persuasive essay controversial topics

The Civic Educator

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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.

100 Engaging Controversial Essay Topics

When students are asked to write an argumentative paper, they start with looking for controversial argumentative essay topics. It’s a good decision: if you succeed in finding something great to write about, you stand more chances at getting a satisfying grade. But despite knowing this, making a choice is not easy. For one thing, you should have a clear idea of what a controversial essay even is. It is a genre of writing where you present an opinion others could dispute and prove its validity as well as accuracy. In other words, you pick a subject that causes arguments among society members, voice your point of view, and work hard to prove it by relying on scientific evidence.

In the long run, you’ll benefit from completing a fair number of similar essays: you’ll understand what it takes to participate in debates and how to defend your position. The choice of topic is tough since while there are many potentially interesting things to discuss, only some of them will be to your liking, and even fewer will be something you understand well enough to argue about. We’ll be glad to show you how to approach the choosing process and how to settle on the best theme possible.

How to Pick Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College

At times, students are given a list from which they should pick their essay topics. This is a frustrating experience since they don’t get a right to really choose the topic they like. But fortunately, it doesn’t happen often, so if you are studying at college, you can expect to be given a free reign. Four tips below will show you how to go about picking an essay topic for a controversial paper.

Go through things you find engaging. Good controversial topics for essays are the ones that evoke some intense feelings in you. They could be positive or negative, but in any way, they should be something that makes you want to speak up. Recall the arguments you had online or with your friends and family recently. Maybe you saw something in the news and got angry? Did you read an article that got you passionate about the discussed topic? It could be anything, so think carefully.
Play a choosing game. If you have some essay ideas in mind but cannot settle on any of them, try a choosing game. This could also work in case you haven’t decided on anything at all yet. Pick a place, sit there, and note down everything you see or hear. Assign numbers to these things, and then ask a friend to choose one. Such an approach is fun, and it’s an easy way to arrive at a decision regarding your topic.
Check sources. When preparing for essay tasks, your first question should be, what are some controversial topics to write about? The second question should concern sources. Whatever subject you selected, it should be supported by credible resources that are peer-reviewed and have a DOI. Having an opposing position could be great, but if you are the only person who shares it, it’ll create some difficulties. Academic essays should be supported with some evidence, so your analysis cannot be performed merely based on your opinions. If you cannot locate trustworthy sources, better choose another topic.
Discuss with the supervisor. Once you made a decision, consult with your professor. They could give you valuable advice or warn you against some topics. If you are moving in the wrong direction, they will let you know in advance so that you wouldn’t waste your time for no reason.

100 Top Controversial Topics to Write About

There are many classical ways of choosing between topics on debatable issues, but with the evolution of the Internet, things have become much easier. You can search for online lists with suggestions, and they’ll give you the inspiration you need. We prepared this kind of list just below. There are ten popular topic categories there, with ten diverse themes in each. Take whichever you like best!

Controversial Essay Ideas on Education

Here are some traditional controversial argument topics related to education. All students will likely find them relatable!

Education Gained in the US Has Lost Its Prestige
The Importance of Doing Homework Diligently Is Overestimated
Education Has become Redundant Today Because You Can Find a Job Anyway
Governments & Universities Should Pay Full Tuition For All Their Students
Physical Punishments for Children and Animals Should Be Made a Crime
Minors Should Have the Right for Purchasing Condoms
Children Should Be Taught About Different Kinds of Sexuality From Early Age
Parents Should Never Supervise Their Children’s Online Actions
No Student Should Ever Be Expelled From Educational Establishments
Competitions Among Students Encourage Hurt and Feeling of Inadequacy

Controversial Essay Prompts on Technology

Technological progress has changed our lives to a profound extent. These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this.

iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone
Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families
Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights
Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care
Youth Depend on Technology Too Much & Become Helpless in the Process
No One Should Be Punished for Saying Anything Online
GPS Poses Serious Threats to Privacy & Safety
Most Surveillance Cameras Should Have Better Level of Quality
Internet Helped Queer Community Meet New People
Cancer Rates Have Increased Due to Technological Developments

Controversial Topics for Philosophy Essay

Philosophy is a dreamy but also precise science, so you could find some good controversial topics to write about here.

Some Universal Truths Are Actually Falsehoods
We Underestimate Philosophy Because We’re Scared of Its Truth
Existentialism Is Caused By Flawed Social Expectations
Feminism Has Turned Into a Movement of Violence & Bigotry
Some Problems Do Not Have Any Resolution
Not All Mysteries Should Be Solved by Humans
Every Person Should Be Allowed to Rebel Against Government
Being Loved Is More Important Than Loving
Emotions Could Be Hindrance to Having Successful Life
Animals Do Not Differ From Human Beings In Any Relevant Aspects

Controversial Essays Ideas About Environment

Environment is a sphere that always fuels fierce debates. There is a big number of great controversial arguments topics here.

Humans Should Be Forbidden to Eat Animals
Recycling Must Be an Obligatory Part Of Every Person’s Life
No Country Could Be Allowed to Have Nuclear Weapon
People Who Actively Work to Protect Environment Should Receive Money For It
Companies Who Break Environmental Laws Should Be Stopped from Operating
Current Air Quality in Big Cities Is Unacceptably Bad & This Issue Must Be Resolved
Alternative Fuels In Their Current State Are Not Effective
Deserts Should Be Forcefully Turned Green Areas
Global Warming Is More Dangerous Than We Believe
Preventing Pollution Under Current Conditions Is Not Realistic

Science, Biology, and Health Topics

When writing controversial topics essay, these days, scientific and medical spheres are definitely among the most popular ones.

