Argumentative Essay Topics:

Social Concerns and Quality of Life Issues

The following topics are suitable for argumentative essay assignments about social issues. Suggested thesis statements and a list of web links to pertinent information are provided for each topic. Topics on this page include:
Gay Marriages
Animal Rights
Gambling
Illegal Immigration
Medical Marijuana

Need more information? Try these links:

Gay Marriage


Thesis Statements:

  • Granting legal marriage rights to gays and lesbians would threaten the stability of the family, a pillar of our society.
  • Granting legal marriage rights under the law must extend to gays and lesbians to ensure that all citizens enjoy full human rights.

Some of the issues in this argument:
Should society encourage traditional values and traditional forms of family life?
Should employee benefits be offered to people with domestic partners?
Should we tolerate discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment or housing?
Should our government enact legislation to strengthen and support traditional families -- like a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman?
Should we provide the same rights to gay and lesbian couples that are currently only afforded to heterosexual couples -- the right to marry, adopt and receive benefits?

 Sources of Information:

In Favor of Gay Marriages

Opposed to Gay Marriages

Comprehensive Websites

animal rightsAnimal Testing and Rights

Thesis Statements:

  • Animal testing is necessary to develop new medicines
    and advance scientific knowledge.
  • Animal testing is unethical and should be outlawed.

Some of the issues in this argument:

What rights do animals possess?
What rights do humans have to use animals as they wish?
Can new medicines and vaccines be safely developed without animal testing?
Is it human nature to eat meat?
Do humans exploit animals when they keep them as pets and/or in zoos?

 Sources of Information:
Supporting Animal Research

Opposed to Animal Research

Animal Rights (both sides of the issue)

Gambling

Thesis Statements:

  • The positive aspects of legalized gambling far outweigh the harmful side effects that occur.
     
  • The harmful side effects of legalized gambling far outweigh any positive aspects.

Some of the issues in this argument:

What are the social and economic effects of legalized gambling on a community?
What is the relationship between gambling and crime?
Can the gambling industry regulate itself?

 Sources of Information:

Illegal Immigration

Thesis Statements:

  • Illegal immigration threatens life in the United States.
  • The United States should make it easier for illegal immigrants to legally live and work here.

Some of the issues in this argument:

What are the social and economic effects of illegal immigraton on a community?
What is the relationship between illegal immigration and crime?
 

 Sources of Information:

Medical Marijuana

Thesis Statements:

  • Marijuana should be a medical option.
  • Marijuana should not be a medical option.

Some of the issues in this argument:

Is there a legitimate medical value to marijuana?  What are the risks of using marijuana?
What are the legal issues for physicians and patients?  What is the US Government position on medical marijuana?

 Sources of Information

 

 

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