1. Choose an undesirable or misunderstood animal; create an argument for why this animal would make an excellent pet.
  2. Craft an argument for why the person sitting next to you should be honored with a prestigious award.
  3. Which is the more powerful word: hello or goodbye? One of these words must be removed from the English language. Craft an argument for which word should remain.
  4. Write a debate between two articulate mice arguing over the best type of cheese. One mouse must win.
  5. Craft an argument for or against the United States going entirely to an online educational system.
  6. Write the internal debate of a scientist who has just discovered the secret to immortality. Should he share his research, or should he keep it to himself? He must make a decision.
  7.  Imagine you have the technology to record people's memories. You want to market this service, but you need a bank loan to cover your startup costs. Write your pitch to the loan officer.
  8. Choose a particularly annoying song; create an argument for why this song should now become the theme song for the next social event at your school (dance, sport event, etc.).
  9. Choose one clothing item or accessory that tends to be gender-specific. Create an argument for why this item/accessory should be the "next big thing" for the opposite gender.
  10. Craft an argument for why children should choose their own names at age ten.
  11. Which is worse: having siblings or being an only child? Craft an argument for which family structure should be outlawed.
  12. Write a debate between a senior citizen and a member of your generation arguing over which generation has better morals. One person must win the debate.
  13. Imagine you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Your customers' personal information has been hacked, and the media has been running headline stories about it all day. Write the speech you give to persuade your customers to stay with your company.
  14. Craft an argument for or against using the DNA of extinct species to restore them to life on Earth.
  15. Write the argument a person's conscience might make right before s/he takes part in a jewelry heist.
  16. Which is the superior fruit: apples or oranges? One of these fruits will no longer be grown and sold in the United States, forcing prices to skyrocket and supply to drop. Craft an argument about which food we should continue producing.
  17. Craft an argument for why younger members of the workforce should be paid more than older members.
  18. Imagine you wish to lead an expedition into a parallel universe that has just been discovered. The President has intervened, saying he doesn't think it's such a good idea. Convince him to let you and your team go, while acknowledging his concerns.
  19. Craft an argument for or against requiring high school students to participate in extracurricular activities.
  20. Choose one vehicle to eliminate from the world forever: airplane, bicycle, automobile, or ship. Craft an argument for why that form of travel is the least important to our world.
  21. Imagine you are running for President as an up-and-coming candidate from a brand-new political party. Write a speech in which you argue that your party's beliefs and values are superior to the existing political parties' stances. Address at least three key issues.
  22. Craft an argument for or against the idea that all teenagers should live with a different family for 6 months before they graduate high school.
  23. Write the argument for or against the idea that political campaigns should no longer be allowed to advertise; candidates can make speeches and debate, but that is their only means of communication with the people during an election.
  24. Which is better: doing the right thing for the wrong reason or doing the wrong thing for the right reason? Craft an argument in which you provide clear examples for your stance.
  25. Craft an argument about how modern technology has actually made life more difficult and less satisfying.

Are you looking for some fresh ways to teach argument? Check out these teaching resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store:

  • Argumentation Structures: Rhetoric and the Art of the Breakup Letter
  • The Game: An Engaging Student-Centered Approach to Argument
  • Constructing a Debate: Outline and Graphic Organizer for Sophisticated Argument
  • Assertion Journal ULTIMATE Bundle: Rhetorical Analysis and Argumentation

Published by rhetorstoolbox

I'm a high school English teacher with a passion for teaching AP Language and Composition. I believe in curiosity, passion, collaboration, and critical thinking. View all posts by rhetorstoolbox