Assisted Suicide Must Be Officially Permitted in All Countries
Deadliness of COVID Is Overstated
Food Created With Science Is More Useful Than Natural Food
Some Illnesses Will Never Be Cured
People Producing & Selling Alcoholic Beverages Must Be Imprisoned
Biology Should Be Taught in All Schools From the First Year
Eugenics Should Not Exist for Perfecting People
GMO Is Not As Dangerous as We’re Led to Believe
Fish Can Feel Emotional Attachment to Their Owners
Science Is Not as Precise as We Think

Religious environment is relevant for many people, so it has plenty of controversial argumentative essay ideas.

The Fact of Life Existing After Death Could Be Proven Scientifically
Idea of Humans Evolving From Animals Is Not Sustainable
Religion Kills More People Than It Saves
Bible Has Been Written by Multiple Individuals
People Should Be Allowed to Pray to Whichever God They Believe In
Religion Is Not Based on Science
Faith Is the Most Important Part of Life
Violence Promoted by Religions Should Partly Discredit Them
Words of Prayers Do Not Matter: Only Feelings Behind Them Do
Stereotypes About Religions Unleash Violence Among People

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Controversial Essays Topics for Law and Politics

Controversial writing topics about justice and politics never end, considering how passionate everyone feels about them. Everyone wants the best for their country, so why not explore ways of achieving this in an essay?

Death Penalty In Its Present Form Is Useless
Death Penalty Is a Useful Method of Fight Against Human Monsters
Multiculturalism Fuels Tolerance in the Society
American Women Have Equal Opportunities with Men
Electronic Voting Is Ineffective: Too Much Cheating
Gun Control Is Not as Relevant as It Is Presented
Free Journalism No Longer Exists
Racist Allegations Are Often Exaggerated
Hate Crimes Should Automatically Receive Death Penalty
Presidents Who Allow Wars to Break Out Must Be Removed from Power

Current Events

The world is constantly undergoing changes, so unique controversial essay topics about it are in perpetual supply.

Amount of Taxes People Pay Does Not Correspond to Benefits They Get
Concept of Fashion Is Invented Solely by People
Trump Should Have Never Been a President in US
Trump Brought Positive Changes to Some Parts of the World
World Has Become Too Demanding & Unfair to Still Live in It
Mental Health Therapy Should Receive Additional Funding Due to COVID Impacts
Quarantine Measures Should Be the Same in All Parts of the World
People Should Be More Caring In These Difficult Times
Food Should Be Made Free During COVID
Rich & Poor People Should Be Treated in Equal Conditions

Prompts on Entertainment

How about some fun and easy controversial topics about things that work as distractions from everyday worries?

Violent Games Do Not Affect People Playing Them Negatively
Modern Ads Could Be a Form of Art
Fiction Is the Best Way to Distract Yourself From Troubles
Media Should Be Regulated More Strictly
Having Fun Is Essential for Mental Health
Modern Entertainments Are Dangerous & Should Be Modified
Nobody Falls In Love at the First Sight
Entertainment Is Not to Blame For People Becoming Addicted
Reality Shows Create Impossible Expectations
Home Alone Is Still an Excellent Movie

Controversial Essay Ideas For College Students

College essays are more complex than those in high school, but they are also easier than those at universities. If you are a college student, take a look at these good controversial essay topics.

Teenagers Should Be Allowed to Work Whenever They Want
Teens Should Not Be the Ones Paying for Their Education
College Students Do Not Need Cars Because They Are Not Prepared to Drive Them
Internet Addiction Is a Myth in Most Cases
Students Should Not Expect That They Will Find Love in College
Gender Expectations Among Students Are Not Equal
Serving the Military Is Romanticized to a Dangerous Degree
Sororities and Fraternities Must Be Forbidden in the US
Polygamy Is Vastly Misunderstood in Modern Society
Love is Portrayed in Harmful Ways in Fiction

Controversial Essay Topic Ideas to Transform Your Writing

As you can see, topics are vital. You should pay extra attention when choosing them because your final success depends on it. Take your time and think carefully. In case nothing comes to your mind right away, try utilizing the tips we offered above. Still, we understand that writing is a tricky process that could be frustratingly difficult. If you have any questions, contact our support team via our website. They’ll be happy to help you with your problems! Whether you’d like us to guide you or write an essay in its entirety, we can do that. Drop a message and tell us what needs to be done. Your unique controversial essay on an original topic will be delivered on time.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

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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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best controversial topics for debates and essays.

General Education

Controversial topics are a good choice for an essay or debate because they immediately draw in the reader or listener. The adage that “controversy sells” is so rooted in society that even the rapper Chamillionaire named his second album after it! Controversial issues are also a good topic because it’s easier to write a strong thesis and find sources to back up your argument . After all, when something is controversial, everybody wants to have their say over it.

However, it’s also important that you address controversial issues with sensitivity and care. Because controversial topics tend to raise emotions, you must walk a thin line between opinion and fact in order to build trust between you and your reader/listener.

In this article, we’re going to give you the best controversial topics you can use for essays and debates—and we’ll explain the controversies for you, too! We’ll also discuss when to use controversial topics, the pros and cons of choosing a controversial issue, and tips for making sure you’re treating a controversial topic with sensitivity and respect.

That’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

Controversial topics are issues that can really get people up in arms. (Yes, it's a dad joke. No, we're not sorry.)

What Are Controversial Topics?

If you’ve flipped on a television lately, you’ve probably seen people on the news arguing different sides of an issue. (Occasionally, these arguments can get pretty emotional!) When you see this happening, there’s a good chance that the people you’re watching are discussing a controversial topic.

Controversial debate topics include subjects that create strong differences of opinion. They are issues that can affect politics, society as a whole, individuals on a personal level, the environment, or any other area of life that people feel strongly about. Additionally, controversial issues often have no clear answer because people’s feelings and personal beliefs are often strongly involved.

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Using Controversial Topics in Essays or Debates

It might be tempting to pick any old controversial topic and run with it. Not so fast! While controversial topics definitely give you a lot to talk about in an essay or debate, there are some definite drawbacks to dealing with hot-button issues.

