topics for research papers for high school students

58 Good Research Paper Topics for High School Students

June 27, 2023

We’ve all been there: you’re sitting in English or Social Studies, and suddenly your teacher announces those dreaded words: “I’d like you all to pick a topic for your upcoming research paper.” Your stomach lurches as your mind races to think of good research paper topics. Should you write about octopuses or the New York Yankees? Should you write about the history of Barbie and her uber-pink Dreamhouse , or perhaps the evolution of Taylor Swift ’s music career?

We get it: these are hard choices! That’s why we here at College Transitions have compiled the ultimate list to assist you in selecting an excellent research topic.

But First…the All-Important Question: What Makes a Great Topic?

We’re glad you asked! When selecting a topic for your academic research paper, you want to select a compelling topic that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Just like when choosing a persuasive speech topic or argumentative essay topic , you want to be sure to select a topic that intrigues you personally. This is pivotal for multiple reasons. If you find your topic intriguing, you’ll likely spend more time delving into the subject and gathering information to strengthen your arguments. Additionally, if a topic sparks your curiosity, odds are that your enthusiasm will pique someone else’s interest, too!

The Key to a Good Research Paper: Research

Regardless of the topic you choose, ensure it’s researchable . This means that the subject has sufficient resources for research. Even the most intriguing topic won’t make for a good paper if there’s not much research material out there. Remember: your typical research paper is longer and more in-depth than a regular academic essay. While this means you have more time to explore the topic at hand, it also means that the research paper will rely on more information and analysis of the existing material out there. Before finalizing your topic, make sure to do a preliminary search to guarantee there’s plenty of information out there to help you construct a comprehensive argument, filled with multiple perspectives and facets.

Following Guidelines

Lastly, and most importantly, follow the guidelines your teacher has laid out. If you focus your paper on pop culture, it certainly won’t meet a historical research paper’s requirement! Before embarking on this thrilling intellectual journey, double-check what type of research paper your teacher wants you to write. To prevent future headaches, clarify any rules or conditions upfront.

Now that we’ve covered these key bullet points of what makes a great research paper topic, let’s delve into some examples of topics:

English Literature Research Topics

1) Discuss the profound cultural impact and enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s plays.

2) What roles does feminism play in canonical literary works such as Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre ?

3) Investigate the use of symbolism and its impacts on the narrative and theme in a chosen novel, such as J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye or Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn.

4) Analyze the use of dystopian elements and their social commentary embedded in the works of George Orwell.

Good Research Paper Topics (Continued)

5) Analyze the themes , symbolic representations, and societal critiques of the American Dream as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby .

6) Provide a comprehensive explication of a renowned Shakespearean sonnet or soliloquy, such as this one from Hamlet .

7) Choose a poem such as Robert Frost’s “ The Road Not Taken ” and critically analyze its layered meanings and imagery, as well as their impact on the reader.

Technology Research Topics 

• For a more comprehensive list of technology-related research topics, we’ve compiled an entire list for you here !

8) Compare and contrast the various techniques of solar geoengineering. How have these practices progressed over time? In what direction might they continue to evolve?

9) Art has become readily producible and consumable in the era of technology and artificial intelligence. How does this surge in accessibility impact the worth of artwork? Additionally, should we value physical artworks more than those made by programs like OpenAI’s DALL-E?

10) Does the advancement of cellular agriculture potentially threaten the ideas of a “ circular bioeconomy ?” Should we strive to pursue a circular bioeconomy?

11) Some people say that video games are detrimental to mental health or encourage violence. Study and present findings on whether specific categories or genres of video games provide more cognitive enhancement than others.

12) Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual appointments and doctor’s visits have increased exponentially. Does the surge in screen time that comes with digital therapeutics negatively affect mental health?

13) Consider mob mentality  across social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. In what instances and in what contexts is such mentality most prevalent?

Environmental Research Topics

• For a more comprehensive list of environmental-related research topics, we’ve compiled the 50 best ones here !

14) Undertake a comprehensive study of the impacts of climate change on ocean currents and the changes in migration patterns of marine species.

15) Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of urban greenspaces . Discuss potential implementation strategies to ensure equitable access to these spaces, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

16) Look at the ethical implications surrounding human intervention in conservation efforts for endangered species.

17) Analyze the environmental impacts of the hospitality and travel industries in terms of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

18) How do agricultural land use practices impact biodiversity and the health of ecosystems? Look at the relationship between farming, habitat degradation, and species survival.

19) Conduct an in-depth analysis of the potential economic repercussions of climate change. Focus on the impacts of climate changes on global agricultural productivity and food security, as well as their associated dynamics in the global economy.

20) Conduct an in-depth exploration of the relationship between supply and demand dynamics and their influence on the market.

21) Analyze the impact of globalization on local economies. Examine both the direct and indirect effects of globalization and assess strategies for local economies to adapt and thrive within this system.

22) Write a research paper that investigates the role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in the global economy. What potential do these currencies have to disrupt traditional financial systems? What are their implications for monetary policy?

23) Undertake a study of the impact of China’s economic ascendance on the global economy.

24) Explore the intricate effects of population growth and/or decline on economic systems, considering factors such as labor market dynamics, allocation of resources, and the potential for sustainable development.

Political Science Research Topics

25) Discuss the role of lobbyists in U.S. politics. Scrutinize their influence on policy-making, and discuss the broader implications for democratic representation.

26) What influence does the media have on political elections? Investigate how media coverage shapes public opinion and voter behavior.

27) Analyze the impact of immigration policy on the economy. Examine such policies’ immediate and long-term implications on the labor market and economy.

28) Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in shaping U.S. laws. Focus on the function the Supreme Court plays in establishing legal precedents.

Philosophy 

29) Write a research paper examining the concept of free will, its origins, evolution, and implications.

30) Consider the implications of determinism. Look at its impact on individual agency and moral responsibility within the broader framework of philosophical tradition.

31) Undertake an in-depth analysis of happiness in philosophy, considering its interpretations and their influence on real-world practices.

32) Investigate how various philosophies have perceived consciousness through time. Trace this depiction of consciousness through various philosophical movements.

33) Discuss Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, examining its underpinnings and implications.

Psychology research Topics

34) What role does social media play in shaping an individual’s self-esteem?

35) Explore childhood trauma’s long-lasting impact on adult interpersonal relationships and attachment styles.

36) Analyze the critical role that distinct parenting styles play in molding a child’s personality.

37) Research and discuss the psychological effects and health implications of prolonged exposure to stress.

Art Research Topics

38) Discuss the role of the Renaissance period on modern art, doing a side-by-side analysis of works from both eras.

39) Conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of street art on urban culture, examining how it reshapes public spaces and societal narratives.

40) Investigate the influence of Pop Art on modern design. You might focus on Pop Art’s particular impact on interior design and digital media.

41) Explore the role feminist art plays in promoting gender equality. How do feminist artworks challenge traditional gender roles and/or contribute to societal discourse?

Computer Science Research Topics

42) Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.

43) Discuss whether the use of facial recognition technology violates individuals’ privacy, as well as the broader implications such technology has on societal well-being.

44) Analyze the use of surveillance technology by the government. Is it ethical for the government to use such technology to monitor its citizens?

45) Investigate the rapid development and long-term effects of various social media platforms.

46) Investigate the history of book bans in schools. Discuss the larger cultural and educational impacts such bans have on students and society.

