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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

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Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
• Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
• Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

• Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
• Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
• With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
• Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
• Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
• What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
• Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
• Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
• Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
• Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
• Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
• Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
• Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
• Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
• Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Which is more important: PE class or music class?
• Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
• Should class rank be abolished in schools?
• Should students be taught sex education in school?
• Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
• What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
• Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
• Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
• Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
• Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
• Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
• Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
• What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
• Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
• Should there be limits to free speech?
• Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
• Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
• Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
• Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
• Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
• Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
• Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
• Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
• Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
• Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

• Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
• Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
• Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
• Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
• Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
• Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
• Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
• Is national security more important than individual privacy?
• What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
• Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
• Who was the most/least effective US president?
• Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

• What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
• Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
• Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
• Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
• Is eating genetically modified food safe?
• What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
• What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
• Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
• Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
• Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
• Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
• Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
• Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
• What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
• What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
• Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
• What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
• Should nuclear power be banned?
• Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
• Do zoos help or harm animals?
• Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
• Should animals in circuses be banned?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
• What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
• Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
• Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
• Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• Should stem cells be used in medicine?
• Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
• Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
• Should college athletes receive a salary?
• Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
• Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
• Should horse racing be banned?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
• Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
• Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
• Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
• Should facial recognition technology be banned?
• Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
• Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
• Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
• Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
• Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
• Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
• Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
• Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

• Do your research
• Make your thesis perfect
• Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics For College Students

Table of contents

• 1 How To Choose An Interesting Topic For a Persuasive Essay
• 2 Essential Components of a Persuasive Essay
• 3 What You Should Know When Writing A Persuasive Essay
• 4 Persuasive Essay Topics on Education
• 5 Persuasive Essay Topics on Society
• 6 Persuasive Essay Topics on History
• 7 Persuasive Essay Topics on Government
• 8 Persuasive Essay Topics on Politics
• 9 10 Funny Persuasive Essay Topics
• 10 20 Good Persuasive Essay Topics For College Students
• 11 20 Persuasive Essay Topics for High School
• 12 20 Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School
• 13 20 Best Persuasive Essay Topics 2023

An essay is an attempt to communicate information, opinions, or feelings and usually presents an argument on a topic. In an academic context, an essay is an exercise for students to explore and clarify their ideas on a subject.

If you are thinking about how to write a persuasive essay , you need to know that writing an essay is a complex process. Issues such as choosing a topic and conducting thorough research are involved with the chosen topic. The paper’s analysis and the arguments’ design also need to support the issues presented. Therefore, an important focus will be placed on the steps to create a strong persuasive essay. Choosing an engaging and persuasive essay topic will set the rules of construction and its final form.

How To Choose An Interesting Topic For a Persuasive Essay

Hiring a writer’s  professional persuasive essay writing service can be an option when you are facing some problems in creating an essay. There are professionals available online, from people with skills in this area. This is an important option if you have to make a speech about a topic and a written presentation.

Essential Components of a Persuasive Essay

To be successful, a persuasive essay must contain several essential components:

• Clear thesis statement: A compelling thesis statement, that clearly expresses the writer’s opinion on the subject, is essential. This statement also serves as a guide for the rest of the essay, ensuring every point made is relevant to the overall argument.
• Strong evidence:  Solid evidence is essential for a persuasive essay. Building credibility and trust is paramount for any successful argument or attempt at persuasion. Establishing one’s authority on the topic can be done by highlighting their expertise, personal experience, or standing within a community. This will make readers more likely to believe the opinions and convictions being expressed, making the message even more powerful.
• Counterarguments: Addressing counterarguments is an important part of a persuasive essay. The writer should acknowledge and respond to potential objections to their argument. This shows that the writer has considered opposing views and strengthens their argument.
• Appeals to emotion: Emotional appeals are often used in persuading readers, as they help establish a connection between the writer and the reader. This can be done through personal stories, examples, and descriptive language that creates empathy or a sense of outrage. Pathos is an emotional appeal that helps create this link and make the narrative more powerful. An impacting emotional connection to the story can leave an unforgettable impression on readers and ensure the message resonates with them.
• Call to action: It encourages the reader to take a specific action or change their behavior.

What You Should Know When Writing A Persuasive Essay

The first step in making an essay is to find a relevant topic to make the task more engaging and motivate yourself to help write a more convincing essay. At this stage, narrowing down the topic by adopting a particular position toward a subject or sub-topic is also necessary.

If you have problems establishing a position on the subject you want to address, brainstorm with others or work individually and write down the ideas that go through your mind, no matter how irrelevant or strange they may seem. At the next stage, connect ideas and group them into sub-topics, developing and exploring them in detail. And if you find yourself at a dead end, then you can buy an essay online today and get a ready-made result in the time frame you need.

Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

• Education Impact on Psychological Development
• Is Attending College Still Worth It?
• The Importance of Early Childhood Education
• The Power of Arts Education
• The Benefits of Bilingual Education
• Supporting Students with Disabilities
• Promoting Critical Thinking in Education
• Reducing Standardized Testing
• Financial Education for Life Skills
• Advocating for the Importance of Physical Education

Persuasive Essay Topics on Society

• Are Immigrants Good for the Americans?
• The State of Gun Violence in the US
• Promoting Kindness and Empathy in Society
• Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Engagement
• Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
• Combating Climate Change
• Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Society
• Advocating for Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment
• Ensuring Affordable Housing for All
• Creating a Safe Digital Society

Persuasive Essay Topics on History

• Increase Of Child Labor
• Remembering and Learning from the Lessons of World War II
• Preserving Historical Sites for Future Generations
• Reexamining Colonialism’s Impact on Indigenous Cultures
• Recognizing the Contributions of Women in History
• Exploring Marginalized Perspectives
• Challenging Historical Narratives
• Preserving Cultural Heritage
• Promoting Historical Literacy for a Better Understanding of the Present
• Analyzing its Ongoing Impact on Global Societies

Persuasive Essay Topics on Government

• Thurgood Marshall A True Leader
• Was President Andrew Jackson a Supervillain
• Public Policy for Its Nationals
• Racism is Wrong Which Should Be Stopped
• Promoting Civic Engagement and Voter Participation
• Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties
• Addressing the Influence of Money in Politics
• Strategies to Ensure Clean and Transparent Governance
• Upholding Equal Treatment and Justice for All Citizens
• The Importance of Government Investment in Education and Healthcare

Persuasive Essay Topics on Politics

• Why Trump Cannot Make America Great Again
• Why The United States Should Not Construct A Wall
• Border Wall Critical for Reducing Crime
• Encouraging Active Engagement in Democratic Processes
• Ensuring Ethical Standards in Politics
• Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration Across Partisan Lines
• Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
• Advocating for Accessible and Fair Elections
• Defending the Integrity of Information and Public Discourse
• Building Alliances for Global Problem-solving

10 Funny Persuasive Essay Topics

If you are looking for funny and interesting persuasive topics, you should consider these topics for a persuasive essay:

• Blondes are best in science
• Humor can improve your work results.
• Men cheat more than women.
• Drinking wine every day can make you healthier.
• Homework should be forbidden.
• Why is it important to unfriend your parents on Facebook?
• Moms can be excellent football players.
• Debatable essays should be made with important speakers.
• “Family Guy” can be a life model for children.
• Men love pink more than women.

20 Good Persuasive Essay Topics For College Students

When you need to write a good academic essay and to impress your audience, you can check these solutions for your persuasive essay:

• Work hard in the workplace to feel better.
• Choose your clothes for your dream job.
• Why do people feel the importance of always being right?
• Do embarrassing situations make people change their life?
• People who experience devastating situations appreciate their life more.
• Why should people try new things?
• If you want something strong, how do you succeed?
• Self-confidence makes you successful.
• Hobbies improve your personal skills.
• Is music an efficient stress reliever in reducing depression?
• The possibility of facing a war.
• Homework writing assignments should be replaced with oral presentations.
• Collecting cars or dolls is the most boring hobby in the world.
• Students of any age should keep their phones with them.
• School cafeterias should implement more rigorous health policies.
• Colleges should provide their students with free food.
• Can money make your life better?
• Should students study each day?
• Why do children love pets?
• What is more important – recycling or donating?

In the next section, you will find topics on persuasive essays that can be amazing ideas for persuasive speech  and essays for both high and middle school.

20 Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Great persuasive essay topics for high school could be:

• The death penalty is an effective way to scare off criminals.
• Things the older generation can learn from the modern-day youth.
• Higher taxes for rich people will favor financial balance.
• People should be discouraged from keeping rare and exotic animals as pets.
• Why it is best to always remain honest in life situations.
• The positive role hobbies can play in people’s careers.
• Kindness is one of the most important human qualities.
• Joining the army should be a decision that young people should make on their own.
• Embarrassing situations can help make people more confident.
• Human needs should be placed before the needs of wild animals.
• Treating animal habitats with respect and care is important.
• Things man must learn to ensure that rare species are kept from extinction.
• It is best for every family to have a survival plan after a natural disaster.
• Providing free internet access is great for everyone.
• Parenting lessons should be made compulsory for pregnant couples.
• Life is richer and better now than it was 50 years before.
• Everyone must recycle.
• Man’s activities are the essential causes of climate change.
• The use of Grades should be discouraged.
• Adults should carry electroshock weapons to defend themselves.

Finding the perfect persuasive essay topic is not always easy. That’s why many students struggle with this task, but luckily there is a paper writing service for nursing that can help with choosing the right one for you. Whether you are trying to persuade people to buy a certain product, participate in a certain activity, or even change their opinion about a certain issue, selecting an interesting and relevant topic is of utmost importance.

20 Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School

Some suitable topics for a persuasive essay in middle school include:

• The ability to fly is the most amazing superpower.
• Some scientific discoveries should not be shared with others.
• The most boring job in the world.
• Children and chores.
• Kids should be paid for doing chores.
• Children should be given larger allowances.
• The fascinating places for summer vacation.
• Why do I study during the summer?
• The role of school newspaper & radio in the life of students.
• Importance of social media in the lives of students.
• A gym class is more important than a music class.
• School time should be made flexible.
• The world is ours to change.
• Dogs make better pets than cats.
• Schools need more holidays.
• Schools should implement bullying awareness programs
• Bullies should be kicked out of school.
• How the internet has changed our lives.
• There should be different classes for boys and girls.
• The worst song in the world.

20 Best Persuasive Essay Topics 2023

For college, try these trendy persuasive essay topics in 2023.

• Every American should learn to speak a second language from primary school.
• Every immigrant should learn to speak fluent English.
• High school campuses should be safeguarded by soldiers.
• The legal drinking age should be 18, as it is in other countries.
• Kids under 12 shouldn’t have a Facebook account.
• Standardized examinations should be removed.
• Every family should create a survival plan.
• Parents should discuss drugs with their children from primary school age.
• Racial offenses should be banned.
• Gun possession should be firmly controlled.
• Yearly driving examinations should be required for novice drivers.
• All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
• Pregnant couples should receive free training for parenting.
• Children need better sex education.
• School examinations are not realistic.
• Violent video games can trigger people to act aggressively in real life.
• Nuclear power should be prohibited.
• Climate change should be the most important political concern.
• Medical marijuana should be universally legal.
• People should go to prison if they beat or injure their pets.

With so many persuasive essay topics to choose from, it takes time to decide which one to write about. If you need extra help researching or writing your paper, you can always contact a custom essay writing service for assistance. These services specialize in helping students express their arguments and ideas convincingly and coherently.

Getting good grades in college is important as it is an investment in your future and a great opportunity for your future career. If you need to submit a persuasive essay and don’t feel confident, you can use our professional writing service. We can help you with papers on any subject you need, like psychology, sociology, politics, economics, management, human resources, art, history, literature, etc. Our writers provide a completely unique and high-quality assignment. If you are ready to get the best grade, buy a persuasive essay  on PapersOwl.com. We guarantee you timely delivery and satisfaction with a perfect result.

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Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay Topics

Easy and Unique Persuasive Essay Topics with Tips

15 min read

Published on: Jan 4, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

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You're staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with a topic for your persuasive essay. You know you need to pick something interesting, but you're unsure where to start. 

It's hard to get motivated when it feels like everything has already been said on the topic you're considering. You are wondering how can you make your essay stand out.

The good news is that CollegeEssay.org  is here to help. 

We have compiled a list of potential persuasive essay topics to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you are looking for something controversial, humorous, or informative – we have it all. 

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics below to get started.

On This Page On This Page -->

Unique Persuasive Essay Topics for Students

Writing a persuasive essay can be quite an interesting task for students. It allows them to showcase their research and analytic skills and present their thoughts orderly. 

Choosing the right topic is key to making the writing process more enjoyable. 

Here are some great ideas that you can use for your essay: 

Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School 

• Should students be required to wear uniforms in school? 
• What are the benefits of a longer school day? 
• How can technology help improve student engagement and learning? 
• Is it important for all schools to have equal access to resources? 
• Should physical education be mandatory in all schools? 
• How can schools better prepare students for entering the job market?
• Should a student’s grade be based solely on test performance?
• Is it important to limit screen time, or should there not be restrictions? 
• Should recess time be increased or decreased in school? 
• Is it beneficial for students to take part in after-school activities?

Persuasive Essay Topics for Grade 6 

• Should school lunch prices be lowered to make it more accessible for all students? 
• Is there an argument for allowing cell phone usage in the classroom? 
• Should schools offer a wider variety of electives? 
• Is there a persuasive case for requiring physical education classes in elementary and middle schools? 
• Should students be allowed to opt-out of standardized testing? 
• Is the current homework load for elementary and middle school students too much? 
• Should school provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of financial status?
• Should sixth-grade classes have more field trips and outdoor activities? 
• Should students have access to more technology in the classroom? 
• Is there an argument for making recess mandatory for all grade levels? 

Persuasive Essay Topics for Grade 7

• Should schools have a dress code? 
• Should students be required to do community service projects to graduate? 
• Is it necessary for all student-athletes to take mandatory drug tests? 
• Are the current laws on gun control sufficient enough? 
• Should same-sex marriage be legal? 
• Should teenage drivers be allowed to have passengers in their cars? 
• Is standardized testing an effective measure of student success?
• Should homework be abolished in schools? 
• Should young children be allowed to use mobile phones or tablets at school? 
• Are video games too violent for young children?

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Persuasive Essay Topics for High School 

• Should physical education classes be mandatory in high school?
• Is a strict dress code necessary for student success?
• Are standardized tests an effective measure of student achievement?
• Does social media have a positive or negative impact on teenagers?
• Should students be allowed to grade their teachers? 
• Should cell phones be prohibited in the classroom?
• Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald's or Taco Bell?
• Is competitive sports necessary for a well-rounded education? 
• Are after-school activities essential to a student’s development?
• Should students be allowed to choose their classes?

Persuasive Essay Topics for College 

• Should universities require all students to take at least one course in diversity studies? 
• Should universities implement free speech zones on campuses? 
• Should college athletes be paid for their performance? 
• Is it ethical for employers to ask about an applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process? 
• Should college students be required to take a foreign language course? 
• Should the US government provide free tuition for all qualifying students? 
• Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research? 
• Are standardized tests an adequate measure of academic aptitude and ability? 
• Should paper textbooks be replaced with e-books? 
• Should all students be required to learn coding and computer science in school? 

Persuasive Essay Topics for University 

• Should universities offer free tuition to all students?
• Are special scholarships beneficial for university students?
• Should college athletes be paid for their services?
• Is it important for universities to provide mental health resources to their students? 
• How can universities help prevent cheating and plagiarism among students?
• Should universities be required to provide online courses?
• Are university degree requirements outdated and irrelevant?
• Is it necessary for university students to take physical education classes? 
• Does the presence of social media in academia positively or negatively impact learning? 
• Should universities prioritize research over teaching?

Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics from Different Fields 

When choosing essay topics, there is no shortage of interesting persuasive essay topics from different fields available.

Here are some examples of interesting persuasive essay topics from different fields:

Arts & Culture 

• Should museums be more inclusive of diverse cultures?
• Should the government fund public art programs?
• Are comic books an important form of literature?
• Does graffiti have any value as an art form?
• Is the traditional concept of beauty outdated in today’s society? 
• Is it important for the public to have access to art galleries and museums?
• Do modern movies have any real artistic value?
• Are video games a form of art?
• Should government funding be given to the performing arts?
• Does the music industry put too much emphasis on image rather than talent?
• Should governments guarantee a minimum wage?
• Should the government subsidize green energy projects?
• Is it necessary to introduce higher taxes on wealthy people?
• Are free trade agreements beneficial or detrimental to developing countries?
• Can economic growth be sustained without harming the environment?
• Is immigration beneficial or detrimental to a country’s economic growth?
• Should governments limit the size of banks and financial institutions?
• Is it necessary for countries to regulate their currency markets?
• Should governments invest in renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels?
• Should high officials pay more taxes?
• Should students be required to complete a certain number of community service hours to graduate?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory for all public schools?
• Are textbooks becoming obsolete due to technological advances?
• Should the education system focus more on practical subjects such as coding and programming?
• Is the current grading system in public schools fair and effective?
• Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional schooling?
• Should standardized testing be abolished from the education system?
• Should teachers receive bonuses for good performance in the classroom?
• Are students more likely to succeed if they attend a private school or university?
• Should all students have access to free college tuition?
• Is using animals in medical research ethical?
• Should parents be allowed to choose their child’s gender?
• Should companies be held responsible for the pollution they create? 
• Are businesses obligated to act ethically when conducting business abroad? 
• Is it ethical to censor content on the internet?
• Should the government enforce stricter regulations on genetically modified food?
• Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in decision-making processes?
• Should corporations be allowed to have their own private security forces? 
• Are restrictions on freedom of speech necessary for public safety? 
• Do companies have an ethical responsibility to pay fair wages?

Government and Politics 

• Should the government regulate social media?
• Should term limits be placed on members of Congress?
• Are taxes too high in the United States?
• Should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
• Is the Electoral College still relevant today?
• Does the death penalty serve as a deterrent to crime?
• Should the US switch to a single-payer health care system?
• Should there be limits on campaign spending?
• Should the United States adopt a flat tax system?
• Is it time to repeal the Second Amendment?
• Is legalizing marijuana an ethical practice?
• Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their child? 
• Is it ethical to test medicines on animals? 
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of genetic engineering? 
• Are there any health risks associated with using digital screens too often? 
• Should physical education be mandatory in every school? 
• Is the healthcare system in your country adequate for your needs? 
• Are there any benefits to eating organic food? 
• How does mental health affect physical health? 
• Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children? 
• Was the Spanish Inquisition justified? 
• Were the American Colonists justified in rebelling against Great Britain? 
• Did Christopher Columbus’ discoveries benefit or harm indigenous populations? 
• What effect did Genghis Khan have on world history? 
• Did World War I significantly change the course of history? 
• Was the Treaty of Versailles fair to Germany? 
• Did Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule bring about positive or negative changes for France and Europe? 
• Should the United States annexed the Philippines in 1898? 
• How did the Great Depression shape world history? 
• Is there any validity to the theory of a “clash of civilizations”? 
• Should artificial intelligence be regulated?
• Should autonomous vehicles be allowed on public roads?
• Is the internet making us less social?
• Should research into cloning be banned?
• Are there moral issues related to genetic engineering?
• Should governments fund space exploration programs?
• Are smart home devices making us more vulnerable to cyberattacks?
• Should the government regulate social media use?
• Are robots taking away jobs from humans?
• Should nuclear energy be used as an alternative to fossil fuels?
• Should professional athletes be drug tested?
• Is there a gender gap in sports?
• Should college athletes be paid for their performances?
• Does skill or luck decide the outcome of sports competitions?
• Are sporting events becoming too commercialized? 
• Is it necessary to increase public funding for sporting events?
• Is the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports cheating or fair?
• Should college students be able to choose their own sports teams?
• Do professional sports hurt young people?
• Should parents allow children to play violent video games?
• Should schools replace textbooks with tablets?
• Are algorithms replacing human decision-making in the workplace?
• Is it time to regulate the use of facial recognition technology?
• Can artificial intelligence and robots be used to improve healthcare outcomes?
• Should autonomous vehicles be allowed on public roads? 
• Should Internet access be a basic human right?
• Should social media platforms do more to protect user privacy?
• Is blockchain technology the future of banking and finance? 
• Are virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa invading privacy? 
• Can we trust that autonomous weapons system will make ethical decisions in war?

