writing That Paper: University of California, Berkeley
Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose: San José State University
Writing an Outline for Your Essay: Carleton University
What Is Analogy? Definition and Examples of Analogy in Literature: MasterClass
Writing Your Conclusion: The University of Sydney
Identifying Audiences: Purdue University
Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to LinkedIn
Share to email

270 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips

As simple as it is, the purpose of the descriptive essay is to explain or portray its subject. It can focus on any topic or issue you want to write about. Be sure that any middle school, high school, or college student can manage this type of creative writing assignment!...

Rhetorical analysis essay focuses on assessing the method used for delivering a message. This assignment isn’t about giving an opinion on the topic. The purpose is to analyze how the author presents the argument and whether or not they succeeded. Keep reading to find out more strategies and prompts for...

164 Narrative Essay Topics for School & College Students

A narrative essay tells a story about a series of events. At the core of this kind of essay can be a personal experience or a fictional plot. Any story can be a basis for a narrative essay! Narratives can look similar to descriptions. Still, they are different. A descriptive...

Similar to the instructions in a recipe book, process essays convey information in a step-by-step format. In this type of paper, you follow a structured chronological process. You can also call it a how-to essay. A closely related type is a process analysis essay. Here you have to carefully consider...

150 Classification Essay Topics and Ideas

In a classification essay, you divide the subject into categories. To create these categories, you single out certain attributes of things. You can classify them according to their characteristics, themes, or traits. Sounds complicated? Be sure that any high school or college student can manage this type of essay!

Throughout your high school years, you are likely to write many evaluative papers. In an evaluation essay you aim is to justify your point of view through evidence.

Immigration is a permanent move to a foreign country. It takes place all over the globe, including the United States. It played an important role in history, and it continues to influence society today. This article offers a variety of immigration essay topics. They are suitable for college-level works, as...

440 Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Should you buy a green or a red apple? Before making a decision, people often compare their options. In a compare and contrast essay, you analyze the similarities and differences between certain things. In this article, you’ll find interesting and easy compare and contrast essay topics for college, high school...

An opinion essay requires a student to present a point of view on a chosen subject and back it up with substantial evidence. Like in a debate, the writer has to give their opinion and defend it while using scholarly resources. This article will help you find a good opinion...

120+ Micro- & Macroeconomics Research Topics

It would be great if economics in college would just teach you how to save and make money. In reality, however, students usually write research papers on micro- and macroeconomics topics to learn about the production and consumption of goods on an international level.

417 Business Topics & Research Titles about Business

The corporate world is the world of the future – there’s no doubt about that. And education in ABM will help you conquer it! What is ABM strand, exactly? ABM stands for Accountancy, Business, and Management. Future leaders and entrepreneurs pursue education in this field to learn the skills essential...

201 Research Topics on Psychology & Communication

If you are a psychology student and you think that Mindhunter is just not good enough, you are not alone! Psychology is one of the most exciting research areas. It is one of the reasons why Custom-writing.org experts prepared as many as 191 psychology research topics! 🔝 Top 10 Communication...

Questions? Call us:

Email:

How it works
Testimonials

Essay Writing

Essay service
Essay writers
College essay service
Write my essay
Pay for essay
Essay topics

Term Paper Writing

Term paper service
Buy term papers
Term paper help
Term paper writers
College term papers
Write my term paper
Pay for term paper
Term paper topic

Research Paper Writing

Research paper service
Buy research paper
Research paper help
Research paper writers
College research papers
Write my research paper
Pay for research paper
Research paper topics

Dissertation Writing

Dissertation service
Buy dissertation
Dissertation help
Dissertation writers
College thesis
Write my dissertation
Pay for dissertation
Dissertation topics

Other Services

Custom writing services
Speech writing service
Movie review writing
Editing service
Assignment writing
Article writing service
Book report writing
Book review writing

Popular request:

Top 200 definition essay topics for all.

April 20, 2021

Essay writing can be hard if you don’t have the right essay topics. Most students need to make sure they choose a topic that they can adequately research, organize, and write about. A definition essay is a type of writing assignment that asks students to define a term, concept, or idea. Students cannot just provide a dictionary definition; students must extend the definition using well-thought examples. This list of definition essay topics covers a variety of areas. The topics are free to use and share with others.

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Students that learning how to write these types of essays should stick with a simple topic for definition essay that they can easily research and write about. Any student at the middle school or high school level should have no trouble working on the following:

What is trust essay
What is the definition of hatred?
What is the meaning of laziness?
What does it mean to be a first-world country?
What is the meaning of democracy?
What does it mean to be a hero?
What is the definition of a charismatic personality?
What is the definition of respecting one’s elders?
What is the definition of friendship?
What does it mean to be a coward?
What is the definition of jealousy?
What is the definition of being academically successful?
What is the definition of being a good student?
What is the definition of a good pet?
What is the bad way of breaking up with a partner?
What is the easiest way to change the oil on your car?
What does it mean to have a hit song?
What is meant by achieving academic success?
What does it mean to be a good student?
What do humans need to do to achieve peace?

Good Definition Paper Topics

A great definition essay topic should not pose difficult situations for students. Students can write about something they are familiar with and research what they are most comfortable with:

What makes a person kind or mean?
How does one define charisma in the 21 st century?
What does it mean to have a bad sense of humor?
What does it mean to love somebody unconditionally?
When athletes claim a person is a team player, what does it mean?
What does it mean to be optimistic during a pandemic?
What does it mean to be pessimistic during a pandemic?
What is the current definition of natural beauty?
What was the definition of beauty in the 1960s?
How does one give respect in the modern world?
What is the definition of happiness in today’s society?
What does it mean to have the dedication to succeed?
What is meant when experts warn of an economic recession?
What is meant when people achieve academic success?
What is meant by events that are from an “Act of God”?
What is meant when people find the perfect relationship?
How does one offer support to a loved one?
What is meant by alcoholic dependence?
What is the definition of entrepreneurship?
What is the definition of a professional internship?

Argument of Definition Topics

Some of the best topics for definition essay deal with everyday debates. These are the things people talk about often and make for great argumentative assignments:

What are the likely programming languages of the future?
What impact has the internet had on communication?
What are the characteristics of a government bailout?
What are the pros and cons of online learning?
What are the characteristics of an economic package?
What does it mean for a government to buy out a corporation?
What is the meaning of a good work ethic?
What are the characteristics managers use to hire employees?
What is meant by a generational talent in sports?
What does it mean to be artistic or creative?
What does it mean to create good art?
What is the meaning of a good soundtrack?
What is meant by having good common sense?
What does it mean to be a good professional athlete?
What does it mean to pay respect to others?
What is the definition of a dynasty in professional sports?
What does it mean to have the latest technology in business?
How does one provide child support in today’s economy?
How does one achieve true leadership?
What does it mean to be a loving parent?

Great Hot Topics Definition

The following topics for a definition essay work well for assignments you have about a week or two to complete. You can find ample information on the web, but you should rely more on academic resources you find at the library:

What does it mean to be addicted to pain medications?
How is veritable leadership defined in the workplace?
How is society progress defined in today’s world?
What is the meaning of eternal forgiveness in societies?
How do people exhibit respect and equality toward others?
What does it mean to be objective to art?
What does it mean to be loyal to one’s parents?
How does one explain racism to a child?
What is the definition of bigotry?
When can a political system for punishment be called just?
What is the definition of good parenting?
When is a child considered well-behaved?
What is the definition of a patriarchal system?
How is feminism defined in the 21 st century?
What does it mean to be a feminist in today’s world?
What is the difference between masculinity and femininity?
What does it mean to be a good parent?
What is the definition of being a good person?
What does gender equality mean?
What does it mean to be a third-world country?

Controversial Topics Definition

These topics for definition essays are controversial and will certainly gain a lot of attention. Be sure you commit enough time to find great resources that will back up your definitions:

What are the responsibilities of a first-world country?
What makes students lose interest in academic work?
What is the definition of a fun time at prom?
What does it mean to be a consenting adult?
What does it mean to have the perfect body?
How should the media portray young females on television?
What is meant by having the perfect relationship?
What is the meaning of a perfect marriage?
What is the definition of an extended family?
What does it mean to be mentally challenged?
What does it mean to have perfect children?
What constitutes cheating in a relationship?
What is the definition of a common-law marriage?
What is needed to get an annulment in the U.S.?
What is the definition of an arranged marriage?
What is the definition of an immediate family?
What is the meaning of a hit musical record?
What is the meaning of international diplomacy?
What constitutes an unfair criminal trial?
What does it mean to be sexually mature?

Definition Essay Topics for College

As students become more familiar with this type of assignment and as they advance to higher academic levels, they will need to choose good definition essay topics that meet or surpass the standards of their instructors’ expectations. Here is a list targeted toward college-level students:

What is the definition of academic sabotage?
What does it mean to cheat on a test?
What does it mean to develop mental strength?
What is the meaning of academic stress?
What does it mean to colonize a foreign territory?
What is the meaning of good fashion sense?
What is the meaning of good taste in music?
What is the definition of a rebellion?
What does it mean to be heroic in today’s world?
What is the definition of heroism in a technology-driven world?
What do people mean when they say gambling addiction?
What does it mean to have internet privacy?
What does it mean to protest in the 21 st century?
What is the meaning of constitutional rights?
What does it mean to have independence from parents?
What is meant when the media talks about white privilege?
What defines a terrorist threat?
What is meant when people refer to domestic terrorism?
What does feminism mean in the 21 st century?
What can be defined as a modern revolution?

Definition Speech Topics

These definition essay topics examples can be used for both speech presentations and written assignments. They are perfect for all academic levels and are relatively easy to research using online and print resources:

What does it mean to be a good parent in a technology-based world?
What does it mean to give children their privacy?
What does it mean to apologize to one’s children?
What does it mean to give children freedom in today’s world?
What does it mean to have a cultural history?
What is the definition of accountability?
What is meant by the term “teacher’s pet”?
What does it mean to be connected to one’s heritage?
What does it mean to have a fair election?
What does it mean to be a good role model for your kids?
What does it mean to be a good role model for society?
What is meant by a morally just act of war?
What defines a justified military attack on a city?
What does it mean to be addicted to caffeine?
What is the definition of an inappropriate teacher-student relationship?
What are the major causes of global warming?
What is the reasoning behind human cloning?
What were the major characteristics of the 60s hippie movement?
What is the meaning of independent sovereignty?
What is meant by the perfect poker hand?

Funny Definition Essay Topics

There are many occasions where using humor is a great way of handling definition topics. Students can often write freely without having to do much research. Here is a list that may be suitable for these occasions:

What is the definition of being a bad tourist?
What are the characteristics of a poser?
What is a kind of music you are embarrassed to hear?
What does it mean to help the upper class?
Which season is the best one for slacking off?
Which is the best type of pet?
What is the hardest subject in school?
What is the definition of dark humor?
What can be expected from next year’s television programs?
What was the hardest part about wearing masks during quarantine?
Why don’t we feel our planet rotating around the sun?
Why can’t cough people cough and sneeze at the same time?
What is the reason we haven’t come into contact with aliens?
What makes it hard for us to be polite to others?
What is the meaning of slapstick humor?
What does it mean to be rich in life?
What makes for a good television sitcom?
What does it mean to be a typical tourist?
What do people mean when people roll their eyes?
What is the definition of ironic comedy?

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Some of the best essays come from a careful selection of definition paper topics. Creative essay ideas and challenge students is a great way of attracting attention and earning a high score on an assignment:

What does it mean to be poor?
What defines a historical figure?
What is the definition of offensive language?
What is meant by the term social anarchist?
What does it mean to live in a monarchy?
What does it mean to ban free speech?
How do checks and balances in the United States work?
What is the purpose of a standardized test?
What does it mean to Ghostlight somebody?
What is global capitalism?
What are the characteristics of a socialist government?
What does mass media mean to different societies?
What makes for a good piece of writing?
What does freedom of the press mean in the U.S.?
What is the definition of a well-written essay?
What does it mean to censor offensive language?
What are the characteristics of a democratic society?
Who was Nero and why was he important?
What did Stalin do that was condemned by others?
What does liberal ideology mean?

Extended Definition Topics

With this type of essay, you may want to include things like etymology and historical context to define an idea. Here is a definition essay topics list that meets these requirements:

What is meant to have self-respect in today’s world?
What is meant by showing courage during difficult situations?
What is the definition of contempt in court?
What is the meaning of greatness in society?
What is the definition of emotional abuse?
What is the meaning of a manslaughter charge?
What does it mean to be pessimistic about climate change?
How is one’s legacy defined by his successes?
What is the meaning of higher education?
What is the meaning of unconditional love?
What is the definition of statutory rape?
What is the meaning of being loyal?
What is the definition of a good university?
What is the meaning of the term argument?
What is the definition of an avid reader?
What is the meaning of greatness in sports?
What is the meaning of a plea bargain?
What is the meaning of spousal abuse?
What does it mean to be knowledgeable of world events?
What does it mean to be patriotic in today’s world?

All the definition essay topics from our professional writer service can be shared and modified to fit assignment requirements. The topics definition can be sued for long and short projects. Students should try to choose a topic that interests them so that the process of researching and forming arguments will be less challenging.

Take a break from writing.

Top academic experts are here for you.

How To Write An Autobiography Guideline And Useful Advice
182 Best Classification Essay Topics To Learn And Write About
How To Manage Stress In College: Top Practical Tips
How To Write A Narrative Essay: Definition, Tips, And A Step-by-Step Guide
How To Write Article Review Like Professional
Great Problem Solution Essay Topics
Creating Best Stanford Roommate Essay
Costco Essay – Best Writing Guide
How To Quote A Dialogue
Wonderful Expository Essay Topics
Research Paper Topics For 2020
Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics

Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Students

29 min read

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Definition Essay - Overview

A definition essay is written for a specific purpose. This type of essay has a similar structure to other essays, but it is written to define a term or concept.

The main purpose of the definition essay is to explain a word, phrase, or complex to the reader. To do this, you must study and analyze the concept.

When writing a definition essay, the most important step is choosing a good topic. Topics can be very different, but it is best to choose a topic that allows for creativity and research.

