Some ideas for thought provoking topics

Many of the essays you do during your the at school will require you to provide arguments for and against topics. Even if you are doing a debate where you are looking only at one side of an argument you will still need to know what the arguments of the opposition are so you can address or respond to them. Use the following topics to help you develop your ability to see 'both sides of the story'.  
Some useful graphic organisers that will help you structure your information are a PMI Chart, a Venn Diagram, a T-Chart or a Matrix. You can find them here.

Some ideas for topics.......

1. Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but are poor alternatives to a natural environment.  Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.
2. Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
3. To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable?
4. Should money be spent on space exploration?
5. Is fashion important?
6. Are we too dependent on computers?


7. Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?
8. The destruction of the world’s forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows.  Do you agree?
9. Should the government place a tax on junk food and fatty snacks?
10. Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?
11. Androids are better than iPhones
12. The moon should be colonized.