Social Media

Here are a few social media persuasive essay topics. Take a look at them.

• Is social media a positive or negative influence on society?
• Should employers be able to access an employee's social media accounts?
• Should people be allowed to post anonymously online?
• How can parents protect their children from the risks of using social media?
• Does the spread of fake news on social media hurt society?
• Should governments regulate online speech on social media?
• Should employers be allowed to conduct background checks using social media?
• Is the personal data of individuals safe from exploitation by corporate interests on social media platforms?
• Are people spending too much time on their digital devices?
• Is the use of social media by young people making them more isolated?

Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics 

• Should the death penalty be reinstated in all states?
• Should gun control laws be stricter? 
• Is global warming a real threat? 
• Are vaccinations safe for children? 
• Should prostitution be legalized? 
• Should marijuana be made legal? 
• Does school uniform violate personal freedom? 
• Should genetically modified foods be allowed in the market? 
• Should sex education in school be mandatory? 
• Should animal testing be banned?

Fun Persuasive Essay Topics 

• Should cats be allowed to go to school?
• Should people have a minimum number of friends before they can graduate?
• Is it okay to laugh at your own jokes?
• Should parents be required to take parenting classes?
• Are video games the best way to spend free time?
• Should kids be allowed to wear pajamas in public places?
• Should students have to pass a test before they can drive a car?
• Are cell phones essential for teenagers or should they be limited?
• Should everyone learn how to cook their meals?
• Would it be better if all schools had the same uniform?

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Topics 

• Should the electoral college be abolished? 
• Is it ethical to eat meat? 
• Should the internet have censorship? 
• Are genetically modified foods safe for human consumption? 
• Is social media good or bad for society? 
• Should the drinking age be lowered or raised? 
• Should school attendance be mandatory for students? 
• Are video games too violent and negatively influencing children?  
• Should religious education be banned from public schools?

How to Choose a Good Persuasive Essay Topic? 

Choosing a writing topic for your persuasive essay writing is essential. 

The right topic will let you draft an exceptional and well-written essay. Selecting a persuasive essay topic might sound easy, but it can be challenging. 

You cannot randomly start writing a persuasive essay about any topic and expect your essay to be brilliant. 

To select the best topic for your essay, take these essential steps:

1. Know your Interests -   You can only draft an effective essay if you are writing about something that interests you. When you write something you are passionate about, the enthusiasm helps to persuade the readers.

2. Narrow Down Ideas - Make a rough list of the topic of your interest. Then, analyze all the issues and identify topics you think you can present well.

3. Pick your Stance - Now that you know the information is sufficient on a topic, decide your stance. Pick a side to support with evidence and logic. 

4. Controversy is the Best Policy - People love to read about controversial stuff. It is more likely that the readers will go through the entire essay to ease their curiosity. 

After passing your ideas through these filters, you will have a strong and arguable topic to draft an essay on.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Persuasive Essay 

Whether you are in school, college, or university, crafting an effective persuasive essay can be difficult.

Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, you can create a compelling, persuasive essay that will make your readers take notice. 

Here are six tips to help you write a compelling, persuasive essay:

1. Choose Your Topic Carefully

You need to select a relevant and interesting topic for your audience. Make sure you feel passionate about it and can present it logically and convincingly.

2. Do Extensive Research

Before beginning your essay, research your topic as much as possible. So you can present both sides of the argument in an informed, balanced way.

3. Identify Your Audience

 Before writing your persuasive essay, consider who will be reading it and their interests. 

This will help you write in a language that resonates with them and ensure that your arguments suit their understanding.

4. Use Logical Arguments

It is important to provide logical and compelling arguments to be persuasive. Make sure you use facts, statistics, and other evidence to make your points more convincing.

5. Structure Your Essay Well

An effective persuasive essay should be well-organized. Divide it into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

Pay attention to the structure of your essay, as it can help you make your points more effectively.

Learn how to make a perfect persuasive essay outline with the help of our blog. 

6. Make It Engaging

An engaging, persuasive essay will capture your audience’s attention from beginning to end. 

Use various techniques to make your essay interesting and engaging, such as using examples, analogies, and persuasive language.

We hope you are inspired by our comprehensive list of topics. Pick up a topic that entices you and start working on it. By following these amazing tips and tricks, you can surely compose an essay that will wow your professor.

Still not sure how to draft a perfect essay? Well, leave it to us. Our essay writing service helps you craft your argument in the most effective way possible to get the desired results.

 Don't let yourself get overwhelmed with the process! Trust our professional persuasive essay writer. 

Let CollegeEssay.org's best essay writing service guide you on your journey and take your writing to the next level. 

Take the stress out of writing persuasive essays and get the results you need with our expert essay writer AI .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i choose a good persuasive essay topic.

When selecting a persuasive essay topic, consider an issue that is interesting to you and has two or more opposing viewpoints. Research various resources about the topic to gain a better perspective

What strategies can I use for writing a persuasive essay?

When writing a persuasive essay, establish facts from reliable sources to support your argument. Be concise but thorough, and use persuasive language to strengthen your argument.

How can I make my persuasive essay stand out?

To make your persuasive essay stand out, use vivid language and strong, specific evidence to support each point. Make sure all sources are current and relevant to the argument being made. With these elements, your persuasive essay will stand out from the rest!

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50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

5-minute read

• 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. 

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

• Should the government censor the internet?
• Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
• Should self-driving cars be banned?
• Is facial recognition software unethical?
• Should mental health apps collect users’ personal data?
• Should children under 13 have cell phones?
• Should internet access be treated as a human right?
• Should all paperwork be digitized?

Science and the Environment

• Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
• Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
• Should we clone human beings?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should the government fund space exploration?
• Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
• Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
• Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
• Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
• Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
• Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
• Should the government cut its military spending?
• Should the government introduce a national living wage?
• Should politicians be banned from social media?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

• Should the government provide universal healthcare?
• Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
• Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
• Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
• Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
• Should fast food commercials be banned?
• Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
• Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
• Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
• Should students be required to wear uniforms?
• Should the government provide free college education?
• Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
• Are high school students given too much homework?
• Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
• Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
• Is the school day too long?
• Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

Lifestyle and Culture

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• Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
• Should the use of tobacco be banned?
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• Should all museums and art galleries be free?
• Should kids be encouraged to read more?
• Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
• Is pet ownership a human right?
• Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about. 

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level. 

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

• An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
• The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
• A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

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Persuasive Essay Topics: Top 150 Choices

Did you know that the word 'persuade' is derived from the Latin word 'persuadere,' which means 'to make someone agree or believe through argument or reasoning'? It's a fascinating linguistic connection to the art of writing a persuasive essay, a skill that has the potential to shape opinions, spark discussions, and even drive change.

In this article, our persuasive essay writer will delve into a carefully curated selection of 150 essay topics that are designed to ignite debate, stimulate critical thinking, and empower you to make a compelling case for your viewpoint. Whether you're a student looking for a captivating, persuasive essay idea for your next assignment or an advocate seeking to raise awareness about critical issues, our list offers a diverse range of ideas that can serve as a powerful catalyst for meaningful discourse and positive transformation.

A Comprehensive List of Persuasive Essay Topics

In this comprehensive list, our paper writing service experts have compiled an extensive range of persuasive essay topics to suit various interests and academic levels. Whether you're a college student seeking to engage in complex debates, a high school student eager to make a compelling case, or an advocate looking to address critical issues, we've got you covered. Our topics span across diverse categories such as education, history, society, health, and more. This article is your one-stop resource for finding the perfect topic that aligns with your passion and purpose, ensuring your persuasive essays stand out.

Good Persuasive Essay Topics

In our pursuit of engaging and impactful essay subjects, let's begin by delving into ten distinctive topics that transcend the commonplace. These choices not only provide fresh perspectives but also present an opportunity to learn how to research a topic effectively.

• Contemplating the Art of Mindful Consumption : Discuss the ethical implications of our consumer choices and how conscious shopping can transform our world.
• Digital Privacy in the Age of Big Data: Analyze the trade-offs between personal privacy and data collection in our increasingly interconnected world.
• The Future of Work: Universal Basic Income: Delve into the concept of universal basic income and its potential to address economic inequality and job displacement in the age of automation.
• Cryptocurrency Adoption and Its Impact on Traditional Banking: Examine how the rise of cryptocurrencies is reshaping the financial landscape and challenging traditional banking systems.
• Sustainable Fashion: Balancing Style and Environmental Responsibility: Discuss the fashion industry's ecological footprint and the importance of sustainable clothing practices.
• Decoding Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Explore the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare and its implications for medical professionals and patients.
• The Power of Solar Roadways: Investigate the concept of solar roadways as an innovative solution for both energy generation and sustainable infrastructure.
• The Intersection of Virtual Reality and Education: Analyze the benefits and challenges of integrating virtual reality technology into the classroom for enhanced learning experiences.
• Reimagining Urban Planning: The 15-Minute City Concept: Delve into the urban planning movement that aims to create more sustainable and livable cities by emphasizing short commutes and community-centric design.
• The Impact of Eco-Anxiety on Mental Health: Discuss the psychological effects of climate change-related anxiety and ways to address and mitigate its impact on individuals and society.

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Hopefully this guide will help you discover good topics for a persuasive speech or essay and write a top-notch paper. Looking for more advice or professional help?

Persuasive Essay Topics for College

When it comes to persuasive essay topics for students, the expectation is high. College-level writing demands critical thinking, compelling arguments, and well-researched positions. Here are ten thought-provoking topics tailored for the academic environment:

• The Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Engineering in Higher Education: Explore the moral and scientific considerations of cloning and genetic engineering research conducted in university settings.
• Quantum Computing and Its Implications for Computer Science Education: Delve into the potential of quantum computing and its influence on computer science programs in colleges and universities.
• Deconstructing the Prison-Industrial Complex: A Call for Education Reform: Discuss how higher education institutions can play a role in addressing the social and economic issues related to mass incarceration.
• Space Exploration and University Research: Analyze the contributions of universities to space exploration and their potential impact on future interstellar exploration.
• The Intersection of Art and Artificial Intelligence: Examine the collaboration between artists and AI technology in creating innovative and thought-provoking works of art.
• The Philosophy of Time Travel: Academic Approaches and Paradoxes: Explore the theoretical aspects of time travel from a philosophical and scientific perspective.
• Biodiversity Conservation in University Campuses: Discuss the role of colleges in preserving local biodiversity and creating sustainable environments within their campuses.
• The Influence of Virtual Reality on Archaeological Studies: Investigate how VR technology is transforming archaeological research and preservation efforts.
• The Philosophy of Mind in the Age of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Explore the ethical and philosophical implications of brain-computer interface technology in academic and research settings.
• Transhumanism and the Future of Human Enhancement: Discuss the ethical, social, and philosophical aspects of transhumanism within the context of higher education.

Persuasive Essay Topics High School

High school students often engage with a wide range of issues and concerns. Here are some essay topics tailored to their interests and age groups:

• Promoting Financial Literacy in High Schools: Discuss the importance of including comprehensive financial literacy education in high school curriculums to equip students with essential life skills.
• Social Media's Impact on Teen Mental Health: Explore the influence of social media on the mental well-being of high school students and advocate for responsible usage.
• The Need for Racial and Cultural Diversity in High School Reading Lists: Analyze the benefits of incorporating more diverse voices and perspectives in the required reading list.
• Youth Activism and Its Impact on Social Change: Highlight the role of young activists in shaping social and political movements, both historically and in the present.
• The Effects of Violent Video Games on Adolescent Behavior: Discuss the potential impact of violent video games on high school students and the debate over-regulation.
• Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Schools: Advocate for better nutritional standards in high school cafeterias to combat childhood obesity and encourage healthy eating.
• Cyberbullying Prevention and High School Policies: Examine the issue of cyberbullying and the role of high schools in preventing and addressing this problem.
• The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms: Debate the advantages and disadvantages of implementing school uniforms in high schools.
• Youth Voting Rights and Civic Engagement: Discuss the benefits of lowering the voting age to 16 and increasing youth participation in elections.
• Climate Change Education in High Schools: Explore the need for comprehensive climate change education in high schools to prepare the next generation for environmental challenges.

Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

Education is a dynamic and crucial field that constantly evolves. Here are ten topics related to education:

• The Impact of Inclusive Education on Student Development: Explore the advantages of inclusive classrooms where students with diverse abilities learn together.
• The Role of Teachers in Fostering Critical Thinking: Discuss how educators can nurture critical thinking skills in students, preparing them for a rapidly changing world.
• Standardized Testing: Is it a True Measure of Student Ability? Debate the effectiveness and limitations of standardized testing in assessing student knowledge and readiness.
• Digital Learning Tools in the Classroom: Analyze the benefits and challenges of integrating digital technology into the education system.
• The Importance of Arts Education in Schools: Advocate for the inclusion of arts education as a fundamental part of the curriculum, promoting creativity and well-rounded development.
• Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: A Comparative Analysis: Examine the pros and cons of homeschooling in contrast to traditional classroom education.
• The Role of Education in Combating Cyberbullying: Discuss how schools can address the issue of cyberbullying and promote safe online behavior.
• The Necessity of Physical Education: Encouraging Active Lifestyles: Explore the importance of physical education in high schools and its contribution to students' health.
• The Impact of Early Childhood Education on Future Success: Discuss the long-term benefits of quality early childhood education programs.
• Environmental Education: Preparing Students for a Sustainable Future: Advocate for the inclusion of environmental education in school curriculums to raise awareness about sustainability and ecological responsibility.

Persuasive Essay Topics on Society

The topics that follow provide distinctive viewpoints on society, offering a novel vantage point from which to delve into the complexities of human culture, behavior, and interpersonal dynamics.

• The Influence of Culinary Culture on Society: Delve into how culinary traditions, food choices, and dining habits shape our cultural identity and social interactions.
• Understanding Society Through Foreign Language Semiotics: Examine how symbols and signs in everyday life convey meaning, reflect societal values, and influence communication.
• The Role of Festivals and Celebrations in Building Community: Explore how communal celebrations and festivals foster a sense of togetherness and unity within societies.
• The Art of Storytelling: Oral Traditions and Their Impact on Culture: Analyze the significance of oral storytelling traditions in preserving cultural heritage and passing down knowledge from generation to generation.
• Collective Memory and Historical Narratives: Discuss how societies construct and maintain collective memories and the impact of these narratives on their sense of identity and unity.
• Urban Planning and the Psychology of Space: Examine the psychological effects of urban environments, architectural design, and city planning on the well-being and behavior of residents.
• The Societal Significance of Public Transportation: Explore how public transportation systems shape social interactions, reduce environmental impact, and influence urban development.
• Fashion as a Mirror of Society: Discuss how clothing, styles, and fashion trends reflect cultural values, historical influences, and societal changes.
• The Rituals of Everyday Life: Examining Mundane Practices: Analyze the significance of daily rituals and mundane practices in creating a sense of order and meaning in society.
• Digital Subcultures and Online Communities: Investigate how online communities and subcultures have emerged as significant facets of modern society, influencing the way people connect, share interests, and form identities.

Persuasive Essay Topics on History

When considering how to write persuasive essay on history, these topics will provide you with a platform to delve into the past, draw valuable lessons, and make compelling arguments about the significance of historical events, figures, and movements in our world today.

• The Significance of Historical Preservation: Discuss the importance of preserving historical sites and artifacts for future generations.
• The Impact of World War II on Global Politics: Analyze how World War II redefined international relations and its lasting effects on the world.
• The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement: Explore the achievements and ongoing challenges related to the civil rights movement in the United States.
• The Role of Ancient History in Modern Society: Discuss the relevance of studying ancient civilizations and their impact on contemporary culture and politics.
• The Cultural Significance of the Renaissance Period: Analyze the contributions of the Renaissance era to art, science, and human thought.
• The Causes and Consequences of the Industrial Revolution: Examine the factors that led to the Industrial Revolution and its effects on society.
• The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples: Discuss the long-term consequences of European colonialism on indigenous populations and their cultures.
• The Lessons of the Cold War: Analyze the Cold War's influence on geopolitics and diplomacy and what lessons can be drawn from it for current international relations.
• The Role of Historical Truth in Reconciliation: Discuss the importance of acknowledging historical injustices in the process of reconciliation and healing.
• The Influence of Historical Figures on Modern Political Thought: Explore how historical figures have shaped contemporary political ideologies and movements.

Persuasive Essay Topics About Social Issues

Social issues encompass a wide range of concerns that affect individuals and communities. Here are topics related to social issues:

• Addressing Homelessness in Urban Areas: Discuss strategies to combat homelessness and support those in need in cities and urban environments.
• The Impact of Bullying in Schools: Analyze the consequences of bullying and explore ways to create a safer and more inclusive school environment.
• Youth Substance Abuse and Prevention: Advocate for effective prevention programs and support for young people struggling with substance abuse.
• Racial Profiling and Police Violence: Discuss racial profiling and excessive use of force by law enforcement and advocate for reforms.
• Access to Affordable Healthcare: Explore the challenges and solutions for providing affordable and accessible healthcare for all.
• Gender and LGBTQ+ Rights: Advocate for gender equality and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, including issues like marriage equality and transgender rights.
• Combating Human Trafficking: Discuss the global issue of human trafficking and propose solutions to combat it effectively.
• Mental Health Stigma and Awareness: Explore the stigma surrounding mental health and ways to promote awareness and destigmatization.
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Analyze the relationship between social media use and mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression.
• Environmental Justice and Access to Clean Water: Advocate for equitable access to clean water and address environmental disparities in vulnerable communities.

Crime and Legal Persuasive Essay Topics

Issues related to crime and the legal system are often the subject of intense debate. These topics provide a platform for students to examine complex issues in criminal justice, law, and ethics while presenting well-researched arguments and potential solutions.