What is the Purpose of a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a type of essay that seeks to define and explain a concept, term, or idea. The goal of this type of essay is:

to explain the meaning of a concept, term, or idea
to examine how a concept, term, or idea is defined by different people and groups
to analyze the implications of a particular definition

In this type of essay, the writer must research a topic thoroughly to provide an accurate definition and analysis.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The first element that contributes to the overall success of your essay is its topic. The topic is the first thing that a reader comes across and analyzes whether to read the document or not.

It may sound simple, but choosing the right topic for your essay can be extremely challenging. Deciding what to select that the audience will be interested in knowing is a tricky job.

The process of selecting the topic for your definition essay is as challenging as the essayâs writing procedure. It is both time-consuming and requires a writer to have strong analyzing skills.

If you have no clue how to come up with an engaging topic, follow the steps provided below:

Choose a word that is not too simple and has multiple interpretations.
You should have your perspective on the term.
Identify the targetted audience.
Come up with an interesting topic.
Make sure that the topic is unique and engaging for the audience.

The definition essay topic can be of any sort. Just keep in mind to pick something fascinating.

Good Definition Essay Topics

If the topic chosen is strong and reflects your passion, it will be easier for you to gather information.

Often students find themselves with writerâs block and can not come up with a good topic. If you are in such a position, the list prepared by the expert writers of CollegeEssay.org will help you decide on the paper topic.

Definition Essay Topics for High School

High school students often need to explore the concept of definition in order to better understand the world around them. these topics will help you begin that process:.

Importance of having self-respect
How does a high school student become more responsible in life?
How can a high school student become more creative in his writing?
What is kindness?
How personality contributes to a successful career?
What is charisma, and how important it is for being successful?
What is the meaning of independence to a country?
The difference between communism and capitalism
The meaning and origin of terrorism
What is the industrial revolution?

These topics will provide the perfect opportunity to explore the concept of definition and help you create an engaging essay. Writing about these ideas can also stimulate your creativity, as well as encourage critical thinking.

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

College essays often require students to go deeper into the concept of definition. Here are some creative topics that can help you begin your college essay:

What is good mental health? Discuss its characteristics .
Inhumane things in our life
The meaning of the word phase in the context of heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures.
What is an essay outline?
What is hatred?
Understanding the relationship between demand and supply
Causes and effects of inflation
Marketing advertising strategies and tools
Artificial intelligence
Cons of e-learning

These topics are interesting and engaging, allowing you to explore ideas in a new way. Writing about them can open up new perspectives and help you to create an essay that stands out.

See this example definition essay on happiness . It provides a valuable starting point for reflection and discussion.

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Creativity is an important part of both writing and life in general. Choosing creative topics can allow you to explore new ideas and express your thoughts in unique ways. These ideas can help you create an interesting and engaging essay:

How can globalization be described?
Traits of a good person
What is the definition of the term âwhite privilegeâ?
What does it mean to become a parent?
Characteristics of the âjustâ system
Define what anarchy is.
What does the word âfemininityâ mean to you?
What is peer pressure, and how do people get influenced by it?
What is a hippie movement?
How to understand colonization?

The above topics will allow you to explore the creative process and the importance of creativity in everyday life. Writing about them can help to inspire new ideas and look at familiar topics in a different way.

Definition Essay Topics About Friendship

Friendship is an important part of life, and it can be a powerful source of support and connection. These topics will help you explore the meaning and importance of friendship:

What is the meaning of friendship to you?
Who is a genuine friend to you?
The role of friends in your life
The role of friends in oneâs personality
Art and friendships
How do animals make better friends?
What does it mean to be friends with a narcissist?
Are friendship and love similar?
My best friend
Qualities that make you a good friend

By exploring these topics, you can uncover the hidden meanings and lessons that friendship provides. Writing about them can help to deepen your understanding of how important it is.

Easy Definition Essay Topics for Students

Easy topics can still be interesting, and they are often simpler to write about than complex ones. These ideas are ideal for students who need to write an essay quickly:

How to love yourself?
Love of God
Does love for money make you selfish?
Love and friendship
Describe school and college
Abstract concepts
Significance of body paragraphs in an essay
What is cheating, and what is its impact on a relationship?
Can a person forgive and forget their personal experience?
Importance of voting. Should all citizens vote?

These topics will allow you to explore your understanding of various concepts and ideas.

Definition Essay Topics about Science and Technology

Science and Technology is an ever-growing field and often a source of inspiration for new essay topics.

These interesting ideas to explore when writing a definition essay about science and technology:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Data Science
Quantum Computing
Virtual Reality (VR)
Space Exploration
Internet of Things (IoT)
3D Printing
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology

These are just a few examples that could be used as starting points for creating engaging and informative definition essays.

Definition Essay Topics on Society

The world is full of injustice, discrimination, and inequality. When writing a definition essay on these topics, consider how they are often used to define our society and its values.

Here are some ideas to explore:

Gender Roles
Social Class
Education System
Political Activism
Cultural Identity
Discrimination
Gay Marriage

These topics offer a great opportunity to explain important concepts and discuss issues of social justice. Writing about them can be an eye-opening experience for both the author and the readers.

Definition Essay Topics on Family and Happiness

Family and happiness are two of the most important things in life. It can help to illustrate their true importance, as well as how they are intertwined.

Check these amazing ideas for topics related to these concepts:

Family Values
The Meaning of Love
Parenting Styles
Supportive Relationships
The Pursuit of Happiness
Positive Thinking
Finding Inner Peace

These topics can be quite complex to write about, as they often require thoughtful consideration of personal values. However, they can also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

Definition Essay Topics about History

History is full of lessons and important moments that should never be forgotten. Exploring them through writing can help to bring them into the present day.

These topics offer a great starting point for exploring the past:

Civil Rights
Immigration
The Industrial Revolution
The Great Depression
World War II
The Cold War
Globalization
The Fall of Communism
The Rise of Democracy
The War on Terror

These topics are great for understanding how civilizations have evolved over time. It can provide valuable insights into our world today. Writing about them can help to remind us of the importance of history in our lives.

Random Definition Essay Topics

Sometimes, itâs difficult to come up with interesting topics for an essay. If youâre stuck and donât know what to write about, why not choose a random topic?

Here are some ideas:

The Meaning of Success
Time Management
The Nature of Emotions
Friendship in the Digital Age
The Power of Social Media
The Psychology of Dreams
The Role of Religion in Society
Exploring Cultural Differences
Exploring the Unknown
Finding Motivation in Life

These topics can be both fun and thought-provoking, offering a great opportunity to explore different ideas. Writing about them can help to broaden your perspective and inspire new ideas.

Great Definition Essay Topics on Sports

Sports is a popular topic for definition essays. It covers both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

These topics will help to get you started:

The Psychology of Winning
Teamwork and Leadership
Sports Injuries
Health Benefits of Sports
Coaching Styles
Mental Toughness
Competing for Gold
Olympic Dreams
Fantasy Sports Leagues
Leadership in Sports

The essay topics will allow you to explore the history and development of sports over time.

Definition Essay Topics on Mass Media

Mass media plays an important role in modern society and can shape public opinion. Exploring these topics can be a great way to understand the power of media and the ways it influences our lives.

Get creative with these brilliant ideas:

The Rise of Social Media
Exploring Censorship
The Role of News in Society
Political Influence Through Media
The Power of Advertising
Exploring Reality vs. Perception
The Impact of Technology on Media
Fake News and Misinformation
The Influence of Pop Culture
Creating Engaging Content

Choose any of the above topics and explore how mass media affects society in a variety of ways.

Definition Essay Topics on Politics

Politics is a complex and often controversial topic, which makes it a great choice for definition essays.

Get your inspiration flowing with these out-of-the-box concepts:

The Role of Government
Exploring Political Ideologies
The Origins of Anarchism
The Power of Voting
The Impact of Social Movements
Political Activism and Protesting
Exploring the Influence of Money on Politics
Election Campaigns and Strategies
The Role of Media in Politics
Globalization and Its Impact on Politics

Pick any one of these topics to explore how politics shapes our lives in a variety of ways.

Definition Essay Topics on Philosophy

Philosophy is a great topic to discuss. It can cover a wide range of topics from the meaning of life to morality and ethics. Writing about this subject can be both interesting and thought-provoking.

These are some brilliant ideas to get you started:

Exploring Different Religious Beliefs
The Meaning of Life
The Role of Ethics in Society
Examining the Nature of Truth
Exploring Different Philosophical Schools
The Power of Reason and Logic
The Impact of Philosophy on Education
Exploring Morality and Its Consequences
Discussing the Principles of Freedom

To explore different philosophical views and their impact, choose any one of these topics and write an engaging essay.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Definition Argument Essay Topics

Argumentative essays require you to pick a side of an argument and defend it. These topics will help you explore the definition of arguments and develop strong writing skills.

Pros and cons of using the internet in schools
What does it mean to have two sides to the picture?
Importance of the death penalty
Causes and effects of alcoholism
Why do people do drugs, and how do they get influenced?
What do pro-choice and pro-life stand for?
Causes and Effects of Global Warming
What is cloning? Is it ethical?
What is patriotism?
Racial segregation

These topics will help you understand the dynamics of arguments and how to form your own opinion on a certain subject.

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Extended definition essays allow you to expand on a concept or idea. These topics will give you the opportunity to explore various definitions, as well as think outside of the box:

What is a healthy weight?
What is a balanced diet?
Measures of punishment parents should take
Differences between self-development and self-management.
How does the FBI violate the basic rights of the citizens?
How badly do coaches influence the performance of a player?
Define the term frenemy
Characteristics that make a person selfish
How to cope with laziness?
Is bravery the same as courage?

You can also use these topics to explore the creative writing process by crafting your own unique definition of a topic.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Writing about humorous topics can allow you to explore the lighter side of life. These ideas can help you create an essay that is sure to get a laugh:

What are dreams? Do animals also dream?
Is the customer always right?
How to get fewer photographs?
Should successful business people help those who are new in business?
Define the best holiday
What is fun for you?
Is money a source of happiness
What is contemporary art to you?
Why do we not feel that the earth is moving?
Is watching tv a way to relax?

These topics will bring a smile to your reader's faces and make them think about the lighter side of life.

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Controversial topics can help stimulate the discussion, as well as make your essay stand out. These ideas should be used to explore controversial notions and discuss different opinions on a certain topic:

What is a thesis statement?
What is multiculturalism?
Who is a hero?
What is Feminism?
What is being lazy? Is it a good trait?
Smartphones Vs. traditional cellular phones
Gothic romanticism
How can bravery be defined?
What is passion?
What is cultural diversity?

These topics will help you explore controversial notions, as well as think critically about the issues surrounding them. Writing on these topics can be an interesting and thought-provoking experience.

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Abstract definition essay topics help to explore concepts that are too abstract for a traditional definition essay.

These topics will allow you to think outside the box and go beyond conventional ideas:

What is wisdom, and how is it different from knowledge?
What is trust, and how to win it?
Does honesty mean always telling the truth?
How can generosity be defined?
How can poverty be eradicated?
Are Europeans civilized?
How are sweets better than fruits?
Is it possible for humans to live without the internet?
How to quit drinking?
How will you define the term freedom?

The abstract definition essay topics discussed will help you explore complex concepts and go beyond surface-level definitions.

Definition Essay Structure

When it comes to writing a definition essay, there is a standard structure that you must follow.

The main steps for writing a definition essay are:

Introduction - Introduce your topic and provide brief background information
Definition â Give the definition of the term
Body Paragraphs â Support your definition with examples
Conclusion â Summarize your essay and restate the definition

By following this simple structure, you can write an effective definition essay that will engage your reader.

Steps to Write Definition Essay

To write a great definition essay, you should follow these steps:

Select a Term â Choose the term that you want to define. Make sure it is complex enough for an in-depth discussion.
Research Your Topic â Gather information from reliable resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, or even interviews with experts.
Structure Your Essay â Create an outline for your essay to ensure it has a logical flow. Check all necessary parts are included.
Write Your Introduction â Introduce the term you will be defining and provide brief background information on the subject.
Give the Definition â Provide a clear and concise definition of the term.
Support Your Definition â Use examples and evidence to support your definition.
Write a Conclusion â Summarize your essay and restate the definition.

By following these steps, you can write an effective definition essay that will provide readers with a clear understanding.

Need help with definition essay outline ? Our blog is here to provide some insight and guidance!

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose a concept first: Start by selecting the word that you want to define and use it throughout your essay.
Do proper research: Research on the chosen word in order to have a full understanding of its meaning and different interpretations. Use reliable sources such as dictionaries, research papers and published articles.
Create an outline: Map out the structure of your essay by organizing your ideas in an outline. This will help you determine what points to include in your paper and where to place them for maximum effect.
Introduce the term: At the beginning of your essay, provide a clear and concise definition of the term. This should be followed by a brief explanation of your points in relation to the word or concept.
Support your claims: Include evidence from credible sources to back up the claims.
Conclude with a summary: Provide a clear and concise summary of your essay. This should include a restatement of the term and its definition.
Proofread and edit: Ensure that your essay is free from any errors by proofreading and editing it before submitting it. This will help to improve the quality of your writing and make for a more enjoyable reading experience.

Following these tips can help you write an effective definition essay. It provides meaningful insights into its various interpretations.

To wrap it all,

Writing a definition essay or all other essays in academic life is essential. If you wish to achieve good grades, make sure your essays are high-quality , well-drafted, and structured.

If you doubt y our writing skills and have no clue where to start, get professional help. At CollegeEssay.org, our qualified subject experts offer the best definition essay writing service , providing 100% customized essays written from scratch.

Simply contact our custom essay service and place your order at the most affordable prices.

Plus, if you need a quick idea for a definition essay on a specific topic, you can try out out AI essay writer . Input your topic and requirements and let it generate a complete essay for you.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

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.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Share full article

Supported by

student opinion

130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best controversial topics for debates and essays.

General Education

Controversial topics are a good choice for an essay or debate because they immediately draw in the reader or listener. The adage that “controversy sells” is so rooted in society that even the rapper Chamillionaire named his second album after it! Controversial issues are also a good topic because it’s easier to write a strong thesis and find sources to back up your argument . After all, when something is controversial, everybody wants to have their say over it.