47) Analyze various forms of schooling, from homeschooling to public and private schools. Consider the implications of each on a child’s education and social skills.

48) Write a research paper examining the use of affirmative action or other race-conscious policies on college campuses. Discuss the impact such policies have, as well as potential benefits and drawbacks.

49) Consider the impact of standardized testing on student performance.

Government and Law Research Topics

50) Consider the role that intellectual property and copyright laws play in innovation.

51) Investigate the impact of anti-trust laws on big corporations. What are the economic effects of these laws?

52) Study the role that law enforcement plays in community safety.

53) Consider the legalization of marijuana on crime rates. Discuss the impact this legalization has had on various communities, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.

History Research Topics

54) Analyze the influence of the Civil Rights movement on modern America. How did this movement shape racial, social, and political dynamics in America?

55) Investigate how the French Revolution reshaped political structures and ideologies across Europe.

56) Analyze the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall and how it marked a shift in the global balance of power.

57) Delve into the effects of the Cold War, as well as its impacts on global politics.

58) Examine the role that women played during World War II and what impact these roles had on challenging gender norms.

I’ve Got My Topic: What Now?

Once you’ve selected your topic, begin brainstorming ways to shape and craft your argument. Here’s one structure your research paper might take:

• Introduction: The introduction presents your research topic to readers and provides a roadmap for the paper ahead.
• Thesis Statement: Craft a compelling thesis statement summarizing your paper’s central arguments.
• Body : The body of the paper is where your carefully conducted research comes into play. Each paragraph should follow the previous one, building a logical progression of thoughts.
• Conclusion: In your conclusion, you reiterate the points you made in your paper and provide a closing paragraph to neatly tie up any last thoughts.
• Reference Page: This is where you credit your sources.

Once you’ve followed this structure, you’re on your way to crafting an excellent research paper. Of course, don’t let pesky typos undermine your hours of hard work and writing. Make sure to always proofread your work before turning it in. And if you’re passionate about research and writing, don’t stop there. Check out these summer programs for writing and journalism so that you can continue to fuel your passion.

• High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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50+ High School Research Paper Topics to Ace Your Grades

Research papers are common assignments in high school systems worldwide. It is a scientific term that refers to essays where students share what they’ve learned after thoroughly researching one specific topic. Why do high schools impose them? 

Writing a well-structured and organized research paper is key to teaching students how to make critical connections, express understanding, summarize data, and communicate findings.

Students don’t only have to come up with several high school research paper topics, choose one, and produce a research paper. A good topic will help you connect with the evaluating public, or in this case, your professors and classmates. However, many students struggle with finding the right high school research topics.

This is why we’ve put together this guide on choosing topics for a high school research paper and over 50 topic ideas you can use or get inspired with.

How to Choose High School Research Paper Topics

Since you are about to go through over 50 high school research topics, you might get overwhelmed. To avoid it, you need to know how to choose the right research paper topic for you. 

The most important thing to consider is the time needed to complete a paper on a particular topic. Too broad topics will wear you out, and you might fail to meet the deadline. This is why you should always stick to, shall we say, not-too-broad and well-defined topics.

Since you will spend some time researching and writing, you need to consider your motivation too. Choosing a topic that you find interesting will help you fuel your research and paper writing capabilities. If your efforts turn out to be futile and the deadline is dangerously close, you can always look for a research paper for sale to ace your grade.

Most Interesting & Easy Research Topics for High School students

Since there are many research paper ideas for high school students, we didn’t want to just provide you with a list. Your interest is an essential factor when choosing a topic. This is why we’ve put them in 8 categories. Feel free to jump to a category that you find the most engaging. If you don’t have the time, here at StudyClerk, we are standing by to deliver a completely custom research paper to you.

If you are interested in education, you should consider choosing an education research topic for high school students. Below you can find ten topics you can use as inspiration.

• Should High Schools Impose Mandatory Vaccination On Students?
• The Benefits Of Charter Schools For The Public Education System
• Homeschooling Vs. Traditional Schooling: Which One Better Sets Students For Success
• Should Public Education Continue To Promote Diversity? Why?
• The Most Beneficial Funding Programs For Students
• The Effects Of The Rising Price Of College Tuitions On High School Students
• Discuss The Most Noteworthy Advantages And Disadvantages Of Standardized Testing
• What Are The Alternatives To Standardized Testing?
• Does Gap Year Between High School And College Set Students For Success?
• Identify And Discuss The Major Benefits Of Group Projects For High Schoolers

World history

World history is rich, fun, and engaging. There are numerous attractive topics to choose from. If history is something that has you on your toes, you’ll find the following world history research topics for high school fascinating.

• The Origin Of The Israel-Palestine Conflict And Possible Resolutions
• The History Of The USA Occupation Of Iraq
• Choose A Famous Assassinated World Leader And Discuss What Led To The Assassination
• Discuss A Historical Invention And How It Changed The Lives Of People Worldwide
• Has The World’s Leading Countries’ Response To Climate Change Improved Or Declined Over The Last Decade?
• How The President Of Belarus Manages To Stay In Power For Over 25 Years
• Which Event In World History Had The Most Impact On Your Country?

Mental Health

Many governments worldwide work on increasing mental health awareness. The following mental health topics for high school research papers will put you in a position to contribute to this very important movement.

• Discuss The Main Ways Stress Affects The Body
• Can Daily Exercises Benefit Mental Health? How?
• Should More Counselors Work In High Schools? Why?
• Discuss The Major Factors That Contribute To Poor Mental And Physical Well-Being
• In What Ways Has The Worldwide Pandemic Affected People’s Mental Health?
• Explore The Relationship Between Social Media And Mental Health Disorders
• How The Public School System Cares For The Mental Health Of Students
• What Is The Most Effective Psychotherapy For High Schoolers? 

Science is one of those fields where there is always something new you can research. If you need a science research topic for high school students, feel free to use any of the following.

• How Can Civilization Save Coral Reefs?
• What Are Black Holes, And What Is Their Role?
• Explain Sugar Chemistry That Enables Us To Make Candies
• What Are The Biggest Successes Of The Epa In The Last Decade?
• Is There A Way To Reverse Climate Change? How?
• What Solutions Does Science Offer To Resolve The Drinking Water Crisis In The Future?

Many teenagers find inspiration in music, so why not choose some music high school research paper topics. 

• In What Way Music Education Benefits High School Students?
• How Famous Musicians Impact Pop Music
• Classification Of Music Instruments: Discuss The Sachs-Hornbostel System
• Did Sound Effect Technology Change The Music Industry? How?
• How Did Online Streaming Platforms Help Music Evolve?
• How Does Music Software Emulate Sounds Of Different Instruments?

Healthcare finance research topics

Healthcare and finance go hand in hand. Shining light on some exciting correlations between these two fields can be engaging. Here are some topics that you can consider.

• How Can Patient Management Systems Save Money In Hospitals?
• The Pros And Cons Of The Public Healthcare System
• Should Individuals Or The Government Pay For Healthcare?
• What Is Obama-Care And How It Benefits Americans?
• The Most Noteworthy Developments In The History Of Healthcare Financing

Environmental

Our environment has been a hot topic for quite some time now. There is a lot of research to back up your claims and make logical assumptions. Here are some environmental high school research topics you can choose from. 