• The Efficacy of Restorative Justice Programs: Explore the effectiveness of restorative justice as an alternative to traditional punitive measures in the criminal justice system.
• Sentencing Reform and the Need for Second Chances: Advocate for reevaluating sentencing guidelines and promoting rehabilitation over lengthy prison sentences.
• Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy Laws: Examine the importance of legal measures to protect digital privacy and combat cybercrimes.
• Capital Punishment: Abolition or Reform? Analyze the arguments for and against the death penalty and consider potential reforms.
• Criminal Profiling and Ethical Considerations: Explore the use of criminal profiling in law enforcement and the ethical questions it raises.
• Hate Crimes Legislation and Protection: Advocate for stronger hate crime laws and measures to protect vulnerable communities.
• Juvenile Justice Reform: Discuss the need for improvements in the juvenile justice system, including alternatives to incarceration for young offenders.
• Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform: Discuss the practice of civil asset forfeiture and advocate for reforms to address potential abuses and protect property rights.
• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: A Review and Reform: Analyze the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws and propose potential reforms for a more equitable criminal justice system.
• The Role of Mental Health Courts: Explore the benefits and challenges of mental health courts as an alternative approach to addressing criminal cases involving individuals with mental illnesses.

Health Persuasive Essay Topics

These health-related essay topics encompass a wide range of issues, from public health policies to individual health and well-being, providing opportunities for students to explore critical topics and propose meaningful solutions.

• Universal Healthcare: A Right or a Privilege? Debate the merits of universal healthcare and its implications for society and the economy.
• The Obesity Epidemic and Public Health: Discuss strategies to combat obesity, promote healthy lifestyles, and reduce the associated health risks.
• Vaccination Mandates and Public Health: Analyze the controversy surrounding vaccination mandates and their impact on public health.
• Digital Wellness in the Age of Screens : Examine the impact of constant screen exposure on physical and mental health.
• The Role of Nutrition Education in Schools: Advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive nutrition education in the school curriculum to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy eating habits.
• The Opioid Crisis and Addiction Treatment: Explore strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic and improving access to addiction treatment.
• Reproductive Health and Women's Rights: Discuss the importance of women's reproductive health rights and access to healthcare services.
• Healthcare Disparities in Underserved Communities: Analyze the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes in underserved and marginalized communities and propose solutions.
• Telemedicine and the Future of Healthcare: Examine the growth of telemedicine and its potential to improve healthcare access, especially in rural areas.
• The Impact of Aging Populations on Healthcare Systems: Discuss the challenges and innovations needed to address the healthcare needs of an increasingly aging population.

Women's and Gender Persuasive Essay Topics

Gender and women's issues are essential topics for discussion and advocacy, inviting students to address crucial matters related to gender and work toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

• Equal Pay for Equal Work: Advocate for closing the gender pay gap and ensuring equal pay for women in the workplace.
• Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Discuss the barriers women face in reaching leadership positions and strategies to promote gender equality in leadership roles.
• Reproductive Rights and Access to Healthcare: Explore the importance of women's reproductive rights and access to comprehensive healthcare services, including contraception and family planning.
• Violence Against Women: Prevention and Support: Discuss the prevalence of violence against women, including domestic violence and sexual assault, and propose strategies for prevention and support for survivors.
• Women in STEM Fields: Encouraging Gender Diversity: Analyze the challenges women face in STEM careers and advocate for increased gender diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Gender Stereotypes and Their Impact: Examine the influence of gender stereotypes on society and discuss strategies to challenge and overcome these biases.
• The Representation of Women in Media: Discuss the portrayal of women in the media and the need for more diverse and empowering representations.
• Intersectionality and Women's Rights: Explore how race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors intersect with gender, affecting women's experiences and rights.
• Child Marriage and Gender-Based Violence: Advocate for ending child marriage and addressing gender-based violence against girls and young women.
• The Role of Men in Feminism: Discuss the importance of male allies in the feminist movement and how they can support gender equality.

Ethics Persuasive Essay Topics

Ethical issues are at the core of many important debates and decisions in society. Here are some interesting suggestions from our online essay writer that explore various ethical dilemmas:

• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Automation: Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding AI, automation and their impact on the workforce and decision-making.
• Bioethical Dilemmas: Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies: Analyze the ethical concerns raised by genetic engineering and the creation of designer babies.
• Ethics in Animal Testing and Research: Debate the ethical considerations of using animals for scientific experiments and research.
• Euthanasia and the Right to Die with Dignity: Discuss the ethical aspects of euthanasia and whether individuals have the right to make end-of-life decisions.
• Environmental Ethics and Conservation: Explore the ethical principles underpinning environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.
• Ethical Implications of Privacy in the Digital Age: Analyze the ethical dilemmas related to data privacy, surveillance, and digital information sharing.
• Ethics in Journalism and Media Integrity: Discuss the ethical responsibilities of journalists and media outlets in reporting news and information accurately.
• Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Resource Allocation: Explore the ethical challenges healthcare professionals face when allocating limited resources, such as during a public health crisis.
• Ethical Implications of Cloning and Stem Cell Research: Examine the ethical concerns and potential benefits of cloning and stem cell research.
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Business Practices: Advocate for ethical standards and social responsibility in business practices, including issues related to sustainability and fair labor practices.

Science Persuasive Essay Topics

These science-related topics allow college students to engage in discussions about the role of science in addressing critical global issues and how scientific knowledge can shape our understanding of the world and improve our lives.

• Climate Change and Urgent Action: Advocate for the importance of addressing climate change and the role of scientific research in finding solutions.
• Space Exploration: The Quest for Knowledge and Discovery: Discuss the value of space exploration and the knowledge gained from missions to the cosmos.
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Food Security: Explore the benefits and risks of GMOs in agriculture and their role in food security.
• The Role of Science in Addressing Public Health Crises: Analyze the significance of science in responding to public health crises, such as pandemics and infectious diseases.
• The Untapped Potential of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture : Explore the largely uncharted territory of harnessing mycorrhizal fungi to improve soil health, nutrient absorption, and crop yields.
• The Importance of STEM Education: Advocate for the promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in schools to prepare future generations for scientific and technological challenges.
• Artificial Intelligence and its Ethical Implications: Explore the ethical concerns related to AI technology, such as decision-making algorithms and machine learning.
• The Impact of Scientific Discoveries on Medical Ethics: Discuss how scientific advances, such as gene editing and organ transplantation, influence medical ethics and healthcare decision-making.
• Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Health: Analyze the role of science in preserving biodiversity and maintaining the health of ecosystems.
• The Role of Scientific Skepticism in Critical Thinking: Advocate for the importance of scientific skepticism in evaluating claims, combating pseudoscience, and fostering critical thinking.

Persuasive Essay Topics on AI Impact

These essay topics on AI impact suggested by our dissertation service writers provide students with an opportunity to critically examine the various ways AI is reshaping our world, considering both the benefits and challenges it presents.

• AI in Literature and Creative Writing: A New Era of Storytelling: Explore the use of AI in generating creative content, such as poems, stories, and novels, and its potential impact on the literary world.
• AI in Archaeology and Historical Preservation: Discuss how AI technologies are aiding in archaeological discoveries, historical research, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
• AI and the Future of Personal Relationships: From Virtual Companions to AI Love: Examine the ethical and emotional implications of AI-powered virtual companions and their potential influence on human relationships.
• AI in the Workplace: Job Automation and the Future of Employment: Analyze the impact of AI on the workforce, considering job displacement and the need for new skill sets.
• AI and Privacy Concerns: Balancing Innovation with Data Protection: Debate the ethical and privacy considerations related to AI technologies and data collection.
• AI and Mental Health: Chatbots and Supportive Technologies: Explore the use of AI in providing mental health support, including chatbots and virtual therapists.
• AI and Criminal Justice: Predictive Policing and Bias Mitigation: Analyze the role of AI in criminal justice, including predictive policing and efforts to address bias.
• AI in Art and Creativity: Tools, Innovations, and Copyright: Discuss the impact of AI in creative fields, raising questions about copyright and the definition of art.
• AI in Environmental Conservation: Enhancing Conservation Efforts: Explore how AI technologies are used to monitor and protect endangered species and natural ecosystems.
• AI and Accessibility: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities: Advocate for the use of AI to improve accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

Persuasive Essay Topics on Racism

These persuasive writing prompts on racism provide opportunities to engage in important discussions and advocate for social justice, equity, and change. They encourage college students to address the multifaceted issues related to racism and contribute to the ongoing fight against discrimination.

• The Impact of Systemic Racism on Communities of Color: Discuss the pervasive effects of systemic racism on individuals and communities, including disparities in education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
• Racial Profiling and Police Violence: Analyze the issues of racial profiling and the use of force by law enforcement, as well as strategies for reform.
• Hate Crimes and Discrimination: Explore the prevalence of hate crimes based on race, religion, or ethnicity and advocate for measures to combat discrimination.
• The Importance of Diverse Representation in Media: Discuss the need for more diverse and accurate portrayals of racial and ethnic minorities in film, television, and advertising.
• Affirmative Action: Balancing Equal Opportunity and Meritocracy: Debate the role of affirmative action policies in addressing historical injustices and promoting diversity in education and employment.
• Race and Education: Addressing the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Examine the disproportionate impact of disciplinary policies on students of color and the need to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.
• The Role of Allyship in Combating Racism: Discuss the importance of allyship in supporting marginalized communities and dismantling racist systems.
• Racial Health Disparities: A Call for Equity in Healthcare: Analyze the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among racial and ethnic groups and advocate for equitable healthcare solutions.
• Microaggressions and Unconscious Bias: Explore the impact of microaggressions and unconscious bias on marginalized communities and strategies for raising awareness.
• Reparations for Historical Injustices: Debate the need for reparations to address the historical injustices inflicted on communities of color, particularly the descendants of enslaved individuals.

Unique Persuasive Essay Ideas

These persuasive essay ideas offer opportunities to explore unconventional and fascinating topics, encouraging critical thinking and in-depth examination of issues that may not be as widely discussed but are nonetheless thought-provoking.

• The Ethics of Space Colonization: Explore the ethical considerations and responsibilities of humanity as we venture into space and potentially colonize other planets.
• The Impact of Digital Immortality: Discuss the ethical and existential questions raised by advancements in digital technology that allow individuals to preserve their personalities and memories beyond their lifetimes.
• The Necessity of Emotional Education: Advocate for the inclusion of emotional intelligence and empathy education in schools to promote healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
• The Role of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment: Examine the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, in the treatment of mental health disorders.
• The Art and Science of Laughter: Explore the physiological and psychological benefits of laughter and its potential as a form of therapy.
• The Future of Sustainable Fashion: Discuss innovations in sustainable fashion, including circular fashion, eco-friendly textiles, and ethical fashion practices.
• The Impact of Silence on Mental Health: Examine the importance of silence and solitude in maintaining mental well-being in a noisy and interconnected world.
• The Philosophy of Time Travel: Paradoxes and Possibilities: Delve into the philosophical questions and paradoxes related to time travel and its feasibility.
• Human Augmentation and Cyborg Ethics: Explore the ethical considerations surrounding human augmentation technologies and the blurring of boundaries between humans and machines.
• The Art of Procrastination: Creativity and Productivity: Discuss the potential benefits of procrastination in fostering creativity and innovation.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this article has presented a diverse array of persuasive essay topics, spanning from pressing social issues to the ethical implications of AI and beyond. It highlights the importance of engaging in critical discourse, fostering empathy, and advocating for positive change in our ever-evolving world.

At the same time, if you find yourself seeking assistance with your academic endeavors, remember that we can help you with your homework, ensuring you stay on top of your studies and coursework. Whether it's tackling complex essays or asking for support like ' do my homework ,' our resources are here to aid you on your academic journey.

What if Your Essay Could Change Minds and Transform Ideas?

Explore the endless possibilities of interesting persuasive essay topics that elevate your writing and inspire change.

Related Articles

Persuasive Essay Sample: Global Warming

16 December, 2020

9 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

What is a secret to successful persuasive essay writing? There are two main things to look out for: a proper knowledge base from our HandMade Writing blog, and an excellent essay sample that demonstrate how to apply all the knowledge in writing. Here is a top-notch sample you can use. We hope it'll guide in your writing!

Global Warming: Causes and Mitigation

It is an indisputable truth that global warming has become a major challenge. It’s a cause of worry for humans who are at risk of extinction, bearing in mind the rate of continual rise of the earth’s average temperature. Besides, it is even more worrisome that some governments are yet to come to terms with an obvious fact. The fact is that global warming poses a serious threat to humans and requires urgent action.

This phenomenon undermines food and water security. With environmental sustainability issues and disruption of a delicate balance of the ecosystem, climate change becomes inevitable. And above all, its dire consequences are dreadful.

What Experts Say

According to World Bank sources, the Millennium Development Goals MDGs and its prospects are also threatened by global climate changes. The resulting changes in weather “such as shifts in the intensity and pattern of rainfall and variations in temperature” would probably decrease agricultural/food output as a result of the death of the infrastructure. Hence environmental disasters, like drought or flood, would displace people’s means of livelihood leading to poverty, migration and diseases. (World Bank, 2010).

Related Post: How to Write a Persuasive essay

Global warming is indeed a major challenge for the world today. Although the figures may vary between regions, most people all over the world agree that it is a serious problem requiring urgent attention. For instance, the World Bank 2010 development Indicators puts it succinctly:

“The poorest countries and regions face the greatest danger. Africa – with the most rain-fed agricultural land of any continent, half its population without access to improved water sources, and about 70 percent without access to improved sanitation facilities – is particularly vulnerable to climate change”. (World Bank, 2010).

In the United States, the views are “divided along ideological lines.” The Pew Research Center’s 2009 survey on global warming discovered that between the liberals and the conservatives, the former agree more than twice that global warming is a severe problem (about 66% vs. 30%)”. According to that survey, a similar divide is also evident in Britain. With those on the political left and those on the right putting a severity rate of 66% and 42% respectively. Germany, Spain and France have smaller ideological splits (Pew Research Center, 2009).

The world is already experiencing the effects of this warming with rising sea levels when the surface temperature warms up. As a result, it is melting ice from the glaciers, bringing severe heat waves and dangerous storms. Even drought, desertification and perceived extinction of animal life goes a long way to show that global warming is not just a hoax.

Notably, scientists believe these are mostly caused by man’s activities. Including the burning of fossil fuels thus, “releasing carbon dioxide, CO 2 that traps heat within the atmosphere”. (World Health Organization, 2007). Also, according to WHO source:

“the Earths’ surface has warmed by more than 0.8 o C over the past century and by approximately 0.6 o C in the previous three decades.” With the continuous emissions of CO 2 , it is projected that the surface temperature will “rise by 1.1 o C to 6.4 o C over the 21 st century”. (World Health Organization, 2007).

GreenHouse Gas, GHGs – causes of global warming are emitted in various ways apart from the combustion of fossil fuels in car. The CO 2  gas is “also released in landfills and agriculture (especially from the digestive systems of grazing animals). This is not to mention nitrous oxide from fertilizers, gases used for refrigeration and industrial processes, and the loss of forests that would otherwise store CO 2 ”.

Evidently, carbon dioxide is the highest cause of global warming among other greenhouse gases which also include methane, nitrous oxide, and some other artificial gases. In particular, this has been on the increase as a result of industrialization and commercialization. Especially in China, the United States, the Russian Federation, India and Japan – the world’s highest emitters of carbon dioxide. (World Bank, 2010)

What’s the Solution?

Obviously, the activities of a man with regards to contributing to global warming are overwhelming and substantial. But they are also caused by natural influences such as solar and volcanic activities.

The importance of mitigating the effects of global warming therefore cannot be overemphasized. The consequence of not doing this could be very devastating. While the majority of the world leaders agree with the fact that global warming is indeed a global challenge. They are, however, divided on the method of tackling this menace or “which country is trusted to do the right thing on this issue” (Pew Research Center, 2009).

You may order a persuasive essay on this topic in a couple of clicks – our professional essay writers are always ready to help you!

The United Nations has been spearheading moves towards tackling the menace of climate change. The Copenhagen Conference on climate change further raised the awareness to a high level and the desire to tackle the menace. It later invented what is now known as the “Copenhagen Accord.” While the agreements were lauded by many as a significant success, many others doubted the practical application.

But what the conference achieved which is seen as a bold step towards ending the menace of global warming was the resolution of developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All this while adapting to the effects and providing finance for doing this. The conference also agreed on a long-term plan of keeping the temperature below 2 degrees Celsius.

Whether these resolutions will be adhered to remains to be seen. However, there are things we can do as individuals to reduce the rate of emission of greenhouse gases and the effects of climate change.

Indeed, attitudinal change is the key to achieving this and being more environmentally friendly. Specifically, practical steps include the use of recyclable products and buying goods with minimal packaging. Eventually, this action will reduce waste once the world recovers by energy-efficient products, less energy use, heat abd air leakages prevention. Besides, driving less and walking or riding to school and work, are also optimal actions for effective preservation of the planet. That not only reduces the emission of carbon-dioxide but also keeps you physically fit.

Also, to further reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, one can plant trees. That is a very effective way of cutting down carbon-dioxide, since during photosynthesis, they (trees) use-up carbon-dioxide and give out oxygen. In addition, one can include conservation of water and encouragement of others to adopt environmentally friendly practices to protect our future.

Admittedly, governments at all levels should adopt long term measures towards sustainable energy and encourage their citizens to “go green”. The role of sustainable energy education here cannot be overemphasized since it would increase the awareness of global warming. Moreover, this initiative will gradually re-orientate the masses and make them more environmental friendly. Ultimately, they should implement plans and international agreements on reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Developed countries should assist developing countries to mitigate the effects of global warming. They should also implement adaptation measures to the adverse effect of climate change. A decisive action must be taken by all stakeholders to stop the way we pollute the environment. In the long run, it will preserve and handover a safe environment generations yet unborn.

We must all act. The time is now.

References:

• World Bank. (2010). 2010 World Bank Development Indicators. A World Bank publication. Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/section3.pdf      
• Pew Research Global Attitudes Project (2009). Global Warming Seen as a Major Problem Around the World Less Concern in the U.S., China and Russia. Retrieved from, Retrieved from http://www.pewglobal.org/2009/12/02/global-warming-seen-as-a-major-problem-around-the-world-less-concern-in-the-us-china-and-russia/
• World health organization (2007). Global climate change: implications for international public health policy. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/85/3/06-039503/en/

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Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

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200 Persuasive Essay Topics

January 6, 2024 by Richard Leave a Comment

Attention students and writers! Here are 200 persuasive essay topics to get you writing; if you’re looking for a hot-button issue to tackle in your following persuasive essay, this mega list of 200 controversial topics will get you thinking.