However, it’s also important that you address controversial issues with sensitivity and care. Because controversial topics tend to raise emotions, you must walk a thin line between opinion and fact in order to build trust between you and your reader/listener.

In this article, we’re going to give you the best controversial topics you can use for essays and debates—and we’ll explain the controversies for you, too! We’ll also discuss when to use controversial topics, the pros and cons of choosing a controversial issue, and tips for making sure you’re treating a controversial topic with sensitivity and respect.

That’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

Controversial topics are issues that can really get people up in arms. (Yes, it's a dad joke. No, we're not sorry.)

What Are Controversial Topics?

If you’ve flipped on a television lately, you’ve probably seen people on the news arguing different sides of an issue. (Occasionally, these arguments can get pretty emotional!) When you see this happening, there’s a good chance that the people you’re watching are discussing a controversial topic.

Controversial debate topics include subjects that create strong differences of opinion. They are issues that can affect politics, society as a whole, individuals on a personal level, the environment, or any other area of life that people feel strongly about. Additionally, controversial issues often have no clear answer because people’s feelings and personal beliefs are often strongly involved.

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Using Controversial Topics in Essays or Debates

It might be tempting to pick any old controversial topic and run with it. Not so fast! While controversial topics definitely give you a lot to talk about in an essay or debate, there are some definite drawbacks to dealing with hot-button issues.

Here are the pros and cons you should consider before deciding to use a controversial topic in your work.

Pro #1: It’s Usually Easy to Find Sources

Everyone wants to have their say on controversial topics, which is great when you need sources to include in your paper! A quick library or Google search will turn up tons of information. It can make that part of writing (or preparing for a debate) much easier.

Con #1: It Can Be Hard to Find Good Sources

When you Google a controversial source, the results can be overwhelming. While you’re probably going to have tons of hits, they'll be from a wide range of sources like social media, personal blogs, podcasts, and message boards (like Reddit and Quora). Just because something appears high in a Google result doesn’t make it a good source that you can site in a paper or speech.

Good sources are ones that are written by credentialed authors (they are experts in their field) and include reliable, cited evidence. A good place to find good sources are scholarly databases, like JSTOR and ProQuest, since the articles on these databases have been vetted by other experts before they are published. Reputable news outlets can also be good resources, too.

Pro #2: It’s Easier to Talk About Things That Interest You

If you care about a topic you probably already know a little bit about it. This is especially true for many controversial issues. After all, they tend to be controversial because many people have opinions on them! If you pick a controversial issue that’s near and dear to your heart, you’ll find that you have a lot to say about it.

Con #2: It’s Hard to Keep Your Emotions In Check

If it is a topic you care about a lot, you probably already have strong opinions formed. But in order to build trust with your reader/listener and to be accurate, you need to use neutral language so that your reader/listener can draw their own conclusions based on your work. While it’s tempting to call people out or get heated, those are both pitfalls you should avoid .

Pro #3: Controversial Issues Capture Attention

Tackling a subject like mass incarceration, the death penalty, or abortion is a good way to get your audience to sit up and take notice. People want to hear your opinion to see how it does—or doesn’t—match their own.

Con #3: You Open Yourself Up to Criticism

On the flip side, if your argument doesn’t align with their beliefs, the people reading or listening to your argument may criticize your opinion or belief because it is not the same as theirs. You’ll have to spend extra time making sure you’ve created a strong argument since people have often spent more time thinking about a controversial topic and are better able to challenge your position.

How to Pick Good Controversial Topics for Teens

When picking what topic to write about, it’s important that you pick a good strong topic that is relevant and that has an amount of easy to find good sources. When deciding on a topic, try to keep these tips in mind!

Tip #1: Choose a Topic That Interests You

It’s easier to work on a subject you enjoy. Don’t use a topic you find boring or have no interest in. Write about a topic you are passionate about, since your own interest will shine through in your writing or speech. Also, when you pick a topic you like, the assignment can actually be fun. Imagine that!

Tip #2: Be Passionate...But Not Too Passionate

Stay away from topics where you might be too passionate about one side since it can be tough to distance yourself enough to see both sides of the argument. You’ll want to know what good arguments the other side has so that you can defend your position against them. If you're too passionate about a subject, you might miss key details that help you defend your position. Every side has good points—that’s why there’s an argument in the first place!

Tip #3: Make Sure There’s Hard Evidence

Pick a topic where there’s evidence, not just a “he said, she said” kind of thing. Avoid arguments that don’t have any facts or figures backing them up or they are entirely opinion based. Examples of topics that are controversial but lack compelling evidence include government conspiracies or theories that have been proven false, like the Earth being flat or that pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn’t).

Tip #4: Know Your Audience

If you are writing about controversial debate topics, ask yourself who it is you are trying to persuade. Is it your teacher? A certain segment of the population? If you know who your audience is, you can better tailor your argument to hit on the points they care about.

For example, say you’re writing an essay about how teacher’s unions are unnecessary. If your audience is your teacher—who's probably in a union!—you’re going to have to work harder to prove your point since they’re more likely to be in favor of unions. (You’ll also need to make sure you’re being fair and respectful to avoid offending your teacher. We’ll talk more about how to do that in a minute.)

In the example above, knowing your audience can (and should) change the way you write your argument in order to make it as persuasive and convincing as possible.

Tip #5: Narrow Down Your Topic

Make sure your topic is broad enough that you have plenty of information sources to choose from but narrow enough that you aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of information. An easy way to narrow a broad topic is to limit it to a time period or geographical location. For instance, let’s say that you want to write an argumentative essay about climate change. Climate change covers a lot of ground, so you could narrow it down to only writing about climate change in the last 15 years. You could narrow it down even more by writing about how climate change has affected a small geographical location, like California or your own city, in the last 15 years.

Gun control is a perennially controversial topic in the United States.

The Best Controversial Topics of 2019

Here are some of the most controversial topics discussed this year. Many of these issues are evergreen topics, which means you’ll be able to find plenty of information for them!

These are topics related to current political subjects both in the US and abroad.

Is Brexit a good or bad idea?

In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to settle the question of whether or not they should leave the European Union. Proponents of Brexit argue that leaving the EU would save money for the nation as they would no longer need to pay a membership fee to the EU. Opponents argue that the UK will lose money due to new trade restrictions.

Did Russia interfere with the 2016 Presidential Election?

After Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election , there were several investigative reports published that suggested that Russia used targeted Facebook ads to encourage people to vote for Trump , and Russia may have been the ones who hacked the Democratic National Convention. Trump supporters have been quick to rebuff this claim, arguing that the election results reflect the will of the American population. However, those who are anti-Trump argue that Trump did not legitimately win the election and that the results were due to Russian interference. They cite the fact that Hilary Clinton had a larger popular vote than Trump to support this.

Should there be stricter gun control?

The United States has experienced more than 200 mass shootings in 2019, and each new incident brings up controversial questions about gun control. Those in favor of gun control argue that more gun laws would reduce gun deaths. Those against gun control argue that the Second Amendment protects their right to own guns and any legislation for stricter gun control would be unconstitutional.

Should America allow illegal immigrants to become American citizens?

As more and more immigrants arrive at America’s borders, the debate over immigration becomes even more heated. On the pro side, people argue that illegal immigrants help the economy by paying taxes and that most immigrants came here as asylum seekers, which is legal. Opponents argue that these immigrants have crossed the border illegally and that a large portion of these immigrants are violent criminals and should be sent back to protect American citizens.

Should the death penalty still be allowed?

Many states have done away with the death penalty, yet some states still support it. Many have questioned if the death penalty is a moral, ethical, and effective way to deal with crime. On the pro side, the argument is that the death penalty acts as a deterrent to crime and can help bring closure to families affected by heinous criminal activity. On the con side, the argument is that it violates the 8th amendment and that sometimes innocent people have been put to death.

Should abortion be allowed?

Recently, several states have enacted new legislation limiting access to abortion. The pro-choice/pro-abortion side argues that women should be allowed to control their bodies without any interference from the government or religious authority. The pro-life/anti-abortion side argues that abortion is murder and inflicts pain and suffering on the unborn fetus. They are also opposed to Roe vs. Wade , a court decision that made abortion legal in the United States.

Should doctor-assisted suicide be allowed?

In January of 2019, Hawaii will join six other states in enacting Death with Dignity laws for patients with terminal illnesses . However, unlike in countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and the Netherlands, doctor-assisted euthanasia is still illegal according to US federal laws. Many believe it should also be legal on the federal level. Those for doctor-assisted suicide argue that allowing those with chronic pain or terminal illnesses to end their lives is a compassionate act that relieves their suffering. Those opposed argue that it violates the Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm,” and allowing euthanasia is a slippery slope that will lead to doctors deciding who is worthy of life and who is not.

Should the government legalize recreational marijuana?

As of 2018, there are 11 states that have legalized recreational marijuana: Alaska (2014), California (2016), Colorado (2012), DC (2014), Maine (2016), Massachusetts (2016), Michigan (2018), Nevada (2016), Oregon (2014), Vermont (2018), and Washington (2012). Legal marijuana proponents argue that the War on Drugs was a failed initiative that unfairly affected minority communities,and that marijuana isn’t any worse for you than drinking alcohol. Those against legal marijuana argue that the drug is addictive and leads to a higher percentage of school dropouts, car accidents, and crime.

These are topics based on current controversies happening in the scientific field.

Are humans causing global warming?

As the polar ice caps continue to melt, people question whether or not human activity is responsible for raising the temperature of the Earth . Proponents of this idea argue that due to human-generated waste and carbon dioxide, we are responsible for this rise in temperature. Opponents argue that the earth has gone through many warming and cooling cycles and that human activity is not to blame.

Are GMOs good or bad?

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of controversial questions raised by GMO, or genetically modified, crops. Those in favor of GMOs, which stands for genetically modified organisms, argue that without genetically modified crops and animals, there would be food shortages; they also argue that GMOs have been around for millennia. Those opposed to GMOs argue that GMOs could be the cause of the rise of cancers and that the pesticides needed to grow GMO crops contribute to pesticide-resistant pests.

Will work done on artificial intelligence eventually lead to our demise?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more sophisticated, which raises questions about the ethics and eventual outcome of creating artificial intelligence . Proponents believe artificial intelligence will keep us safer and solve many of the world’s problems; but opponents believe that developing AI might not be ethical, they ask whether or not robots programmed with AI count as conscious beings and should be given rights, or if AI will eventually lead to humanity’s downfall.

Should we allow gene editing on human beings?

2017 saw exciting advances in the science of gene editing with the arrival of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing method. However, it’s also raised some controversial debate topics regarding the ethics of allowing gene editing. Gene editing proponents argue that gene editing will allow us to cure genetic diseases and prolong life. But opponents argue that the technology will create more social inequity because only the rich will be able to afford it. They also argue that editing the genes of human embryos is tantamount to playing God.

Are self driving cars really safe?

In 2018, a car accidentally ran over and killed a pedestrian as she was crossing the street in Tempe, AZ. Despite this, driverless car manufacturers like Tesla and transportation companies like Uber argue that driverless technology is ultimately safer than human piloted transportation. This is due to the fact that driverless cars would feature many sensors and safety features whereas human drivers have a tendency to get distracted or sleepy while driving, and some may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are many pro and con arguments about the controversial issues related to driverless technology , which makes this a great controversial topic for essays and debates!

Should anti-vaxxers be forced to vaccinate their kids?

Recently a measles outbreak has spread throughout Europe. According to the World Health Organization, there have been at least 40 measles-related deaths associated with the outbreak. Many blame anti-vaxxers, or parents who believe vaccines cause autism and other illnesses, for the spread of this disease. Those who are pro-vaccine argue that vaccines save lives and by not vaccinating their children , anti-vaxxers are putting others at risk. Anti-vaxxers argue that vaccines can cause serious side effects like autism, seizures, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. They also argue that getting vaccinated is a personal choice that should be respected by the government.

Do we really need a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

In April of 2016, the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation, which is designed to protect EU citizens’ personal data. Proponents for the GDPR argue that it will prevent the number of wide-scale data breaches and hacking that occurs on a day to day basis. Opponents argue that the GDPR doesn’t do enough to protect data and that it will negatively impact the economy because of the fines that will be enforced if a company fails to comply with GDPR guidelines.

Should we grow our meat in a lab?

Recent advances in technology have allowed scientists to experiment with lab-grown, edible meat that doesn’t require animal slaughter. Supporters of lab grown meat claim it is better for the environment and does away with the moral issues surrounding animal husbandry, including animal abuse and inhumane farming practices. Opponents claim lab grown meat may have adverse health effects on people who eat lab-grown meat, especially since the technology is so new. Opponents also argue that lab-grown meat could end the farming industry and put thousands of people out of work.

Uber is great when you need a lift...but does it treat its employees fairly?

Society & Culture

These are current topics that involve our day to day lives.

Should transgendered people be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice?

Earlier last year, North Carolina passed a law that prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice based on their expressed gender rather than their biologically assigned sex . The “bathroom bill” is the first of its kind to specifically address the issue of transgender public restroom access. Proponents for the bill argue that allowing biological males and females to use the same restroom will lead to a higher percentage of sexual assault and was a risk to public safety. Opponents argue that the bill is discriminatory.

Is it still okay to use UBER?

In 2017, UBER was rocked by claims of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and false advertising. The hashtag #DeleteUber went viral in January 2017, and many users and drivers boycotted the company. This situation raises two controversial questions. First, what rights do contract workers have in this new, emerging gig economy ? And second, is UBER the victim of cancel culture , or do customers have an ethical obligation to boycott companies with shady practices?

Cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation? What’s the difference?

Katy Perry has been criticized for her 2017 music video "This Is How We Do” because the singer wore cornrows in her hair. Many have claimed the appearance of a Caucasian woman with a traditionally black hairstyle is cultural appropriation . These opponents argue that because people of color have been discriminated against for wearing traditionally black hairstyles, white women who sport the same hair styles profit from it. However, some argue that without cultural appropriation, many elements of minority cultures have become popularized, like rap music and R&B .

Should we give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance?