• What Is The Impact Of Offshore Drilling On The Environment?
• Do We Need Climate Change Legislation? Why?
• Are Ecotourism And Tropical Fishing Viable Ways To Save And Recuperate Endangered Areas And Animals?
• The Impact Of Disposable Products On The Environment
• Discuss The Benefits Of Green Buildings To Our Environment
• Find And Discuss A Large-Scale Recent Project That Helped Restore Balance In An Area

Entrepreneurship

Many students struggle with having to find good entrepreneurship research paper ideas for high school. This is why we’ve developed a list of topics to inspire your research.

• What Is Entrepreneurship?
• Are People Born With An Entrepreneurial Spirit, Or Can You Learn It?
• Discuss The Major Entrepreneurship Theories
• Does Entrepreneurship Affect The Growth Of The Economy?
• Which Character Traits Are Commonly Found In Successful Entrepreneurs?
• The Pros And Cons Of Having A Traditional Job And Being An Entrepreneur
• Discuss Entrepreneurship As One Of The Solutions To Unemployment
• What Is Crowdfunding, And How It’s Related To Entrepreneurship
• The Most Common Challenges Entrepreneurs Face
• How Social Media Made A Lot Of Successful Entrepreneurs

Hopefully, you’ll find these high school research paper topics inspirational. The categories are there to help you choose easily. Here at StudyClerk, we know how hard it is to complete all assignments in time and ace all your grades. If you are struggling with writing, feel free to contact us about our writing services , and we’ll help you come on top of your research paper assignment no matter how complex it is.

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200 Best Ideas for Research Paper Topics in 2023

The discussion you have started should be provoking and intriguing. If your statement is unique and interesting, you will definitely get a high grade and respect from your professors.

Writing a research paper may seem challenging, even though it is a substantial part of everyday student life. You are required to write at least one research paper in a semester for the majority of your subjects.

Do not underestimate research projects. They will demand a lot of time and effort from you. At the same time, do not let your research paper give you anxiety or hurt your overall studies.

To minimize worries and stress while working on the research paper, you must be confident in your topic. There are times when you are assigned the topic, but more frequently, you will have to create one yourself.

The discussion you start should be thought-provoking and intriguing. If your content is unique and interesting, you will definitely get a high grade and respect from your professors.

How to Select the Best Research Paper Topic?

When choosing your research paper topic, you need to make sure it is neither boring nor overdone. An interesting and innovative topic will intrigue your readers and motivate them to read the entire piece. But if you don’t know how to create a topic on your own, use the help of our editors.

Here are some things to consider when selecting an appropriate topic:

The Field Of  Your Interest

It’s no secret that you will not be able to write a good insightful research paper if you are not interested in the subject overall, or in the topic in general. On the other hand, if the topic is linked to the field of your interest, you can consider yourself lucky.

Passion and interest in a topic will make it easier to explore the theme and write about it. If you enjoy science, you should be able to talk non-stop about it. The same goes for writing about it.

A Topic Should Be Clear

You need to be sure to understand everything clearly when you choose an essay topic . Do not hesitate to ask questions if there are some unclear points. The more you understand, the simpler it is for you to write a successful research paper. You need to show the readers that you’re a master of the topic and not a confused newbie who does not know what you’re talking about.

Be Precise And Specific

You need to completely understand that you are not writing a descriptive essay. A research paper is an accurate and thorough work, which is based on facts. You cannot waterdown your text. Your statement should be supported with examples or references to other reputable research and academic work.

Be Innovative

How innovative can you be when discussing The French Revolution or Pearl Harbor? However, an innovative approach can give you the edge among other students. A topic should address the matter from a different and surprising perspective. With a deep investigation, you may even find the little known facts that can blow your readers’ minds. This approach will intrigue your readers and will make you research paper stand out..

Visit Edusson Samples   to brainstorm possible research paper topics and find relevant paper examples. It is 1000+ papers database. Besides samples, you can find excellent writing tools such as Plagiarism Checker, Title Page Maker and many more.

Ideas for Research Paper Topics

Without a good topic, writing a research paper can be a student’s worst nightmare. So, how do you come up with one? There are dozens of ways to brainstorm, such as discussing with classmates, reading topic prompts, sample papers, magazines, journals, blogs, or books.

Research Paper Topic by Category

Here are some examples of topics you may choose:

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

You have to present facts to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic. Your introduction and concluding paragraph must be equally strong. Take a look at the following argumentative research topics examples:

• Are athletes good role models?
• Is the minimum wage too high?
• Homelessness: Who is to blame?
• Do we need shorter working weeks?
• What is the ideal age of consuming alcohol?

Persuasive Research Paper Topics

As a speaker or writer, it is your responsibility to persuade the reader about an issue. Persuasive writing, therefore, should move people and shake their emotions. If, for example, you want to convince people coffee is good for their bodies, then you must do it artistically, and convincingly.

Take a look at these examples of persuasive research topics:

• Using animals to conduct research experiments is wrong.
• Parents should monitor the websites their children visit.
• Domestic gender violence is on the rise.
• Children’s exposure to media: Do parental controls work?
• There are many cybercrimes today, and they are going to increase.
• America should adopt a policy of non-involvement in global conflicts.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

There are people who like to court controversy whenever they say or do something, more so in public. A good example here is an activist. Whether it is advocacy for gay rights or same-sex marriage, writing on issues like these can be painstakingly difficult. So, you need a strong topic right from the beginning. Controversial topics for a research paper like the following will most certainly get you moving in the right direction:

• Gay partners and child adoption.
• Surrogate mothers and societal worldview.
• Violence in media content.
• STEM subjects should be mandatory.
• Sex education in middle school.
• Should homework be abolished?

Are you having a hard time looking for a comprehensive research paper topic? Try to find the best one by using our topic generation tool.

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

Maybe you have picked a research topic from the above categories for your paper. However, a good college student knows you need a plan B. So here are some other great topics.

• Is college education in line with the job market?
• Should colleges be faith-based institutions?
• Should universities have special accommodation facilities for the disabled?
• How has the institution of marriage changed in the postmodern world?
• Is there a difference between a man’s and a woman’s heart?
• What are the possible health benefits of childbearing and parenting?
• Exploring unfair child labor in the workplace.
• The significance of ethics to business and how to control bad behavior.
• How is cross-border BPO affecting the gross domestic product in your country?
• Which companies will make it to the top 5 best in the next decade?
• Terrorism and how it affects businesses.
• Are universities becoming business-driven?
• Causes of data rape and how to prevent it.
• Should licensed gun holders be allowed to carry their weapons to school?
• Ex-convicts and job searching. Is it difficult finding employment?
•  Should colleges pay student-athletes and how should they do it?
• What should be the basis of workplace promotion: seniority, degree, or performance evaluation?
• The significance of search engine optimization on businesses today.
• Should women be allowed into extreme sports?
• Is feminism changing American society?

Research Paper Topics By Level of Education

Notably, topic difficulty or complexity varies with the level of education. A graduate student will write a high school essay with great ease, while the reverse will result in a lot of difficulties on the part of the student.

In this post, we also help you choose topics based on your academic level while keeping in mind that research paper writing lends credence to student performance.

The research paper topics can often be overwhelming, and to make the process easier and more reliable, many students look for APA format paper writing services . The services are beneficial and provide access to professional knowledge in writing a research paper and ensure that all guidelines are followed.