Persuasive essays aim to convince readers of a particular perspective on a topic. Rather than a balanced discussion of both sides, a good persuasive essay will make a strong case for one moral, ethical, political, or practical position. The goal is to use logic, evidence, and rhetorical techniques to help readers embrace a new view or take action.

Below, we have compiled 200 of today’s most fiercely debated issues across disciplines. Scan the list for an idea that inspires you to take a stand. These prompts touch on personal values, science, politics, identities, social norms, technology, law, education, health, ethics, and more.

Consider an angle not covered by mainstream media outlets. Survey friends and strangers to find out which issues they care about. Then, craft an evidence-backed argument to convince even skeptical readers.

A strong, persuasive essay will resonate emotionally through narrative elements while backing claims with qualitative or quantitative data. Structure your thesis logically and appeal to shared values. Be sure to address counterarguments without seeming defensive before circling back to the power of your unique perspective on this complex topic.

Get those pages turning with a hooking introduction addressing why this issue urgently requires attention. Offer fresh solutions and inspire your peers to reconsider assumptions. Most importantly, write from an informed position with honesty, conviction, and clarity.

Now, let’s raise some questions, ruffle some feathers, and change some minds! Here are 200 thought-provoking essay prompts on today’s most divisive debates:

Here are 200 persuasive essay topics:

• Schools should eliminate standardized testing.
• Smoking should be banned in all public places.
• Zoos should be shut down.
• Social media has a negative impact on mental health.
• College athletes should be paid.
• College tuition costs too much and should be lowered.
• Vaccines should be mandatory.
• School uniforms should be required.
• Junk food advertising should be banned.
• All schools should implement anti-bullying programs.
• Islands and coastal areas need better protection from rising sea levels.
• Recycling should be mandatory by law.
• Gun control laws need to be more strict and regulated.
• Minimum wage should be raised to help the working poor.
• Art and music classes are crucial for child development.
• Fast food restaurants should post nutrition information.
• Social networks have led to isolation rather than human connection.
• Local governments should do more to curb littering in public spaces.
• There should be limits on advertising during children’s programming.
• All students should receive basic financial education.
• Pet stores should only be allowed to sell animals from shelters and rescues.
• All religions should enjoy tax-exempt status.
• Student loan debt is a major economic crisis that needs solutions.
• Hollywood perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
• Celebrities should use social media responsibly and avoid bad influences on youth.
• Professional athletes are overpaid.
• Child beauty pageants should be banned.
• Homework assignments should be banned.
• Technology makes people waste too much time.
• Television does more harm than good.
• Cosmetic animal testing should be illegal.
• Whaling should remain illegal.
• The electoral college should be abolished.
• Chocolate is good for health.
• Students should not have to wear school uniforms.
• Adults must do more to curb cyberbullying.
• Herbal medicine offers just as much healing as modern medicine.
• Mandatory retirement ages should be abolished.
• Circuses with live animals should be outlawed.
• Boxing should be banned.
• Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
• Marijuana should be legalized.
• The drinking age should be lowered to 18.
• Assisted suicide should be legal and regulated.
• Single-use plastics need to be banned globally.
• Contact sports can be too dangerous for teenage participation.
• GMOs do more good than harm.
• Vegan diets provide optimal human health.
• Abortion rights must be protected.
• Books have more value than movies adapted from them.
• Classical art education should be required in schools.
• Children under 16 should be banned from social media.
• Prenatal testing should be more widely accessible.
• Cloning endangered species can save them from extinction.
• Student evaluations of professors for tenure review create bias and should be abolished.
• Online privacy is a universal human right and needs more protection.
• Documentaries have more educational value than fictional films.
• Hunting purely for sport should be outlawed.
• Term limits for all politicians would improve governance.
• High deductible health plans deter people from seeking needed care.
• University endowments should be taxed if costs are not lowered for families.
• Factory farming is ethically wrong.
• Insider trading by members of Congress should be illegal.
• Internet censorship threatens open debate and truth.
• Texting while driving should be entirely outlawed across the U.S.
• For-profit colleges often take advantage of students.
• Exotic animal markets should be shut down globally to prevent future pandemics.
• Global governments need to further restrict private space exploration to protect planets for scientific purposes.
• Military spending priorities are misplaced.
• Driverless cars will create more harm than good.
• Standardized creative arts instruction will deprive future generations of innovation.
• Space exploration budgets should be increased.
• The news media creates polarization and partisanship.
• Referendums undermine representative democracy.
• Ranked choice voting is the most democratic election process.
• Independent redistricting can reduce political polarization.
• Campaign finance laws fail to prevent donor corruption.
• Governments compromise civil liberties too often citing security concerns.
• Access to clean water is a basic human right.
• Affordable housing solutions remain insufficient in many major cities.
• The war on drugs creates more harm than drug use itself.
• Mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenses are unjust.
• Freedom of speech should not protect harmful disinformation.
• Affirmative action remains necessary to promote diversity and equality.
• Background checks before gun purchases must be universal.
• Police brutality reforms have failed to prevent discrimination and misconduct.
• Banning plastic grocery bags better protects wildlife and environments.
• High-speed rail would modernize U.S. infrastructure.
• Caps on interest rates prevent predatory lending.
• The U.S. government spends too much on border enforcement and neglects compassionate immigration reform.
• Wearable fitness trackers improve individual health choices.
• Self-driving vehicles will never be flawless and accidents are inevitable.
• Artificial intelligence poses catastrophic threats if not regulated by international governance.
• Standardized test scores are a poor indicator of effective teaching.
• Tuition-free college makes education accessible for all.
• Reparations should be paid to the descendants of enslaved people.
• Drug addiction deserves humane treatment instead of punishment.
• Animal captivity for entertainment is always unethical.
• Cryptocurrency threatens economic stability.
• Social media filters promote conformity and undermine self-esteem.
• All police officers should be required to wear body cameras.
• Drones pose threats to privacy and security.
• Testing cosmetics on animals should be illegal.
• Year-round schooling is more effective than summer breaks.
• All religions deserve equal protection under separation of church and state.
• Industrial livestock farms pose great risks to human health and the environment.
• Space tourism will further income inequality globally.
• Legal drinking ages should be consistent across all democratic societies.
• Censorship laws often serve governments over citizens.
• The rapid acceleration of technology threatens labor markets and economic mobility for working classes.
• Affordable pharmaceutical access remains out of reach for developing nations in crisis.
• Social media platforms spread misinformation without accountability.
• Polarized news coverage undermines balanced voter education on issues.
• Unpaid internships exploit student labor and block professional access for less privileged groups.
• Over prescription of pain medication fueled the opioid crisis across economic classes.
• Eliminating food deserts improves public health in poor communities.
• For-profit bail systems criminalize poverty and must be reformed.
• Educational curriculum reform is necessary to encourage critical thinking over rote acceptance.
• Organic farming is safer and more sustainable than reliance on GMOs and pesticides.
• Offshore tax havens cost governments essential revenue to address pressing social problems.
• Standardized education cannot address the needs of neurodiverse minds.
• Popular entertainment romanticizes dangerous relationships.
• CEOS earn too much compared to average workers at their companies.
• Unpaid collegiate athletes deserve fair compensation and benefits.
• Consumer culture values material possessions over human needs.
• Reality television rarely reflects daily life and promotes shallow aspirations.
• Legal reform is necessary to provide transgender people basic human rights.
• Gerrymandering undermines representative democracy.
• Social media apps can be too addictive given manipulated algorithms.
• Fashion advertising promotes unhealthy and unrealistic beauty standards.
• Standardized testing disadvantages minority and low-income students.
• Unregulated technology monopolies stifle innovation and competition.
• Electronic voting systems lack sufficient security against hacking and fraud.
• Predatory lending solutions remain insufficient to protect military families.
• Fossil fuel dependence aggravates global climate injustice.
• Western media thrives on racist caricatures and stereotypes when depicting other cultures.
• Solitary confinement constitutes torture and should be banned.
• Government surveillance threatens personal privacy.
• Voter ID laws often intentionally target marginalized groups.
• Current libel laws impose unreasonable burdens on press freedom and public figures.
• Trigger warnings promote valuable discourse around traumatic cultural history.
• Criminal justice reform depends on abolishing private prisons motivated by profit over ethics.
• Anti-homeless architecture in urban areas is cruel and exclusionary.
• Decriminalizing sex work protects vulnerable people from workplace dangers of an unregulated industry.
• Defunding police forces holds great promise to reduce community violence if combined with strong social services.
• Affirmative action promotes equitable access to higher education and should be defended.
• Standardized test scores disadvantage talented minority applicants with fewer preparatory resources.
• Unpaid prison labor constitutes modern slavery and fuels mass incarceration.
• Legacy admissions preserve class privileges rather than providing equal opportunities.
• Mainstream environmental movements often ignore poor communities of color most impacted by pollution.
• Gentrification destroys community heritage and displaces vulnerable residents.
• Nonviolent drug offenses deserve public health solutions instead of severe sentencing.
• Medical misinformation laws often limit patient autonomy and access.
• Parental leave policies must apply equally to men and women to achieve gender equity at home and work.
• Expensive cancer drugs often provide little additional survival benefits.
• Student lunch debt collections criminalize poverty in public education.
• Civil asset forfeiture incentivizes unchecked seizures by police departments.
• Felony disenfranchisement laws disproportionately impact minorities.
• Forced arbitration protects corporations over defrauded individuals unable to join class action lawsuits.
• Conversion therapy should be strictly prohibited for vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth.
• Comprehensive immigration reform promises widespread economic benefits.
• Restorative justice programs work better than punitive policies focused on punishment alone.
• College athletes need additional health protections and medical coverage for sports injuries.
• For-profit colleges often exploit vulnerable minority students with dishonest marketing and inferior education services.
• Unregulated plastic surgery clinics endanger patients.
• Beloved public library systems require increased funding to serve communities.
• Abolishing the tipped minimum wage will reduce pay disparities in the restaurant industry, especially for women.
• Chronic homelessness remains overlooked and underfunded amidst rising inequality in American cities.
• Stricter fugitive slave clause enforcement perpetuates racism in the prison industrial complex.
• Tax prep companies like TurboTax manipulate laws against simple IRS filing to profit from poverty.
• Mandated paid family leave protects new parents and caregivers struggling to balance professional and personal demands.
• CEO charity gifts allow tax breaks despite being minute fractions of their total wealth and income.
• The Electoral college creates unequal voting power across states in presidential elections.
• Ethnic studies programs empower marginalized student identities and improve educational outcomes.
• True reparations to Black Americans require comprehensive policies addressing persistent economic and social inequities inherited from slavery and institutional racism over generations.
• Public investment strategies like a Green New Deal promise enormous job growth and sustainable prosperity.
• Corporate political donations and lobbying divert politicians from prioritizing the public good.
• Whistleblower protections remain critically necessary but insufficient in both governments and companies.
• Social security requires increased funding to remain solvent as aging populations retire.
• Predatory mortgage loans deliberately target racial minority communities.
• Exploitative noncompetitive agreements limit economic mobility for struggling workers.
• Civil liberties curtailed by counterterrorism policies institutionalize religious discrimination.
• Vaccine misinformation and irrational skepticism extend preventable deadly diseases.
• Tax cuts for the extremely wealthy fail to trickle down or provide broad public benefits.
• Irrational voucher programs undermine public K-12 education systems.
• Social media echo chambers divide public consensus on scientific issues like climate change.
• Asian American discrimination persists in college admissions despite higher test scores and academic achievements.
• Welfare fraud fears burden vulnerable families in crisis much more than overpayments.
• Free college tuition expands economic opportunities for talented students locked out based on income alone.
• Anonymous egg/sperm donor laws deny children rights to critical medical histories.
• Defective medical devices require stronger pre-market safety testing and post-market surveillance to protect patients from hidden risks.
• FDA clinical trials rarely emphasize participant diversity or structural inequities allowing dangerous treatment biases against minorities.
• Charging overhead boarding for essential mobility devices unfairly burdens disabled travelers.
• Luxury real estate routinely excludes affordable units mandated for equitable development.
• Public education curriculum lacks sufficient LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion efforts.
• Homeless LGBTQ+ youth need dedicated shelter services and legal protections from exploitation.
• Transgender athletes encounter enough youth bullying without blanket sports participation bans rooted in prejudice rather than facts.
• Conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people creates severe trauma, especially for involuntary adolescent victims lacking rights to refuse.
• Companies claiming Pride support engage in hollow branding without meaningful nonprofit partnerships or workplace policy reforms to hire/support LGBTQ+ employees year-round.
• Same-sex couple adoption rights require legal protections to prevent welfare discrimination against children.

There you have it – 200 controversial essay prompts on issues ranging from education reform to civil rights to technology regulation. With such a vast array of debates currently shaping our social climate, you’re bound to find multiple topics that inspire strong personal convictions worthy of a passionate argument.

Take your time to carefully determine which position to argue after reflecting deeply on both sides. Craft an outline, organizing claims, evidence, and counterarguments before writing a clear, logical essay. Use this opportunity to elevate the discourse with nuanced reasoning instead of reactionary talking points. Structure paragraphs deliberately, interweave relevant anecdotes, and conclude with a resonant call to action.

Regardless of which prompt you choose, research thoroughly and ensure sources are credible experts. And remember – a persuasive essay’s job is not to definitively settle these complex issues but to encourage readers to reexamine assumptions. Your writing could positively impact society by contributing an informed perspective to necessary conversations influencing real-world change if done thoughtfully. We have more writing tips on our site . Leave us a comment if you enjoyed or used this list. 

Related posts:

• 100 Greatest Narrative Essay Topics
• 1000 Writing Prompts
• Writing Prompts for High School Students
• Daily Writing Prompts
• Daily writing prompts for high school 

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

16 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

One of the best ways to make your persuasive essay engaging is to pick a controversial topic. But, of course, that’s just the start of the writing process. Students often get stuck at the very beginning as the page in front of them seems blank.

To help you overcome your writer’s block, we’ve compiled a list of several interesting topic ideas along with brief persuasive writing prompts. These can give you a headstart and guide you through the initial stages of your research and the actual writing.

In this article:

Is Global Warming Humanity’s Greatest Threat?

Is the death penalty effective, is the us criminal justice system fair, should the voting age in the usa be lowered to 16, should fast food be taxed at a higher rate, is social media increasing political polarization, do violent video games cause violent behavior, are cell phones addictive, should students be required to learn a foreign language, is college education worth the cost, are good grades a predictor of career success, is online learning an effective alternative to in-school classes, at what age should sex education start, should middle-school students be drug tested, should animal testing be banned, should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets, list of 16 good persuasive essay topics and writing prompts.

Below is a list of 16 interesting persuasive essay topics and a brief elaboration on the arguments you can make on them. There’s plenty of information online on each of these, so it’s not difficult to build a strong argument.

Keep in mind that our topics for essays and speeches are the same, and we have a huge list of these on our Essay Topics page if you’re looking for more ideas.

Many questions related to climate change are hotly debated (pun intended), but most of them are virtually settled by scientists, at least to the degree that scientific inquiry allows any issue to be conclusively established.

Is climate change real? That question is about as meaningful as asking, “Does the Earth revolve around the Sun?” Scientists have long ago verified that our planet goes through natural cycles of changes to the climate. Thus, the more pressing question is, “Is climate change accelerating?” Once again, the scientific consensus points to a resounding, “Yes.” 

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The next logical step is to ask, “Is the acceleration of climate change caused by humans?” Here, we are faced with another question that experts answer affirmatively. All evidence points to the fact that we produce a large amount of heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide, which are proven to cause our atmosphere to get warmer.

So we come to the question in the title of this section. Humanity faces many existential threats, such as nuclear war, rogue biotechnological attacks, or artificial intelligence. Likewise, global warming is undoubtedly on this list, so it’s an interesting topic to examine in your academic paper.

This is a question that we’ve tried to answer for ages—and for a good reason. It encapsulates many issues from different spheres. For one thing, you can look at it as a question of whether governments should have the power to determine who has the right to live. It also touches on the purpose of sentencing in general—is it primarily meant to protect society from violence or punish perpetrators for wrongdoing?

Besides the ethical issues, we also have purely practical ones. Is capital punishment effective in deterring violent crime, or is it just a remnant of a crueler past? To date, there have been no credible studies establishing a connection between the death penalty and crime deterrence, so we can safely say that it’s ineffective in this respect.

As for the moral side, there’s a strong argument against the use of lethal force in the name of justice. Amnesty International is just one global NGO that strongly condemns capital punishment. The organization argues that state-sanctioned executions violate two of our fundamental human rights established by the United Nations—the right to life and the right to live free of torture or inhumane treatment.

Amnesty International also cites the many examples of corrupt governments using the death penalty to eliminate enemies, wrongfully sentenced individuals on death row, and its disproportionate effect on minorities.

Although it’s an age-old debate, it’s far from over, so it’s a great chance for you to pitch in and practice persuasive essay writing.

This is a multifaceted question that you can explore from more than one side or pick an aspect you want to look at. There is a movement in the USA that’s in favor of a complete justice overhaul, but most groups focus on specific issues and call for reforms of certain parts of the system.

Two of the most controversial issues that often come up in relation to this debate are drug possession charges and institutional racism. These two come together in one of the most salient examples of injustice—the disparity between sentences for powder cocaine and crack cocaine possession.

Although the two drugs are, in essence, one and the same, possession of crack, which is stereotypically associated with Black people, comes with one hundred times longer sentences than powder cocaine on average. This leads many to blame the disparity on racism. A group of bipartisan lawmakers has recently introduced a bill to reform this discriminatory sentencing trend, so the debate is ongoing.

This is just one example of a good persuasive essay topic related to justice system reform. Since fairness is something we all seek, it’s an issue that’s worth exploring.

Did you know that the voting age in the USA used to be 21 until 1971? That was when a long campaign that transcended partisan lines achieved its goal of convincing lawmakers to introduce the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, reducing the voting age to 18.

This movement began during World War II when President Franklin D. Roosevelt lowered the draft age to 18, and suddenly young people were going to war to protect America but couldn’t vote in its elections.

Some argue the USA is currently at a similar crossroads. There’s a growing movement among progressives to lower the voting age to 16. According to supporters of the reform, teenagers 16 and above have the right to work and have to pay income taxes, so they should have a say in the policies that affect them. Proponents also cite research that says there’s little difference between the knowledge and cognitive abilities of 16- and 18-year-olds.

Whether you agree or not, this topic provides a great chance to develop your persuasive writing skills.

This has become a topic of discussion in many countries in recent years, as developed and developing nations alike face an obesity epidemic. Colloquially referred to as a “fat tax,” this measure is intended to disincentivize consumers from buying unhealthy foods, such as those high in sugar or fat.

However, the effectiveness of the “fat tax” is far from established. Opponents claim that imposing such a tax does little to curb obesity and promote a healthier diet. Instead, it disproportionately affects poorer communities that live in so-called food deserts—urban regions where healthy food options are lacking and the only available options are processed foods with a long shelf life.