In 2017, comedian Louis CK was accused of sexually harassing his female colleagues . Since these accusations went public, Louis CK has tried to rehabilitate his image, and h e has since publicly apologized. But this raises the question of whether we should give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance if they seem to have learned their lesson.

Is social media ruining society?

According to a 2018 survey, approximately 70% of Americans use at least one social media site including Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter . Those in favor of social media argue that it promotes a sense of community and helps create social interactions. But social media detractors argue that sites like Facebook or Reddit waste time, trigger mental illnesses, and encourage dangerous bullying.

Should people get fired for what they say on social media?

Recently, James Gunn, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy , was fired by Disney because there were several tweets on his Twitter feed they believed were offensive. He is not the only one, either: Roseanne was fired by Netflix after she made an offensive tweet towards politician Valerie Jarrett. This has raised some controversial questions, like whether someone be held professionally accountable for what they say on social media . Proponents for social media accountability argue that what someone posts on social media is a reflection of who they are as a person. Opponents argue that posting on social media is protected by free speech and that the context of the posting should matter.

Is the #MeToo movement helping or hurting women?

The #MeToo movement began in 2017 with a series of articles that accused Harvey Weinstein of rape and sexual assault. These articles led to Weinstein’s ostracization from Hollywood and eventually led to criminal investigations into his behavior. The #MeToo movement has brought down several powerful men with accusations of sexual misconduct. But some argue the movement has set the feminist movement back by discouraging companies from hiring women due to their fear of lawsuits.

Is Gen Z worse than previous generations?

Someone is always complaining that the generation after them is worse than their generation. As members of Gen Z mature and reach adulthood, they face many criticisms from the preceding generations. For example, d etractors have accused Gen Z of being lazy and introverted. However, others think Gen Z might be the generation that saves the world.

Arts & Entertainment

These are topics that are currently affecting sports, tv, Hollywood, literature, music, and art.

Should movies and television shows be forced to hire more diverse casts?

Hollywood has come under fire for “whitewashing” or the act of casting a white actor when the role should have gone to a person of color. An example of this is when Rupert Sanders, director of Ghost in the Shell , cast Scarlett Johansson as the Asian protagonist Major . Opponents of this practice argue that “whitewashing” takes jobs away from deserving POC actors. However, others argue that art should be free of any restrictions or boundaries .

Should the show 13 Reasons Why have removed its controversial scenes?

In 2017, Netflix released an original show based on the young adult novel 13 Reasons Why , which focuses on the suicide of 17-year-old Hannah Baker. Parents and educators opposed the release of this show due to the fact that it involved several controversial topics for teens such as suicide and rape. But those that support the show have argued that it provided a way to start conversations with teens about these tough topics . Ultimately, Netflix went back and edited out the controversial scenes. This topic gives you the opportunity to talk about whether mature content like suicide and rape is appropriate in shows aimed toward teenagers. You can also discuss whether Netflix’s removal of the offending scenes is the right decision or not.

Should male and female actors make the same amount of money?

In 2018, Hollywood came under fire after the internet learned that Michelle Williams was paid substantially less for her role in “All The Money In The World” than her male co-star, Mark Wahlberg. Some argue that as the bigger star, Whalberg deserved to be compensated at a higher rat e. Others argue that Williams did the same amount of work as Wahlberg and should receive the same amount of pay. This issue plugs into the larger social issue of pay discrepancies based on race and gender.

Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem?

People have started to boycott Nike for their commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick . Kaepernick is a San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has received a lot of press for being the first athlete to kneel during the national anthem in protest the treatment of African Americans and minorities in the United States. President Trump has publicly stated that any athlete who kneels during the national anthem is being disrespectful and should be fired. Yet others defend kneeling during the anthem, regarding it as an expression of free speech that’s protected under the First Amendment.

The 5 Best Tips for Treating Controversial Topics With Sensitivity and Respect

In order to write a good argument and convince your reader/listener to agree with you, you will need to treat your controversial issue with sensitivity and respect. This helps the reader/listener to trust you.

But that can be really hard when you feel passionately about your topic and your opinions! Here are the best tips for making sure you stick to the facts, not the feelings.

Tip #1: Avoid Charged Language

An author is accused of using loaded language when they substitute words with positive or negative connotations instead of using more neutral language. Some examples of this are using the word “superior” instead of better, calling the opposition “stupid,” or using biased terminology (“infanticide” vs. “abortion”). While emotional appeals are a great tool to persuade people to your point of view, when they’re used in the wrong way, they come across as overly aggressive and biased.

Tip #2 : Avoid Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is an error in your argument’s logic because it presents the topic’s information in a deceptive way. Below are some common logical fallacies to watch out for.

Straw Man Fallacy: this is when you ignore your opponent’s real argument and instead argue that your opponent believes something easily ridiculed or proved false.

Slippery Slope: this is when you argue that something seemingly benign will lead to an unlikely extreme.

Generalizations: generalizations are statements about an idea that do not have any facts to support them. They tend to play into stereotypes and often rely on exaggerations or over the top statements.

For more information on logical fallacies and how to avoid them, check out this resource.

Tip #3: Do Not Attack Your Opponent Personally

This is called an ad hominem fallacy, and is often referred to as “mud-slinging” or “bashing.” When you do this, it implies that the only way you can counter your opponents viewpoints is through personal attacks. (Also, it’s just not cool.) Instead, stick to using facts and figures to show why their argument is wrong.

Tip #4: Avoid Hyperbole, Stereotypes, and Clichés

These are common issues that crop up in argumentative writing that ultimately weaken your position.

Hyperbole happens when you exaggerate. When you use hyperbole, you risk misrepresenting the issue at hand—which is an argument killer. For example, take this statement: “If we don’t stop climate change now, we’ll all be dead in 10 years.” While climate change is definitely a huge risk to humanity, saying everyone on Earth will die in a decade if we don’t fix is a significant exaggeration. It would be better to say something like, “If we don’t start to solve climate change now, we’re risking the livelihoods and safety of future generations.” This is a more moderate statement that you can back up with facts, like scientists’ belief that climate change will put coastal cities underwater.

Stereotypes are oversimplified, misinformed, or prejudiced assumptions held about other people or things. For example, a common stereotype is that all women love pink. (Spoiler alert: they don’t.) While stereotypes like this seem harmless, most are not. For example, a stereotype like the idea that all immigrants are criminals is extremely harmful. Stereotypes are not only false, they make you seem biased and ill-informed.

Finally, clichés are overused or commonplace phrases, themes, or expressions . These are often phrases that have been said so much that they’ve lost all real meaning. For example, the idea that people can “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” is a textbook example of a cliché. Instead, it’s better to explain the idea behind the cliché in more detail. In this case, it would be better to say that people—no matter their station in life—can create opportunities for themselves through hard work.

Tip #5 : Don’t Beat a Dead Horse

Remember that your job is to present them with the facts in an open and honest way. If you have done a good job, your reader or listener will come away with the same opinion as you, or at least more informed. It’s okay to state your opinion in your paper as long as you use other sources to back your opinion up and are fair to the other side. (Also resist the urge to restate your opinion every other sentence—it’s monotonous and doesn’t do much to win your reader over!)

5 Resources for Finding More Controversial Debate Topics

If you’re not inspired by the topics we’ve already mentioned, don’t worry. There are many other controversial topics out there! Here are some other places you can look to find a topic that’s perfect for your essay or debate.

#1: ProCon.Org

You probably noticed that we’ve included links in this article that take you to ProCon.org . That’s because this website is a treasure trove of controversial issues! The website has lists of ideas that they break down into general pro/con lists, and each topic links you research starters.

#2: National & Local News

Much of the modern news cycle is devoted to discussing hot-button topics of our time. If you’re looking for topics related to current events, news sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post will help! Also, don’t discount your local news resources, either. They’ll give you valuable information about what’s going on in your community and how larger, national issues are impacting where you live.

#3: They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (Fourth Edition) by Cathy Birkenstein & Gerald Graff

Writing argumentative papers where you have to pick (and defend) your perspective is a skill you’ll use throughout high school, college, and beyond. They Say/I Say walks you through everything you need to know to write an argument. Even better: the book uses controversial issues as a way to teach writing, so you’ll get expert instruction on how to use them to write an amazing paper.

#4: Documentaries

Documentaries provide more in-depth perspectives on topics—both historical and contemporary—that have shaped the world. A great documentary can give you a thorough overview of an issue, and often they dig into different perspectives around an event, idea, or historical moment. The PBS series, Frontline , is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to look at critically acclaimed films (like The Times of Harvey Milk or How to Survive a Plague ) for inspiration as well.

#5: The Learning Network

The Learning Network , a blog run by The New York Times, is a great resource for students and teachers. They have lots of great resources, and their article on 200 prompts for argumentative writing is amazing for anyone looking for essay or debate topics. The article split into categories by topic and links to articles that can help explain each issue. It’s a great place to find a topic that interests you.

What’s Next?

Controversial topics are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things you can research and write about for class. Check out our list of 113 amazing research paper topics to put you on the path to an A+ paper grade! ( If you’re looking for speech topics or argumentative essay topics , we’ve got you covered, too.)

Researching a controversial topic is just the first step in the argumentative process. You also have to be able to persuade your reader or listener to believe in your point of view. Here are 3 killer tips to help you write an amazing argumentative essay.

Learning how to read critically, come up with an argument, and communicate it is one of the fundamental skills you’ll need to tackle the writing portions of the SAT and ACT. To make sure you’re prepared, check out our step-by-step guide to the essay portion of the SAT ( and the ACT ).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Daily Crossword
Word Puzzle
Word Finder
Word of the Day
Synonym of the Day
Word of the Year
Language stories
All featured
Gender and sexuality
All pop culture
Writing hub
Grammar essentials
Commonly confused
All writing tips
Pop culture
Writing tips

controversial

[ kon-tr uh - vur -sh uh l ]

a controversial book.

a controversial decision.

Synonyms: questionable , arguable

a controversial public figure.

Discover More

Other words from.

contro·versial·ism noun
contro·versial·ist noun
contro·versial·ly adverb
noncon·tro·versial adjective
noncon·tro·versial·ly adverb
precon·tro·versial adjective
uncon·tro·versial adjective
uncon·tro·versial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of controversial 1

Example Sentences

He was one of the controversial church’s best-known members and eventually settled near its headquarters in Clearwater, Fla.

New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet on Thursday rolled back a controversial standard regarding the use of racial epithets at the newspaper.

If you like your athletes docile, this is a controversial shift in temperament.

According to one adviser, he has pushed his team to produce its own videos to counter those of their opponents — including shots of Democratic lawmakers making controversial statements over the years.

Part of what made Trek’s 48-times claim so controversial was that it was—and still is—almost unheard of for helmet brands to make such specific claims about protection.

Jones is a veteran of another beloved-yet-controversial animated series on Adult Swim, The Boondocks.

That is why The Daily Beast stands with Charlie Hebdo and published their controversial covers in the wake of the attack.

While this deferred action is controversial in the United States, in Mexico, what Obama did is universally popular.

The Eighty-ninth Congress was potentially more fertile ground for the broad range of controversial programs on his dream agenda.

Zufi understands that his work can be controversial to many within his community.

He was the author of many learned theological works and controversial publications.

Joseph Blanco White, an English preacher and controversial writer, died, aged 67.

John Penry, an English controversial writer, executed for heresy against the episcopacy.

As time passed, the old question of the state debt loomed more important and more controversial than ever.

I may equally charge controversial writers with fraud, when they falsify the words or arguments of an opponent.

Related Words

contentious
questionable

More About Controversial

What does controversial mean.

Controversial is used to describe someone or something that causes people to get upset and argue.

Controversial is the adjective form of the noun controversy , which is a prolonged dispute, debate, or state of contention , especially one that unfolds in public and involves a stark difference of opinion. Things commonly called controversial include topics, actions, and people (particularly for what they say and do).

Example: Questions about the candidate’s controversial remarks from the past prevented him from talking about his campaign.

Where does controversial come from?

The first records of controversial in English come from around the 1580s. It comes from the Latin controversialis , which is ultimately derived from the roots contrā , meaning “against” (as seen in words like contrary ), and vertere , meaning “to turn” (as in the word versus ).

Yes, something that’s controversial causes people to turn against each other. People say and do things all the time that cause arguments or debate (and the strife and discord that come with them), but we most often apply controversial to those things when they play out in public. There’s a reason for that: the more public something is, the more people will engage with it. And when people are involved, there’s no shortage of opinions. The formula for controversy is very simple: a lot of opinions plus a lot of passion. Topics traditionally known as controversial include religion and politics, probably because those are two areas where people are least willing to compromise. In this way, topics that are controversial can be polarizing , meaning that they divide people into very specific groups based on their very specific opinions.

People (particularly public figures) are called controversial when they do or say things that get other people worked up. (Of course, some people are controversial on purpose, especially to attract attention.)

People sometimes criticize the use of the word controversial, especially by the media, to describe something that they argue is not just contentious but plain wrong in some way, as in His remarks weren’t controversial—they were racist.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to controversial ?

controversy (noun)
controversially (adverb)
controversialism (noun)
controversialist (noun)
uncontroversial (adjective)
uncontroversially (adverb)
noncontroversial (adjective)
noncontroversially (adverb)
precontroversial (adjective)

What are some synonyms for controversial ?

What are some words that often get used in discussing controversial ?

How is controversial used in real life?

Just about any topic can be controversial if people feel strongly about it and disagree. Most often the word is used when such disagreement happens in public and is documented (and, yes, sometimes played up) by the media.

The new rules, which are now scheduled to be in place on April 1, will change how doctors are paid. One of the most controversial developments involves changes to a fee known as a complex care modifier, which doctors were able to charge if visits took longer than 15 minutes. — Hellberta (@Hell_Berta) February 29, 2020

controversial take: even “great” macarons are hot garbage. — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) December 27, 2017

'Controversial' is a fun way of saying unconstitutional and borderline illegal … https://t.co/WOl1TQuRfk — Grouchy Broderick (@TheImpeccableG) March 3, 2020

Try using controversial !

Which of the following is an antonym (opposite) of controversial ?

A. debatable B. polemical C. questionable D. undisputed

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Do you think social media platforms should censor politicians? No matter how important you feel this issue is relative to other issues of the day, you’re likely to have an opinion one way or the other. Why? Because it’s a controversial matter, and it immediately pushes some buttons in our brains.

