Environmental issues, such as drilling offshore for oil, global warming and expanding nuclear energy, all make good argumentative speech topics because of the various ways people think about these subjects. People who want to drill offshore for oil will say it will mean less dependence on foreign oil while those against it will argue the danger to the environment. Those who say global warming exists will point to the melting polar ice caps while those with the opposite viewpoint will say meteorologists only have accurate weather records for the past 120 years. Nuclear energy advocates might say it's safer for the environment while those against it will argue it could cause a massive radiation leak.
On social issues, such as the war on drugs, poverty and bullying, most people would say the problems exist. The argumentative speech covers how to fix the problem, talking about the best approaches or the best practices. Winning the war on drugs costs money, but how law enforcement and the government should spend that money is a constant argument. Many people present a solution to getting people out of poverty, but an argumentative speech focuses on either help from social programs or private sector foundations. A lot of government data exists and people from both sides of the argument often cite this information to their benefit.
Education topics range from school choice to improving test scores. Arguments surrounding education include changing the way we educate students and what skills they need to succeed once graduating. The basis of argument in education consists of how to do those things, including the techniques used and even the environment like homeschooling or cyber education. Education issues not only surround what goes on in the classroom, but good argumentative topics include how to fund teacher salaries, how much to pay teachers, and pension systems.
Health care provides good topics for argumentative speeches in the areas of paying for health care and the path to a national health-care plan. Those with a deeper knowledge of medicine can argue about the benefits of long-term care, hospice, shorter hospital stays and rehabilitation. Also included under health care, speakers can address topics about prescription drug abuse, elder abuse and ethics. The importance of a good diet, exercise and relieving stress also makes for a good argumentative topic.