What is a controversial issue?

A controversial issue is an issue in a state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of opinion.  See some examples below.

Getting Started:

Understanding your topic requires 3 things:

• Getting a general overview or background information on your topic.

• Researching the opposing sides in detail.  Understand the POINT/COUNTERPOINT!

• Differentiating between FACT and OPINION.

Now come down on one side of the topic and try to convince others to agree with you.

Examples of Controversial Issues:

Censorship -  

• Should books be banned in schools?

• Should student newspapers be censored?

Privacy -  

• Should Facebook be allowed to sell your private information?

• Should voter ID cards be required?

• Should government agencies get a list of the library books you take out?

Education - 

• Should the school day be longer (or shorter)?

• Should there be so much standardized testing? 

• Should cell phones be allowed in school?  Educational tools or distractions?

• Do smartphones benefit classroom learning?

• Should schools require uniforms?

• Should the US offer universal Pre-K?

• Should education be privatized?

• Does violent rap music lyrics make us more accepting of violence?

• Does rap music exploit and objectify women?

Health - 

• Universal Health Care – Should the government supply health care to all?

• Should there be a ban on sex-selective abortion?  (Gendercide)

• Can cities place bans on cigarettes, plastic water bottles, single use plastic bags, trans fats?

• Assisted suicide - Should someone be allowed to end their life with assistance of a medical professional?

• Should GMOs be removed from our food supply?

• Should food labeling be required for GMO foods?

• Should welfare recipients be required to pass drug tests?

• Should gender affirming care be banned?

• Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete in sporting events?

Military -    

• Are drones and effective way to secure our borders?

• Can a war be fought with drones?

• Is PTSD over-diagnosed in veterans?

• Should the U.S. require military service to all?

• Should the U.S. re-institute the draft?

Immigration

• Should the United States offer birthright citizenship.

• Should illegal immigrants get welfare benefits?

• Should English be the national language?

Technology/Social Media

• Is social media destroying civil discourse?

• Is factory farming essential to feed the world?

• Is Internet access is a human right?

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Research & Writing Handbook