What makes issues like this so engaging?

Controversial topics have two features that almost instantly grab people’s attention. On one side, they are both simple and familiar, and so are understandable without any effort. On the other side, they touch on sensitive matters that society as a whole has not yet come to terms with. This makes them tickle our inherent desire for closure. We want to make up our minds once and for all!

So if you’re looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you’re trying to come up with a topic for your science, psychology, history class – or nearly any other topic! – you’re sure to find an issue below that will keep your audience engaged, and even stir up some discussion.

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

Controversial criminal justice topics, controversial religious topics, controversial topics for teens, controversial science topics, controversial sports topics, controversial food topics, controversial nutrition topics, controversial animal topics, controversial topics in psychology, controversial relationship topics, controversial medical topics, controversial topics in nursing, controversial topics in biology, music controversial topics, controversial art topics, controversial history topics, funny controversial topics, what are the pros and cons of controversial topics.

As mentioned earlier, picking a controversial topic almost guarantees that you’ll command your audience’s attention. But such issues have downsides too. We go over the advantages and disadvantages of hot-button issues to help you make the right choice for your essay, speech, or debate.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Immediately engaging – Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.
Easy to find information on – You won’t have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.
Likely to keep you absorbed while researching – What’s interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.
Too sensitive for some people – These issues often have a strong emotional charge and may even be taboo for some, causing awkward situations.
Hard to review all points – A huge debate has probably been raging on such topics, so it’s not so easy to cover all your bases and appear knowledgeable on the issue at hand.
Hard to wrap up – These matters are controversial for a reason. It may be hard to come to a satisfactory conclusion, whether you’re presenting or debating.

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

Below, we’ve compiled a catalog of fascinating controversial topics by field. Keep in mind that many of these spill over from one category to another, so there is some overlap. Is climate change a political or scientific issue? There’s a controversial question for you!

Controversy is where politics are born. There’s usually some point of disagreement about any matter related to public affairs – that’s why a politician’s main job is to debate and come to an agreement (ideally) on how to handle these issues. Or, as political scientist Harold Lasswell put it succinctly, politics is, “Who gets what, when, how.”

So political issues are controversial by definition. We’ve worked hard to provide you with the longest, most comprehensive list you’ll find anywhere, and any of these topics may be instantly captivating.

Is democracy the best form of government?
Should there be a minimum wage?
Should the government intervene in the free market?
Should the US government intervene in foreign affairs?
Should there be term limits for US senators?
Should the Electoral College be abolished in the US?
Are there exceptions to the freedom of speech?
Should hate speech be banned?
Should the government ensure the protection of privacy?
Is the gender pay gap real?
Does institutional racism exist in the US?
Is affirmative action helping or hurting?
Is immigration helping or hurting the US?
Should all illicit drugs be legalized?
Should prostitution be legalized?
Should abortion be banned?
Should there be stricter gun control laws?
Should automatic weapons be banned?
Should military service be mandatory?
Should water be a commodity or a human right?
Should the government forgive all student debt?

Is justice being served? Few things get under people’s skin as much as perceived injustices. We are more or less programmed to seek fairness both for ourselves and for others. That’s why, similar to political topics, criminal justice issues are naturally engaging.

Appropriate punishment is salient now especially in the US after years of debates and protests related to the killings of minorities like George Floyd, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. More recently, the storming of the US Capitol, the role the President’s words had in inciting the perpetrators, and how liable they are when following their President’s words, are also hot-button issues. It’s hard to go wrong with a criminal justice topic.

Is the death penalty ethical?
Should people be jailed for drug-related offenses?
Should police officers be charged for inappropriate use of force?
Why are minorities disproportionately represented in the US prison population?
Why does the US have the largest prison population in the world?
Should mentally unstable people be charged with crimes?
Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults?
Should there be more than 12 jurors in a jury?
Should felons be allowed to vote?

Religion is a sensitive issue everywhere. Since it often concerns people’s innermost beliefs and principles, it’s not difficult to capture your audience’s attention with a religious topic. But beware that it’s also very easy to offend someone if you’re not careful.

Take religious freedom, for example – a concept interpreted in very different ways by different people. When in 2012 a Christian baker in Colorado refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, was he exercising his religious freedom or discriminating against LGBTQ people?

Is atheism a religion?
Does religion do more harm than good?
Should creationism be taught in schools?
Should there be religious education in schools?
Should religious symbols be banned from schools?
Should schools’ curriculums consider religious points of view?
Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
Should religious institutions pay taxes?
Are most religions inherently sexist?
Is Buddhism more peaceful than other religions?

The teenage years are a transition period between childhood and adulthood, which causes a natural struggle between treating teens as children or adults. Can we hold teenagers accountable for crimes they committed? Or should their parents be responsible? Issues like this make a lively debate inevitable.

Should we lower the voting age to 16?
Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
At what age should teens be allowed to date?
At what age is it appropriate for teens to have sex?
Should sex education be mandatory in school?
Should teenage pregnancies be terminated?
Should teens have access to birth control?
Is cyberbullying as bad as real-life bullying?
Is peer pressure good or bad?
Does social media cause an increase in teenage suicide?
Are beauty pageants harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem?
Should teens be allowed to keep secrets from parents?
Should energy drinks be banned for teenagers?
Should mobile devices be banned at school?
Is the school grading system effective?
Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?
Should vaping be prohibited for teens?

Are you looking for more controversial topics for teens? Check out our other article where you can find 170+ controversial debate topics for teens , as well as the dos and don’ts when debating controversial topics.

Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies – by looking at evidence. When scientists disagree on something, they have to back their views with data and logical arguments. But scientific questions are often taken outside the realm of the experts and turn into social, political, or economic issues.

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the concept of false equivalence – a fallacy in which a flawed or misleading argument is presented as equivalent to a sound and logical one. For instance, scientists have shown that the preponderance of evidence points to the reality of climate change. Media outlets and some politicians, however, sometimes present the issue as not settled. No matter whether climate change is real or not, saying that a politician’s opinion is as valid as a scientist’s – when we’re talking about that scientist’s field – is a false equivalence. Issues like that are bound to create a heated (pun intended) debate.

Can scientists ever be objective?
Should corporations fund research?
Should science be optional in school?
Why are women underrepresented in science?
Is STEM education more valuable than training in humanities?
Should cryptocurrencies be regulated?
Should net neutrality be restored?
Should robots have rights?
Is AI a menace to humans?
Is AI the next stage in evolution?
Is technology helping or destroying Earth?
Can renewable sources of energy replace fossil fuels?
Is climate change a threat to humanity?
Is cell phone radiation dangerous?
Is climate change reversible?
Should all cars be electric?
Is nuclear energy safe?
Does alien life exist?
Could alien life have found Earth?
Should humans try to colonize Mars?

Professional sports hold a lot of potential to create controversy. Hardly a week goes by without some major sports issue making the news. Whether it’s deflated footballs, kneeling during the anthem, or equal pay for male and female athletes, sports topics usually carry an emotional charge as most people have a strong opinion one way or the other .

Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Are professional athletes paid too much?
Are professional athletes good role models?
Should college athletes be paid beyond scholarships?
Should college athletes be tested for drugs?
Is dance a real sport?
Is video gaming a real sport?
Is bodybuilding a real sport?
Is cheerleading a real sport?
Should mixed martial arts be banned?
Should women compete against men in sports?
Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
Should transgender athletes who used to be male compete in women’s sports?
Do the Olympics do more harm than good for the cities hosting them?
Are professional sports too damaging to athletes’ health?
Is American football too dangerous for athletes?
Should athletes who kneel for the anthem be sanctioned?

Sharing a meal with others unites us, but our opinions on food often divide us. Why is one part of the world starving, while another struggles with obesity? Is famine a result of a shortage or a distribution problem? Questions about food are important for humanity, which makes them compelling topics for discussion.

Are genetically modified foods dangerous?
Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
Is organic food better than regular food?
Is fast food responsible for obesity?
Is food waste unavoidable?
Is organic farming sustainable?
Is factory farming unsustainable?
Is grass-fed beef better than corn-fed beef?
Is palm oil production causing deforestation?
Can biotech foods save us from hunger?
Should butter be stored in the fridge?

Nutrition is one of the most controversial scientific fields – dietary guidelines seem to be changing by the day. Is it OK to eat more than two eggs a day? Are carbs more unhealthy than fats? Issues like that are notoriously hard to resolve as even a carefully designed scientific study struggles to untangle the many factors that go into human health.

Should we have nutrition classes in schools?
Can a vegan diet help the environment?
Is it healthier to be vegetarian?
Is an all-meat diet healthy?
Is dieting ever effective?
Does fasting help or harm the body?
Are gluten-free diets overhyped?
Should we ban trans fat?
Is sugar addictive?
Are artificial sweeteners unhealthy?

Bring up the practice of eating dog meat in some countries to a dog lover, and you’ll more than likely evoke a very strong reaction. But how is it different from eating other social and intelligent mammals, such as pigs? There are many unresolved animal issues that can make for a captivating paper or presentation.

Should animals have the same rights as humans?
Should animals be considered individuals?
Do animals have emotions?
Do animals have consciousness?
Is animal testing ethical?
Should the fur industry be restricted?
Are zoos helping or hurting animals?
Should there be animals in circuses?
Should we try to reverse extinction?
Are humans destroying animal habitats?
Is selective dog breeding unethical?
Should bullfighting be banned?
Should whaling be banned?

Many argue that psychology as a science is still in its infancy. There’s no consensus on a lot of the big questions related to people’s minds. Is there even a way to know what’s happening inside someone else’s head besides our own? A behaviorist would insist there isn’t.

Is psychology a real science?
Is depression a real disease?
Are antidepressants effective?
Is ADHD a real mental disorder?
Is drug abuse a mental health issue?
Is mental illness equivalent to physical illness?
Should psychologists be allowed to prescribe drugs?
Is prejudice against different people inherent?
Is it ethical to “treat” homosexuality?
Are social media sites addictive?
Is social media connecting us or making us more isolated?
Is pornography harmful to the psyche?
Do video games cause violence?
Is intelligence inherited?

Being in a romantic relationship involves constantly negotiating and renegotiating issues ranging from the most mundane to the most profound. On top of that, most adults are or have been part of a couple, making this a relatable and attention-grabbing subject.

Is monogamy natural?
Does divorce harm children?
Should dating between co-workers be allowed?
Should people date people much older than themselves?
Is romantic love a prerequisite to marital satisfaction?
Should arguments in a couple be avoided or encouraged?
Should men and women have different functions in a relationship?
Is it OK to keep secrets from your partner?
Are long-distance relationships worth it?
Is sex before marriage wrong?
Is online dating good or bad?
Are homosexual relationships natural?
Should same-sex marriage be banned?
Should LGBTQ people be allowed to adopt children?

Health is arguably the most important thing for a person. So it’s no surprise that we take issues related to health and medicine very seriously. Is there any point in prolonging a dying patient’s pain through life support? Questions like this are hard to give a definitive answer to, making them potent discussion topics.

Are vaccines safe?
Is Covid-19 manmade?
Should immunization be mandatory?
Should euthanasia be allowed?
Is alternative medicine any good?
Should healthcare be free?
Is obesity a disease?
Is circumcision healthy?
Is stem cell research ethical?
How harshly should medical malpractice be punished?
Should Big Pharma be banned from charging too much for life-saving drugs?
Should prescription drug manufacturers be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
Should cannabis be prescribed as medicine?
Should surrogate pregnancy be allowed?
Should we use gene-editing in humans?
Should the sale of human organs be allowed?
Should genetic screening of embryos be legal?

If nurses are essential workers, why do they get paid so little? To get to the bottom of this, we need to go beyond the nursing profession and take a hard look at society as a whole. Besides, just like doctors, nurses face ethical dilemmas in their work every day, which creates a lot of room for debate.

Are nurses compensated fairly?
Should nurses’ shifts be shortened?
Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
Is the nursing profession better suited for women?
Should nurses use artificial hydration and nutrition?
Should nurses treat non-compliant patients?

Biology deals with nothing less than life itself! And what’s a more fascinating question than the origin of life? Although we seem to be far from deciphering this mystery, there are many other issues that both scientists and laypeople have good reason to debate.

Is evolution up for debate?
Did life emerge out of inorganic matter?
Is there a viable alternative to the theory of evolution?
How significant are the physiological differences between men and women?
Is behavior determined by our genes or by our upbringing?
Are there more than two genders?

If you’re a classical music lover, you’ll very likely scoff at the assertion that rock ‘n’ roll is the best musical genre. But who’s to say? Maybe someone will argue that there are objective measures of the quality of music. As with any issue that’s close to many people’s hearts, music can be an excellent topic for discussion.

Is music getting worse over time?
Is the pursuit of profit ruining music?
Do music streaming services such as Spotify help or harm musical artists?
Are violent or explicit lyrics harmful to society?
Are rock stars a bad influence on children?
Are The Beatles overrated?

Do you think Banksy will go down in history as one of the great artists, or do you see his works as cheap stunts? Either way, you’ll probably agree that art has changed almost beyond recognition since the time of Rembrandt. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is just one topic worth exploring.

Is the value of art subjective?
Should explicit art be censored?
Who decides what constitutes art?
Should an art piece always carry a message?
Is contemporary art as good as classical art?
Should any topic be out of bounds for art?

Hardly anyone would disagree that we should learn from history to avoid making the same mistake twice. But what exactly are history’s lessons is up for debate, and so make for great discussion topics.

Are the two World Wars responsible for the relative state of peace since?
Should the US pay reparations to African Americans because of slavery?
Should Confederate statues in the US be taken down?
Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
Was the French Revolution inevitable?
Is history always written by the victors?
Is history bound to be repeated?

Are cats better pets than dogs? Does pineapple belong on a pizza? These are the kind of age-old debates we look into in our Funny Controversial Topics page.

Top 5 Extraordinary Motivational Speakers

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

7 thoughts on “205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate”

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

Hey Nicole, just to answer your question personally I think Chicago pizza is too thick and I would choose New York pizza any day.

In my opinion Chicago pizza is clearly superior, and its thickness is one of its best attributes.