Supporters of such a measure cite success stories from countries that have given this tax a try and have seen positive results. A recent study from New York University and Tufts University looked at several places where such a tax was imposed, such as Mexico, Hungary, and several US regions, and found some benefits for public health after the measure was implemented.

Since this is an issue with a lot of solid evidence on both sides of the argument, it’s a great topic for a persuasive research paper.

Few would deny that social media has a massive effect on our lives. Studies show that we spend more than two hours on various social media sites every day. How does that exposure affect our political views?

Many blame social networks for the increased political polarization we see around the world. The algorithms these platforms use are believed to create “echo chambers” in which every person is exposed to information that only confirms their preexisting views. This can cause near-total dismissal of opposing perspectives and pushes a person’s opinions to the extreme of the political spectrum.

Social media companies have faced a lot of scrutiny from the public lately, and some have tried to take measures to amend the adverse effects of this polarization. To address concerns, some platforms made changes to their algorithms so that people would get more opposing views in their feeds. However, that effort backfired.

It turned out that this only makes things worse. Why? It is because of these platforms’ tendency to amplify radical opinions . It turns out being exposed to extreme views from the other side of the spectrum only strengthens one’s existing beliefs.

That’s just one aspect of the huge debate around social media’s role in the shape of today’s politics, so writing an argumentative essay on this topic is sure to be engaging.

The question of video games’ effects on the psyche of children and adults alike is more pressing than ever. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced many students around the world to stay home, screen time has surged. A significant part of that time is dedicated to video games, as evidenced by the double-digit increase in the global game company revenue in 2020.

Likewise, can this pastime be blamed for violent behavior in the real world? Some US politicians have tried to pin tragic events, such as school shootings on shooter-type video games. However, scientists are yet to find a link between engaging in virtual killing sprees and real-life ones. As one researcher put it, “The data on bananas causing suicide is about as conclusive. Literally. The numbers work out about the same.”

It’s worth noting that recent research pointed to a connection between violent video games and aggression, but these studies were retracted, and their authors were accused of manipulating data.

Is this controversy even warranted? Most probably not, but, unfortunately, public sphere debates are usually as tied to scientific evidence as bananas are to suicide. That’s why exploring this in your persuasive essay is a great effort to bring awareness to this issue and nail your assignment at the same time!

The large majority of people own smartphones nowadays and use them for much more than calls. As comedian Gary Gulman puts it, “To me, the phone is this seldom-used app on my phone.”

We’re so used to having this multifunctional device at our disposal 24/7 that most of us shudder at the idea of going out without it. In fact, there’s a condition called nomophobia that describes the fear of being without your phone.

So are we addicted to those things? That’s a difficult question to answer definitively, because we first need to define addiction. Most experts agree that excessive cell-phone use has some detrimental effect on our mental health, but there is some disagreement on whether it fits the description of addiction or if it’s just an issue of poor impulse control.

Whatever the formal definition is, there’s growing concern about cell-phone use among teenagers and its effect on their development, so this is definitely a strong topic for a persuasive speech or essay.

There’s little doubt that gaining fluency in a second language has benefits, some more palpable than others. Learning another language usually comes with an increased knowledge of other cultures and an appreciation for different communication styles. It helps students gain perspective and understand the value of diversity.

Fortunately, there are also practical benefits. A 2005 study published in The Review of Economics and Statistics found that being fluent in a second language is associated with a higher salary. This makes sense since knowing a foreign language opens doors in areas related to international business relations.

However, the question in the title of this section still stands: should learning a second language be required? That’s where some disagreements emerge. Opponents argue that although having foreign language requirements has its benefits, the time spent on it could be better used if students are given the option to focus on more relevant skills for the current job market, such as computer programming or statistics.

This is just one of many good persuasive topics related to education.

According to a report by the Institute for College Access & Success, the average graduate in the USA leaves college with a student debt of almost $30,000. This cost prompts many young people to wonder if attending university is even worth it.

A survey by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave asked recent graduates who took out a student loan if they think the degree was worth going into debt for. Thirty-six percent said it wasn’t. On top of that, a growing number of people, including successful entrepreneurs who dropped out of college, are joining the chorus of those calling for a reassessment of college degrees and their usefulness.

Is that the whole story? Most probably not. The majority of experts still agree that a college education is worth the cost, even if you have to take out a student debt. They urge people to think of it as a long-term, low-interest investment in their future, as a degree pays off more and more as time goes by.

Personal finance advisor Ramit Sethi argues college is definitely worth it: “I want to encourage everyone here to not just take advice from a bunch of people on Twitter who are telling you, ‘Drop out of college—student loans are bad.’”

This is an important question for young adults and a great persuasive essay idea, especially for college-level assignments.

It seems like common sense that a successful academic career leads to a similarly successful professional one. After all, why else do we need to put in the effort to get high marks? It turns out the relationship between a high GPA and future success is more complicated than that.

Good grades throughout school and college do have a predictive quality in some respects. That’s because GPA encompasses more than just obtained knowledge—attendance and on-time homework submission are just some of the factors that usually go into an evaluation. These components give an indication of a student’s personality traits, such as discipline and motivation, which are actually a good predictor of future success.

However,it gets even more complicated when we introduce the element of creativity. Research shows that successful entrepreneurs who are innovators in their field often did poorly in school, especially in classes where their imagination could not flourish. So standardized testing is probably not a good way to measure innovation potential.

High grades are, of course, still preferable, and writing a good persuasive essay on this topic can get you one.

As the COVID-19 pandemic prompted school closures, many are asking if online schools can replace traditional learning. Some argue that the time out of school is causing irreversible damage to a whole generation, while others maintain it’s the lesser of two evils and say Internet-based learning is a viable alternative to in-school instruction.

There’s supporting evidence for both camps. Traditional school is more than just a place to learn—it’s where young people connect with their peers, improve social skills, and develop a sense of purpose. Studies show that the isolation caused by the pandemic is taking a toll on teenager’s mental health. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are on the rise among teens, as they are physically removed from part of their social support network.

Experts also argue that Internet-based schools present purely academic challenges. Professor of education Susanna Loeb from Brown University says online learning can demotivate students: “In the online setting, students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation.”

This issue touches on economic inequality as well. Many are concerned that students from poorer families are at a disadvantage because of their limited access to computers or the Internet and online learning only exacerbates existing inequality.

Proponents of online learning note that it’s a temporary and necessary measure or argue that its shortcomings are the wrinkles that will be ironed out as we get used to the new reality.

Whichever side you pick to base your thesis statement on, you’re bound to find more than one good argument and counterargument.

The topic of sex education usually conjures up an image of “the talk”—the conversation between a parent and a child (usually at the start of puberty) that takes the form of a lecture on the biological aspects of sex. However, it’s a lot more than that.

Sex education is concerned with relationships, boundaries, respect, and identity, among other things. It’s an opportunity to instill values in your child that set them up to become a healthy and functioning adult.

So how young is too young for sex education? Some experts argue it’s never too soon to start the conversation and that puberty is already too late. As Dr. Eva Goldfarb of Montclair State University puts it, “When your child starts talking, you can start talking.” When parents establish a rapport with their child on topics that are often considered taboo, the child is more likely to turn to the parents for answers instead of seeking them elsewhere.

There’s more than one angle you can approach this from for your persuasive essay. You can explore the school’s role in sex education or focus on the topics that parents should discuss with kids of different ages.

This question stirs up a lot of emotions in both parents and children. There are two separate campaigns related to drug testing and middle-school students.

One is trying to push the introduction of testing for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs for students involved in competitive sports, arguing that it shouldn’t be any different from what large sports organizations do, such as the Olympics or Tour de France.

The other campaign calls for introducing random drug testing in middle school to prevent drug abuse. Supporters say this could help address addiction among young people at the roots.

However, opponents of both drives claim this is not only unnecessary but invasive, going as far as to call it a civil liberties violation. Many students argue it’s also humiliating and overbearing, while some parents say it shouldn’t be the school’s responsibility to deal with such issues.

Whichever side you want to persuade readers of, you’ll find enough ideas to build a strong argument.

This is another moral dilemma that’s nearly impossible to answer conclusively because it depends on what value we place on animal welfare. 

Surely, few would argue that animal experimentation is harmful to the creatures involved. Proponents usually frame it as a necessary evil that allows the development of new medical technologies that save human lives. However, who’s to say that human lives are more valuable than those of animals? As people, we take this to be true at face value.

What’s more, we now know for a fact that other creatures have emotions—an idea that was not widely accepted in the past. In previous centuries, philosophers such as Descartes argued that animals are little more than automatons that react in predictable ways and don’t have a consciousness of their own.

Calls for the ban on lab testing on animals also cite evidence that drugs that cured diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes in mice proved ineffective in humans, questioning the usefulness of such experiments. Whichever side you pick, you’ll have the chance to make a strong case.

There’s a certain allure to owning an exotic animal such as a possum, a squirrel monkey, or even an eagle. That’s especially true after the wildly popular Netflix show Tiger King pulled back the curtain on the bizarre world of the illegal exotic animal trade. Some conservationists and animal rights activists insist the show brought awareness to a serious issue, while others argue it downplayed the animal abuse involved in this trade.

Whatever the case, we now know that there’s a huge demand for exotic animals as pets worldwide. Many are asking, though, if most of these creatures can function in a domestic environment or bring up other legal, ethical, and even health concerns.

For one thing, large mammals such as apes and big cats are often resistant to training and can seriously hurt or even kill humans. The exotic animal trade is also blamed for driving some species close to extinction or promoting the spread of zoonotic diseases—infectious pathogens that jump from wild animals to humans.

Whatever you choose to focus on, this issue is a great way to improve your persuasive essay writing skills.

460 Intriguing Debate Topics for High School and Middle School Students

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best College Essay Topics

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is our election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Do we have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Are girls too mean to each other?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• Controversial Speech Topics
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Topic In Composition and Speech
• MBA Essay Tips
• How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
• High School Debate Topics
• 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
• 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
• Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
• 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
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176 Topics for a Global Warming Essay + Outline & Writing Guide

Do you close a faucet while brushing your teeth?

♻️ Have you switched to reusable cotton swabs, grocery bags, personal hygiene items, and other sustainable things?

You probably know how all these tiny subjects affect our planet’s climate. And here we are to discuss this massive issue.

Global warming and climate change are pretty challenging topics. And that happens despite a lot has already been said about these phenomena. It’s OK if you feel a bit overwhelmed, for the subject is broad and consists of various approaches and details.

• Below, we offer you an excellent set of topic ideas for different types of essays.
• BONUS: global warming essay outline and essential details about each essay type.

Study the article to grasp how to write a well-curated global warming composition entirely!

• 🌡️ Major Approaches
• 📑 Outlining Ideas
• 🗣️ Argumentative Essay Topics
• 🌍 Persuasive Essay Topics
• 🖇️ Cause and Effect Essay Topics
• 💡 Other Essay Topics

🔗 References

🌡️ major approaches to global warming.

Before we get to the list of global warming essay ideas, let’s warm up a bit.

All topics about climate nowadays are of current interest. So we decided to start this article by stating what the critical paradigms for global warming are. Here are some viable approaches and trusted resources you can use to defend any position.

1. There’s no Such Thing as Global Warming

Some claim that several-degree temperature changes are all-natural; nothing special about it.

• Gutzler, D. (2000) Evaluating global warming: a post-1990s perspective . GSA Today, pp. 2-7.
• Mills, T. (2010). Is global warming real? Analysis of structural time series models of global and hemispheric temperatures. Journal of Cosmology
• Why do people still believe climate change is fake…
• Is global warming real?
• There is no evidence that ‘global warming’ was rebranded as ‘climate change.’

2. Global Warming Debates Are too Politicized

There’s an opinion that the debates around the issue are too politicized, and people believe in global warming only if they’ve noticed a temperature change themselves.

• Crow, D. (2014). Culture, politics and climate change: How information shapes our shared future. Routledge: New York, NY.
• Hamilton, L. & Stampone, M. (2013). Blowing in the wind. Short-term weather and belief in anthropogenic climate change. Weather, Climate, and Society
• Psychological Factors Help Explain Slow Reaction to Global Warming, Says APA Task Force
• Do people “personally experience” global warming, and if so how, and does it matter?
• Why Seeing Is Believing—Usually—When It Comes to Climate Change
• A Growing Majority of Americans Think Global Warming is Happening and are Worried

3. We Need to Understand the Causes

Global warming is a complex issue, and it is acting with many other environmental problems. Factors causing global warming are divided into two categories: human activities and natural causes.

• Ring, M., Linder, D., Cross, E., & Schlesinger, M. (2012). Causes of the global warming observed since the 19th century. Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, 401 – 415
• Causes of global warming explained
• Global warming solutions explained
• The Causes of Climate Change
• Causes of Global Warming; Encyclopedia Britannica

4. Decision-makers Need to Do Something

The consequences of global warming should motivate decision-makers to act immediately. Climate change legislation has permeated international political discourse. The approaches of developed and developing countries differ a lot. Overall, the number of climate laws continues to multiply.

• Daui, A. (2012). Climate changes in cities due to global warming and urban effects. Geophysical research letters, 37(9)
• Martens, P. (2013). Modeling the impacts of global warming and ozone depletion. Routledge: New York, NY.
• Averchenkova, A. et al. (2021). The impact of strategic climate legislation: Evidence from expert interviews on the UK Climate Change Act. Climate Policy, 21(2), 251-263.
• How and when do we need to act on climate change?

5. We Need to Do Something ASAP

Global warming is the greatest threat of the 21st century. There is no time to analyze who, why, and how causes it. People should unite and start fighting it right away.

• Baby, J., Jini, D. & Ajisha, S. (2011). Fight global warming with genetically altered trees . Asian Journal of Biotechnology, 3(4): 337 – 344.
• Poterba, J. M. (1991). Tax policy to combat global warming: on designing a carbon tax. Global warming: Economic policy responses, 71, 97.
• How can we combat climate change?
• 10 Solutions for Climate Change

Sustainability and Government Resources in Climate Change Fight

Use these sources to write a great essay on global warming.

Need more information about global warming? Continue reading!

📑 Global Warming Essay Outline

If you are looking for ideas for an informative global warming essay, you are at the right place!

A good structure will make your paper readable, persuasive, and reliable. Since global warming is a multidimensional issue, you can be easily distracted from the central idea of a composition. It sometimes happens because there are lots of interrelated and similar sub-topics.

We quite understand that!

A clear plan will help you stick to the initial aim and elaborate on aspects vital to it. You’ll also find all the necessary features for each type of essay under the respective headlines below.

Are you thrilled enough by far?

Let’s get to the point!

Global Warming Introduction Paragraph

First things first! An excellent start will set up a tone for the rest of the essay. You will need a good introductory paragraph for a paper about global warming. It’s not as backbreaking as building a spaceship!

An introduction should include the following points:

• a brief description of your issue
• some background information – to put the reader wise of your further arguments
• a thesis statement

Are you ready to learn the secret of a successful essay?

It is the first sentence of the essay and a tool to grasp the reader’s attention, making them read your paper from the first to the last sentence. For example, you can use a rhetorical question, but it’s the most straightforward way.

Read our recent guide article about narrative hooks and how to use them:

🔗 15 Great Essay Hooks with Samples and Explanations

Let’s see what it can look like.

• A metaphor used as a hook in a persuasive essay sounds powerful:

Heaven on Earth is risking becoming an absolute hell within the current century. Global warming causes animal and plant extinction on beautiful coral reefs and Alpine meadows. And it is not a question of aesthetics only. It is devastating for a considerable number of reasons.

• Striking stats in an argumentative essay is one of the best tools to get the reader’s attention:

Is 20 billion US dollars much to pay for a single drought? Meanwhile, the economic loss due to the 2012 drought in the United States was around that sum of money, making it the most expensive drought in US history. And it is just one of the numerous examples of global warming’s destructive influence on the economy.

• The famous quote has been ironically twisted for a hook in a satirical essay:

California’s definitely not dreaming of that: the state has been suffering from severe wildfires for recent years, not by chance. Forest fires and many other effects of global warming are appearing more frequently.

• Vivid comparison is used in this hook for a synthesis essay:

CO2 is like Tony Montana of the environment-conscious world: evil, notorious, and no one understands him. But is the impact of this gas really so hazardous and terrible, as we are told?

Looks good, right?

Hooks always make your intro fresh and catchy. Don’t be lazy to use them properly.

Main Body of a Global Warming Essay

Now let’s speak about the essential part of the essay on global warming.

No doubt, the central part of your essay depends on the particular type of paper. In all cases, the body paragraphs comprise arguments and evidence necessary for supporting your thesis. Let’s dig a little deeper here!

🏁 Follow this scheme to make your essay excellent:

• take up the first argument
• elaborate on it as much as it’s needed to convince the reader
• switch to the next statement and reveal its importance in the following body paragraph.

Be ready to divide all the information you present! If you have five arguments proving global warming is a human-made phenomenon, don’t compile them into one paragraph.

Sound logic will contribute to your essay and show you as a reasonable and consistent author.

Data for an Essay on Global Warming

Good news for those of you who can’t bear the idea of searching for statistics, data, and figures!

It is optional for some kinds of global warming assignments . However, it’s better to have some reliable information and sources in-store.

Some real-life experience will improve your essay, especially if it’s something that has been in the public eye already, like Greta Thunberg’s protests or Donald Trump’s tweets about warming.

Here is a list of reliable sources you can use to get some data:

• Climate Monitoring; National Centers for Environmental Information
• Datasets and Images; NASA GISS
• Global climate change – statistics & facts; Statista.com
• Maps & Data | NOAA Climate.gov
• Climate Change Data; Worldbank
• Climate Change Indicators in the United States; US Environmental Protection Agency
• UN Stats Open Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub

There is something else about it! Global warming is a pretty controversial subject, despite many people admitting this problem due to climate change. Make sure that you draw valid evidence.

Conclusion of Global Warming Essay

Finally! The icing on our climate change cake, the final touch – the conclusion!

Should it be mentioned there’s no need to introduce any new information in that part?

If you’ve known that already, you are halfway there. Almost. We still have some crucial things in store to remind you.

The conclusion aims to sum up everything that has been said and told in the previous paragraphs. Avoid adding some extra information to the conclusion. Yes, even if you came up with new brilliant ideas only at the end. In that case, go back and try to edit your text and its logic.

It is time to wind up. And the best thing you can do at this point:

• generalize all the facts and arguments,
• suggest a solution or a couple if you found some.

Now you are ready for the climate change topics for your essay!

🗣️ Global Warming Argumentative Essay. Topic Ideas & Examples

We can compare the argumentative essay with serious and formal debates. Aspects to consider when working on an argumentative essay:

• you choose the line which you’d like to defend
• then you start supporting it with solid arguments
• you also remember that just your single opinion is insufficient
• that’s why you add some views which are opposing your own

The global warming argumentative essay includes examples, survey results, references, and research in the body paragraphs. Some statistics while supporting your claims would also help. Your primary goal is to make the reader take up your position on a particular question.