High School Research Paper Topics

If you are a student in high school, here is a list of topics that you may consider:

• Should the government legalize the use of smartphones in high school classrooms?
• Leadership training in high school.
• Are secondary schools doing enough in harnessing the debating skills of students?
• Explore Plato’s philosophy of mathematics.

College Research Paper Topics

Next, here are some college research paper topics to choose from. They include the following:

• Explore the design and construction of thermal plants around the globe.
• Analyze how the free software movement is positively transforming the world.
• Analyze cognitive development in children.
• How does the government assess the health care needs of communities?
• Pre-election and the effects on voter conduct.
• Discuss how to plan for college tuition.
• How does menstruation affect young girls?
• Substance abuse among college students and its effects on their performance and behavior.
• What brings about societal stereotypes?
• Factual evidence that AIDS originated from monkeys.

Research Paper Topics By Subject

Another way of choosing the best research paper topic is based on the subject, whether you are a college or high school student. Whether it is in biology, physics, science, literature, history, or psychology, this approach works at all levels of education. Research papers are quite challenging for the average student to write, so it’s no wonder why many students may want to look into options for high school essays for money . A great topic for your research paper should be something engaging that captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading.

Research Paper Topics on Technology

• Cybersecurity: Can we really be safe?
• How can technology help in preventing terrorist attacks?
• How close did we get to Artificial Intelligence?
• What technological innovations promise to change the third decade of the 21st century?
• How do regular people influence technological progress?
• What technologies does NASA use to explore Mars?
• How did Bill Gates and Steve Jobs change the world?
• How did cloud technologies change data storing?
• Can virtual reality substitute for an actual reality?
• What is the future of the internet?

Research Paper Topics on Environment

• How did climate change in the last 30 years?
• Why some believe that global warming is a hoax?
• What are the best ways to reduce global warming?
• How does global warming alter wildlife?
• Ocean pollution: Unseen tragedies.
• Effective ways of reducing air pollution.
• How can alternative types of energy help to preserve the Earth’s natural resources?
• Endangered species – How can we preserve them?
• Recycling. What did you do to make the world a better place?
• Drinking water for all – How can we achieve it?

Research Paper Topics on Legal Issues

• How do torrenting sites influence creativity and copyright?
• Should marijuana be legalized at the national level?
• How did the legalization of same-sex marriage influence the USA?
• Are punishments for sex crimes fair?
• Should there be a law preventing cyber-bullying?
• Where is the line between artistic photos and pornography?
• How does a new adoption law in Russia refuse orphans their chance for happiness?
• Various laws on abortion around the world.
• How do prostitution laws differ around the world?

Topics on Business

• How can one turn a business idea into a successful startup?
• How can creative marketing increase your sales?
• Does taxation aim to kill small businesses?
• Effective time-management for big and small teams.
• Is multitasking a productive method of work?
• Sexual harassment in the working environment.
• How benefits can make your employees happy.
• How do big corporations regularly break the law and get away with it?
• What are the various minimum wages around the world? Should The Universal Declaration of Human Rights control them?
• What were the most successful businesses in the first two decades of the 21st century?

Topics on World Politics

• How did Angela Merkel change Europe?
• Impeachment against Donald Trump: Will it happen?
• The consequences of Brexit for European values.
• Is Vladimir Putin sponsoring global terrorism?
• How can world politicians unite against the threat that Russia poses?
• Can North and South Korea unite again?
• How can we eliminate dictatorial regimes in the 21st century?
• Conflicts in Africa.
• Do refugees pose any threat to the hosting country?
• How can the world unite to fight racism?

Topics on Religion

• Is Christianity at its dusk?
• Can any religion justify crimes against humanity?
• The most popular new age religions.
• Sexual abuse in the church.
• Should religious beliefs influence health matters?
• How do various religions oppress women?
• The political context of the global religions throughout time.
• How does agnosticism balance between atheism and various religions?
• Are we witnessing a new religion forming?
• Myths of creation through global religions.

Topics on Health

• The effects of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana on a human body.
• Vaccination in the 21st century.
• The most controversial issues of birth control.
• Alzheimer’s: ways of prevention.
• Euthanasia – An assisted suicide?
• How can research help cure AIDS?
• Are there effective ways to prevent cancer?
• How do fats positively affect the human body and the mind?
• Anorexia and obesity – Two sides to one story.
• The importance of mental health.

Topics on Social Issues

• How does social media influence interpersonal communication?
• How can team sports affect social abilities?
• LGBT tolerance around the world.
• Global citizenship: Pros and cons.
• How to deal with social anxiety.
• How can one defend privacy issues on Facebook and other social media?
• How to stop bullying in schools.
• Discrimination of black women in modern-day America.
• Ethnicities that created the USA.
• Gender stereotypes in the workplace.

Topics on Education

• How to achieve literacy for all.
• Is it worth accumulating a huge debt to achieve higher education in the USA?
• How can the government make a teacher’s profession become more appealing?
• How can we modernize education to make it more appealing?
• How do dress codes in schools discriminate against women?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling?
• Is the present educational system capable of creating geniuses?
• The importance of multilingual education.
• Guns in school. How to achieve a safe environment.
• Do grades do justice to students’ knowledge?

Topics on Popular Culture

• The best music projects of 2020.
• How do reality shows influence teenagers?
• Do celebrities form a specific cast in today’s world?
• How much do people depend on heroes? Marvel and DC Cinematic Universes.
• How do American and Japanese popular cultures intertwine with each other?
• Sexism and ageism in modern Hollywood.
• Do shows like American Idol, the Voice, and X-factor really aim to find and develop talents?
• The female role in the world according to Beyonce’s Lemonade.
• How did YouTube change popular culture?
• The meaning of the Harry Potter Book Series in promoting reading.

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Easy Research Paper Topics

Women’s issues.

• Are birth control pills good or bad?
• Are married women with children happier than single women who did not give birth to a child?
• Are there health benefits to having children?
• Breast cancer rates are increasing among women in the US. What factors contribute to these rates?
• Do women with higher testosterone levels have an athletic advantage compared to women whose testosterone levels are not high?
• Has the feminist movement been a help to women or not?
• Has the modern-day feminist movement lost its track?
• How are cultural expectations of women different in Muslim vs. Western nations?
• How common is domestic abuse, or child abuse?
• How do the female hormones protect women from heart disease?
• How does the education of women change society?
• How has feminism changed America? The world?
• How has marriage changed?
• How is heart health different for men and women?
• How has society’s expectations for women to get married and have kids haven’t changed for centuries, even today?
• How to help girls from unprivileged towns and neighborhoods get educated?
• Should women participate in extreme sports?
• What are the most important health risks for women to be aware of?
• What is a maid? Is there an acceptable or unacceptable definition for this job?
• What is female genital mutilation and how is it connected with AIDS in Africa?
• What is the effect of birth control and pregnancy on the mental health of a woman?
• What is the history of marriage?
• Why do a vast majority of women refuse to report their husbands for domestic abuse? What can be done to help them?
• Why do people marry?
• Women in politics: why do a small percentage of them succeed?
• Are athletes overpaid? Do footballers deserve multi-million contracts? How their salaries influence their performance?
• Can anyone compete in a marathon? Should everyone try it at least once? Necessary measures to take in order to compete in this kind of race
• Choose a sport and the best athlete that has ever played it. Justify why is that person the greatest of all times
• Has Title 9 hurt men’s athletics? Should there be changes?
• Have Olympic Games improved or worsened through history?
• How money influences the football world today
• How much does the crowd at sports events influence the game? Does the roar of the fans or their chants really cause the team to win or lose?
• How successful has Title 9 been in changing access to sports for women?
• Is there a sport that should be added to the Olympic Games?
• Research the history of a sport of your choice. How has the game changed throughout history?
• Should college athletes get paid? If so, how should that be done?
• Should male and female athletes be paid equally?
• Should players form unions to protect their rights?
• The impact of the Olympic Games on the economy of the hosting nation?
• What do people learn from playing competitive sports?
• What does the public think about female athletes?
• Why do all children need to play competitive sports in school? How would regular sports activity benefit their health and school performance?
• Why do so many young people get injured while playing sports? Is it accidental and unavoidable or is there a way to prevent injuries? Choose between talking about sports in general or discussing some specific sport of your choice.