Here are the pros and cons you should consider before deciding to use a controversial topic in your work.

Pro #1: It’s Usually Easy to Find Sources

Everyone wants to have their say on controversial topics, which is great when you need sources to include in your paper! A quick library or Google search will turn up tons of information. It can make that part of writing (or preparing for a debate) much easier.

Con #1: It Can Be Hard to Find Good Sources

When you Google a controversial source, the results can be overwhelming. While you’re probably going to have tons of hits, they'll be from a wide range of sources like social media, personal blogs, podcasts, and message boards (like Reddit and Quora). Just because something appears high in a Google result doesn’t make it a good source that you can site in a paper or speech.

Good sources are ones that are written by credentialed authors (they are experts in their field) and include reliable, cited evidence. A good place to find good sources are scholarly databases, like JSTOR and ProQuest, since the articles on these databases have been vetted by other experts before they are published. Reputable news outlets can also be good resources, too.

Pro #2: It’s Easier to Talk About Things That Interest You

If you care about a topic you probably already know a little bit about it. This is especially true for many controversial issues. After all, they tend to be controversial because many people have opinions on them! If you pick a controversial issue that’s near and dear to your heart, you’ll find that you have a lot to say about it.

Con #2: It’s Hard to Keep Your Emotions In Check

If it is a topic you care about a lot, you probably already have strong opinions formed. But in order to build trust with your reader/listener and to be accurate, you need to use neutral language so that your reader/listener can draw their own conclusions based on your work. While it’s tempting to call people out or get heated, those are both pitfalls you should avoid .

Pro #3: Controversial Issues Capture Attention

Tackling a subject like mass incarceration, the death penalty, or abortion is a good way to get your audience to sit up and take notice. People want to hear your opinion to see how it does—or doesn’t—match their own.

Con #3: You Open Yourself Up to Criticism

On the flip side, if your argument doesn’t align with their beliefs, the people reading or listening to your argument may criticize your opinion or belief because it is not the same as theirs. You’ll have to spend extra time making sure you’ve created a strong argument since people have often spent more time thinking about a controversial topic and are better able to challenge your position.

How to Pick Good Controversial Topics for Teens

When picking what topic to write about, it’s important that you pick a good strong topic that is relevant and that has an amount of easy to find good sources. When deciding on a topic, try to keep these tips in mind!

Tip #1: Choose a Topic That Interests You

It’s easier to work on a subject you enjoy. Don’t use a topic you find boring or have no interest in. Write about a topic you are passionate about, since your own interest will shine through in your writing or speech. Also, when you pick a topic you like, the assignment can actually be fun. Imagine that!

Tip #2: Be Passionate...But Not Too Passionate

Stay away from topics where you might be too passionate about one side since it can be tough to distance yourself enough to see both sides of the argument. You’ll want to know what good arguments the other side has so that you can defend your position against them. If you're too passionate about a subject, you might miss key details that help you defend your position. Every side has good points—that’s why there’s an argument in the first place!

Tip #3: Make Sure There’s Hard Evidence

Pick a topic where there’s evidence, not just a “he said, she said” kind of thing. Avoid arguments that don’t have any facts or figures backing them up or they are entirely opinion based. Examples of topics that are controversial but lack compelling evidence include government conspiracies or theories that have been proven false, like the Earth being flat or that pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn’t).

Tip #4: Know Your Audience

If you are writing about controversial debate topics, ask yourself who it is you are trying to persuade. Is it your teacher? A certain segment of the population? If you know who your audience is, you can better tailor your argument to hit on the points they care about.

For example, say you’re writing an essay about how teacher’s unions are unnecessary. If your audience is your teacher—who's probably in a union!—you’re going to have to work harder to prove your point since they’re more likely to be in favor of unions. (You’ll also need to make sure you’re being fair and respectful to avoid offending your teacher. We’ll talk more about how to do that in a minute.)

In the example above, knowing your audience can (and should) change the way you write your argument in order to make it as persuasive and convincing as possible.

Tip #5: Narrow Down Your Topic

Make sure your topic is broad enough that you have plenty of information sources to choose from but narrow enough that you aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of information. An easy way to narrow a broad topic is to limit it to a time period or geographical location. For instance, let’s say that you want to write an argumentative essay about climate change. Climate change covers a lot of ground, so you could narrow it down to only writing about climate change in the last 15 years. You could narrow it down even more by writing about how climate change has affected a small geographical location, like California or your own city, in the last 15 years.

Gun control is a perennially controversial topic in the United States.

The Best Controversial Topics of 2019

Here are some of the most controversial topics discussed this year. Many of these issues are evergreen topics, which means you’ll be able to find plenty of information for them!

These are topics related to current political subjects both in the US and abroad.

Is Brexit a good or bad idea?

In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to settle the question of whether or not they should leave the European Union. Proponents of Brexit argue that leaving the EU would save money for the nation as they would no longer need to pay a membership fee to the EU. Opponents argue that the UK will lose money due to new trade restrictions.

Did Russia interfere with the 2016 Presidential Election?

After Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election , there were several investigative reports published that suggested that Russia used targeted Facebook ads to encourage people to vote for Trump , and Russia may have been the ones who hacked the Democratic National Convention. Trump supporters have been quick to rebuff this claim, arguing that the election results reflect the will of the American population. However, those who are anti-Trump argue that Trump did not legitimately win the election and that the results were due to Russian interference. They cite the fact that Hilary Clinton had a larger popular vote than Trump to support this.

Should there be stricter gun control?

The United States has experienced more than 200 mass shootings in 2019, and each new incident brings up controversial questions about gun control. Those in favor of gun control argue that more gun laws would reduce gun deaths. Those against gun control argue that the Second Amendment protects their right to own guns and any legislation for stricter gun control would be unconstitutional.