In my opinion New York pizza is clearly superior, and its thinness is one of its best attributes.

I second Chicago pizza lover’s statement, I think that Chicagos pizzas are much better!

In my very Italian opinion, true real pizza is Made in Italy only – the best. Cheers x 🙂

The Meaning of Evangelion.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo.

M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives.

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay. If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics as well.

Is global climate change caused by humans?
Is the death penalty effective?
Is the U.S. election process fair?
Is torture ever acceptable?
Should men get paternity leave from work?
Are school uniforms beneficial?
Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
Is cheating out of control?
Are we too dependent on computers?
Should animals be used for research?
Should cigarette smoking be banned?
Are cell phones dangerous?
Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
Do we have a throwaway society ?
Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
Should companies market to children?
Should the government have a say in our diets?
Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
Should members of Congress have term limits?
Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
Are CEOs paid too much?
Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
Should creationism be taught in public schools?
Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
Should English be the official language of the United States?
Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
Should everyone be required to recycle?
Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
Does boredom lead to trouble?
Should schools be in session year-round ?
Does religion cause war?
Should the government provide health care?
Should abortion be illegal?
Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
Is homework harmful or helpful?
Is the cost of college too high?
Is college admission too competitive?
Should euthanasia be illegal?
Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
Is affirmative action fair?
Is public prayer okay in schools?
Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures.

100 Persuasive Essay Topics
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
Controversial Speech Topics
How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
High School Debate Topics
How to Write a Persuasive Essay
MBA Essay Tips
25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
A Sample Essay for Common Application Option #7: Topic of Your Choice
How to Ace Your University of Wisconsin Personal Statements
5 Steps to Writing a Position Paper

200+ Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for 2023

If you are looking for a good topic to write your next argumentative essay on, look no further. These controversial topics will get the conversation started.

When assigned to write an argumentative paper, most students research controversial issues on which to base their thesis. It is a smart choice: if you can come up with a prominent topic, you will have a much better shot at earning a passing mark. However, settling on a path forward can be challenging despite this knowledge.

Topics for a controversial essay could be personal essay ideas or controversial issues your audience can relate to. These issues could be,

Ethical conflicts,
Going against traditional values (for example, LGBTQ rights and gender roles),
Tackling societal taboos,
Concentrating on sensitive or distressing issues/collective memories,
The occurrence of divided social groupings with opposing viewpoints.

These are often the root causes of controversial argumentative essay topics.

Writing a good number of essays similar to these will benefit you in the long run since it will teach you what it takes to take part in conversations and defend your stance.

It is challenging to settle on a topic for conversation since there are so many potential directions. Still, only some of those directions will appeal to you, and even fewer will be within your area of competence, so you can have an informed discussion about them. This article will walk you through narrowing down your alternatives and deciding on a single topic if you need help with either of those tasks.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Definition

An argumentative essay is an academic piece that aims to persuade the reader to accept the author's point of view. The complexity of an argumentative essay can range from a basic comparison, such as "home-cooked food is better than fast food," to a more involved argument, such as "the argument for morality over religion."

Writing an argumentative essay, no matter the subject, requires extensive research with supporting evidence. You take a controversial topic, express your opinion, and then back it up with facts and evidence.

An excellent topic for a controversial argumentative essay is one you and your audience can get excited about. The more controversial and emotionally charged the issue, the more attention it will receive, and the more strongly people will feel compelled to take a position. People will read your work with a fresh appreciation for your ability to argue persuasively on controversial themes.

Types of Controversial Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays give both sides of a concept or subject and argue for one. Different argumentative essays communicate information differently, but all should discuss all sides.

Many controversial argumentative essay ideas exist; however, they all fall into four categories. An argumentative essay can be persuasive, research-based, analysis-based, or personal.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays argue and strive to convince the reader of one viewpoint. Argumentative essays should begin with the author's position and use evidence to support it. The writer should refute opposing viewpoints to convince the reader of his position.

Research Papers

Argumentative research papers use a lot of outside sources. Although many resources are available on controversial argumentative essay topics, finding reliable and up-to-date information requires time and effort. Authors should mention as many sources for opposing views as for the main argument.

Analysis Essays

Argumentative analysis essays examine other arguments and analyze another author's reasoning. The analysis includes persuasiveness, evidence, writing clarity, presentation, and style. In this argumentative analysis essay, the author must argue the article's quality and persuasiveness.

Personal essays

Personal argumentative essays can argue without research. In this essay style, the author must persuade with personal opinion and taste. This form of argumentative essay requires persuasion and subjectivity. All sides should be considered in proving the author's thesis to the reader.

How to Choose Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

What is the best way to create an excellent topic for my controversial argumentative writings? The most controversial debates often center on deeply personal issues. They must get under your skin, strike a chord with the listener, prompt you to move forward, stir your feelings, and inspire your thoughts. It must capture your interest and hold it. The core problem must be significant and pressing.

A solid argument, a well-developed thesis, and extensive research are the three pillars of a successful argumentative essay.

A concise statement, or a thesis, is closely related to making a compelling argument. Your thesis statement should briefly explain your entire argument. Your argument needs to be well-supported by evidence and sound reasoning. Every piece of evidence and piece of speculation in your essay must point back to this one central claim.

An argumentative essay's credibility increases when it is supported by substantial evidence. Use your argument to find supporting evidence in credible sources such as scholarly articles, studies, and newspapers before settling on a thesis statement.

If, after extensive study, you still lack sufficient evidence to support your topic or argument, you may look elsewhere for inspiration.

Solid Argument

Writing an essay that successfully convinces the reader requires the development of a persuasive argument. Find a subject you find intriguing and build your case around that. Your argument must be adequately thought out and researched to persuade your reader. There needs to be a central argument and multiple supporting details.

There are dozens of sources online these days that you can get ideas from, and this article is one of those sources. Finding good topics for controversial argumentative essays takes work, but it is easier than you think.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Unless it is assigned beforehand, choosing good controversial argumentative essay topics is one of the most challenging parts of writing an essay. Students often feel compelled to write on subjects they are enthusiastic about or have a genuine interest in.

It is important to note that there is no single, definitive method for selecting the most fruitful topic for a paper. However, there are methods for narrowing down the possible topics.

Since different essays require different points of discussion and sentence structures, you must know what essay you will write before deciding on the point of discussion.

It is important to remember that writing about controversial issues differs from the norm. Speaking, rather than writing, is the focal point. Therefore, you will need to approach preparation and execution slightly differently. Making a rough outline would be impressive. Digging into the issue is necessary to prevail in the conversation. You must work on a list of reasons people should agree with you. You should know the possible rebuttals to your case.

Mapping out a straightforward plan for any controversial subject is crucial. It makes no difference whether your task is written or oral. A solid outline gives you a bird's-eye view of the case and allows you to construct a well-organized story. To get the most out of your essay with minimal work, follow the outline, and you will find developing controversial argumentative essay topics easier.

50 Best Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

To write an excellent essay, you must have a list of good topics for controversial argumentative essays

The following is a list of potential topics for controversial argumentative writing:

Do racial undertones contribute to police brutality?
Should we enforce recycling?
Is there any benefit to having rivals?
With employment, is blogging a viable option?
Do you think people will ever be able to survive without the Internet?
Should everyone give back to their communities?
Does the media intrude into the personal lives of celebrities?
Should it be acceptable to use animals in experiments?
Should contraception and other forms of family planning be made available to all women?
Is there fairness in our tax system?
Vaping is just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.
Is consumerism a major threat to international stability?
Do social media sites invade our personal space?
Should everyone get vaccinated?
Do big corporations regulate our food intake?
Is the way we teach appropriate for the modern world?
When, if ever, is it okay to execute someone?
Does human activity play a role in causing global warming?
Should fathers be entitled to paternity leave?
Do you think our tax system is fair?
In practice, animal protection laws are useless.
Our minds are harmed by watching TV shows.
Electronics are not appropriate for children.
Democracy vs. totalitarianism: a contrast and comparison.
Young people are not adequately prepared for their futures by the educational system.
Bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by educators.
Is there a gender gap in productivity at work?
As the world moves toward complete digitization, humanity suffers.
Can your vote make a difference?
Those who are fixated on extreme sports likely have some mental illness.
Studying abroad: what you need to know.
Spending money on lottery tickets is a complete waste of time and effort.
Self-care is preferable to medical professional attention.
Evidence shows that consuming large amounts of water can lead to weight gain.
In a healthy relationship, age disparity makes no difference.
Should birthplace be used to determine citizenship?
Must there be movies about the end of the world?
Competitions based on physical attractiveness are degrading and should be outlawed.
Will we eventually do away with paper currency?
Young adults need access to individual online counselors.
Gender equality will never be achieved.
Animal Consumption Ought to be banned as a Human Right
Those who take precautions to preserve the planet's natural resources should be financially rewarded for their efforts.
Those businesses that violate environmental regulations ought to be shut down.
Until this problem is fixed, the air quality in major cities will remain unacceptable.
The Current Form of Alternative Fuels Does Not Work
Everyone should be required to make recycling a regular habit.
Deserts need to be converted into green areas by all means necessary.
Under the current circumstances, it is unrealistic to expect pollution prevention efforts to be successful.
Do you think kids should read books that are right for their age, or is it OK for them to read books for adults?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle school students are encouraged to participate in the discussion to gain experience writing at the high school level. Controversial argumentative essay topics for middle school students typically center on issues like the justness of school rules and the acceptance of alternative curricula.

Lists of good controversial argumentative essay topics for middle school students:

Must Students Adhere to Dress Policies at School?
Do You Think Teachers Should Give Less Homework?
What Is the Point of Taking Music Lessons?
The appeal of romantic films and why female audiences favor them.
Problems with making virtual buddies.
Compare and contrast traditional schooling with homeschooling.
How Significant Is It to Have Access to the Arts?
When and how should children be disciplined?
Is there a "right" age to date? Are violent video games bad?
Should parents be able to tell kids whether they can dye their hair?
Do you think social media hurts more than it helps?
Is there too much homework for middle school students?
Do kids learn from their homework?
Is life harder for your parents or your generation?
Is cyberbullying just as bad as bullying in person?
Should all cars run on electric power?
Why do you think your favorite musician is the best?
Should kids have to go to gym class?
Do you think kids get money for doing well in school?
Is it better to have classes in person or online?
Should music be censored because of its explicit lyrics?
Is cyberbullying the same as traditional bullying?
Can you recommend a sport that has the lowest risk of injury?
Should schoolchildren be allowed to provide feedback on their teachers?
Why do you think it is a good idea for pupils to wear uniforms to school?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

Do you need help finding topics for controversial argumentative writings?

Listed below are some good topics for controversial argumentative essays for high school students:

Is the current system of public education antiquated and in need of modernization?
Should kids be exposed to technology at a young age?
The iPhone is overpriced and Overrated.
Does gender pay disparity exist?
Should people of different sexual orientations use the same public restrooms?
How does climate change matter?
All reasonable efforts must be made to make cloning available to bereaved families at affordable costs.
Modern youth is helpless without their electronics.
Everyone has the right to freedom of speech on the internet.
Surveillance cameras should be high quality.
Does education quality differ between public and private schools?
Does homeschooling provide good results?
What do you think about banning junk food from classrooms?
Which country do students have the best chance of receiving a quality education in?
For what reasons would you recommend a one-sex institution for education?
Could graffiti be considered art, or is it just vandalism?
Exactly what steps may be taken to stop bullying from happening?
Should children be allowed to use social media while in school?
Rapid technological advancement is linked to rising cancer rates.
Is there any public behavior that ought to be criminalized?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College

Are you trying to find controversial argumentative essay topics for your essay? If so, we've got you covered. A list of good controversial argumentative essay topics is provided below.

Should student-athletes get paid by colleges and universities?
Is it appropriate for schools to mandate that kids recite the Pledge of Allegiance?
Why should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Is grading necessary in PE courses?
Should tuition be required for colleges, or should it be free?
Wars may soon be fought without soldiers if drones are used.
Many significant risks are associated with Wi-Fi use, and users should proceed cautiously.
Should students form religious groups in public schools?
Should all internships be paid?
Would degree cost affect income?
Is climate change the world's biggest threat?
Is requiring students to buy a professor's book a conflict of interest?
Slavery reparations: have they been made?
Should popular votes decide elections?
Should everyone get free healthcare?
Do anti-discrimination laws protect disabled students?
Is an online degree as valid as a college degree?
Can any conclusions be drawn about the outcomes of sexual education programs?
How does migration benefit the United States?
A Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Must be established in the world

Environment
Information Science
Social Issues
Argumentative
Cause and Effect
Classification
Compare and Contrast
Descriptive
Exemplification
Informative
Controversial
Exploratory
What Is an Essay
Length of an Essay
Generate Ideas
Types of Essays
Structuring an Essay
Outline For Essay
Essay Introduction
Thesis Statement
Body of an Essay
Writing a Conclusion
Essay Writing Tips
Drafting an Essay
Revision Process
Fix a Broken Essay
Format of an Essay
Essay Examples
Essay Checklist
Essay Writing Service
Pay for Research Paper
Write My Research Paper
Write My Essay
Custom Essay Writing Service
Admission Essay Writing Service
Pay for Essay
Academic Ghostwriting
Write My Book Report
Case Study Writing Service
Dissertation Writing Service
Coursework Writing Service
Lab Report Writing Service
Do My Assignment
Buy College Papers
Capstone Project Writing Service
Buy Research Paper
Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

Essay Topics

100 Engaging Controversial Essay Topics

When students are asked to write an argumentative paper, they start with looking for controversial argumentative essay topics. It’s a good decision: if you succeed in finding something great to write about, you stand more chances at getting a satisfying grade. But despite knowing this, making a choice is not easy. For one thing, you should have a clear idea of what a controversial essay even is. It is a genre of writing where you present an opinion others could dispute and prove its validity as well as accuracy. In other words, you pick a subject that causes arguments among society members, voice your point of view, and work hard to prove it by relying on scientific evidence.

In the long run, you’ll benefit from completing a fair number of similar essays: you’ll understand what it takes to participate in debates and how to defend your position. The choice of topic is tough since while there are many potentially interesting things to discuss, only some of them will be to your liking, and even fewer will be something you understand well enough to argue about. We’ll be glad to show you how to approach the choosing process and how to settle on the best theme possible.