Criminal justice

• African-American men are more likely to spend time in prison in the United States than any other group.  What is the underlying cause of this negative trend? What can be done to stop it?
• After every terrorist attack, it turns out police received reports about the potential danger. Why do they always ignore these calls?
• Are prison sentences for rapes effective? Do convicted rapists recommit their crimes later?
• Criminal activities are widely prevalent in news shows, reality TV, television shows, and movies. Does the constant exposure to crime on TV promote these activities and give people ideas?
• The death sentence has a long history, but did it help decrease crime rates across the US?
• Do convicted criminals abandon their ways and turn into law-abiding citizens?
• Do organizations like Prison Fellowship, which attempt to reform prisoners through faith, produce long-term results in changed lives?
• Do some people have a genetic predisposition to commit a crime? If so, should government approve genetic testing on criminals?
• Does non-dangerous “hazing” add to the rituals and community of an organization? Describe pros and cons of having new members participate in initiation traditions.
• How can prisoners help rehabilitate prisoners?
• How difficult is it to ex-convicts to find a job?
• How does Trump’s victory at the presidential election affect the judicial system in the United States today?
• How should the background of the criminal (psychosis, intelligence, family environment, genetic predispositions) affect the decision in a criminal case?
• Is Mandatory Minimum sentencing a good idea? Does it aid crime prevention?
• Many prisoners re-commit crimes because they find it difficult to cope with “real world” after spending years in prison. What can be done to help them adapt to the new reality after leaving prison?
• The number of DUI arrests increases constantly. What can be done about this problem?
• On-campus violence: causes and solutions
• Online bullying is a common occurrence nowadays. Should cyber-bullies face criminal prosecution?
• Out of fear of potential mistake, prisoners on a death row in many states are still waiting for their executions. Does the possibility of wrong death outweigh the need for justice? Is there justice for family members of victims?
• Police brutality: causes and potential solutions
• Rates of teens engaging in criminal activities keep increasing. How did media contribute to this negative trend?
• Should all states have equal laws? Would it prevent some criminals from committing their unlawful deeds?
• Should DUI laws be the same across all states?
• Should girls and women who falsely accuse someone of raping them face criminal prosecution?
• Should people convicted of a DUI be able to attend classes to prevent having their driver’s license revoked?
• Should schools allow people with licenses to carry concealed weapons?
• Should some crimes require a mandatory death sentence?
• Should terrorist suspects be tried in American courts?
• Some states have already legalized marijuana. How did cannabis use affect crime rates in these states? Did they go up or down?
• Teen gangs and socioeconomic status of households: are they related?
• The Innocence Project has released more than 300 convicted criminals based primarily on DNA evidence. Many states give no compensation to those released. Should the compensation be mandatory?
• The use of art, music, or theater therapy is a common method of rehabilitating prisoners. How effective are these approaches?
• What are the causes of acquaintance rape? How can it be prevented?
• What does the general public think about death penalty?
• What is the underlying cause (or more of them) behind re-committing crimes?
• Why do some people become serial killers? Are there any signs in their behavior to look for?
• Why is police brutal when arresting black suspects?
• Are older children more successful?
• Child labor is a sad reality in third-world countries. Do we contribute to child labor by purchasing products from companies who employ children in their factories?
• Do small businesses have a chance to succeed in the competitive market today?
• How do blogs help revolutionize businesses?
• How did the NAFTA agreement affect business in the United States?
• How does birth order affect people in a work environment?
• How has terrorism affected businesses?
• How important is branding for a business?
• Importance of ethics in business: what are the consequences of unethical behavior?
• Past, present, and future of search engine optimization (SEO)?
• Should companies promote employees based on seniority, college degrees or evaluations of performance?
• Should employees be allowed more flexible leave time for caring for children and elderly parents?
• What is the best way to grow jobs and reduce the unemployment rate?

Psst. There’s also a more relaxed way  ?

Related posts:

• Poetry Analysis: Unboxing Topics and Outlines in a breeze
• Extensive List of 200+ Dissertation Topics for Strong Research
• Pop Culture Essay Topics: Find Out the Pulse of Modern Society
• Business Research Paper Topics: Management, Commerce, Entrepreneurship, etc

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10 creative research topics for students (2023)

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

Research is a key part of student life, but deciding which topic to research can take time and effort. The right research topic typically aligns with your skills and interests, has current relevance, and can positively impact the world.

In this article, you’ll find some helpful examples to help you get started.

• What is a research topic, and what is it for?

Research topics enable students to drill down into a specific aspect of a subject to broaden their knowledge and share learnings with others. They are typically used to make discoveries or develop fresh viewpoints.

A research topic defines the specific theme that research will be conducted around. It’s essential for providing a key focus for the work to be completed. Ultimately, it defines a core problem or knowledge gap that needs to be solved. 

A clear topic helps define what is being studied and how that information will be communicated to others.

• Research topic vs. research question

A research topic is a broad theme of focus that requires further investigation. It’s the project’s overall subject—an aspect of which will be studied.

A research topic example could be “The effects of meditation on stress reduction.”

A research question is a specific inquiry that researchers want to investigate and answer to broaden their knowledge and make new discoveries. Research questions are much more specific, focussing on a very small aspect of the overall topic.

The right research question will specifically set out what is being researched so there is no ambiguity.

Here’s an example of a research question within the topic: “How does meditation impact stress, anxiety, and burnout in the workplace?”

• What makes a good research paper topic?

Here are the characteristics that make some topics more favorable and useful than others:

Clarity: a helpful research topic should be clearly understood to ensure the integrity of the research. It should be clear to the student and mentor/professor what the topic is and how it will be explored.

Originality: answering questions that have already been researched and answered many times before could be a waste of resources. Answering original questions is key to getting the most out of research. This might involve researching topics that have already been covered from a different angle or exploring an entirely new topic.

Relevance: it’s helpful to ensure that a research topic is related to your expertise and your access to resources. This will ensure that the research topic is relevant to you.

Ethical : ethics should always be considered when conducting research. Your research shouldn’t cause physical or mental harm to any participants. You should also consider animal and environmental ethics.

• How can I choose a good topic for my research paper?

With so many topics to choose from, selecting a topic for your research paper can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider these three points to make the best choice:

1. Lean into personal interest

Being interested and experienced in a particular field will make the research more interesting, relevant, and straightforward to conduct.

Your interest will mean you’re committed and motivated to discover the answer to your research question. Being personally engaged also makes the process more enjoyable.

One caveat to keep in mind is the potential for bias. If you are invested in the research having a particular result, you must ensure it’s accurate, double-checked, and reviewed by an impartial party.

