argumentative essay topics for 3rd grade

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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages, including controversial subjects and some that are just for fun.

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Science and history argumentative essay topics, life and ethics argumentative essay topics, social justice and civics argumentative essay topics, more argumentative essay topics, what’s the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays.

These two types of essays are similar, but there are some subtle and important differences .

Author’s purpose: In an argumentative essay, your job is to simply convince the reader that the point of view you’re presenting is valid, even if it doesn’t change their mind. Persuasive essays seek to sway the reader to adopt your point of view over any others.
Method: Argumentative essays rely heavily on well-researched facts and logical assertions. In a persuasive essay, the writer may use a blend of emotion and facts to win over the reader.
Audience: Persuasive essays require a specific audience, since the writer must acknowledge and attempt to overcome their potential objections. The writer of an argumentative essay is simply making a statement, so knowing their audience is less important.
Viewpoint: A persuasive essay writer should believe their point of view is the only correct one, and try to persuade the reader to agree. Argumentative essays acknowledge other points of view, but use reason and logic to argue that the writer’s point of view is best.

Persuasive and argumentative essay topics often overlap. The difference is in how the writer approaches the topic. When you assign one of the topics below as an argumentative essay, remind students to use research, reason, and logic to make a strong but dispassionate argument.

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
Should schools have dress codes?
If I could change one school rule, it would be …
Is year-round school a good idea?
Which is better, private schools or public schools?
Should every student have to participate in athletics?
Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
What is the most important school subject?
Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
Are computers making teachers obsolete?
Students who fail a test should be given a chance to take it again.
Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

It’s important to spend tax dollars exploring space, instead of on other things.
Is there life on other planets?
Who was the best/worst American president?
Should vaccines be mandatory?
Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
Is animal cloning ethical?
Should human cloning be legal?
Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
Was life really better “back in the day”?
Choose a foreign conflict (e.g., Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States was justified in getting involved.
The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
Does social media do more harm than good?
The best country in the world is …
Are men and women treated equally?
Is it better to be vegetarian/vegan than to eat meat?
Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
Playing violent video games is bad for kids and teens.
Parents should track their kids using their cell phones.
Are paper books better than e-books?
All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
Is conflict necessary for change?
Is war ever justified?
A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes) instead of banning them?
Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
Is democracy the best form of government?
Is capitalism the best form of economy?
Should all Americans be required to vote?
Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?
School-age children should be allowed to vote.
We should/should not abolish the electoral college.
Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

Does segregation still exist in the United States?
We should/should not continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?
Is the American justice system inherently racist?
Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
What animal makes the best pet?
Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
Is a taco a sandwich?
Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

What’s the best video game system?
Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.
Is video gaming a sport?
Are beauty pageants sexist?
Should kids get participation trophies for sports?
Are stereotypes ever right?
Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
All teenagers should have part-time jobs.
Should kids have limits on screen time?
Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don’t like something?

Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don't like something?

Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
Is graffiti an act of vandalism or an art form?
Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

What are your favorite argumentative writing prompts? Come share your thoughts in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Also check out 100 intriguing cause and effect essay topics for students ..

Use these thought-provoking argumentative essay topics to teach students to write well-researched and convincing compositions.

The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer! Continue Reading

Elementary Assessments

51 Great Persuasive Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

To help third graders improve upon their convincing skills, try these engaging persuasive writing prompts for 3rd grade students.

Not only do these prompts improve writing skills, but they also empower students to express their beliefs, take a stance, and think critically.

That’s why these third grade persuasive writing prompts make a great addition to your collection of writing activities.

So include in your instruction this week a handful of these persuasive writing prompts for 3rd graders.