Should America allow illegal immigrants to become American citizens?

As more and more immigrants arrive at America’s borders, the debate over immigration becomes even more heated. On the pro side, people argue that illegal immigrants help the economy by paying taxes and that most immigrants came here as asylum seekers, which is legal. Opponents argue that these immigrants have crossed the border illegally and that a large portion of these immigrants are violent criminals and should be sent back to protect American citizens.

Should the death penalty still be allowed?

Many states have done away with the death penalty, yet some states still support it. Many have questioned if the death penalty is a moral, ethical, and effective way to deal with crime. On the pro side, the argument is that the death penalty acts as a deterrent to crime and can help bring closure to families affected by heinous criminal activity. On the con side, the argument is that it violates the 8th amendment and that sometimes innocent people have been put to death.

Should abortion be allowed?

Recently, several states have enacted new legislation limiting access to abortion. The pro-choice/pro-abortion side argues that women should be allowed to control their bodies without any interference from the government or religious authority. The pro-life/anti-abortion side argues that abortion is murder and inflicts pain and suffering on the unborn fetus. They are also opposed to Roe vs. Wade , a court decision that made abortion legal in the United States.

Should doctor-assisted suicide be allowed?

In January of 2019, Hawaii will join six other states in enacting Death with Dignity laws for patients with terminal illnesses . However, unlike in countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and the Netherlands, doctor-assisted euthanasia is still illegal according to US federal laws. Many believe it should also be legal on the federal level. Those for doctor-assisted suicide argue that allowing those with chronic pain or terminal illnesses to end their lives is a compassionate act that relieves their suffering. Those opposed argue that it violates the Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm,” and allowing euthanasia is a slippery slope that will lead to doctors deciding who is worthy of life and who is not.

Should the government legalize recreational marijuana?

As of 2018, there are 11 states that have legalized recreational marijuana: Alaska (2014), California (2016), Colorado (2012), DC (2014), Maine (2016), Massachusetts (2016), Michigan (2018), Nevada (2016), Oregon (2014), Vermont (2018), and Washington (2012). Legal marijuana proponents argue that the War on Drugs was a failed initiative that unfairly affected minority communities,and that marijuana isn’t any worse for you than drinking alcohol. Those against legal marijuana argue that the drug is addictive and leads to a higher percentage of school dropouts, car accidents, and crime.

These are topics based on current controversies happening in the scientific field.

Are humans causing global warming?

As the polar ice caps continue to melt, people question whether or not human activity is responsible for raising the temperature of the Earth . Proponents of this idea argue that due to human-generated waste and carbon dioxide, we are responsible for this rise in temperature. Opponents argue that the earth has gone through many warming and cooling cycles and that human activity is not to blame.

Are GMOs good or bad?

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of controversial questions raised by GMO, or genetically modified, crops. Those in favor of GMOs, which stands for genetically modified organisms, argue that without genetically modified crops and animals, there would be food shortages; they also argue that GMOs have been around for millennia. Those opposed to GMOs argue that GMOs could be the cause of the rise of cancers and that the pesticides needed to grow GMO crops contribute to pesticide-resistant pests.

Will work done on artificial intelligence eventually lead to our demise?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more sophisticated, which raises questions about the ethics and eventual outcome of creating artificial intelligence . Proponents believe artificial intelligence will keep us safer and solve many of the world’s problems; but opponents believe that developing AI might not be ethical, they ask whether or not robots programmed with AI count as conscious beings and should be given rights, or if AI will eventually lead to humanity’s downfall.

Should we allow gene editing on human beings?

2017 saw exciting advances in the science of gene editing with the arrival of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing method. However, it’s also raised some controversial debate topics regarding the ethics of allowing gene editing. Gene editing proponents argue that gene editing will allow us to cure genetic diseases and prolong life. But opponents argue that the technology will create more social inequity because only the rich will be able to afford it. They also argue that editing the genes of human embryos is tantamount to playing God.

Are self driving cars really safe?

In 2018, a car accidentally ran over and killed a pedestrian as she was crossing the street in Tempe, AZ. Despite this, driverless car manufacturers like Tesla and transportation companies like Uber argue that driverless technology is ultimately safer than human piloted transportation. This is due to the fact that driverless cars would feature many sensors and safety features whereas human drivers have a tendency to get distracted or sleepy while driving, and some may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are many pro and con arguments about the controversial issues related to driverless technology , which makes this a great controversial topic for essays and debates!

Should anti-vaxxers be forced to vaccinate their kids?

Recently a measles outbreak has spread throughout Europe. According to the World Health Organization, there have been at least 40 measles-related deaths associated with the outbreak. Many blame anti-vaxxers, or parents who believe vaccines cause autism and other illnesses, for the spread of this disease. Those who are pro-vaccine argue that vaccines save lives and by not vaccinating their children , anti-vaxxers are putting others at risk. Anti-vaxxers argue that vaccines can cause serious side effects like autism, seizures, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. They also argue that getting vaccinated is a personal choice that should be respected by the government.

Do we really need a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

In April of 2016, the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation, which is designed to protect EU citizens’ personal data. Proponents for the GDPR argue that it will prevent the number of wide-scale data breaches and hacking that occurs on a day to day basis. Opponents argue that the GDPR doesn’t do enough to protect data and that it will negatively impact the economy because of the fines that will be enforced if a company fails to comply with GDPR guidelines.

Should we grow our meat in a lab?

Recent advances in technology have allowed scientists to experiment with lab-grown, edible meat that doesn’t require animal slaughter. Supporters of lab grown meat claim it is better for the environment and does away with the moral issues surrounding animal husbandry, including animal abuse and inhumane farming practices. Opponents claim lab grown meat may have adverse health effects on people who eat lab-grown meat, especially since the technology is so new. Opponents also argue that lab-grown meat could end the farming industry and put thousands of people out of work.