2. Choose a topic with enough information

Your research project might fail if you don’t have access to sufficient information and resources. There needs to be enough information to gain deep insights into the research at hand.

Consider the resources you have within your project limits. If your research has funding, carefully work out what that funding could be used for. If not, you may need to consider research that you’ll be able to complete with access to public records and other free resources.

Timings, finances, access to participants, and publicly accessible information will all need to be considered before choosing the final topic to research.

3. Consider the guidelines

You’ll need to adhere to the specific guidelines that your school, mentor, or professor have laid out. They may request that the topic be related to public interest, a currently challenging topic for the environment, or another parameter.

When considering those guidelines, make ethical considerations. Your school or university is unlikely to permit unethical research.

• How to find research topics to write about

Even though there’s an endless range of topics to research, you might not know where to begin. Starting with background reading, mind mapping, and speaking with mentors can help mold general ideas into useful topics and questions.

Extensive reading: completing background reading of educational databases, journals, and scientific studies can help provide a good working knowledge of what is currently being researched and identify key gaps.

Social problems: current challenges on both a local and global scale can make excellent research questions. Whether it’s investigating climate change, human health, or the impact of pandemics, there’s likely to be large human interest if you research social problems and challenges. The research you conduct may even have a positive impact on the world around you.

Mind mapping: brainstorming different ideas inspired by your background reading and personal interests can lead to ideal research topics. Create a large mind map, whether in a notebook or on a whiteboard, to get all your ideas down on paper. You may be surprised at what unique ideas you come up with.

Speak to mentors: running topics over with your professor or mentor could prove very helpful. They may be able to help you refine your ideas, provide feedback on research questions, and offer useful suggestions to ensure the topic you pick is appropriate.

• The top 10 research topics for students

Here are some of the top 10 research topics and research areas for students. Whether in high school, senior high school, or college, these topics are important and relevant for students today.

You might use these ideas as starting points for your own original research topics and research questions.

1. High school research paper topic ideas

Research topics in high school can promote critical thinking, personal growth, and problem-solving skills.

Some of the most relevant research topics for high schoolers revolve around social and political issues, as those are often core topics within the school curriculum. Also, students are often interested in how they can positively impact the world around them, so topics within social change and social issues are particularly relevant.

The impacts of bullying

Bullying and its impacts are an interesting and relevant topic for high school students. Students may want to consider ways to mitigate bullying or explore whether bullying can affect people long-term.

Some specific research questions within the bullying topic are:

What is the evidence that parental support can alleviate the impact of bullying in schools?

What are the effects of bullying and victimization on short-term mental health?

How can we predict adolescents’ bullying participation and understand the participant roles of bullying in different grades?

Social media in high schools

With social media use prolific in the modern world, students may be particularly interested to learn about how it impacts humans. Students may want to research the effects of different social media types, ways to reduce social media use, or how social media is impacting people around the world.

Some topics within social media could be:

Is there a correlation between social media use and academic performance?

What are the effects of social media use on mental health in people aged 12–18?

How does social media use affect self-esteem in students?

2. Psychology research paper topics

Psychology is a broadly studied topic with many possible avenues for exploration. Whether you’d like to understand how the human brain works, ways to boost mental health, or treatment options in psychology, there are endless options.

Here are some of the top 10 research topics for college students in psychology: 

Increasing happiness

Some specific research questions related to happiness include the following:

What are the factors driving the fear of leaning into happiness in American society?

How can practicing vulnerability reduce stress and boost happiness?

What impact does forest bathing have on overall mood scores?

Mitigating anxiety

With 37% of US adults more anxious in 2023 than in 2022, anxiety as a research topic is very relevant.

Below are some example research questions:

How does chronic anxiety impact people’s day-to-day lives?

What is the impact of meditation interventions on anxiety?

Is there data to support physical exercise interventions for anxiety disorders?

3. Science research paper topics

Scientific research covers many study fields. From biology and chemistry to physics and biochemistry, science helps researchers discover critical information about humans and our world.

Here are a few potential topics for exploration:

Reducing pandemic risk

Given the impact of COVID-19, mitigating the risk of a future pandemic is of significant human interest. A student may look at ways to improve pandemic responses, identify future pandemics, boost vaccine adoption, and reduce the spread of misinformation. 

Specific research questions include the following:

How can AI help predict future pandemics?

How does animal breeding contribute to zoonotic disease risk?

What are the key ways to identify and control a potential future pandemic before it becomes widespread?

Renewable energy

With climate change and the planet’s health a major concern for many scientists, investigations into more environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources are of great social interest.

Here are some research questions about renewable energy to consider:

What is the economic feasibility of widespread renewable energy use across the US?

How could wind, water, and solar energy reduce global emissions?

What are the core factors preventing the widespread use of renewable energy?

4. Good environmental research topics

Climate change impacts every person on the planet, so it can make an excellent research topic. Particularly for the younger generation, climate change is an interesting and often concerning discussion topic. Gen Z, for example, speaks much more actively about climate change both on and offline.

Climate change on a global scale

Some specific research questions within the climate change topic are:

What is the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest?

What impact could the use of solar power have in the US in relation to carbon emissions?

How do carbon dioxide emissions affect ocean acidity levels?

5. Argumentative research paper topics

Setting out a specific argument and exploring the topic can make for interesting research. Argumentative research topics are typically related to human interest, issues that impact us on a global scale, or challenges that particular social groups face.

Affirmative action

With rising interest in equality, researching affirmative action—designed to prevent the impacts of discrimination—is a relevant research topic for high school and college students.

Some specific questions relating to affirmative action could be:

Does affirmative action promote equality in the workplace?

What is the evidence that affirmative action is helpful in university admissions?

How has the affirmative action ban impacted the tech industry?

The ethical use of AI

AI use is expanding rapidly across the globe, so there’s growing interest in its impacts and the need for ethical usage.

Some research questions relating to AI include the following:

Could AI lead to more global conflict?

Can ethical legislation reduce the risk of AI and its implementation?

How many jobs could be impacted by AI in 2025?

6. Human rights paper topics

Human rights impact everyone on the planet, so it’s a topic that’s of continual interest.

Research in this area could cover human rights in the workplace, privacy rights, gender equality, and much more.

International human rights

International human rights is a complex yet critical area of global interest. Human rights help protect people’s freedom and safety around the world.

What are ways to reduce human rights violations in conflict zones?

What is the impact of organizations such as Amnesty International on international human rights?

In what ways can governments enforce human rights globally?

LGBTQI+ rights

With LGBTQI+ issues gaining a brighter spotlight in mainstream media, research into this area can be very beneficial, not just for those impacted by discrimination but for society as a whole.

Here are some potential research questions:

How can gender dysphoria impact transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents’ mental health and quality of life?

What are ways to boost mental health for those who experience discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity?

How could genderless bathrooms increase access and safety for LGBTQI+ people?

7. US history research paper topics

The US has a vast and interesting history, which forms part of the curriculum in many high schools and colleges. Different aspects of this history can make relevant fields of research, such as the following:

What factors that led to the abolishment of slavery in the US are relevant in politics today?

How did the Founding Fathers shape the US political system, and what can be learned?

Why did the Louisiana Purchase have such a significant impact on US history?

8. Law enforcement research topics

Maintaining law and order in society is highly complex. Exploring how law enforcement can benefit society as a whole can be a rewarding field of study.

