May 30, 2015 - Posted to Research papers

Argumentative Research Papers Topics

While everyone has an opinion, not all opinions are created equal. If an opinion is not fortified with a solid factual base, it is just a belief or a “talking point,” and it has no merit. Argumentative research papers force students to put “meat” behind their opinions and attempt to make them more discerning readers and listeners in the future.

Format for the Paper

Students often complain, “I don’t know how to write my research paper on an argumentative topic.” The process and format for writing an argumentative research paper are not significantly different from other research papers. And organizing your content is critically important if your argument is to be coherent and fluid.

1. The Topic and Thesis Statement: Remember, a topic is not a thesis; a question is also not a thesis; the thesis is a statement of your opinion, and should be placed at the end of your introduction.
2. Your introduction presents the topic, and it can be quite effective if you open with some startling fact or short anecdote related to the topic.
3. Once you have gathered your support data and are ready to create your outline, place your arguments in descending order, beginning with the strongest one first.
4. If your facts can counter an opposing opinion, by all means briefly point to that opposing opinion and reduce its validity with those facts. For example, “While proponents of the Keystone Pipeline are calling it a ‘jobs bill,’ in fact, less than 300 permanent American jobs will be created, as stated by the company itself.” (Then, include the evidence from the actual company statement).

Some Possible Argumentative Research Paper Topics to Consider

Because there are controversies in every academic discipline, an instructor will often provide subject-related topics for research. If you are “on your own,” however, you can easily find one of interest through an Internet search. Just be certain that your topic is relevant and one on which there will be enough resource material. Here are some possible topics that should get you thinking:

1. The Supreme Court has restricted free speech in some instances. Should restrictions be placed upon free speech on the Internet?
2. There should (should not) be single-payer health insurance, modeled after successful programs in other developed nations.
3. The Electoral College should be disbanded – it is antiquated and does not reflect the popular vote.
4. Animal testing is inhumane and cruel. We should rely on other technologies for testing.
5. Anyone over the age of 70 must take a driving, vision, and hearing test every year for driver license renewal.
6. Classroom sizes for students in grades K-6 should be limited to 20 students
7. Election funding should be equal to all candidates and provided by the respective governmental entities.
8. Gay marriage is (is not) a Constitutional right and should (should not) be protected by federal laws.
9. Parents who home-school their children must prove their skills by competency testing or show that they have employed a certified teacher to provide that schooling.
10. Voting should (should not) be compulsory, and every one must register at the age of 18.
11. People have a right to end their lives in certain circumstances, and there should be a federal “right to die” law.

Writing an argumentative research paper can be stimulating and fun. What’s more, it will force a student to understand the importance of forming opinions that are founded in facts.