Uber is great when you need a lift...but does it treat its employees fairly?

Society & Culture

These are current topics that involve our day to day lives.

Should transgendered people be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice?

Earlier last year, North Carolina passed a law that prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice based on their expressed gender rather than their biologically assigned sex . The “bathroom bill” is the first of its kind to specifically address the issue of transgender public restroom access. Proponents for the bill argue that allowing biological males and females to use the same restroom will lead to a higher percentage of sexual assault and was a risk to public safety. Opponents argue that the bill is discriminatory.

Is it still okay to use UBER?

In 2017, UBER was rocked by claims of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and false advertising. The hashtag #DeleteUber went viral in January 2017, and many users and drivers boycotted the company. This situation raises two controversial questions. First, what rights do contract workers have in this new, emerging gig economy ? And second, is UBER the victim of cancel culture , or do customers have an ethical obligation to boycott companies with shady practices?

Cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation? What’s the difference?

Katy Perry has been criticized for her 2017 music video "This Is How We Do” because the singer wore cornrows in her hair. Many have claimed the appearance of a Caucasian woman with a traditionally black hairstyle is cultural appropriation . These opponents argue that because people of color have been discriminated against for wearing traditionally black hairstyles, white women who sport the same hair styles profit from it. However, some argue that without cultural appropriation, many elements of minority cultures have become popularized, like rap music and R&B .

Should we give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance?

In 2017, comedian Louis CK was accused of sexually harassing his female colleagues . Since these accusations went public, Louis CK has tried to rehabilitate his image, and h e has since publicly apologized. But this raises the question of whether we should give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance if they seem to have learned their lesson.

Is social media ruining society?

According to a 2018 survey, approximately 70% of Americans use at least one social media site including Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter . Those in favor of social media argue that it promotes a sense of community and helps create social interactions. But social media detractors argue that sites like Facebook or Reddit waste time, trigger mental illnesses, and encourage dangerous bullying.

Should people get fired for what they say on social media?

Recently, James Gunn, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy , was fired by Disney because there were several tweets on his Twitter feed they believed were offensive. He is not the only one, either: Roseanne was fired by Netflix after she made an offensive tweet towards politician Valerie Jarrett. This has raised some controversial questions, like whether someone be held professionally accountable for what they say on social media . Proponents for social media accountability argue that what someone posts on social media is a reflection of who they are as a person. Opponents argue that posting on social media is protected by free speech and that the context of the posting should matter.

Is the #MeToo movement helping or hurting women?

The #MeToo movement began in 2017 with a series of articles that accused Harvey Weinstein of rape and sexual assault. These articles led to Weinstein’s ostracization from Hollywood and eventually led to criminal investigations into his behavior. The #MeToo movement has brought down several powerful men with accusations of sexual misconduct. But some argue the movement has set the feminist movement back by discouraging companies from hiring women due to their fear of lawsuits.

Is Gen Z worse than previous generations?

Someone is always complaining that the generation after them is worse than their generation. As members of Gen Z mature and reach adulthood, they face many criticisms from the preceding generations. For example, d etractors have accused Gen Z of being lazy and introverted. However, others think Gen Z might be the generation that saves the world.

Arts & Entertainment

These are topics that are currently affecting sports, tv, Hollywood, literature, music, and art.

Should movies and television shows be forced to hire more diverse casts?

Hollywood has come under fire for “whitewashing” or the act of casting a white actor when the role should have gone to a person of color. An example of this is when Rupert Sanders, director of Ghost in the Shell , cast Scarlett Johansson as the Asian protagonist Major . Opponents of this practice argue that “whitewashing” takes jobs away from deserving POC actors. However, others argue that art should be free of any restrictions or boundaries .

Should the show 13 Reasons Why have removed its controversial scenes?

In 2017, Netflix released an original show based on the young adult novel 13 Reasons Why , which focuses on the suicide of 17-year-old Hannah Baker. Parents and educators opposed the release of this show due to the fact that it involved several controversial topics for teens such as suicide and rape. But those that support the show have argued that it provided a way to start conversations with teens about these tough topics . Ultimately, Netflix went back and edited out the controversial scenes. This topic gives you the opportunity to talk about whether mature content like suicide and rape is appropriate in shows aimed toward teenagers. You can also discuss whether Netflix’s removal of the offending scenes is the right decision or not.

Should male and female actors make the same amount of money?

In 2018, Hollywood came under fire after the internet learned that Michelle Williams was paid substantially less for her role in “All The Money In The World” than her male co-star, Mark Wahlberg. Some argue that as the bigger star, Whalberg deserved to be compensated at a higher rat e. Others argue that Williams did the same amount of work as Wahlberg and should receive the same amount of pay. This issue plugs into the larger social issue of pay discrepancies based on race and gender.

Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem?

People have started to boycott Nike for their commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick . Kaepernick is a San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has received a lot of press for being the first athlete to kneel during the national anthem in protest the treatment of African Americans and minorities in the United States. President Trump has publicly stated that any athlete who kneels during the national anthem is being disrespectful and should be fired. Yet others defend kneeling during the anthem, regarding it as an expression of free speech that’s protected under the First Amendment.

The 5 Best Tips for Treating Controversial Topics With Sensitivity and Respect

In order to write a good argument and convince your reader/listener to agree with you, you will need to treat your controversial issue with sensitivity and respect. This helps the reader/listener to trust you.

But that can be really hard when you feel passionately about your topic and your opinions! Here are the best tips for making sure you stick to the facts, not the feelings.

Tip #1: Avoid Charged Language

An author is accused of using loaded language when they substitute words with positive or negative connotations instead of using more neutral language. Some examples of this are using the word “superior” instead of better, calling the opposition “stupid,” or using biased terminology (“infanticide” vs. “abortion”). While emotional appeals are a great tool to persuade people to your point of view, when they’re used in the wrong way, they come across as overly aggressive and biased.