Some possible law enforcement topics include the following:

How can data analysis and intelligence-led policing reduce crime?

What is the role of Crisis Intervention Training in policing?

How can data improve the enforcement of cybersecurity laws?

9. Business research paper topics

Business is a broad area of study with many possible directions for research papers. Business drives the economy, providing jobs and industry. It’s the cornerstone of society, so research in this area is always of social interest. 

Here are some possible business research topics to consider:

How can data analysis impact consumer purchasing decisions?

What are some of the key dilemmas in ethical business practices?

How can diversity and inclusion be boosted in the workforce?

10. Economics research paper topics

Whether you choose to focus on microeconomics, macroeconomics, or applied fields, economics research can take you in many directions.

Below are some general economics paper topics:

What are the widespread impacts of the gig economy?

How can investing in female-founded businesses impact economies in developing countries?

How does progressive taxation impact income inequality?

It all starts with the right research question  

Successful research starts with the right question, regardless of your chosen topic.

Taking time to pose a relevant and clear research question will help you discover new insights, learnings, and evidence.

Research is the very thing that drives human knowledge. Remember, your research might not just impact you but also the world and people around you.

How can I get research ideas?

To come up with research ideas, you might find it helpful to do some background reading, consider current social issues, lean into your skills and interests, and speak to a mentor or professor. Brainstorming and mind mapping can also help.

What is a good research question?

A good research question should be clear, relevant, original, and ethical. You should also have access to the necessary resources to perform the research thoroughly.

How do I create a title for my research topic?

The right title for a research topic is clear and relevant to your field of study. Ideally, it’s an original idea and refers to the specific question you’re posing.

What are some good qualitative research topics?

Qualitative research involves analyzing people’s attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors.

There are qualitative research topics across almost every field of study, including psychology, education, social sciences, human resources, technology, and healthcare.

What qualitative research topics can be good for STEM students?

For STEM (​​science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, qualitative research topics could revolve around social impacts and perceptions of science and technology.

Here are some examples:

How the general population views climate change

The potential social impacts of AI

How to use Big Data ethically

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

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
• Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Expository and Informative Essay Topics
• Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

• Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
• Personal Essay Topics
• Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• The best country in the world is …
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

WeAreTeachers

• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets

• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know?
• What is your happiest memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?

• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?

• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• 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?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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11 Easy High School Research Paper Topics

It does not matter what stage of academic training you are in right now. Surely you will have to make one or several research papers . It may well be an  oral presentation, or a written statement , through essays or through the writing of monographs .

In any case, everything begins by choosing a topic of interest.

Because sometimes it does not matter how interesting your story is or how well your research is.  If the topic is not correct, you will not be able to generate a connection with the evaluating public.

To make this easier for you we have taken the task of making this post. In it, you will know some of the most relevant social interest issues when preparing content for academic presentation. Regardless of whether the evaluation is oral or written.

All the subjects have been chosen without a real distinction between the degree of formation in which you find yourself; so it is suitable for boys of primary, secondary, or university degree training.

At the moment if you have no idea what is  the best and easy topic for your research , this post will surely serve as guidance and help.

11 Most Easy & Interesting Research Paper Topics For High School Students:

We have chosen the following topics so that you can develop your research easily; Drug addiction, the technological age, young entrepreneurs, smoking , sexually transmitted diseases, eating disorders, the environment, pregnancy in adolescence, causes of death in young people, bullying and finally the methods of promotion for young people to read.

You will find each of these topics explained below.  Why have we chosen these?   Because most of the society is already aware of these current issues and it will not be difficult to connect with them during your presentation. Besides finding information about these topic is easy , because at least once a week the media makes reference to it.

1. Drug Addiction

Trite or not, the issue of drug addiction is one of the most common when we look for one of the most interesting to prepare research material. Something that becomes much more important when it comes to adolescents and young people. The fundamental reason is that it is in this age where the origin of the drug and its habit are found in relation to drugs. It is estimated that more than 50% of new consumers are minors , which already leads us to assume the relevance of the exposure and research of this topic at an early age.

Even people responsible for academic assignments should use drug addiction research as a method of self-evaluation in the speakers .

And while it is about that half of new consumers are under 18 years of age ; the important thing of the case is to know the origins and then take care of mitigating the consequences. In the case of origins, we have to see how the social relationship of these individuals influences their environment: family, friends and acquaintances.

If we look closely at the cases, we will note that experimentation is the main reason behind the beginning of adolescent drinking habit. However, there are other origins such as stress , the pressure of other colleagues and friends; curiosity and even the rebelliousness of this time of life.

But, the part of the origins is only one of the essentials to make research. It can also be done on the consequences, which not only have to do with health, but with academic performance and even with the relationship with your closest friends and family. It is one of the most relevant issues in modern society.

But it is only the first of our list of 11 Topics.

2.Communication in the era of technology

Some call it Communication 2.0 and even Communication 3.0 . The sense is exactly the same: the way we communicate has changed tremendously since the arrival of technology; especially from internet networks. And although the subject seems already known by all, what few we have with certainty is a clear knowledge of its effects. Its true and real effects, which for many of us are still not palpable.

According to surveys, which can be a general average in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, we spend more than 20 hours a week only on social networks ( Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, …), in an hourly amount that will continue to grow with each passing year. On average, we also have a direct link with more than 300 people through social channels. This without taking into account the instant messaging networks of our smart phones ( Telegram, WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger ).

That is, we are connected in a constant and irreversible way with technology. What has definitely marked the way we communicate with others. But, the problem is that of all the people we have added as friends, we only see physically less than 12%, and in a short time.

We see some of them because we coincide coincidentally, or because work or study obliges us to do so. But it is not a planned or consensual fact, which is a factor to be taken into account about how we have changed the way we communicate.

We must bear in mind that the human being is, above all, a being that needs to maintain contact. And to think that only 11% of that contact is being physical, and the rest of the time is being devoted to a digital contact – at a distance – is already a phenomenon that requires evaluation.

In addition, it is a subject extensive enough to pose in research or monograph.

The best thing of all is that it can be distinguished for any stage of the formation, and even for any career of formation of degree, since it is a phenomenon that attacks us by all possible ways; technology is already in all the important areas of our life.

3.Entrepreneurship and Young Entrepreneurs

We are not taught entrepreneurship in school and universities and it is a task that requires a lot of intrinsic motivation, and above all, many pushes .

However, if we look around, especially in the high corporate spheres, we will notice that most of the world leaders and owners – founders of companies started as entrepreneurs from very early ages.

Richard Branson , Steve Jobs or Bill Gates would be some of the most notorious cases.

Therefore, any issue of entrepreneurship related to the generation of productive ideas from the earliest ages is a topic that must be emphasized more and more every day. The importance of this not only has to do with the way in which working life is changing, with less and less demand for workers and greater demand for capable leaders; but also in a behavior of favoritism of the social entrepreneur before the preference of the punctual worker.

Entrepreneurship, therefore, has become one of the most demanded tasks by the current work ecosystem. However, it is a work that is not yet taught and about which we do not all have a theoretical foundation.

The exposition of this topic could be distinguished by the biographical review of a character who has stood out exactly for entrepreneurship since young.

4.Smoking and alcoholism

The data in this respect is not encouraging: more than half of the world population habitually consumes one of both -or alcohol, or tobacco-. In addition, it is statistically presumed that the majority of tobacco and alcohol addicts begin before reaching adulthood, so the topic is ideal for an oral or written presentation in educational areas of young people and adolescents in general.