How to Pick Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College

At times, students are given a list from which they should pick their essay topics. This is a frustrating experience since they don’t get a right to really choose the topic they like. But fortunately, it doesn’t happen often, so if you are studying at college, you can expect to be given a free reign. Four tips below will show you how to go about picking an essay topic for a controversial paper.

Go through things you find engaging. Good controversial topics for essays are the ones that evoke some intense feelings in you. They could be positive or negative, but in any way, they should be something that makes you want to speak up. Recall the arguments you had online or with your friends and family recently. Maybe you saw something in the news and got angry? Did you read an article that got you passionate about the discussed topic? It could be anything, so think carefully.
Play a choosing game. If you have some essay ideas in mind but cannot settle on any of them, try a choosing game. This could also work in case you haven’t decided on anything at all yet. Pick a place, sit there, and note down everything you see or hear. Assign numbers to these things, and then ask a friend to choose one. Such an approach is fun, and it’s an easy way to arrive at a decision regarding your topic.
Check sources. When preparing for essay tasks, your first question should be, what are some controversial topics to write about? The second question should concern sources. Whatever subject you selected, it should be supported by credible resources that are peer-reviewed and have a DOI. Having an opposing position could be great, but if you are the only person who shares it, it’ll create some difficulties. Academic essays should be supported with some evidence, so your analysis cannot be performed merely based on your opinions. If you cannot locate trustworthy sources, better choose another topic.
Discuss with the supervisor. Once you made a decision, consult with your professor. They could give you valuable advice or warn you against some topics. If you are moving in the wrong direction, they will let you know in advance so that you wouldn’t waste your time for no reason.

100 Top Controversial Topics to Write About

There are many classical ways of choosing between topics on debatable issues, but with the evolution of the Internet, things have become much easier. You can search for online lists with suggestions, and they’ll give you the inspiration you need. We prepared this kind of list just below. There are ten popular topic categories there, with ten diverse themes in each. Take whichever you like best!

Controversial Essay Ideas on Education

Here are some traditional controversial argument topics related to education. All students will likely find them relatable!

Education Gained in the US Has Lost Its Prestige
The Importance of Doing Homework Diligently Is Overestimated
Education Has become Redundant Today Because You Can Find a Job Anyway
Governments & Universities Should Pay Full Tuition For All Their Students
Physical Punishments for Children and Animals Should Be Made a Crime
Minors Should Have the Right for Purchasing Condoms
Children Should Be Taught About Different Kinds of Sexuality From Early Age
Parents Should Never Supervise Their Children’s Online Actions
No Student Should Ever Be Expelled From Educational Establishments
Competitions Among Students Encourage Hurt and Feeling of Inadequacy

Controversial Essay Prompts on Technology

Technological progress has changed our lives to a profound extent. These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this.

iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone
Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families
Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights
Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care
Youth Depend on Technology Too Much & Become Helpless in the Process
No One Should Be Punished for Saying Anything Online
GPS Poses Serious Threats to Privacy & Safety
Most Surveillance Cameras Should Have Better Level of Quality
Internet Helped Queer Community Meet New People
Cancer Rates Have Increased Due to Technological Developments

Controversial Topics for Philosophy Essay

Philosophy is a dreamy but also precise science, so you could find some good controversial topics to write about here.

Some Universal Truths Are Actually Falsehoods
We Underestimate Philosophy Because We’re Scared of Its Truth
Existentialism Is Caused By Flawed Social Expectations
Feminism Has Turned Into a Movement of Violence & Bigotry
Some Problems Do Not Have Any Resolution
Not All Mysteries Should Be Solved by Humans
Every Person Should Be Allowed to Rebel Against Government
Being Loved Is More Important Than Loving
Emotions Could Be Hindrance to Having Successful Life
Animals Do Not Differ From Human Beings In Any Relevant Aspects

Controversial Essays Ideas About Environment

Environment is a sphere that always fuels fierce debates. There is a big number of great controversial arguments topics here.

Humans Should Be Forbidden to Eat Animals
Recycling Must Be an Obligatory Part Of Every Person’s Life
No Country Could Be Allowed to Have Nuclear Weapon
People Who Actively Work to Protect Environment Should Receive Money For It
Companies Who Break Environmental Laws Should Be Stopped from Operating
Current Air Quality in Big Cities Is Unacceptably Bad & This Issue Must Be Resolved
Alternative Fuels In Their Current State Are Not Effective
Deserts Should Be Forcefully Turned Green Areas
Global Warming Is More Dangerous Than We Believe
Preventing Pollution Under Current Conditions Is Not Realistic

Science, Biology, and Health Topics

When writing controversial topics essay, these days, scientific and medical spheres are definitely among the most popular ones.

Assisted Suicide Must Be Officially Permitted in All Countries
Deadliness of COVID Is Overstated
Food Created With Science Is More Useful Than Natural Food
Some Illnesses Will Never Be Cured
People Producing & Selling Alcoholic Beverages Must Be Imprisoned
Biology Should Be Taught in All Schools From the First Year
Eugenics Should Not Exist for Perfecting People
GMO Is Not As Dangerous as We’re Led to Believe
Fish Can Feel Emotional Attachment to Their Owners
Science Is Not as Precise as We Think

Religious environment is relevant for many people, so it has plenty of controversial argumentative essay ideas.

The Fact of Life Existing After Death Could Be Proven Scientifically
Idea of Humans Evolving From Animals Is Not Sustainable
Religion Kills More People Than It Saves
Bible Has Been Written by Multiple Individuals
People Should Be Allowed to Pray to Whichever God They Believe In
Religion Is Not Based on Science
Faith Is the Most Important Part of Life
Violence Promoted by Religions Should Partly Discredit Them
Words of Prayers Do Not Matter: Only Feelings Behind Them Do
Stereotypes About Religions Unleash Violence Among People

Suffer from writer’s block?

Your unique essay is just a few clicks away!

Controversial Essays Topics for Law and Politics

Controversial writing topics about justice and politics never end, considering how passionate everyone feels about them. Everyone wants the best for their country, so why not explore ways of achieving this in an essay?

Death Penalty In Its Present Form Is Useless
Death Penalty Is a Useful Method of Fight Against Human Monsters
Multiculturalism Fuels Tolerance in the Society
American Women Have Equal Opportunities with Men
Electronic Voting Is Ineffective: Too Much Cheating
Gun Control Is Not as Relevant as It Is Presented
Free Journalism No Longer Exists
Racist Allegations Are Often Exaggerated
Hate Crimes Should Automatically Receive Death Penalty
Presidents Who Allow Wars to Break Out Must Be Removed from Power

Current Events

The world is constantly undergoing changes, so unique controversial essay topics about it are in perpetual supply.

Amount of Taxes People Pay Does Not Correspond to Benefits They Get
Concept of Fashion Is Invented Solely by People
Trump Should Have Never Been a President in US
Trump Brought Positive Changes to Some Parts of the World
World Has Become Too Demanding & Unfair to Still Live in It
Mental Health Therapy Should Receive Additional Funding Due to COVID Impacts
Quarantine Measures Should Be the Same in All Parts of the World
People Should Be More Caring In These Difficult Times
Food Should Be Made Free During COVID
Rich & Poor People Should Be Treated in Equal Conditions

Prompts on Entertainment

How about some fun and easy controversial topics about things that work as distractions from everyday worries?

Violent Games Do Not Affect People Playing Them Negatively
Modern Ads Could Be a Form of Art
Fiction Is the Best Way to Distract Yourself From Troubles
Media Should Be Regulated More Strictly
Having Fun Is Essential for Mental Health
Modern Entertainments Are Dangerous & Should Be Modified
Nobody Falls In Love at the First Sight
Entertainment Is Not to Blame For People Becoming Addicted
Reality Shows Create Impossible Expectations
Home Alone Is Still an Excellent Movie

Controversial Essay Ideas For College Students

College essays are more complex than those in high school, but they are also easier than those at universities. If you are a college student, take a look at these good controversial essay topics.

Teenagers Should Be Allowed to Work Whenever They Want
Teens Should Not Be the Ones Paying for Their Education
College Students Do Not Need Cars Because They Are Not Prepared to Drive Them
Internet Addiction Is a Myth in Most Cases
Students Should Not Expect That They Will Find Love in College
Gender Expectations Among Students Are Not Equal
Serving the Military Is Romanticized to a Dangerous Degree
Sororities and Fraternities Must Be Forbidden in the US
Polygamy Is Vastly Misunderstood in Modern Society
Love is Portrayed in Harmful Ways in Fiction

Controversial Essay Topic Ideas to Transform Your Writing

As you can see, topics are vital. You should pay extra attention when choosing them because your final success depends on it. Take your time and think carefully. In case nothing comes to your mind right away, try utilizing the tips we offered above. Still, we understand that writing is a tricky process that could be frustratingly difficult. If you have any questions, contact our support team via our website. They’ll be happy to help you with your problems! Whether you’d like us to guide you or write an essay in its entirety, we can do that. Drop a message and tell us what needs to be done. Your unique controversial essay on an original topic will be delivered on time.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

Controversial Essay In View

A controversial essay has to do with the writer maintaining his opinion, even when the writer’s opinion is contestable. The writer tries to make the reader understand his point of view by using different ideas and examples to explain.

As humans, we are different in almost everything. Both physically and psychologically. When any subject is raised, people tend to have different opinions. Hence, the controversial essay has become a critical aspect of school syllabuses. A controversial essay is meant to help students learn to express their views educationally.

A controversial essay is exciting and, at the same time, complex. You will need to maintain a certain opinion while also backing it up with facts and research data. For writers to be successful in a controversial essay, they need to state and defend their opinion with educated facts. To write a successful, controversial essay, you need to ensure that you use the proper format.

The Format For a Controversial Essay

When writing a controversial essay, your ideas and opinion must be represented using the following outlines:

Introduction of the essay
Body of the essay
Conclusion of the essay

Introduction Of the Essay

This part of the essay should contain the statement thesis. This area is the most vital aspect of your essay. The Introduction is the point where your readers decide to continue reading or not. You must ensure that this section has a hook that engages the readers. The hook should be able to arouse curiosity in your readers.

You might be tempted to introduce readers to your topic right away, but this is the wrong move. You should know that if you can’t capture your reader’s attention with your introduction, they wouldn’t even bother reading the rest of your article.

Body Of The Essay

Your controversial essay takes a powerful shape with the body. It is the section that contains the arguments. The body of your controversial essay is where the writer and the reader spend more time in the essay. The essay should have at least 3 paragraphs.

It is to enable you to explain your points strategically. You can share your arguments in the various paragraphs for better understanding. Also, in this area, you must carry out extensive research to back up your viewpoints with valid points. You should never use a false claim when writing your controversial essay. Key facts are crucial.

Conclusion Of The Essay

The conclusion should be the area that contains the summary of the entire essay. However, most students fail woefully in this area. Therefore, though it’s a summary, it should be taken very seriously, like every other aspect of your controversial essay. To ensure that you write a successful conclusion to your essay, you must ensure you read the entire essay.

The moment you go through every aspect of your controversial essay, you’ll be able to connect the dots to pen down a great conclusion to your essay. Though many viewpoints may be stated during your essay, this shouldn’t leave you in doubt when writing your conclusion. Be precise and straight to the point. Never make any apologetic statement as this might affect the points you made in the article.

How to Select the Right Topic For Your Controversial Essay

You might discover that picking topics for your controversial essay might be challenging. However, we’ve got some great tips to help you choose the right topic for your controversial essay.

Choose a Topic That Interests You

It would be best if you were interested in whatever topic you choose to help you connect better when carrying out research. When you are interested in the topic, research and writing become fun for you. These are essential tips for creating a great essay.

Make Out Time to Read Controversial Essay Samples

When you have finally chosen the topic for your controversial essay, you should read samples of the essay. Reading samples of controversial essays helps you decide if you will engage better when discussing the subject matter or not. Going through different samples of controversial essays also helps you learn more ideas and unique topics you can discuss. Finally, using controversial essay samples can serve as an inspiration for you.

Here are 135 topic ideas from us:

Climate Change & Ecology Topics

Solar power can/cannot replace the efficacy of fossil fuels
Wind turbines damage wildlife patterns too much to be used as effective alternative energy.
Increased wildfires are directly related to climate change.
We have already passed the tipping point and climate change is irreversible.
Carbon capture policies are harmful to the global economy
Polar bears and other endangered species can/cannot be saved by current climate policy.
Modern farming practices and animal husbandry need to be addressed before fossil fuels if we have any chance of reversing climate change.
Overpopulation makes water conservation impossible.
Electric vehicle materials and their power needs damage the environment more than they help.
Microplastics in the ocean are a problem that needs to be addressed in global policy treaties like the Paris Agreement.

Race & Culture Topics

Does race affect college entrance acceptance?
Are HBCUs discriminatory?
Should Critical Race Theory be taught in public schools?
Is there a school-to-prison pipeline in the African American community?
Is Affirmative Action good or bad?
Should more be done to help restore lands to Native American communities?
Should Native Hawaiian be allowed to establish reservation lands like Native Americans?
Statistically, African Americans are 10 times more likely to resist arrest than whites, is this because they are essentially resisting police brutality?
Should African Americans today be paid reparations for slavery?
Is To Kill A Mockingbird a racist book?

Medical & Quality of Life Topics

Long-term nursing home care should be free.
Assisted suicide should be legalized for elderly and terminally ill individuals.
Medicaid spending limits should be increased for the elderly spouse of someone in a long-term care facility.
Should there be an animal/pet bill of rights?
Should frozen embryos be allowed to live beyond 14 days?
Should STEM cell research be deregulated?
Should Marijuana be a schedule 1 drug?
Is enough being done to help mentally and physically handicapped people?
Should the United States have socialized medicine as many European nations do?
Should human cloning be legal for harvesting transplant organs?
Should the name of organ donors be kept anonymous?
Are high blood pressure recommendations too low to encourage the use of pharmaceuticals?
Is enough being done to help people afford their prescriptions?
Should it be illegal to patent a life-saving medication?
Individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 should have to pay higher medical insurance premiums.
People should have to carry proof of all vaccination statuses including MMR, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and COVID-19.
Pharmaceutical companies need more cost regulations.
The state should provide free health care for the homeless.
Do vaccinations increase autism risk?
Should child vaccinations be mandatory regardless of whether or not the child attends public school?