Related: persuasive writing graphic organizers

Persuasive Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

1. Should the class have a classroom pet? Why or why not?

2. Convince your parents to allow you to stay up late one night during the school week.

3. Do you think every lesson should incorporate a brain break? Why or why not?

4. Should virtual learning be an option from now on? Explain.

5. Convince someone why your favorite holiday is the absolute best.

6. Should families grow and raise their own food?

7. Are there really any good reasons to give homework every day?

8. What are your thoughts about having no school on Fridays?

9. Should third graders be allowed to use cell phones during school time? Why or why not?

10. Persuade your sibling to play a board game with you.

persuasive writing prompts for 3rd grade

11. Children should be able to go to bed at whatever time they want.

12. Persuade your mom/dad to let you open a gift one day before your birthday.

13. What do you think about not assigning homework to students with good grades? Is doing so unfair to those with poorer grades?

14. Persuade your teacher to give class rewards every week.

15. Convince the teacher to participate in an activity with the class during recess.

16. Persuade your parents to buy you a new backpack.

17. Should the school week be shortened to four days?

18. Responding to writing prompts for 3rd graders is helpful.

19. Should smoking be illegal?

20. Convince your parents to give you an allowance for doing chores around the house.

21. Should third graders be required to learn a second language? If so, which one? If not, why not?

22. What are the pros and cons of responding to persuasive writing prompts for 3rd grade?

23. Persuade your teacher to read your favorite read-aloud book during reader’s workshop.

24. Do you think the number of hours that children watch television should be limited? Why or why not?

25. What are the pros and cons of wearing school uniforms?

26. Convince your parents to take you to a particular place.

27. Write a letter convincing your parents why you should have a new bike.

28. Pizza is better than spaghetti.

29. Make a respectful argument suggesting a change of a school rule.

30. For state testing, should third graders be required to complete a writing portion? Why or why not?

31. What is your opinion about pets in restaurants?

32. Should all students be required to learn to type? Why or why not?

33. Cooking classes should be taught in school.

34. A stretching break should be included in every lesson over 30 minutes.

35. Convince the teacher to dismiss class a few minutes earlier.

36. Teacher assistant is the best classroom helper job.

37. Animals deserve respect just as much as humans.

38. Third graders should volunteer in the local community.

39. Action figures are better than barbie dolls.

40. Hamsters make better pets than turtles. Do you agree? Why or why not?

41. Which is best…a slice of pizza or chicken nuggets?

42. Cafeteria food should be free for all students.

43. Mermaids really do exist.

44. Students should be allowed to sit in the hallway while working.

45. Everyone should have a hobby.

46. Birthday parties should be allowed at school but only during lunchtime.

47. Study skills should be taught to all students.

48. Students should drink more water than fruit juice.

49. Borrowing books is better than buying books.

50. Vanilla ice cream tastes better than strawberry.

51. Third graders should be able to sit wherever they want during a school assembly.

Final Thoughts: Persuasive Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Now you have an assortment of third grade persuasive writing prompts and topics to use during writer’s workshop.

Related: mentor texts that teach persuasive writing

Everything begins with an idea!

Argumentative Essay Topics For Kids

An argumentative essay is a kind of writing that involves the investigation of topics, evaluation of evidence, and position establishment. Kids always enjoy the opportunity to argue topics and convince people to accept their views. More importantly, argumentative essays allow kids to practice some essential writing and thinking skills. We know that having to choose argumentative essay topics is something that kids need help with, which is why we are here to help them. We have listed the best argumentative essay topics for kids below. We implore kids to go through the topics and use them for essays. All the argumentative essay topics that we listed here are easy enough for kids to argue, so kids should have confidence in themselves as they use these topics. We strongly believe that kids will quickly get what to write about all the topics below. By using the topics below for essays, kids will learn about the things that make a good argument and also develop their critical thinking skills.

