Friday, July 17, 2009

Argumentative Term Paper Topics

Whether technological advancements are good or bad is a term paper topic.


Argumentative topics are controversial topics that have two sides to an issue, in favor or against. These can range from civic and historical issues to analyzing an author's view in a book. The purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument that is being presented. Topic assignments should be adjusted to the ability of the students and should offer many choices.


Preparation


Argumentative term papers are research papers that are written and contain investigative materials to support the writer's proposal. The writer selects a topic and analyzes its importance before beginning the writing process. He should


investigate it and organize his thoughts before writing.The paper must include a bibliography.


Social Concern Issues


Should gay marriages be legalized? This is a topic that changes traditional values of family life and is used as a popular argument for term papers. The main issue is should people, regardless of sexual preferences, be permitted the rights of others in housing, employment, insurance benefits and additional areas of daily life. Another consideration is should marijuana be approved for medical purposes? In need of research is the medical value or risks of using marijuana. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?


Constitution Issues


Important argumentative issues dealing with constitutional rights should include the topics of gun control and the individual's right to bear arms. Another topic recommended deals with changes in the electoral college system. These have been recommended with a popular vote suggested to replace what some consider an outdated electoral college. Should the death penalty be completely abolished or only permitted for the worst crimes? This is another topic for a term paper.


Ethical Issues


Ethical issues such as physician-assisted suicide lend themselves to an argumentative term paper. There are differences in opinion on whether or not terminally ill people have the right to determine how they want to die. The question also exists as to whether or not doctors have the right to assist in this. Genetic testing is worthy of consideration. Do the benefits outweigh the uncertainties? Are the results reliable? These are questions that an argumentative paper can attempt to answer.


Historical Issues


There are those who feel that the Holocaust never existed or is grossly exaggerated. A suggested topic for an argumentative term paper would consist of researching this topic, including interviews with survivors and people who have visited the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Dachau. Another possible topic is "Are American Indians Being Treated Fairly?" Have their conditions improved throughout the years?


School-Related Topics


There are several school-related topics to consider including the validity of the SAT exam that is required for high school students entering college to censorship of reading materials in the classroom. A recent movement to eliminate "Huckleberry Finn" from required reading in schools is worth looking into. In addition, how athletic programs are run is a good topic. Do athletes get benefits of admissions or a different system of grades that makes it easier for them than the rest of the student body? Finally, whether prayer should be permitted in the schools is a debatable issue.







Tags: term paper, argumentative term paper, benefits outweigh, electoral college, have right