Contemporary Culture Topics

Is enough being done to stop human trafficking?
Parents should be required to take a parenting class before the birth of their first child.
The current juvenile justice system promotes the school-to-prison pipeline.
Should people who fly into space on commercially owned rockets be given their “Wings” by the FAA as NASA astronauts do?
Free pornography on the internet is influencing the heightened rates of sexual assault.
Unvaccinated animals should be removed from an owner.
Dog licensing should be handled at the state level not local.
Pornography use should be tracked the same way marketing ads are.
Social media is crippling our real-world social skills.
Facebook should provide you with information on who has seen/read a post on your wall.
Social media is directly responsible for increased occurrences of body dysmorphia.
Confederate statues and symbols should/should not be torn down.
Prison convicts should not be allowed to earn a college education using taxpayers’ money.
Public land hunting should be banned.
Liberalized fishing damages the genetic base of a fishery.
Night fishing should be made illegal for sensitive species.
The second amendment should be removed from the US constitution.
The second amendment is meant to give citizens the right to oppose the government if it no longer serves the people. Taken in this light, the average citizen should be allowed to purchase military-grade weapons and equipment.
All animal research should be banned.
Gun control should be managed at the state level.
Assault weapons should not be allowed for hunting.
Tobacco products should be banned in the United States.
Earth-mined diamonds should be banned globally now that lab-grown diamonds are available.
The United States should not provide foreign aid to other nations while carrying a national debt.
The insurrectionist On January 6 th should be prosecuted for treason.
Globalization is necessary for the advancement of human civilization.
Trickle-down economics doesn’t work.
The minimum wage should be mandated by the Federal government at $15 an hour.
Raising the minimum wage only hurts the economy.
Daylight savings time is unnecessary.

Gender and Sexuality Topics

Should homosexuals in the military be given their own unit or platoon?
Should transgender individuals be allowed in combat units in the military?
Should homosexual couples be allowed to adopt a child who identifies as heterosexual?
Should women be allowed to play in an all-male sport such as American football?
Should gender identification questions be removed from all student surveys?
Should there be transgender-specific bathrooms?
Should reciprocity for same-sex marriage be recognized by states that ban same-sex marriage?
Does the term “Civil Union” reduce the sanctity of the word “Marriage?”
Should same-sex couples be barred from Planned Parenthood resources?
Should homosexual priests & nuns be defrocked?

Technology & Science Topics

Should the development of self-aware artificial intelligence be banned globally?
Has the use of robotics in manufacturing reduced the value of the average worker?
The space program is/isn’t worthy of the tax dollars spent on it?
Should we make more of an effort to mine precious metals from asteroids to reduce the ecological impact of strip mining on Earth?
We should colonize the moon before attempting to colonize Mars.
The current regulations regarding the use of drones are insufficient.
Machine learning needs more human oversight.
Access to technology is the driving force behind the gap between the rich and poor.
Animal testing is a necessary evil to prevent human harm
Cold fusion is impossible to accomplish on a human scale.
GMOs put agriculture at risk as they don’t produce viable seeds.
Overuse of technology is affecting the evolution of the human brain.
Not enough has been done to answer the question of how to decommission nuclear power plants when they reach the end of their performance life.
Space junk is slowing the speed of space exploration and poses a greater long-term threat to satellites.
The Fermi Paradox supports the Rare Earth Theory.

Education Topics

Should tuition costs be lowered for University Distance Learning courses?
Should University online classes have lower earned credits?
Should sex ed be removed from the public school curriculum?
Should schools be allowed to ask children about their gender identity when collecting demographic data?
Is Distant Learning an effective form of education?
Should preschool be free as an extension of public school?
Should athletic scholarships to universities be banned to preserve the quality of education?
It should be legal/illegal for college athletes to have paid endorsements.
Critical Race Theory should be a mandatory part of all public-school curriculum.
Making a university education free will lower academic standards & performance

Politics and Legal Topics

The Electoral College should be removed and the popular vote should be used for determining the outcome of national elections.
Do national security concerns justify surveillance without a warrant?
Should all vaccines be mandatory?
Should the COVID-19 vaccines be mandatory for all medical workers?
Should the death penalty be banned in all 50 states.
Should someone have to earn the right to vote?
Family law attorneys should only be paid if they “Win” which would ensure honorable practices in custody disputes.
We need stricter animal cruelty laws.
All felons should have to register their location not just sex offenders.
The death penalty should be made illegal at the Federal level.
Withdrawing from Afghanistan was a mistake.
So-called junk food such as soda and chips should not be tax-exempt.
Designer clothing and high-priced shoes should be taxed as luxury items.
Student loan forgiveness should be legislated and added to the national debt.
Cryptocurrency should be ratified as the international currency instead of the US Dollar.

Religious Topics

Christian holidays like Christmas being recognized as Federal holiday goes against the policy of separation between church & state.
More Muslim and other non-Christian holidays should be recognized as Federal holidays.
Polygamy in the Mormon religion should be made illegal.
Same-sex marriage should be recognized by all religions.
Evangelical pastors like Joel Osteen should not be granted tax-exempt status.
Abortion is immoral and should be banned.
Same-sex marriage is immoral and should not be recognized by the church.
Divorced people should not be allowed to have a second marriage in a religious ceremony.
All religious institutions should have to pay taxes.
Religion should be taught as an elective in public schools.
The Pledge of Allegiance should be recited daily in schools and include the line Under God.
Teachers should be allowed to display symbols and jewelry of their personal religious beliefs.
Priests who are moved or removed from a community over concerns of child abuse should have to register as sex offenders.
Sex before marriage is immoral and should not be allowed.
Worship leaders who are tax-exempt should not be allowed to endorse political candidates.

In the end, one has to be prepared to do well in writing a controversial essay. Therefore, writing a controversial essay has to do with preparedness and studying. Thanks to the tips we’ve mentioned in this article, you can learn to do so easily. Incorporate our tips into your research and writing plans, and you’ll get the best result.

140 Definition Essay Topics
Top 100+ Business Topics for Research Paper 2021
45 Photo Essay Topics
70 “How To” Essay Topics
How to Choose Research Paper Topic

Testimonials

IMAGES

How to write an essay on a controversial issue
100+ Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics to Challenge Your Thinking
Any controversial issue Essay Example
Explore Free Controversial Essay Examples: Topics, Outlines, Samples
005 Controversial Essay Example Topics For Research Essays Papers
How to write an essay on a controversial issue

VIDEO

Term to DEFINE for Research Paper
Definition Essay (10/24/23)
The New Extremism Definition: Is Christianity at Risk? #shorts
6 Tips on How to Write Definition Essay

COMMENTS

Uncovering Endless Inspiration for Your Essay
Controversial Concepts: Explore terms sparking debates with multiple interpretations. Untranslatable Words: Delve into culturally unique, ... These definition essay topics invite you to embark on a journey of understanding, where your own words and concepts reveal their hidden depths and discover more about the human experience. Example 1:
60 Writing Topics for Extended Definitions
Pride. Beauty. Greed. Virtue. Progress. A good (or bad) boss. A good (or bad) parent. Cite this Article. These 60 topic suggestions for extended definition essays go beyond dictionary entries using analysis, anecdotes, and examples.
150 Creative Definition Essay Topics For College Students
Controversial Definition Essay Topics. Defining Patriotism: Where Loyalty Ends and Extremism Begins. Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Thin Line Between Expression and Harm. The Slippery Slope of Political Correctness: Balancing Respect and Censorship. The Fluid Boundaries of 'Cultural Appropriation' in Art and Fashion.
Definition Argument
The definition argument focuses on clarifying a definition for a controversial term or concept. In other words, a definition argument is one that asserts we cannot make clear assertions or possess a clear understanding of an issue until we understand exactly what the terms mean. An argumentative essay calling for a re-examination of the birth ...
20 Definition Essay Topics That Go Beyond the Obvious
The definition essay is deceptively simple. All you need to do is define a term or concept. But a definition essay is more than a simple dictionary definition. A definition essay extends the definition by providing examples to help readers understand the term or concept being defined. Let me say that again: a definition essay uses an extended ...
Definitional Argument Essay
Definitional arguments require a definition of key terms: Example: Joe is too bossy. Define "bossy" and provide examples of his bossy attitude (poor listening skills, shouting at people, making decisions without asking committee—these are what define "bossy" in your argument. Example: Low-carb diets are dangerous.
100+ Amazing Definition Essay Topics for Students
Stop stressing out and have a look at the list given below. We have compiled a list of some amazing definition essay topics for all academic-level students. Universal definition of love. Importance of self-respect. Capitalism vs. communism. Sense of humor.
Definition Essay Topics: Step By Step Guide
A definition essay is a common writing assignment in schools and universities. Put simply, It asks a student to choose a word and define it in-depth. The common dictionary definition is the first thing to state (in your own words), then the lesser-known meanings of the concept, followed by personal anecdotes and opinions further explaining the ...
457 Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips
Definition essays on politics explore mechanisms of governance. There are only four major types of political systems, but there are infinite ways to implement them. Additionally, you can consult our list of compelling political topics to look into. Mass Media Definition Essay Topics . The origin of the word "media."
200 Best Definition Essay Topics
Top 200 Definition Essay Topics For All. April 20, 2021. Essay writing can be hard if you don't have the right essay topics. Most students need to make sure they choose a topic that they can adequately research, organize, and write about. A definition essay is a type of writing assignment that asks students to define a term, concept, or idea.
200 Interesting Definition Essay Topics & Ideas
A definition essay is a type of essay that seeks to define and explain a concept, term, or idea. The goal of this type of essay is: to explain the meaning of a concept, term, or idea. to examine how a concept, term, or idea is defined by different people and groups. to analyze the implications of a particular definition.
130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing
Explore diverse topics for argumentative writing, from mental health and sports to video games and dating, and take a stand on the issues that matter to you.
250+ Definition Essay Topics Ideas for Students
History Definition Essay Topics List. Revolution: Catalysts and Consequences. Empire: Rise, Dominion, and Decline. Renaissance: A Rebirth of Culture and Knowledge. Nationalism: Its Impact on World History. Colonialism: Legacy and Liberation. Industrial Revolution: Transforming Societies and Economies.
The Best Controversial Topics for Debates and Essays
Tip #4: Avoid Hyperbole, Stereotypes, and Clichés. These are common issues that crop up in argumentative writing that ultimately weaken your position. Hyperbole happens when you exaggerate. When you use hyperbole, you risk misrepresenting the issue at hand—which is an argument killer.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
CONTROVERSIAL Definition & Meaning
Controversial definition: of, relating to, or characteristic of controversy, or prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; polemical. See examples of CONTROVERSIAL used in a sentence.
205 Controversial Topics for Essays, Speeches, and Debates
Pros. Immediately engaging - Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.; Easy to find information on - You won't have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.; Likely to keep you absorbed while researching - What's interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.; Cons. Too sensitive for some people - These issues often ...
50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics
List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics . A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.
200+ Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for 2023
Controversial Argumentative Essay Definition. An argumentative essay is an academic piece that aims to persuade the reader to accept the author's point of view. The complexity of an argumentative essay can range from a basic comparison, such as "home-cooked food is better than fast food," to a more involved argument, such as "the argument for ...
How to Write a Definition Essay: Outline, Examples
It means that writing a definition essay you should use your arguments clearly to prevent your audience from a wrong understanding of a problem. In simple terms, it tells people what your issue is not. Origins & Causes. This is where you tell about the origins of your issue or things that have caused some event or changes.
100 Controversial Essay Topics for any Assignment
These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this. iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone. Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families. Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights. Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care.
PDF The Definition Essay
a controversial phrase like beginnings of life, a slang expression like hype (or swagger), a thing like nanobot, a scientific idea like ... A definition rarely provides enough range for a complete essay. Therefore, most definition essays draw on at least some of the other methods we have discussed. One or two methods may predominate: an essay ...
135 Controversial Essay Topics
There's always controversy in every debate and discussion. Even arguments in various subject matters lead to controversy. Since the term controversy is associated with happenings in society, it would be essential to learn about controversial essays. This article will take a comprehensive look at what a controversial essay is all about. Controversial Essay In View …

Definition Essay Topics: The Best Selections

Definition Essay Topics: Short Description

What is Definition Essay

Key Aspects of Good Definition Essay Topics

How To Choose Definition Essay Topics

Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Ready to Redefine Essay Excellence with Our Word Wizards?

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Society Definition Essay Topics

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Common Definition Essay Topics

History Definition Essay Topics

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

More Interesting Definition Essay Topics

How to Write a Definition Essay: 6 Simple Tips

Definition Essay Example

Final Words

Unlock the Lexicon of Brilliance!

Related Articles

150 Best Definition Essay Topics For Students

A Closer Look at Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics Ideas

Definition Essay Topics for High School Students

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

Definition Essay Topic on Mass Media

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Good Definition Essay Topics

Unique Definition Essay Topics

One Word Definition Essay Topics:

Classification and Definition Essay Topics

Simple Definition Essay Topics:

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Random Definition Essay Topics

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

Definition Essay Structure

Keep reading

Definitional arguments require a definition of key terms:

Criteria-Match Structure:

For your Definitional Argument Essay :

Definitional Argument Essay Proposal

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

An Overview of the Writing Process

Using Sources

Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Academic Essay

Good Definition Essay Topics for Students

Easy Definition Essay Topics for College Student

Definition Essay Topics for High School

Interesting Definition Essay Topics

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Definition Exemplification Essay Topics

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Definition Classification Essay Topics

Definition Essay Topics With Multiple Meanings

Definition Persuasive Essay Topics

How to Write a Good Definition Essay?

Was This Blog Helpful?

Definition Essay Topics

What is a Definition Essay?

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic

What is the Origin of the Word?

What is the Context of the Word?

What are the Previous Versions of the Word?

What is the Common Modern Usage of the Word?

Struggling with your Definition Essay Homework?