Why is a healthy lifestyle so important?
Why should animals be subjects for scientific research?
Cheating on homework has more advantages than disadvantages
Why can’t children play video games for a very long time?
Why should kids stop playing violent video games?
How can divorce affect children?
How many books can students read in one year?
What number of sweets should kids eat daily?
Is it ethical to hold animals in zoos?
Is it a wise thing to stay around a smoker?
Why is sport an important part of a school’s curriculum?
Should people be banned from smoking in public places?
Students should have the right to use smartphones in classes
Students should work in groups during examinations
Who should be blamed for my low grades?
Are bad signs real or mere fallacy?
Why do children like holidays
Should schools teach dating skills?
Why do kids need to go to schools?
Why do students need to write tests and exams?
Should students in elementary schools stop wearing uniforms to schools?
Why do people need to wash their hands before eating?
Why is hygiene so important?
Do vampires truly exist?
How often should people do exercise?
Do students spend too much time in schools?
Should kids also go to gyms?
Which is a better pet between a dog and a cat?
Which one is better between hamburgers and pizza?
Should deviant students get expelled at schools?
Is it bad to give kids too much cash?
At what age can a child start learning how to drive?
Is it ethical to keep wild animals as pets?
Why is it bad to brutalize pets?
Why do students need homework?
What are the responsibilities of a child within a family?
Why should children seek advice from their parents?
Is longer hair better than shorter hair?
Why do kids need to tell their parents about everything that happens to them?
Which one is better between soda and water?
Should computer games be used for classroom training?
Should kids eat snacks?
Where does rainbow come from?
Why are the police so important in society?
Why do we need to sleep at night?
Why can’t people consume as much sugar as they want?
Can humans survive cold weather in Antarctica?
Is it proper to kiss one’s pet?
Why does every nation need a ruler?
Should kids get punished for every little offense they commit at school?
Why is it so important to voting during elections?
Why are children not allowed to vote during elections?
How many hours should students read daily?
Why is it a bad thing to cheat in examinations?
How many novels should students read every week?
Is it proper for students to memorize things?
Should kids be allowed to own smartphones?
Is Artificial intelligence dangerous?
Why do we go to churches?
What makes examination malpractice a bad thing?
Should kids watch horror movies?
Is education so important?
Should kids talk with strangers?
Is bullying a crime or not?
Should children be allowed to watch wrestling?
Do pop cultures have values?
Is bullying overrated in American schools?
Should cigarettes be outlawed?
What should be the maximum screen time for children?

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Persuasive Essay Topics For 3rd Grade: 15 Exciting Ideas

Third graders can write awesome persuasive essays if they have some really exciting ideas to work with. The topics should be relevant to the 3rd graders interests, knowledge and abilities. They also need to be reminded that a 'persuasive' essay is about influencing the reader to believe in their point of view.

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People should go to jail if they abandon their pets. (Is jail the best option are there other forms of punishments).
Children should be rewarded if they get good grades. (Why should they be rewarded? Does the reward only apply to an 'A' grade or should it be given for effort).
It is better to have short hair than long hair. (Talk about the practicalities, cost of cutting and styling and the cost of products).
It should be law that everyone recycles their rubbish. (The government should limit the amount of trash that people produce?)
Living in the country is better than living in the city. (Talk about the positives of living in the country and the differences between living in the city.)
We all need to grow our own vegetables and fruit. (Importance of knowing how food is produced and the amount of work that is needed to produce it).
People should car pool more often. (Not just because of being eco-friendly but also because of limited parking facilities and the social aspect).
We can change the world. (We can all change the world a bit at a time).
The school year should be longer ( or write about the need for more holidays)
Etiquette should be taught in schools. (Etiquette is sometime learned by unwritten rules. It may be easier if we learned the rules formally).
There should be an entrance exam for going to high school. (What do you think would be the outcome? Do you think that if there was an entrance exam do you think that some students may not get to high school?)
Bullies should be thrown out of academic institutions (schools) and parents of bullies should be fined.
School test are not effective. (What other ways are there to assess abilities?)
Cheerleader’s costumes are too revealing. (Are the costumes outdated? Offer a suggestion for an alternative)
Every family should have a natural disaster plan.(Stress the importance of the plan. What is a good plan?)
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Persuasive Essay Topics For 3rd Grade: 15 Exciting Ideas · People should go to jail if they abandon their pets. · Children should be rewarded if they get good
Argumentative writing prompts with articles
This 3rd, 4th, 5th grade writing prompt bundle is a year's worth of writing prompts that come with paired passages/ articles .
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