Writing a 10 page argumentative research paper can be a daunting task, but selecting the right topic is an important first step. Here are 10 ideas that could work well for a paper of this length:
Legalizing marijuana
There is an ongoing debate around whether marijuana should be legalized recreationally and medically at both the state and federal levels. With various studies examining the health, economic, criminal justice, and social impacts, this topic offers plenty of angles to explore over 10 pages. You could take a stance on full legalization versus decriminalization to argue your point.
Gun control laws
Arguments around the Second Amendment and people’s rights to own guns versus enacting stricter laws to curb gun violence make this a complex topic that could fill 10 pages. You could analyze proposed bills, statistical data on gun deaths, or the effectiveness of assault weapons bans and universal background checks. Discussing historical Supreme Court decisions would help provide context.
Raise the minimum wage
Proponents argue that raising the federal minimum wage, which has not increased since 2009, would help reduce income inequality and help low-income Americans afford basic needs. Opponents counter that it could lead to job losses as businesses pass on higher costs to consumers. You could examine economic studies and data from cities and states that have enacted higher minimum wages.
Free public college tuition
As the cost of higher education steadily increases, many believe public universities should be tuition-free to give more Americans access to a college degree. Others argue this could overburden taxpayers and that not all degrees yield high economic returns. You could analyze plans proposed by various politicians and data from other nations with free or very low-cost public college systems.
Global climate change policies
With the effects of climate change increasingly apparent, the US role in international agreements and domestic policy responses are widely debated. Potential topics include the US rejoining the Paris Agreement, a carbon tax, investing in green energy, or regulating fossil fuel industries. NASA and IPCC scientific reports would provide credible evidence for your argument.
Abolish the Electoral College
Critics argue the Electoral College system can result in a president being elected despite losing the nationwide popular vote. Supporters counter it encourages broader geographical support and prevents big cities from dominating elections. You could examine historical examples and research from political scientists on alternative methods of electing the president.
Immigration reform
Comprehensive reform proposals typically address border security, pathways to citizenship, guest worker programs, and treatment of DACA recipients. Analyzing bills Congress has considered and statistical data on the economic impacts of both authorized and unauthorized immigrants could fill 10 pages on this highly contentious issue.
LGBTQ+ rights
Current debates center around non-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, transgender military service, and religious exemption laws. Exploring landmark court cases, shifting public opinion polls, and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals would allow a thoughtful examination of ongoing equality and civil rights issues.
National healthcare system
A single-payer “Medicare for All” system is one proposed alternative to the current mix of private insurance and government programs. Weighing the successes of national health systems in other developed countries against fears over government overreach and higher taxes could provide balanced perspectives on different models.
Infrastructure investment
With bridges, roads, airports, railways, and other public works aging, there are calls to greatly increase infrastructure spending to repair, modernize, and expand capacity through public-private partnerships. Funding such large initiatives is no small task. Assessing specific proposals and economic impact studies would help craft a well-researched argument.
Choosing a topic that lends itself to exploring complex issues from multiple angles through citing credible data and research will help write a compelling 10 page argumentative paper. Narrowing the focus of one of these broad topics and developing a clear thesis statement are also important for providing strong organization and direction. With diligent research using academic databases and .gov sources, any of these issues could fuel an in-depth examination worthy of a college-level assignment.