Tip #2 : Avoid Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is an error in your argument’s logic because it presents the topic’s information in a deceptive way. Below are some common logical fallacies to watch out for.

Straw Man Fallacy: this is when you ignore your opponent’s real argument and instead argue that your opponent believes something easily ridiculed or proved false.

Slippery Slope: this is when you argue that something seemingly benign will lead to an unlikely extreme.

Generalizations: generalizations are statements about an idea that do not have any facts to support them. They tend to play into stereotypes and often rely on exaggerations or over the top statements.

For more information on logical fallacies and how to avoid them, check out this resource.

Tip #3: Do Not Attack Your Opponent Personally

This is called an ad hominem fallacy, and is often referred to as “mud-slinging” or “bashing.” When you do this, it implies that the only way you can counter your opponents viewpoints is through personal attacks. (Also, it’s just not cool.) Instead, stick to using facts and figures to show why their argument is wrong.

Tip #4: Avoid Hyperbole, Stereotypes, and Clichés

These are common issues that crop up in argumentative writing that ultimately weaken your position.

Hyperbole happens when you exaggerate. When you use hyperbole, you risk misrepresenting the issue at hand—which is an argument killer. For example, take this statement: “If we don’t stop climate change now, we’ll all be dead in 10 years.” While climate change is definitely a huge risk to humanity, saying everyone on Earth will die in a decade if we don’t fix is a significant exaggeration. It would be better to say something like, “If we don’t start to solve climate change now, we’re risking the livelihoods and safety of future generations.” This is a more moderate statement that you can back up with facts, like scientists’ belief that climate change will put coastal cities underwater.

Stereotypes are oversimplified, misinformed, or prejudiced assumptions held about other people or things. For example, a common stereotype is that all women love pink. (Spoiler alert: they don’t.) While stereotypes like this seem harmless, most are not. For example, a stereotype like the idea that all immigrants are criminals is extremely harmful. Stereotypes are not only false, they make you seem biased and ill-informed.

Finally, clichés are overused or commonplace phrases, themes, or expressions . These are often phrases that have been said so much that they’ve lost all real meaning. For example, the idea that people can “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” is a textbook example of a cliché. Instead, it’s better to explain the idea behind the cliché in more detail. In this case, it would be better to say that people—no matter their station in life—can create opportunities for themselves through hard work.

Tip #5 : Don’t Beat a Dead Horse

Remember that your job is to present them with the facts in an open and honest way. If you have done a good job, your reader or listener will come away with the same opinion as you, or at least more informed. It’s okay to state your opinion in your paper as long as you use other sources to back your opinion up and are fair to the other side. (Also resist the urge to restate your opinion every other sentence—it’s monotonous and doesn’t do much to win your reader over!)

5 Resources for Finding More Controversial Debate Topics

If you’re not inspired by the topics we’ve already mentioned, don’t worry. There are many other controversial topics out there! Here are some other places you can look to find a topic that’s perfect for your essay or debate.

#1: ProCon.Org

You probably noticed that we’ve included links in this article that take you to ProCon.org . That’s because this website is a treasure trove of controversial issues! The website has lists of ideas that they break down into general pro/con lists, and each topic links you research starters.

#2: National & Local News

Much of the modern news cycle is devoted to discussing hot-button topics of our time. If you’re looking for topics related to current events, news sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post will help! Also, don’t discount your local news resources, either. They’ll give you valuable information about what’s going on in your community and how larger, national issues are impacting where you live.

#3: They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (Fourth Edition) by Cathy Birkenstein & Gerald Graff

Writing argumentative papers where you have to pick (and defend) your perspective is a skill you’ll use throughout high school, college, and beyond. They Say/I Say walks you through everything you need to know to write an argument. Even better: the book uses controversial issues as a way to teach writing, so you’ll get expert instruction on how to use them to write an amazing paper.

#4: Documentaries

Documentaries provide more in-depth perspectives on topics—both historical and contemporary—that have shaped the world. A great documentary can give you a thorough overview of an issue, and often they dig into different perspectives around an event, idea, or historical moment. The PBS series, Frontline , is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to look at critically acclaimed films (like The Times of Harvey Milk or How to Survive a Plague ) for inspiration as well.

#5: The Learning Network

The Learning Network , a blog run by The New York Times, is a great resource for students and teachers. They have lots of great resources, and their article on 200 prompts for argumentative writing is amazing for anyone looking for essay or debate topics. The article split into categories by topic and links to articles that can help explain each issue. It’s a great place to find a topic that interests you.

What’s Next?

Controversial topics are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things you can research and write about for class. Check out our list of 113 amazing research paper topics to put you on the path to an A+ paper grade! ( If you’re looking for speech topics or argumentative essay topics , we’ve got you covered, too.)

Researching a controversial topic is just the first step in the argumentative process. You also have to be able to persuade your reader or listener to believe in your point of view. Here are 3 killer tips to help you write an amazing argumentative essay.

Learning how to read critically, come up with an argument, and communicate it is one of the fundamental skills you’ll need to tackle the writing portions of the SAT and ACT. To make sure you’re prepared, check out our step-by-step guide to the essay portion of the SAT ( and the ACT ).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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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.

Get Pro Help and Boost Your Grades!

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.

100+ Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics to Challenge Your Thinking

Looking for a persuasive essay topic that will spark debate and inspire critical thinking? Check out our list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics for thought-provoking ideas.

Persuasive essays are an important tool for students to develop critical thinking and communication skills. When writing a persuasive essay, it is essential to choose a topic that is not only relevant but also controversial. Controversial topics often lead to lively debates and discussions, which can challenge our assumptions and help us see issues from different perspectives.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics to help students find the perfect topic for their next assignment. From hot-button political issues to ethical dilemmas, these topics are sure to spark debate and inspire critical thinking.