We highlight here the social event, because in addition to the risks inherent in the health of both addictions (lung cancer, trachea or anxiety in the case of smoking; and liver cancer or cirrhosis in the case of alcoholism), many are the social risks of Both addictions, such as the risk of road accidents, change of behavior or problems with the family in the case of alcohol addiction; and the risk of disorders, phobias and even the jump to dangerous drugs in the case of tobacco.

We are, therefore, in the face of two issues that are not only important because of the age when their first causes begin to manifest themselves, but because of how difficult they have been-and are-to cope and mitigate in terms of what they are intended to do.

5.Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Needless to say, it is one of the inevitable topics on the list of interesting topics to expose. Especially when the public is between 13 and 25 years old. Young people are, by far, the population nucleus with the highest risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, also called venereal diseases .

This has many explanations, but some of those that have greater incidence are: promiscuity, since the majority of young people experience having more than one sexual partner; the experimentation and even the concealment of their sexual life facing parents and doctors. Finally, there is a biological foundation, since young people -especially women- have an index of 50% more risk of contracting diseases of this type.

In North America alone there are more than 20 million new cases of STDs each year. A figure that increases when we consider the entire Western Hemisphere.

The topics of research related to sexually transmitted diseases can be discussed with the causes, with the consequences, with the prevention, and also with the life with venereal diseases, because there is possibly not a definitive cure.

6.Eating disorders

Disorders in eating habits have been treated in a wrong way for a long time. In the worst case, they have not even been taken into account.

However, today one in three teenagers has a disorder associated with eating. Commonly we associate these disorders with two well-known ones: anorexia and bulimia.

Both are not strictly food problems , but have to do directly with psychological problems, self-assessment, self-esteem and depression; and it is precisely this behavioral mixture that affects teenage girls to become obsessed with food.

In the case of bulimia, people who suffer from it tend to eat compulsively and in exaggerated quantities; but a few hours later they become obsessed with the idea that they have eaten too much, and they are busily seeking to eliminate food through vomiting-which can be induced-and the use of powerful laxatives.

In the case of anorexia, it is a condition of self-perception where adolescents believe they are overweight. Anorexia, from the clinical point of view, is summarized as a pathology in which patients have a weight 15% less than ideal weight, at least.

Some people with anorexia may have a skeletal body , because they are afraid of gaining weight .

The treatment of eating disorders is not simple, but it exists and can have a high effectiveness. And although it is not a disease destined exclusively for females, they are the most disadvantaged by such bad habits.

The treatment, properly speaking, has to do with clinical monitoring, apart from the acquisition of new eating habits that are supported – or shared – by all their relatives and close friends. Finally, it is a job in which you have to rely on the help of psychology professionals, since the mind is the root of the whole problem.

7.Environmental and ecology theme

Previously we mentioned the topic of ecology from the point of view of entrepreneurship. However, it is an extensive and systematically important issue to be addressed on its own. And that is exactly what we propose .

The environmental issue is usually linked to that of political management, but it does not have to be exclusively like that. To carry out an oral or written presentation, the subject can be carried around an informative, journalistic, scientific concept; focusing in addition on the prevention from the citizen culture, totally removed from the controversial language and of confrontation to which the same subject would invite you. The environmental and ecology issue has a lot to talk about, beyond the known global warming , its reasons, causes and the things that can be done to prevent its effects in the short and medium term.

Although, if you like, you can talk about the technological and governmental advances in this regard, and how these could be enhanced according to the adoption of simple changes in habits. Issues such as deforestation of forests, overpopulation, fishing and excessive or illegal hunting ; Endangered species and poor water management can be some of the most interesting topics.

8.Pregnancy in adolescent age

Another issue that has an important social impact. As the relevant data from the case show, more than 75% of adolescent pregnancies have not been intentional. That is, it has not been sought to become pregnant as the ultimate goal. It was, lets say, accidental.

Early pregnancy is a social problem that today involves many young people, but also directly involves family members, religious and recreational associations, as well as providers of specialized medical services.

The issues surrounding teen pregnancy should go, first of all, on the proportion of information to this sector of the population. In the vast majority of cases, adolescents who have become pregnant have done so because they do not have clear information, or because they have been victims of other problems we have already mentioned, such as drugs or alcohol.

In addition to the above, the theme also serves to address proposals of a social or medical nature that can work to prevent and eradicate the phenomenon, which in turn can lead to a more serious and ethically more delicate, such as abortion.

9.Deaths in adolescents, and their causes

We have left it for the last places, but it is not less important than the previous ones. However, we could say that it is one of the most controversial and spicy in the list. Hence your position in this post. Deaths in adolescents should be an exception to the rule, since life is biologically and socially beginning to be forged. But, reality is far from this previous statement.

The most common causes are suicide, homicide, traffic accidents, cancer and heart-related diseases.

Among all these most common causes, the fact that car accidents occupy more than one third of all causes – common or not – of deaths in adolescents stands out. Something that already makes us see the relationship of this fatal consequence with some of the problems that affect this part of society. In addition to this, another cause that surprises is that of suicide, which has increased over the past 20 years to skip creeping encrypt . And is that according to the CDC, suicide is the third most common cause of death in people under 24 years, only behind accidents (of any kind) and homicides.

Interestingly, suicide occurs 61% with firearms, so the possession of weapons at home could be a major constraint for young people to commit these unfortunate acts. After all, a family that owns many weapons in its home is, precisely, a family that has chosen not to take the negotiation and the dialogue like a valid method to solve the problems.

Because of the complexity of the topic, it is a topic suitable for young people who are in the university. Not so much for those who are in cycles of secondary education.

10.The bullying or the school harassment

Although it is a silent problem, since victims almost never declare it, bullying is one of the scourges that most affects young people. This phenomenon of aggression can be physical or emotional, based on beatings, shouting, breaking the belongings of the person being harassed, as well as mocking or denigrating the victim.

Bullying has been accepted as a matter of supremacy within a core of young people, predominating the school environment.

However, we must be clear-and adolescents alike-that this bullying behavior cannot, in any way, be accepted. In fact, legally and morally, no one has the right to be abused; And no person has the right to abuse others, regardless of any social variable.

11.Promotion of reading in adolescents

The importance of reading is unquestionable. However, acquiring this habit is a process that requires many sacrifices. It is scientifically proven that adolescents who begin to read will manage to maintain this habit throughout their lives.

Therefore, an exhibition that has the central concept of encouraging the habit of reading in the youngest is not only a good topic, but a long-term investment. There are many books that are suitable for young people, since not only do they allow them to acquire the habit, but they find in literature a healthy and enriching distraction.

Some of these books are among the recommended ones:

Trilogy of The Hunger Games , by Suzanne Collins. Complete saga of Harry Potter , by JK Rowling. Under the same star , by John Green.

Although these books may be appropriate, it is possible that a common teenager is interested in other types of books, preferring to acquire the habit by reading manuals, practical guides, biographies of famous characters, history books, among other topics.

The point of the matter is to encourage reading as planting a tree. From there, each tree will throw the branches according to what its heart dictates.

And what topic did you like the most? Do you already have a clear idea of ​​how you want to develop your research?

If you want to find more research topics, we recommend that you enter our category of  Research Paper Topics .

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