Finding the right topic for an argumentative paper isn't as difficult as it may seem.
Argumentative research papers serve as more than just another homework assignment. They provide the opportunity for you, the student, to finally express your views on an issue you care about. Choosing a topic for an argumentative research paper, however, requires more effort than finding something you're interested in and writing about it, as a solid argumentative topic must fulfill certain criteria.
Keep It Specific
An argumentative research paper requires a clear, well-researched and persuasive argument on a certain issue. You must not only choose a provocative topic, but also one specific enough to force both the writer and the reader to form an opinion on the subject. "The death penalty," for example, isn't an appropriate topic, even though many people have opinions about it, because its broad presentation argues neither for nor against anything. A better topic would be, "Does the federal government have a right to enforce a ban on the death penalty, even when state governments have voted to uphold it?"
Up For Debate
You cannot have an argument without an opposing side. An appropriate argumentative topic allows for more than one point of view. A topic such as "Crime is bad" isn't debatable, because few reasonable people would argue that crime is good. A more debatable topic would be, "Crimes such as theft or murder are justifiable when their cause stems from poverty or social inequality."
Research Is Key
Finding a topic you can easily research tops the list of considerations when selecting a topic for a research paper. You must have access to sufficient information to give your argument context, support your ideas and present counter-arguments. Determining how researchable a topic is takes -- you guessed it -- research. If a survey of the relevant literature available in the library or on the Internet yields limited results, the topic likely is too specific or focuses on an issue that few people find interesting.
Making Sure It Matters
A good argumentative research paper not only presents the views of its author, but also addresses -- and hopefully disproves -- the viewpoint of the opposition. By finding a relevant, multi-faceted topic that has provoked debate and contention, you have a greater chance of finding arguments that support your own, as well as find counter-arguments you can use to strengthen your position.
Sample Topics
The topic you choose depends upon the class you're taking, as well as your personal interests. Sample topics for people interested in constitutional or political rights include whether or not less stringent gun laws encourage crime and if freedom of speech should apply to hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan or neo-Nazis. If searching for a topic with a link to pop culture, the ban on steroid use among professional athletes or the effects of social networking on offline relationships may prove ideal. Those interested in gender or feminist issues could look at whether workplaces should grant paternity leave to men.
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