Discursive essay topics for high school

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discursive essay topics for high school

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Discursive Essay Topics for High School

Answer:
A discursive essay is a type of essay that discusses a problem, a controversy, or a topic from multiple perspectives. It is essential for high school students to be able to explore various viewpoints on a given subject and develop their critical thinking skills. Here are some engaging and thought-provoking discursive essay topics for high school students:

General Topics

  1. The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers:

    • Discuss both the positive and negative effects of social media on teenage life, including mental health, social skills, and academic performance.

  2. School Uniforms: Necessary or Outdated?:

    • Explore the arguments for and against the implementation of school uniforms, considering factors such as equality, freedom of expression, and school spirit.

  3. The Influence of Technology on Education:

    • Evaluate how technology has transformed educational practices, including online learning, digital classrooms, and access to information.

  4. Should Homework be Abolished?:

    • Debate whether homework is beneficial for students’ learning and development or if it causes unnecessary stress and reduces leisure time.

  5. The Role of Standardized Testing in Education:

    • Analyze the effectiveness and fairness of standardized tests as a measure of student learning and school performance.

Social Issues

  1. The Legal Drinking Age:

    • Discuss whether the legal drinking age should be lowered or raised, considering factors such as health, safety, and cultural attitudes.

  2. Climate Change Responsibility:

    • Explore who should be held accountable for addressing climate change: governments, businesses, or individuals?

  3. Immigration Policies:

    • Debate the moral and practical aspects of current immigration policies, including their impact on society and the economy.

  4. Censorship in Media and Literature:

    • Discuss the balance between protecting societal values and maintaining freedom of expression in media and literature.

  5. Animal Testing: Ethical or Necessary?:

    • Evaluate the ethical considerations and scientific necessities of using animals for medical and cosmetic testing.

Ethical and Philosophical Issues

  1. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide:

    • Explore the moral, legal, and ethical implications of euthanasia and whether it should be legalized.

  2. The Death Penalty: Justice or Injustice?:

    • Discuss the arguments for and against the death penalty, including its deterrent effect and the potential for wrongful convictions.

  3. GMO Foods: Safe or Harmful?:

    • Analyze the benefits and risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production.

  4. The Concept of Free Will:

    • Debate whether humans have true free will or if our choices are determined by external factors.

  5. The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence:

    • Examine the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, including issues of job displacement, privacy, and decision-making.

Health and Lifestyle

  1. The Influence of Diet on Health:

    • Discuss the various perspectives on how diet affects overall health and the importance of balanced nutrition.

  2. The Rise of Mental Health Awareness:

    • Evaluate the changes in societal attitudes towards mental health and the effectiveness of current awareness campaigns.

  3. The Effect of Physical Exercise on Academic Performance:

    • Analyze how regular physical activity influences students’ academic success and cognitive function.

  4. Veganism vs. Carnivorous Diets:

    • Explore the health benefits and ethical considerations of vegan diets compared to traditional meat-based diets.

  5. The Role of Vaccinations in Public Health:

    • Debate the necessity and safety of vaccinations, considering their role in preventing diseases and maintaining public health.

Cultural and Entertainment Topics

  1. The Impact of Music on Youth Culture:

    • Discuss how different genres of music influence the behavior, fashion, and identity of young people.

  2. The Representation of Gender in Media:

    • Explore how media portrayals of gender roles affect societal expectations and individual self-perception.

  3. The Role of Professional Sports in Society:

    • Analyze whether professional sports serve as mere entertainment or if they have a deeper impact on community and identity.

  4. The Influence of Celebrity Culture:

    • Debate whether the focus on celebrity lives has a positive or negative impact on society and individual values.

  5. Video Games: Harmful or Beneficial?:

    • Discuss the potential cognitive and social benefits and harms of playing video games, with a focus on youth engagement.

Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right discursive essay topic is crucial for stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and enhancing their argumentative skills. These topics provide a wide range of subjects that encourage high school students to think critically, debate respectfully, and write persuasively.