• Human-made catastrophe: Dramatic increase of greenhouse gas content in the atmosphere as a direct result of human activities.
• Climate change as health determinant: Policy brief .
• Are human-generated greenhouse gas emissions too insignificant to change the Earth’s climate?
• Greenhouse effect and global warming .
• What are the reasons to trust those scientists who claim that human activity is not to be blamed for global climate change?
• Climate change and public health .
• The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: The truth about CO 2 contribution to global warming.
• Climate change and energy efficiency in architecture .
• Why is it essential to find alternative energy sources instead of coal-burning power plants?
• Sixteen percent of all global CO 2 emissions belong to the USA: The reasons we should be aware of statistics.
• Wind Energy: Current Status and Future Perspectives on the Energy Market .
• Driving electric vehicles instead of classic fossil fuel ones is an essential step in fighting against global warming.
• Greenhouse gases: Harmful impact on the external environment .
• Should we take the economic collapse in the country seriously due to global warming?
• Argumentative essay about global warming .
• Planting trees, fabric shopping bags, reusable bottles: Fashion trends or natural aid in the battle with climate change?
• Effects of climate change on global health .
• Humanity is getting richer, and the Earth is getting poorer: cryptocurrencies and their immense negative impact on the global warming situation .
• Sustainable lifestyles and eco-friendly living habits should be affordable for all populations to eliminate global warming effects.
• Global warming as costs of environmental degradation .
• The role of such organizations as NOAA : To reduce vulnerability and be prepared is essential due to some dramatic global warming consequences.
• Impact of climate change and solutions .
• Brave new world: We need more alternatives to internal combustion engines.
• Carbon emissions and law .
• Global warming affects the health of all Americans: We are becoming less healthy due to climate change.
• Global warming causes .
• We should stop blaming the sun for the Earth’s heating: The sun has nothing to do with it.

🌍 Global Warming Persuasive Essay. Topic Ideas & Examples

You may be wondering if there is any difference between argumentative and persuasive essays. We’ve already got an answer! When it comes to a persuasive essay, there’s no urgent need for figures and statistics. Just imagine: your own words will be enough if they can call to the reader’s heart and excite vivid emotions!

It is about feelings rather than the mind.

So you just need to know your audience to choose the correct keys. The First-Person Narration and Second-Person Narration phrases, such as “In my opinion” and “ I believe,” are commonly used in this type of paper.

• After us, the deluge: One of the reasons we should act now is the future of our kids.
• Extreme weather patterns and climate change .
• We do too little for the Earth: Immediate international action is urgent to reduce greenhouse gas emanations.
• Climate change’s impact on human living conditions .
• Deforestation is becoming a growing problem: Do we want all these cute forest animals to die out?
• Global warming: Future summers .
• Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth isn’t sufficient for reducing dramatic water shortages.
• Solar energy as an alternative energy source .
• Sunshine State is in danger: The risk of irreversible coastal flooding in Florida due to global warming.
• The Role of Renewable Energy in the Global Energy Budget.
• Every detail matters: How does even leaving the door of your ice-box can contribute to the increase of the Earth’s temperature?
• Discussion of climate change impact .
• A great chance to take up a new hobby: Creating your garden can be fruitful both for you and Earth’s condition.
• Global warming affecting the wildlife .
• The ways we can use our social media platforms to spread awareness of global warming.
• Climate change impact on nature and society .
• Giant arctic mosquitoes are getting bigger: What should the next level of global warming be for us to admit the problem?
• Transforming Waste into Sustainable Energy Source. How Does It Work?
• California’s bad dreaming: Wildfires as a destructive effect of global warming.
• Global warming problem .
• Agricultural collapse: Would you like to pay 100 dollars for a loaf of bread or start acting against global warming?
• Climate change crisis and ocean threats .
• The Northeast of the US demands immediate help: The effects of global warming are becoming more noticeable.
• Climate change: Melting ice and sea-level rise .
• We should spare no expense in saving our planet: The importance of investing in commercial services that fight against global warming.
• Global warming: Human responsibility .
• A clash of titans: How come volcanoes release less CO 2 than humanity?
• Global warming threat .
• Not only rising in level but also more acidic : The changes that seawater faces due to global warming.
• Saving Oceans and Coasts – Top Priority. How Does Climate Change Impact Them?

🖇️ Global Warming Causes and Effects Essay. Topic Ideas & Examples

Cause and effect essay primarily considers two sides:

• reasons why certain phenomena take place
• the impact which they carry

To put it another way, when writing a cause & effect essay , one should observe the interrelation of different things . You should understand what came first and what consequences it brought.

In climatic processes, many aspects correlate.

For instance, if we take global warming itself, we can say it contributes to climate change. Another example: CO 2 emissions are one of the reasons global warming takes place. Mind that your essay may have a greater focus either on causes or on effects.

Here are some good global warming causes and effects essay topics:

• Climate change impact on business activity in Malawi .
• What do the most notorious hurricanes , Katrina and Sandy, have to do with global warming?
• Global warming: Cause and mitigation .
• Methane as a global warming trigger : How does the melting permafrost cause further climate changes?
• Impact of global warming on city expansion .
• Spreading deserts, devastating hurricanes, and lethal heatwaves: Effects of global warming we already face today.
• Global warming, its causes, effects, and prevention .
• How can cows save us from global warming catastrophe?
• Oil Refinings and Gas Processing Effects .
• The interrelation of asthma and global warming: High-level air pollution , pollen-producing ragweed, and other effects prevent us from normal breathing.
• Agriculture and global warming effects .
• Changing migration patterns of lobsters and birds: Are animals just bored with the old routes, or is it the effect of global warming?
• Air Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions .
• Time to change the habits: The effects of global warming on the lifestyle we are used to.
• Anthropogenic causes of global warming .
• Thanks to our ancestors: The real impact of the Industrial Revolution on global warming .
• Global warming effect on temperature and agriculture .
• We must consider a low level of consciousness as one of the fundamental factors which increase global warming.
• Climate change: Primary causes and consequences .
• Approaches of going green and ways of becoming more eco-friendly seem the most effective in fighting global warming.
• Effect of global warming and climate change .

• Transport Industry’s Input to Global Warming .
• Vibrio Bacteria: How are diarrhea and liver diseases linked to global warming?
• Global warming: Definition, causes, effects .
• To be safe and sound or not to be: Anxiety , depression, post-traumatic stress as long-termed effects of climate change.
• Global warming causes and effects .
• Reducing greenhouse gas emanations is admitted to be beneficial for mental and physical health.
• Climate Change Effects on the Arab World .
• Save our food: Global heating is a reason for pathogenic bacteria to multiply and invade our food supplies.
• Causes of global climate change .
• Refugees, homeless , and abandoned children: An unobvious connection between human trafficking and global warming.
• Effects of temperature on global warming .
• Pride of the nation: The impact global warming carries onto US national parks .

💡 Global Warming Opinion Essay. Topic Ideas & Examples

An opinion essay structure can be described briefly in the following way:

• start with rephrasing the initial question
• agree or disagree with it.

If the essay requires you to reveal the degree of your admitting the point, make sure you express it straightforwardly.

When writing an opinion essay , a common mistake is a substitution of the topic or emphasis shift – don’t step off!

• Responsibility zone: Climate change is not a problem for future generations.
• Energy resources: The future of fossil fuels .
• Greta Thunberg effect : A solid proof one can be helpful in the fight against global warming at any age.
• Heaven or hell on Earth: Coral reefs and Alpine meadows may cease to exist because of global warming.
• Climate change and politics of doubt: Expert opinion .
• It is never “too late” to start taking action: The ability of humans to slow the rate of global warming.
• Investing in energy-efficient appliances can be a good help in reducing the human impact of global warming.
• Global climate change .
• “Idle load” : How pulling the plugs in your house can save energy and thus reduce damage.
• Global warming education: Should kids be taught climate change issues since the very childhood?
• Global warming: Speculating about causes .
• Can we consider the good news that the year seasons are still arriving on time as they have in the past?
• Less frequent use of planes can make a big difference in climate change.
• Global warming and climate change controversy .
• The support of your local businesses is an essential step to reducing global warming effects.
• Measuring and mapping: Being aware of global warming hazards can help us prevent many negative impacts.
• Explaining climate science in the modern world .
• Humanity should work on its greed: The signs proving overconsumption contributes to global warming.
• Two dangerous D’s: denial and delay, are the most frequent human vices for global warming.
• Wind: Energy for the future .
• The gaps in infrastructure: We are simply not ready to cover all the expenses caused by global warming effects damage.
• Wind as an alternative energy source : Why is wind power suitable for individual consumption but not for industrial production?

🌞 Global Warming Synthesis Essay. Topic Ideas & Examples

If you have to review several different sources with diverse views, you get a synthesis essay .

The main requirements of a synthesis essay are:

• to explore a compilation of opinions
• to evaluate how they relate to your thesis
• to classify data
• and present it in organic unity

It takes thorough pre-writing work , and you should choose your sources carefully. Spend time examining them to make sure they are valid and ready to use.

• The reasons to rely on scientists’ long-termed climate projections despite the mistakes in the regular weather forecast.
• CO 2 is not the major greenhouse trigger gas: gases we should know about for the whole picture.

• The scientific evidence shows that the globe is warming up and that it’s our responsibility.
• Climate change & global warming: Universal strategy .
• Are natural weather patterns a fundamental cause of increased hurricane activity and other extreme weather events?
• Waste Diversion Programs in Ontario.
• The power of devastation: Which factors have the worst influence on our agriculture and fisheries?
• Global warming: Realities, challenges, and solutions .
• The most effective methods of reducing the effects of global warming that people can implement in their locality.
• The greenhouse effect .
• 20 billion US dollars-cost drought: Economic sectors which suffer from global warming the most.
• The global warming issue .
• The real part of global warming in the disappearance of coral reefs: Is it significant enough?
• Global warming: Threats, pollution and activities to stop .
• You choose what to believe in: Different points of view on CO 2 influence on crops and vegetation.
• Global warming and climate change: Economic aspects .
• Are we moving toward or backward: What are the visible results of the human battle against global warming?
• Definition of weather and climate .
• More advantages or drawbacks: chances that nuclear power is an effective solution .
• Everyday communication surrounding climate change .
• International experience: Measures different countries take to reduce the damage from global warming.
• Changes in the global climate model .
• Which of all everyday products and life items are the least eco-friendly?
• Global warming: Causes, effects, solutions .
• A scientific approach to the problems of climate change and global warming.
• Fossil, clean, and nuclear energy sources .

🦄 Global Warming Myth or Reality Essay. Topic Ideas & Examples

People have always been finding reasons to argue, always!

Some people believe in one thing, and others consider it ridiculous. We cannot blame them, for they have the motives to think a certain way.

Global warming myth or reality essay requires:

• Regarding controversial opinions + doing a little research on them
• Evaluating whether the statement is the truth or a common misbelief.

Due to the diversity of information, there are many debatable topics about global warming.

Have a look at some of them 👀

• Rising levels of atmospheric CO 2 do not necessarily cause global warming: Fiction or truth?
• Climate change: How Exxon misled the public .
• Do oceans and forests absorb human-produced CO 2 : Myth or reality?
• No more threat: Global warming ceased in 1998 – myth or reality?
• Climate change and global warming debate .
• The truth and lies about renewable energy : Is it our future or just a way of money-making?
• Adaptation myth: It’s time to face the truth that not all flora and fauna can fit into the new climate reality.
• Global warming: A review of the evidence ‘pro’ and ‘con’ .
• Vegetarian heaven: Is the meat industry to be blamed for global warming ?
• How come people nowadays live longer than ever before with global warming effects like air pollution?
• Is global warming real ?
• The eco-friendliness of electric cars : Is it a lie that they are better than regular ones since they consume energy anyway?
• Believing that global warming is just about warmer temperature is a large misconception.
• Climate change and global warming: Are they real ?
• Getting rid of oil dependence will save us from fast-paced global warming: Myth or fact?
• The benefits and positive sides of global warming: Are there any?
• The global warming phenomenon debate .
• If the temperature increases by two or three degrees, it will not harm us: A great lie to avoid the truth.
• No time to die, no time to live: Why thinking that it’s too late to take action is a myth .
• Myth or reality about drinking water : If glaciers melt, will we stop suffering from water shortage?

🎭 Satirical Essay on Global Warming. Topic Ideas & Examples

A satirical essay has to be seasoned with a nice portion of irony. The purpose is to point out vices and wrong opinions without being offensive.

Here are four practical tools for creating satire:

• irony – you can use words in their opposite meaning to create an ironic tone
• hyperbole – or exaggeration, can highlight a point you want to deliver to your reader
• understatement – the exact opposite of hyperbole
• allegory – use symbols to express your points.

Although climate change is a severe and acute issue, you shouldn’t feel guilty for playing around with it. Humor can be a great assistant in delivering a complicated point.

Our satirical essay topics on global warming:

• Denial as a magic power: Can you cancel global warming using Twitter?
• If I can’t see CO 2 emissions with my own eyes, it means there’s no danger!
• Why do we need this ozone layer if we have many other pleasant things like deodorants and air fresheners?
• How come I still need a warm coat in winter and can make a snowman if global warming is on?
• Volkswagen cheating on emissions systems testing .
• Should we get back to our roots and replace cars with horses to reduce CO 2 emissions?
• Eternal summer : Global warming is an excellent solution for all these ugly winter overcoats.
• The Climate Action Plan as “harmful and unnecessary policy”: Should we get to action despite the US leaving the Paris climate agreement?
• What are renewable energy sources, except for heat and wind , that you haven’t been aware of?
• Natural resource curse: why do some countries avoid it while others are unable to?
• Yes, we know that climate change is a global issue, but can we put all the blame on China anyway?
• Zero waste and less consumption ? No, global warming is just too big of a problem for me to even bother.
• In case you didn’t know that extinct animals and plants don’t belong to renewable resources, you know now.
• If we don’t handle the overpopulation of cities, we’ll have to deal with overpopulation in cemeteries eventually.
• Climate refugees in Bangladesh and America .
• A couple of reasons why animals and plants shouldn’t be sacrificed to save the “supreme” creation.
• If getting cooked to death by the world isn’t your greatest dream, you should start considering global warming an issue.
• Backup planet: Global warming is not an issue anymore since Elon Musk has already been working on Mars colonization .

Turns out to be not so difficult, huh?

Now with these examples of global warming essay topics, you’ll master the art of writing papers!

Anyway, we hope you read all of them; there’s plenty of breathtaking information and facts. Let’s discuss them in the comment section!

Below are some additional sources for your inspiration.

🍀 Good luck, and don’t forget to close the faucet!

• NASA: Climate Change and Global Warming
• Global warming and climate change effects: information and facts | National Geographic
• 9 questions about climate change you were too embarrassed to ask | Vox
• Global warming frequently asked questions | NOAA Climate.gov
• Global Warming 101 – Definition, Facts, Causes and Effects of Global Warming | NRDC
• Understanding the Global Warming Debate | Forbes
• Climate Change Questions & Answers | The Nature Conservancy
• What are climate change and global warming? | WWF
• Climate Change | ProCon.org

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112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

What’s covered:, how to pick an awesome persuasive speech topic, 112 engaging persuasive speech topics, tips for preparing your persuasive speech.

Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

When it comes time to select a topic for your persuasive speech, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options to choose from—or your brain may be drawing a completely blank slate. If you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect topic, don’t worry. We’re here to help!

In this post, we’re sharing how to choose the perfect persuasive speech topic and tips to prepare for your speech. Plus, you’ll find 112 persuasive speech topics that you can take directly from us or use as creative inspiration for your own ideas!

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

It’s much easier to write, research, and deliver a speech about a cause you care about. Even if it’s challenging to find a topic that completely sparks your interest, try to choose a topic that aligns with your passions.

However, keep in mind that not everyone has the same interests as you. Try to choose a general topic to grab the attention of the majority of your audience, but one that’s specific enough to keep them engaged.

For example, suppose you’re giving a persuasive speech about book censorship. In that case, it’s probably too niche to talk about why “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouldn’t be censored (even if it’s your favorite book), and it’s too broad to talk about media censorship in general.

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have you already heard a persuasive speech topic presented dozens of times? If so, it’s probably not an excellent choice for your speech—even if it’s an issue you’re incredibly passionate about.

Although polarizing topics like abortion and climate control are important to discuss, they aren’t great persuasive speech topics. Most people have already formed an opinion on these topics, which will either cause them to tune out or have a negative impression of your speech.

Instead, choose topics that are fresh, unique, and new. If your audience has never heard your idea presented before, they will be more open to your argument and engaged in your speech.

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

For a persuasive speech to be engaging, there must be a clear side of opposition. To help determine the arguability of your topic, ask yourself: “If I presented my viewpoint on this topic to a group of peers, would someone disagree with me?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve chosen a great topic!

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what it takes to choose a great persuasive speech topic, here are over one hundred options for you to choose from.

• Should high school athletes get tested for steroids?
• Should schools be required to have physical education courses?
• Should sports grades in school depend on things like athletic ability?
• What sport should be added to or removed from the Olympics?
• Should college athletes be able to make money off of their merchandise?
• Should sports teams be able to recruit young athletes without a college degree?
• Should we consider video gamers as professional athletes?
• Is cheerleading considered a sport?
• Should parents allow their kids to play contact sports?
• Should professional female athletes be paid the same as professional male athletes?
• Should college be free at the undergraduate level?
• Is the traditional college experience obsolete?
• Should you choose a major based on your interests or your potential salary?
• Should high school students have to meet a required number of service hours before graduating?
• Should teachers earn more or less based on how their students perform on standardized tests?
• Are private high schools more effective than public high schools?
• Should there be a minimum number of attendance days required to graduate?
• Are GPAs harmful or helpful?
• Should schools be required to teach about standardized testing?
• Should Greek Life be banned in the United States?
• Should schools offer science classes explicitly about mental health?
• Should students be able to bring their cell phones to school?
• Should all public restrooms be all-gender?
• Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
• Should everyone be paid a living wage regardless of their employment status?
• Should supremacist groups be able to hold public events?
• Should guns be allowed in public places?
• Should the national drinking age be lowered?
• Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
• Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
• Should the government be able to control the population?
• Is the death penalty ethical?

Environment

• Should stores charge customers for plastic bags?
• Should breeding animals (dogs, cats, etc.) be illegal?
• Is it okay to have exotic animals as pets?
• Should people be fined for not recycling?
• Should compost bins become mandatory for restaurants?
• Should electric vehicles have their own transportation infrastructure?
• Would heavier fining policies reduce corporations’ emissions?
• Should hunting be encouraged or illegal?
• Should reusable diapers replace disposable diapers?