Controversial essay topics for college students

So, whether you’re a high school student or a college student, read on for our list of,

Table of Contents

100+ Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics.

Should euthanasia be legalized?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes?
Should prostitution be legalized?
Should animal testing be banned?
Should the drinking age be lowered?
Should the United States switch to a single-payer healthcare system?
Should college athletes be paid?
Should affirmative action be abolished?
Should standardized testing be eliminated?
Should the United States adopt a flat tax system?
Should the Electoral College be abolished?
Should the United States have universal background checks for gun ownership?
Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
Should parents be allowed to choose their child’s gender?
Should school prayer be allowed?
Should the United States have a national minimum wage?
Should the government regulate social media?
Should the United States have free college tuition?
Should the United States have stricter immigration policies?
Should the United States have mandatory military service?
Should the government regulate the size of sugary drinks?
Should private prisons be abolished?
Should the United States have a carbon tax?
Should the United States have a universal basic income?
Should the government provide free internet access?
Should the United States have term limits for Congress?
Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games ?
Should the United States withdraw from the United Nations?
Should the government regulate the sale of energy drinks?
Should the United States increase its military spending?
Should schools ban junk food ?
Should the government regulate the sale of tobacco products?
Should the United States adopt a gun buyback program?
Should parents be required to vaccinate their children?
Should the United States adopt a national healthcare system?
Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
Should the United States have a space program?
Should the government regulate the sale of sugary snacks?
Should the United States have a mandatory voting law?
Should the government regulate the sale of alcohol?
Should the United States have a mandatory retirement age?
Should schools have metal detectors?
Should the government regulate the sale of firearms?
Should the United States have a national ID card system?
Should schools have armed security guards?
Should the government regulate the sale of prescription drugs?
Should the United States adopt a merit-based immigration system?
Should schools have mandatory drug testing for students?
Should the government regulate the sale of e-cigarettes?
Should the United States adopt a national bike-sharing program?
Should schools have mandatory sex education classes?
Should governments ban single-use plastics?
Is veganism the only ethical way to eat?
Should animal testing be allowed for medical purposes?
Is it ethical to genetically modify crops?
Should there be stricter gun control laws?
Is capital punishment effective in deterring crime?
Should prisoners have the right to vote?
Is censorship in art and media necessary?
Should children be allowed to undergo gender reassignment therapy?
Should the government provide free healthcare for all?
Is there a place for affirmative action in hiring and education?
Should schools teach creationism alongside evolution?
Should parents be allowed to homeschool their children without regulation?
Is cultural appropriation ever acceptable?
Should hate speech be protected under free speech laws?
Is prostitution a victimless crime?
Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
Should college athletes be paid for their performance?
Is online privacy a basic human right?
Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
Is the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports ethical?
Should the government regulate the use of social media?
Is surveillance necessary for national security?
Should there be limits on the number of children a couple can have?
Should nuclear weapons be banned worldwide?
Should the government regulate the sale and consumption of sugary drinks?
Should assisted suicide be legal?
Should parents have the right to choose the gender of their baby through genetic engineering?
Should zoos be banned for animal rights concerns?
Should recreational marijuana use be legalized?
Should the government fund space exploration?
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Should individuals be allowed to own exotic pets?
Should hate groups be allowed to gather and protest?
Should there be a limit on CEO pay?
Should polygamy be legalized?
Should the use of plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes be banned?
Should the government regulate the fast food industry?
Should assisted reproductive technologies be available to all?
Should there be a limit on the number of hours worked per week?
Should there be a global ban on animal testing for cosmetic products?
Should vaccinations be mandatory?
Should the sale of alcohol be banned?
Should S education be mandatory in schools?
Should the government fund renewable energy sources?
Should the use of drones be regulated by the government?
Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence?
Should beauty pageants be banned?
Should free speech be restricted on college campuses?
Should public schools have a dress code?
Should the government regulate the use of social media algorithms?
Should there be a limit on how much money individuals can donate to political campaigns?
Should the drinking age be lowered to 18?
Should Confederate monuments be removed?
Should the government provide free college education for all?
Should the United States switch to a four-day workweek?
Should professional athletes be required to stand for the national anthem?
Should animal agriculture be banned for environmental concerns?
Should there be a tax on sugary drinks?
Should the government regulate the use of drones for commercial purposes?
Should the use of fur in fashion be banned?
Should there be a ban on single-use plastics?
Should the United States switch to a system of ranked-choice voting?
Should the government provide universal basic income?
Should the use of public transportation be free?

In conclusion, persuasive essays are an effective way to communicate ideas and influence others’ opinions. Writing a persuasive essay requires choosing the right topic that interests you, and you feel passionate about. Hopefully, this list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics has inspired you to select a topic that is thought-provoking, interesting, and engaging. Remember, when writing a persuasive essay, it’s essential to do thorough research, present both sides of the argument, and provide evidence to support your position. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start writing your persuasive essay on a controversial topic!

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School students

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!

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 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

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 studentâs 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 studentâs 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 applicantâs 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 todayâs 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 countryâs 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 childâs 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 Columbusâ 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 Bonaparteâs 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 âclash of civilizationsâ?
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 audienceâs 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 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
Middle School Debate Topics

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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.

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About Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) has worked for literary magazines and literary websites for the last 25 years. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology and Education. Richard has headed many writing workshops and courses, and he has taught writing and literature for the last 20 years.

In writing and publishing he has worked with independent, small, medium and large publishers for years connecting publishers to authors. He has also worked as a journalist and editor in both magazine, newspaper and trade publications as well as in the medical publishing industry. Follow him on Twitter, and check out our Submissions page .

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227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]

Ever wondered what a persuasive essay is? Are you struggling to differentiate it from an argumentative one? Do you think it’s impossible to find original persuasive speech topics for college students?

