One of the hardest things to do is decide on a writing topic. (Or at least, it’s one of the hardest things when your teacher has told you that you have to write something in the next three weeks and isn’t going to give you a topic for the writing.)

Some people love the freedom to choose what to write. It allows them to connect with their interests, to share their passions, to engage their creativity.

Some people hate that same freedom, because they have NO IDEA WHAT TO WRITE. It’s so much easier when your teacher tells you what to think, isn’t it?

Sadly for you, that’s not going to happen in my class. However, if you are struggling for a topic about which to write, consider the 301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing provided by the New York Times. Opinion articles are always fascinating – share yours with us.

Some of my personal favourites:

• Do kids need recess?
• Should students be able to grade their teachers?
• Should discomfort excuse students from having to complete an assignment?
• Is smoking still a problem among teenagers?
• Given unlimited resources, what scientific or medical problem would you investigate?
• Does suffering make us stronger and lead to success?
• Do schools provide students with enough opportunities to be creative?
• Does the way your classroom is decorated affect your learning?
• Does gym help students perform better in all their classes?
• Does class size really matter?
• Is your generation more self-centered than earlier generations?
• Do people complain too much?
• How should parents (or the school) discipline their kids?
• Are some youth sports too intense?
• Do sports teams have a responsibility to hold players to a standard for their personal conduct?
• Can graffiti ever be considered art?
• When should you feel guilty for killing zombies?
• Does reading a book count more than listening to one?
• Should video games be considered a sport?
• Does technology make us more alone?
• How many text messages are too many?
• Do your teachers use technology well?
• How would you feel about a computer grading your essays?
• What can older people learn from your generation?

There are tons more on the site, so go and check it out.