Science & Technology

• Is paper media more reliable than digital news sources?
• Should automated/self-driving cars be legalized?
• Should schools be required to provide laptops to all students?
• Should software companies be able to have pre-downloaded programs and applications on devices?
• Should drones be allowed in military warfare?
• Should scientists invest more or less money into cancer research?
• Should cloning be illegal?
• Should societies colonize other planets?
• Should there be legal oversight over the development of technology?

Social Media

• Should there be an age limit on social media?
• Should cyberbullying have the same repercussions as in-person bullying?
• Are online relationships as valuable as in-person relationships?
• Does “cancel culture” have a positive or negative impact on societies?
• Are social media platforms reliable information or news sources?
• Should social media be censored?
• Does social media create an unrealistic standard of beauty?
• Is regular social media usage damaging to real-life interactions?
• Is social media distorting democracy?
• How many branches of government should there be?
• Who is the best/worst president of all time?
• How long should judges serve in the U.S. Supreme Court?
• Should a more significant portion of the U.S. budget be contributed towards education?
• Should the government invest in rapid transcontinental transportation infrastructure?
• Should airport screening be more or less stringent?
• Should the electoral college be dismantled?
• Should the U.S. have open borders?
• Should the government spend more or less money on space exploration?
• Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
• Should nuns and priests become genderless roles?
• Should schools and other public buildings have prayer rooms?
• Should animal sacrifice be legal if it occurs in a religious context?
• Should countries be allowed to impose a national religion on their citizens?
• Should the church be separated from the state?
• Does freedom of religion positively or negatively affect societies?

Parenting & Family

• Is it better to have children at a younger or older age?
• Is it better for children to go to daycare or stay home with their parents?
• Does birth order affect personality?
• Should parents or the school system teach their kids about sex?
• Are family traditions important?
• Should parents smoke or drink around young children?
• Should “spanking” children be illegal?
• Should parents use swear words in front of their children?
• Should parents allow their children to play violent video games?

Entertainment

• Should all actors be paid the same regardless of gender or ethnicity?
• Should all award shows be based on popular vote?
• Who should be responsible for paying taxes on prize money, the game show staff or the contestants?
• Should movies and television shows have ethnicity and gender quotas?
• Should newspapers and magazines move to a completely online format?
• Should streaming services like Netflix and Hulu be free for students?
• Is the movie rating system still effective?
• Should celebrities have more privacy rights?

Arts & Humanities

• Are libraries becoming obsolete?
• Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
• Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
• Is it ethical for museums to keep indigenous artifacts?
• Should digital designs be considered an art form? 
• Should abstract art be considered an art form?
• Is music therapy effective?
• Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?
• Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
• Should euthanasia be allowed in hospitals and other clinical settings?
• Should the government support and implement universal healthcare?
• Would obesity rates lower if the government intervened to make healthy foods more affordable?
• Should teenagers be given access to birth control pills without parental consent?
• Should food allergies be considered a disease?
• Should health insurance cover homeopathic medicine?
• Is using painkillers healthy?
• Should genetically modified foods be banned?
• Should there be a tax on unhealthy foods?
• Should tobacco products be banned from the country?
• Should the birth control pill be free for everyone?

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can  use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original persuasive speech ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Do Your Research

A great persuasive speech is supported with plenty of well-researched facts and evidence. So before you begin the writing process, research both sides of the topic you’re presenting in-depth to gain a well-rounded perspective of the topic.

Understand Your Audience

It’s critical to understand your audience to deliver a great persuasive speech. After all, you are trying to convince them that your viewpoint is correct. Before writing your speech, consider the facts and information that your audience may already know, and think about the beliefs and concerns they may have about your topic. Then, address these concerns in your speech, and be mindful to include fresh, new information.

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, have someone read it to check for areas of strength and improvement. You can use CollegeVine’s free essay review tool to get feedback on your speech from a peer!

Practice Makes Perfect

After completing your final draft, the key to success is to practice. Present your speech out loud in front of a mirror, your family, friends, and basically, anyone who will listen. Not only will the feedback of others help you to make your speech better, but you’ll become more confident in your presentation skills and may even be able to commit your speech to memory.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to write a powerful, unique persuasive speech. With the perfect topic, plenty of practice, and a boost of self-confidence, we know you’ll impress your audience with a remarkable speech!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024]

Persuasive essay writing is a popular assignment for students in high school and college alike. This is not surprising. After all, it is a basic of the learning process. However, finding ideas for such a task isn’t easy, especially if you’re looking for higher persuasive essay topics.

One of the subjects that requires you to write such a paper is higher English. To pass this class, you have to deal with and compose quite tricky texts. Thus, if you are studying this subject, you will have to be ready to face many writing challenges.

This is why our team has created a list of the most fruitful ideas for academic writing. For your convenience, we divided the higher English persuasive essay topics into several sections. So, navigate our page, look through all the examples, and make your search even more effective.

❓ What Is Higher English?

• 💭 How to Choose?
• 📎 For High School
• ✒️ For College
• 📖 Literature
• 🙊 Controversial Issues
• 🏫 Education
• 🗳️ Politics
• 💭 Philosophy

📃 References

If you’ve studied in any country other than the UK, you may be wondering what higher English is. Is it a course? Is it a level? Well, in this section, we dive into the definition of the phrase.

Higher English is a course typical for the UK, particularly for England and Scotland. It investigates the English language and literature on a deep level.

It can be taught both:

• as an independent subject
• alongside other higher science programs

Developing a portfolio is one of the requirements for completing an advanced higher English course. It takes 30% of the overall grade. Thus, folio plays a vital role in accomplishing the course. For a successful portfolio, students have to write two texts, no less than 1300 words each. Composing them, they have to use creative and discursive writing techniques.

Generally, higher English is focused on advancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following:

• use complex language;
• apply literature knowledge in everyday life;
• understand the core of language operation.

Students are required to write an impressive number of persuasive essays. Here is where they may face difficulties with the appropriate topic selection.

We will not let you worry about that.

You can find a list of useful higher English persuasive topics created by our team on our page. Take a look at it and choose the most exciting idea for your essay!

💭 How to Choose a Persuasive Topic for Higher Folio?

A higher folio has to include a persuasive essay in it. Therefore, first, let’s figure out what it is.

A persuasive essay is one of the types of discursive essays. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a particular situation. Discuss a problem or issue is essential to its purpose.

Now, let’s narrow down the focus:

What is the nature of persuasive writing? It is a writing technique that aims to convince readers to accept the author’s point of view. Moreover, it often includes a call to action. It motivates the audience to take specific steps to achieve the desired result.

Be careful there! Learn how to distinguish an argumentative essay from a persuasive one.

An argumentative essay is often based on a consistent explanation and logical reasoning. It shows the readers the writer’s point of view, yet doesn’t call them for any action. In contrast, a persuasive essay relies on emotions and expressions of personal opinions. A perfect way to see those differences would be by going to an essay examples database that certainly would contain a variety of paper types.

Now, let’s move to the issue of an effective selection of a persuasive topic for higher English. Our team prepared some useful tips for you. Don’t hesitate to use them.

• Keep your goal in mind. The persuasive essay aims to present all the arguments that can convince the reader that the writer is right. So, choosing a topic, pick the one that you can elaborate on and persuade in.
• Choose the essay idea wisely. Ensure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the tutor who will check and grade your paper. You’re writing for them.
• Make sure to have enough resources. Evaluate whether there is enough information on the topic so that you can write a compelling essay. Check the possible trustworthy sources for the evidence that you’ll use in the paper.
• Show your best side. Consider whether you can demonstrate your skills, composing on the chosen idea. Remember that you’re writing an essay for your portfolio. You may want it to look as perfect as possible and highlight your strengths. That is to say, see if you can elaborate on the topic.
• Compose a strong introductory paragraph. An introduction is crucial because it grabs the reader’s attention and presents a thesis. Think of a strong thesis statement and whether you can come up with one. If you cannot compose a powerful thesis statement, better choose a more successful topic.
• Don’t choose an overused topic. Determine the originality of your idea and your willingness to write about it. Try to google persuasive essay examples and figure out what topics are the most common and widely used. Based on your observations, come up with a unique issue and surprise your readers with it.

⭐ Top 12 Higher Persuasive Essay Topics

• Unions are important.
• Zoos are unacceptable.
• Paper books are obsolete.
• Graffiti is art.
• We will live on Mars.
• English is universal .
• Plastic bags are useful.
• Cloning is unethical.
• Student uniform is obsolete.
• UK schools are better.
• Most effective propaganda techniques.
• Internships should be paid.

☝️ Amazing Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics

Just like any other assignment, an essay may be of different degrees of complexity. This is how we divided our higher English persuasive essay ideas into several sections.

So don’t waste your time. Go to the corresponding section and select the most appropriate topic.

📎 Higher English Topics for High School

A subject of higher English may seem very unfamiliar and bizarre at school. Being unprepared for the complexity of the course can scare you. Pupils get extremely confused when it comes to the topic search.

You are lucky:

We prepared a list of exceptional topics for middle school and high school students. Feel free to use it. Be prepared to face any challenges of the higher English course!

• The significance of literacy .
• Football has a direct impact on the culture of England.
• Foreign languages should be taught in every school.

• Both abstinence and safe sex should be taught in high schools.
• School uniforms should be mandatory to maintain discipline.
• People should quit smoking .
• Eating disorders among teenage girls is an issue that shouldn’t be underestimated.
• Motivation theories are incredibly effective in education .
• Self-esteem plays a crucial role in students’ health condition .
• Alcohol negatively affects adolescent health , so their parents should monitor alcohol consumption by teens.
• Children and teenagers should not be silent about domestic violence .
• The government should ban sports betting.
• We should drink enough water.
• The minimization of a generation gap is crucial for a healthy relationship in a family.
• Drug tests should be mandatory for high school sportspeople.
• A gap year is a great idea . Convince your readers about the usefulness of taking a gap year after finishing school. Prove the rightness of your position by providing strong arguments. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide well-developed counterarguments.
• Alcohol consumption in the UK. The government of the UK should introduce measures to limit alcohol consumption. We have to avoid possible adverse ramifications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Prove your point of view by providing strong arguments.
• Studying in the United Kingdom is a great experience. What are the positive sides of gaining an education in the UK? Convince your readers to study the UK.
• A grade does not reflect students’ knowledge. Give your readers a clear explanation of why grades do not demonstrate a student’s performance in the class. Persuade them to pay more attention to education. You might believe that grades reflect a student’s academic performance. Then, support your position by providing counterarguments.
• Violent video games should be banned . What are the possible negative consequences caused by video games? Prove your audience the necessity to ban violent video games.

✒️ Higher English Topics for College

The majority of UK colleges require their students to take the course of higher English. Therefore, you need to be ready. Difficulties caused by this subject should not be your worry.

Since we care about college students, we gathered persuasive essay ideas in one place. So, if you are seeking help, you are on the right page! Scroll through our topics and chose the most appropriate for you.

• Cheating during college exams should be strictly punished because it is demoralizing.
• The benefits of active listening are crucial in demonstrating high performance in the workplace.
• Students’ time management strategies should be taken into consideration by every student.
• Sleep is essential because deprivation affects college students’ academic performance.
• Should fast food qualify as ‘food’?
• A healthy lifestyle and eating should become the norm for every person.
• Alternative energy sources are crucial for saving the planet.
• A family should promote mobility, not limit it.
• We have to implement specific strategies to combat the sexist language.
• Communication skills are essential in a successful business leading.
• Teaching deaf children how to read is a vital part of deaf kids’ mental development.
• Parents should control the impact of TV cartoons on their children’s behavior .
• Community services for mentally disabled people should be highly-developed.
• Recycling should become mandatory.
• Businesses should invest money in innovations.
• Genetically modified food should not be a threat to the population. Give a clear explanation of why GMO products are safe to consume. If you disagree with the statement, provide strong counterarguments to prove your position.
• Should smoking be banned in public places? Decide on whether it should be prohibited on not and prove your position. Your arguments should support only one side of the issue. Don’t stay somewhere in the middle.
• We should expand the legal age for getting a driving license in the UK . Explain why 17 years old adolescents are not mature enough to drive a car. If you don’t agree with the statement, provide counterarguments to prove the rightness of your point of view.
• E-books should not replace paper books. Express your position regarding this statement. Provide clear arguments or counterarguments to prove your point of view.

• English language learning should be mandatory in every country. The main idea of the essay: English is a global language. Support this statement and persuade the readers about the significance of English knowledge in the modern world.

💪 Persuasive Essay Topics: Advanced Higher English

If you are a university student in Scotland, you will be familiar with higher English. You may have to be ready for an advanced one as well.

Choose the most appropriate idea among a wide variety of persuasive essay topics about Scotland. Although the task is quite challenging, you don’t need to worry. Consider our list of cool essay topics. With it, you will write an outstanding paper without any struggles.

• Gender equity issues in work practices should be considered while creating a healthy working environment.
• The application of social concepts and theories is a part of the general well-being.
• Functionalism, conflict, and interactionism are the most significant aspects of sociological theories .
• Data collect regarding customer should be considered as a future of e-commerce.
• Scotland’s tourism products and destination identity develop the tourism market economy.
• Organizational behavior issues and theories are vital in leading a successful business.
• ICT impacts curriculum development and reforms in the United Kingdom to a great extent.
• Public sector financial management plays a crucial role in the general well-being of the country.
• Scottish routes company establishment is a turning point in the online marketing platform development.
• The city authorities should prevent senior citizens’ abuse .
• Women’s rights violations should not exist in modern society.
• Freedom of speech, religion, and religious tolerance are the fundamental concepts of modern civilized society.
• E-Commerce adoption results in wise business positioning. How will e-commerce help to increase the dynamics of any business? Convince your audience about the significance of e-commerce by providing strong arguments.
• Human rights play a vital role in public opinion-making. Support this idea with well-developed arguments and examples. If you disagree with the statement, provide compelling counterarguments to prove the rightness of your opinion.
• Globalization ruins the cultural heritage of the nations . Comment on the impact of the world globalization on the national identity of every country. Persuade the readers to preserve the national culture of their home countries.

👍 Good Persuasive Essay Topics for Higher English

Our team’s main aim is to help the students in all the possible ways. So, we decided to develop one more method to divide the academic essay topics.

Look through the sections, decide what is the most suitable for you, and choose a fascinating essay topic. An essay idea search has never been so easy, right?

💬 Persuasive Essay Topics on Language

Language is one of the most potent tools for communication within one nation and internationally. Moreover, it carries the cultural identity of the country, preserving a spirit.

The topic of language is too diverse and has a lot of aspects to discuss. Consequently, professors of higher English course usually give essays on it.

The section Topics For Persuasive Essay UK will provide you with a wide variety of ideas. Don’t waste your time! Choose an appropriate topic for your paper right away.

• Language influences our attitude to a great extent.
• Sexism is present in the English Language.
• Language and communication are two different concepts .
• Language has a direct influence on cognition.
• Shakespeare affected the modern English language to a great extent.
• To understand how language operates, we should first examine English Language Evolution .
• Multilingualism should be accepted and encouraged in modern society.
• Accents and dialects are the critical components of language intervention.
• The teachers should learn linguistics.
• The change in languages over time is harmful to the nation.
• Scottish Gaelic and Goidelic Celtic languages should not have been restricted in the 16th century.
• Text autocorrect negatively influences the level of literacy and language knowledge.
• We should consider Scots Gaelic as a separate language from Irish.
• English should become an official international language.
• Body language can say more than verbal communication.
• Joking or expressing love in a foreign language is harder than in a native one . Either support or contradict this statement by providing appropriate examples and clear arguments.
• The implementation of one universal language is a bad idea . Why and how it can impact the national diversity of the world? Prove the importance of preserving national languages.
• The Scottish language will soon disappear. Conduct research on the usage of Scottish nowadays. Is it very wide-spread? How many people know and use it in everyday life?

• “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being.” – Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Develop this thought by providing strong arguments and examples. Persuade your readers about the importance of foreign language learning.
• Irish language learning should become mandatory in the educational institutions of Ireland . Explain the significance of the Irish language for the population of Ireland. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide clear counterarguments to prove your position.

🙊 Persuasive Essay Topics on Controversial Issues

• Is attention deficit disorder a real disorder?
• To deal with girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system , girls need to receive more attention than boys.
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• LGBTQ+ communities should have equal rights all over the world.
• Adoption, childlessness, or reproductive technology – which one is the most effective and ethical?
• Abortion should be legalized for underaged girls.
• Should smoking tobacco be classified as an illegal drug?
• Are surrogacy and its effects on families harmful for children?
• Should student diversity be present in a school classroom?
• Tuition fees should become lower.
• Should homelessness become a concern of city authorities or governmental representatives?
• Should the death penalty be legalized in the United Kingdom?
• Should sex education become mandatory in all high schools in Scotland?
• The mental health of employees should be a concern of employers.
• Health care should be free.
• Should women develop a career and have a stable income before giving birth to kids?
• Should the production and selling of energy drinks be banned? Explain the harm of energetics on the health of a human being. Decide whether energy drinks are worth consuming. Persuade the readers about the rightness of your position by presenting strong arguments.

• Suicides among male teen homosexuals: harassment, shame, or stigma? In your opinion, what is the main reason for suicides among them? Support your position with clear evidence and appropriate examples.
• Does studying abroad result in better education? Analyze the positive and negative aspects of gaining higher education abroad. Express your own opinion regarding this issue and convince your readers about your rightness.
• Should birth control be monitored on a governmental level? Why is birth control crucial in modern society? What are the religious, cultural, and political aspects of birth control? Explain the link between birth control and gender and sexuality issues. Support your opinion by providing well-structured arguments.

🏫 Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

• The college students should be ready to face challenges and pressures.
• There is a strong correlation between wearing a school uniform and academic performance .
• Sex education plays an essential role in preventing teenage pregnancy.
• Student diversity in school classroom influences the educational process in a positive way.
• The curriculum approaches in England and Scotland differ to a great extent.
• At university, acquiring skills is more significant than getting grades.
• Cheating on college exams is demoralizing.
• Could electronic cigarettes help university students give smoking up?
• Athletes that represent educational institutions should receive scholarships covering their tuition fees.
• In schools, we should teach colorblind children what colors are.
• Art oriented activities like drama clubs, music lessons, and handicraft classes are essential for the all-round development of children.
• A university should be a dry campus. Comment on the negative influence of alcohol on the learning process. Persuade your readers about the importance of controlling alcohol consumption while being a student.
• Single-sex schooling in education is effective. Convince the readers about the effectiveness of single-sex education by providing strong evidence. If you don’t agree with the statement, express the opposing position. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

• Online education cannot fully replace the regular one . Compare and contrast these two ways of gaining knowledge. Provide clear arguments to prove the significance of attending educational institutions. Explain why having in-class discussions is crucial for students’ development. Do you believe that regular education is replaceable by the remote one? Then provide counterarguments to support your position.
• The internet has a negative influence on the educational process . How the internet stops the mental development of kids, teenagers, and grown-ups? Persuade readers to limit internet usage while studying.

🗳️ Persuasive Essay Topics on Politics

• To prevent the adverse effects of corruption, we should eliminate its causes.
• The political parties of the United Kingdom are way more reliable than in the United States .
• Human rights should not intervene in public opinion-making.
• Politics and religion interdependence impacts the general political situation of a country.
• Political freedom is a significant key to the general well- being of modern society.
• Terrorism should not be used as a political instrument.
• Civil disobedience in contemporary society is a massive threat to civilians and governments.
• International humanitarian law is a useful tool to reduce the hazardous effects of military conflicts.
• The royal family is the indicator of the UK political system’s uniqueness.
• We should protect the confidentiality in the health care system.
• The voting system should be fair and transparent.
• The COVID-19 outbreak of 2019-2020 has a direct influence on international political relations.
• Scotland would not be a stronger country if it existed independently from the UK. What are the benefits for Scotland of being in a political union with the United Kingdom? Persuade your readers in a mutually beneficial economic and political cooperation.
• Brexit happened against Scotland’s will. Elaborate on the wish of the Scottish population to remain the part of the European Union. Prove that the negotiation of the conflict between England, Wales, and Scotland was not diplomatic enough.
• The retirement policy of the UK should be changed. What are the main weaknesses of the current British retirement system? Give your suggestions on how it can be improved. Convince your readers in the usefulness of the retirement policy modifications.

💭 Persuasive Essay Topics on Philosophy

• Dystopia idea in movies and novels influences people’s perception of life in a negative way.
• Philosophy ideology of success and failure plays a vital role in reaching high results.
• Suicide conflicts with moral philosophy and human values.
• Classic philosophical problems embodied in films can help people in dealing with them.
• We cannot ignore the philosophy of critical issues in today’s society .
• Spiritual and physical journeys play a vital role in human life.
• The philosophy of religion helps people to dive deep into their beliefs and values.

• Unethical treatment of animals contradicts the moral concepts of philosophy.
• From the philosophical perspective, heroism should be considered as a dedication to principles.
• Specific philosophical values help develop resilience in the face of adversity.
• Should human rights be violated if it may help the life of a person?
• Abortion should be band because it contradicts the ethical ideas of humanity.
• In the battle well-paid job vs. vocation, vocation should win . Explain the philosophy of vocation. Persuade the readers to follow their hearts when it comes to a choice of profession.
• Philosophy Issue: Truth vs. Happiness. While choosing between these two notions, what would you select? Persuade your audience about the rightness of your position by presenting well-structured and clear arguments.
• Philosophy plays a significant role in education . Convince your readers about the importance of philosophy while gaining knowledge. In case you don’t agree with the position of philosophy in school, present the opposing opinion. Provide counterarguments to support your ideas.

🗿 Persuasive Essay Topics on History

• The black death disease should be perceived as one of the most horrible pandemics that hit the medieval world.
• Industrial Revolution in England opened a new era of technical advancement.
• The conditions of the working class in England is one of the causes of the industrial revolution.
• Great Britain Empire’ Alliances led to the break out of the European Great War.
• Enlightenment and Romantic Age pushed the development of the British culture forward.
• History of Celtic Christianity has a direct impact on the development of religion in the UK.
• The provisional Irish republican army is one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations.
• The British ideal of an orderly world shaped the world we live in today.
• English Civil War has a direct impact on American colonists.
• The Wars of the Three Kingdoms formed the history of modern England, Scotland, and Ireland.

• Elizabeth II -is the legend of contemporary world history . Provide a brief overview of the queen’s achievements. Convince the readers about the uniqueness of Elizabeth’s II as a historical figure.
• The Great Fire of London is one of the darkest events in British history. Comment on the terrific outcomes of the tragedy. How did the fire impact the economic situation in the entire county?
• Oxford University is the place where ordinary people turn into upstanding figures . Introduce three of the most influential alumnae of Oxford University. What was their input in the scientific development of the UK? Prove the crucial role of Oxford University in the British educational system.
• William Wallace is a person who successfully fought for Scottish independence . Elaborate on his role in British history and prove the importance of his actions.
• History, culture, and language of Wales directly influenced the development of the United Kingdom. Give a brief overview of Wales formation starting from the ancient times and mowing to the 21st century. Prove the connection between Wales and the UK historical and cultural progress.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope our article was insightful and full of useful ideas. Don’t forget to share it with the other students!

• Higher English, Course Overview and Resources: SQA, Scottish Qualifications Authority
• Higher English: Planit National Qualifications
• The Complete Guide to English-Language Certificates: Preparation Courses Portal
• How to Create a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay: Amy Mahoney, Pen and the Pad
• 434 Good Persuasive Topics for Speech or Essay: My Speech Class
• Senior Fiction Suggestions for Advanced Higher English Dissertations: Senior Reading by Subject, Shetland Library
• Persuasive Essay Examples: AcademicHelp.net
• Choose Bright Persuasive Essay Topics 6 Main Steps: Persuasive Papers
• Strong Thesis Statements: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University
• Basic Steps in the Research Process: North Hennepin Community College
• How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Esther Lombardi, ThoughtCo
• Persuasive Essay: Writing Resources, Hamilton College
• Persuasive Writing: Read Write Think
• Distinguishing Argumentation from Persuasion: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
• Find Your Argument: Australian National University, Canberra
• Argument: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• What Is an Essay: Library University of Leeds
• Counterargument: Gordon Harvey (adapted from The Academic Essay: A Brief Anatomy), for the Writing Center at Harvard University
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This is so helpful, I’m going to use some of these topics with my students!

Thank you for your feedback! We greatly appreciate it!

The Civic Educator

15 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

Controversial issues can be a great way to get your students engaged, and they also make perfect persuasive essay topics.

Whether your goal is to explore the controversial issue itself or to teach the mechanics of persuasive writing, controversial issues and persuasive essays go hand in hand.

In order to write a good persuasive essay, you need to feel passionately about an argument. Having a good prompt and a good issue let’s you do that.

The flip side is that to show you really understand a controversial issue, you have to make an argument about it. A persuasive essay is the perfect summative assessment to see whether a student really understands the issue and can articulate their opinion.

Below, I’ll share a list of 15 persuasive essay topics and writing prompts that you can use with your class. If you scroll down to the bottom, I’ll also wrap up with some other methods and resources that can help you teach these controversial issues and how to write argumentative essays.

List of Persuasive Essay Topics and Writing Prompts

So, without further ado, here’s a list of questions that would make great writing prompts for a persuasive essay.

Should the Government Ban or Regulate Indecency on Television?

This is a controversial issue as old as the airwaves. As long as there’s been radio and television, there have been arguments about what is acceptable and what is obscene.

If you’re studying constitutional law or taking AP U.S. Government, you’re probably familiar with George Carlin and his famous “ Seven Dirty Words ” bit. But for the average student, this persuasive writing topic is still relevant.

Think about the music you hear on the radio. What is bleeped out? Why do we have “dirty” and “clean” versions of hit songs? Why are some television shows allowed to curse, be violent, and have nudity, while others don’t?

You could definitely take this broader topic and make it more specific and timely by relating it to a current hit song or television show that your students are in to.

But however you phrase it, whether or not the government should regulate indecency on television is a great persuasive essay topic.

Should Voters Be Required to Show Identification?

For the last few years, this has been an increasingly hot topic as individual states have moved to implement various forms of voter ID laws. On the face of it, this sounds reasonable, but underneath the surface there are arguments about voter suppression and exclusion.

Is voter fraud a problem that needs to be dealt with? An answer to this question should likely depend on some research about the extent to which people are impersonating voters to enter the voting booth.

What kind of ID should be required? Different types of ID have different requirements to obtain them, and so this choice matters to.

Finally, how do you deal with the potential for discriminatory exclusion? Some people – the elderly, the young, low income – are more likely to not have ID, and for some people it can be a financial burden to secure the documentation necessary to get an ID.

Here’s a great, short NY Times Op-Doc video about the issue, which leans more to the “against” side of voter ID laws .

This ongoing policy debate about Voter ID laws makes for a great argumentative essay topic.

Should Race Be a Factor in Admissions to Universities?

Affirmative action has been a controversial issue for decades. Initially, the debate was over whether or not strict racial quotas were an appropriate way to make up for centuries of discrimination and segregation.

These early forms of affirmative action were struck down by the Supreme Court in Regents of the University of California vs Bakke , but other forms of affirmative action survived. Bakke affirmed that universities could use race as one factor in their admissions, and universities have been trying to strike the proper balance since.

A few years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in again – in Fisher v. University of Texas – and upheld more holistic processes designed to ensure diversity. But in the aftermath of Fisher , a group of students have brought a case against Harvard that is likely destined to find itself at the Supreme Court soon.

Which begs the original question – is it appropriate for a University to use race as a factor in admissions in order to guarantee diversity of its student body?

Should the Government Limit the Amount of Money Spent on Political Campaigns?

The influence of money in politics is another issue that has been fought out in the Supreme Court over the last 50 years. Money in politics is nothing new, and there are plenty examples of its corrupting influence in the early history of the United States.

But since the 1970’s, the federal government has struggled to strike a proper balance between regulation and free speech. Early campaign finance laws sought to restrict spending, and that was ultimately overturned. More recently, McCain-Feingold (aka BCRA) tried to funnel campaign spending into committees that have strict disclosure and contribution regulations.

Much of that came to an end with Citizens United , and since 2010 there has been a renewed surge of “dark” money in politics. So there’s really two parts to this question – a) should there be restrictions on how much money people can contribute and/or spend and b) does the public have a right to know who is contributing money to whom?

One way or another, the question of campaign finance is a great persuasive essay topic.

Should the Government Publicly Finance Campaigns?

Related to the previous question, you might also use this question as an argumentative essay prompt – should the government avoid the influence of money altogether by publicly funding campaigns?

There are some examples to look at. In 1974, the federal government set up a Presidential Election Campaign Fund, and candidates can use it to get matching dollar amounts if they agree to certain restrictions. But since Citizens United , the program has largely fallen out of favor.

New Jersey is one of several states with a public funding option for gubernatorial campaigns, and Arizona and Maine have more comprehensive systems offering public funding for state legislative elections. But these laws have also been challenged in court, and part of Arizona’s public financing law was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2011.

A simple version of this persuasive essay topic would focus on whether or not the government should publicly finance campaigns, while a more complex version might touch on how the government could do it in a way that withstood judicial scrutiny.

Should the United States Intervene When Foreign Dictators Use Chemical Weapons on Their Own People?

This is a more narrow version of the general question – should the United States intervene in foreign countries or mind its own business?

In some historical cases – like World War II and the Holocaust – it seems pretty obvious that intervention is a good idea. But in the present moment, it’s a little harder to identify that dividing line.

There have been a number of recent cases along these lines – Syria, Iraq, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Students will likely have a huge range of opinions on the issue, with some being fiercely isolationist and others advocating intervention on the slightest chance of abuse.

This is one of my favorite persuasive essay topics because it links up so directly with a theme that I talk a lot about in class – conflict. Read more about teaching with themes here.

Should the Federal Government Raise the Minimum Wage to $15 per hour?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been there since 2009. With the Fight for $15 movement is gaining steam around the country, this would make a great persuasive writing topic.

What once seemed kind of crazy is slowly becoming more realistic. First, some progressive cities took the lead, like Seattle. Now, some states are following suit – including New Jersey and Illinois.

Of course, there’s still plenty of pushback against this idea and a national minimum wage hike doesn’t seem to be in the cards in the near future. But a student could certainly take a side and stake out an argument – and maybe even send it to their legislature.

This is another one of the persuasive essay topics that relates directly back to a major theme in social studies – this time the theme of economics, and whether or not the economy is fair. Read more here about essential questions related to economics.

Should Congress Require Annual Standardized Tests in Schools?

Here’s another essay topic that’s particularly relevant for students. Every student knows the pain of testing – in fact just this morning, I spent several hours proctoring the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA).

Testing has been around a long time, but the frequency of it increased – and was required nationwide – after the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (aka “No Child Left Behind”). Congress took another look at the issue with the next reauthorization – the Every Student Succeeds Act – but they ended up leaving the testing mandate alone.

So what do your students think? Ask them and have them write an argumentative essay about it.

You could also put a twist on this question by focusing on the use of tests as an exit requirement. There’s no federal mandate for this, but some states do require students to pass a standardized test to graduate. For older students, this surely a topic about which they’ll have an opinion.

Should the United States Grant Asylum to Refugees?

This is another age old question that has taken on new relevance. From the beginning of its history, the United States took in people who could be considered refugees. Historically, the greatest test of this question may be the Holocaust, and early on the United States failed that test.

You can watch this PBS Frontline episode, Forever Prison , to learn about the plight of Haitian refugees to the United States in the 1990’s. More recently, there are refugees looking to come to the United States from the Middle East and from Latin America. If your students spend any time watching the news, they’ve surely heard something about this.

This topic could revolve around what people are fleeing from. Should we only accept refugees from religious persecution and human rights abuses? What about crime or poverty? Or natural disasters?

It’s a complex question that gets to the heart of the immigration policy debate – and makes a perfect argumentative essay prompt.

Should the Government Have Access to Encrypted Devices and Communications Platforms?

The topic of government surveillance pops up in the news from time to time. Under Bush, there was the warrantless wire-tapping, the use of phone metadata, and the FBI snooping on e-mails.

More recently, this question focuses on access to encrypted communication platforms – like WhatsApp. To your students, these are probably just convenient ways to chat with each other. But to people with security concerns, they’re also a way to make sure that no one is listening in on their conversations.

There could be some good reasons for that. There could also be some bad reasons. Apparently terrorist groups like ISIS have used these encrypted communication platforms to plan attacks, which begs the question – should the government have some kind of backdoor to get in?

Some students will shrug this off and think it’s no big deal, while others will probably react with quite a bit of concern.

Should the Federal Government Permit or Ban the Death Penalty?

This is a good argumentative essay topic to use in conjunction with the Bill of Rights. The Eighth Amendment says no cruel unusual punishment – which should mean no death penalty, right?

Of course, there’s a historical angle to this. The death penalty was widely accepted in 1789, so you can make an argument that the Eighth Amendment doesn’t forbid it.

But there’s also the angle of justice and equity. In the 1970’s, through a series of court cases, the death penalty was deemed arbitrary and capricious – because it tended to be used more against certain offenders (i.e. African Americans).

This led to some reforms, and some states have continued to use the death penalty. Texas is leading the way on that front. Other states, however, have banned it, while others have put a moratorium on executions because of concerns over the method of execution.

Should Hate Speech Be Protected by the First Amendment?

This is another great writing prompt to use with the Bill of Rights, and it’s one that’s sure to elicit strong reaction from your students.

Supreme Court caselaw has held that speech – even hate speech – is protected by the First Amendment. A pivotal case in this vein was Brandenburg v. Ohio . In that case, the Court decided that speech could only be limited if it created an imminent danger, not because it was hateful.

Another way to frame the question is to focus on social media platforms. Recently, Facebook, Twitter, and other companies have come under fire for allowing White Supremacists to share various forms of hate speech on their platforms. One could then make a connection to any number of violent incidents throughout the country (or the world).

So if the government can’t regulate hate speech because of the First Amendment, does a platform like Facebook have an obligation to do so? Great topic for a persuasive essay.

Should the Government Send a Manned Mission to Mars?

I love space, so this question really appeals to me. Fifty years ago, people might have thought JFK was crazy when he planned to send a man to the moon. I’m sure there were plenty of heated debates about that.

Today’s frontier is a bit further away, but is it any more crazy? Sure, there are some technological leaps that need to be taken before it’s possible. But in the early 1960’s, putting a man on the moon may have seemed crazy, too.

But it’s an important question for the space program. What’s next? Back to the moon, on to Mars, or something else? Or should we just hang out on Earth for a while and try to fix what we’ve got here?

Maybe it’s the science fiction fan in me, but I just think this is a great topic to think about. I’d love to see what students would write about this in an argumentative essay.

Should the Federal Government Have to Balance the Budget?

This is a question that should come with a heavy dose of economics and economic policy. But it’s one worth asking. It could also be a good vehicle for teaching some of these concepts that might otherwise seem boring and wonky.

You could also connect this back to history. When you teach about the early years of the nation and Alexander Hamilton’s role as the Secretary of the Treasury, there’s undoubtedly something that comes up about the National Debt. Instead of talking about that in historical isolation, you can connect that today and think about the current federal budget.

This is also back in the news this week, with moderate Democrats (i.e. the Blue Dog Coalition backing a concept that has traditionally been more closely associated with Republicans. Perhaps it’s a blip on the national scene and the topic will fade away, but if it’s in the headlines why not use it as a persuasive essay topic?

Should the Voting Age be Lowered to 16?

We’ll end with this one because it has a direct impact on students. Should teenagers be allowed to vote?

A few years ago, this might have sounded crazy. But over the last few years there have been several municipalities that lowered their voting age to 16. At the federal level, Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduced an amendment to a bill on federal election reform that would have lowered the age for participation in Congressional and Presidential elections.

There’s also a historical angle to this question. Once upon a time – not all that long ago – you couldn’t vote at 18. To today’s students it may seem like a fait accompli , but the 26th Amendment that lowered the voting age was less than fifty years ago. At the founding of the country, some states required voters to be as old as 25.

So let students wrestle with this writing prompt in an argumentative essay and put together an argument for (or against) lowering the voting age.

Other Methods and Resources for Teaching Controversial Issues and Persuasive Essays

A big piece of teaching how to write a persuasive essay is the topic, but – especially with controversial issues – it also helps to teach some background about the topics.

One place you can look for resources for these questions is C-SPAN’s Classrooms Deliberations . These are in depth lessons on current policy debates that come scaffolded with C-SPAN videos and other resources. Some of these questions are featured in these Deliberations lessons, and this can be a great place to find the factual resources your students need to write good arguments.

Two other methods that you could think about using with these controversial issues are Take a Stand and A/B Writing . With the Take a Stand activity, students arrange themselves on a continuum based on how they feel about a question. With A/B writing, students choose a statement to agree with and write down their reason for choosing it. Either method is a great way to get students to start thinking about a topic that’s going to turn into a persuasive essay.

Finally, a lot of these issues are things that are debates that are playing out in the country right now. If you follow the news, you’re bound to hear about many of these issues on a weekly basis. Better yet, if you teach current events on a regular basis in your class, you can have your students relate what they’ve learned in the news to these essays. Here are some resources on how to use CNN10 to teach current events in your class .

Which Issue Have You Used From These Persuasive Essay Topics?

Have you used one of these topics in your class? How did you students respond?

Do you have another controversial issue that you’ve used as a topic for a persuasive essay? What was it?

Drop a line in the comment below and share with our readers.

1 comments on “15 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues”

• Anna H. Smith
• November 27, 2020

I really appreciate this website. I have learned some inciteful writing information. I feel strongly that I can go forward with the information that I have gained from this post. Great persuasive controversial essays you have shared. Thanks very much.

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  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 reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• 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?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• 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.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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

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