If you have answered yes to any question, you’ve come to the right place. Our team can help you!

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing that convinces readers to accept the author’s position and agree with their ideas. Through clear arguments and examples, the writer demonstrates the legitimacy of their point of view.

Below, we have provided a list of the most interesting and unique college persuasive essay topics. So, don’t waste any more of your time searching for the right title. Use our ideas and create an outstanding persuasive essay!

👉 How to Choose?
✨ Best Speech Topics
🎓 Ideas on Education
📜 Topics on History
⚖ Ideas on Politics
👍 Topics on Sociology
💰 Ideas on Economics
🚌 Transportation
🌿 Environment
⚙ Technology
🌍 Traveling
✌ Lifestyle
🏫 Teenagers
📚 Literature
🖐 25 More Topics

👉 How to Choose a Persuasive Essay Topic for College?

The main secret of the successful persuasive essay is a compelling topic. Therefore, when choosing the right persuasive topic, follow these few simple pieces of advice:

Re-read the assignment . The task that you’ve received from your tutor can be of great assistance. You just have to read it correctly. Unfortunately, college students tend to underestimate the power of the question. Don’t make this mistake. Read your assignment carefully because it can provide clues on the topic to look for.
Brainstorm ideas. Before writing any paper, college students have to research. It will ensure the argumentative part of the persuasive essay. To understand what to examine, have an ideation session, and consider a variety of ideas. Picking the most appropriate one, you’ll see where to start your research. Try to find as many topics as you can. Free college essays collection is a good place to check out as a part of your session. You’ll be able to see what topics are already covered, and what you can expand upon. It will make your investigation and writing processes easier!
Don’t pick an idea if it’s too broad . You may think that in this case, you’ll have plenty of things to argue about. Well, maybe a bit too many. In your essay, you should cover an entire topic so that it sounds convincing. When the idea is too broad, you can’t fit every argument in one paper. So, specify your title. For instance, you want to persuade your readers to stay healthy. Then don’t investigate all the aspects of maintaining health. Focus on one specific issue. For example, explore the positive influence of sport on the general health condition of a human being.
Ensure that you have credible sources. In some colleges, even the smallest essays may require a list of references. Thus, make sure you have materials to research and later list as your sources. Remember: Good persuasive paper topics for college have to offer a wide variety of sources to investigate. So, if you are not confident in your materials, better change the title. It will prevent you from a lack of evidence to support your arguments.
Choose a topic of personal interest. We’re not compelling you to write something that you enjoy when it contradicts the assignment. But try to select an idea that doesn’t bore you from reading it out loud. It is always more pleasurable to write on a topic you are passionate about. Don’t miss your chance to make turn your essay writing process into an exciting activity.
Select something you have an opinion about, but open to debate. Your tutors can disagree with your position. Nevertheless, it is not a reason to give up. It’s the right time to show your critical thinking skills. State your position clearly and provide convincing arguments to support it. Show your readers that you can change your position if you see some compelling data. It can give you some extra credit. The best persuasion topics for college create an environment for debates and discussions.
Be unique! In colleges, the amount of papers done daily is enormous. Don’t make your professors read about the importance of waste sorting, for example, yet again. The topic of environmental protection is undoubtedly extremely significant. However: It is way too overused. The professors are tired of reading essays on the same issues again and again. Surprise them and stand out.

Finding an original topic for a persuasive essay is tricky.

✨ 12 Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

How important is mental health?
Is online school more effective?
Are GMO products good?
Is social media dangerous?
What’s wrong with the education system?
Does recycling work?
Is veganism bad for the environment?
Should foreign policy be feminist?
Is marriage an obsolete institution?
Can protests and demonstrations bring change?
Can alternative medicine actually work?
Is modern advertising unethical?

🔑 Essential College Persuasive Essay Topics

We bet, every college student at least once had an assignment to write a persuasive essay. Haven’t you had yet? The best is yet to come! Thus, you have to be prepared to face all the challenges of a persuasive essay composing.

Searching for interesting persuasive essay topics is a complicated issue. However, you don’t have to worry about it. Our team of experts gathered the most popular and effective ideas in one place.

Don’t stress out about the topic:

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics for college students. We divided our ideas into sections so that you can find the most appropriate one. So, you can easily navigate throughout our page for a more effective search.

🎓 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Education

An educational system should encourage creativity .
Student diversity should be present in a school classroom .
Why should college students care about their mental and physical health?
Why should we stop girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system?
Why should computer science programs be taught in colleges and universities?
Why should parents take part in their children’s education?

Parents should participate in their children's studying for numerous reasons.

Why reading performance of students with learning disabilities should be improved?
Studying abroad results in better education.
Homework does not help in the learning process.
The costs of higher education should be reduced.
A grade does not show a student’s knowledge.
The Internet overuse blocks the mental development of a modern teenager.
Education should not depend on technologies.
Essay writing develops the critical thinking skills of students.
Foreign language learning should be mandatory in school . Conduct research on how foreign languages influence children and teenagers. What are the positive sides of such education? Then, persuade your readers that foreign languages are essential in the school core curriculum.
Art classes should be a priority in middle school . Elaborate on the importance of the development of the sense of art for children and teenagers. Why should art classes be higher in the list of priorities than technical or science courses? How can the right perception of art help pupils in future life?
The core curriculum of the high school should not be too broad. Why do we have to narrow down our focus in high school? Explain how teenagers will benefit from studying particular subjects instead of getting general knowledge. Convince your readers about the importance of focusing on a specific field in high school.
A gap year before entering the university is beneficial. Give persuading evidence why students should take a gap year. What are the advantages? Make your readers debate whether a gap year is worth considering. Finally, convince them that it is worth it.
Mobile phones should not be allowed in school. State your position regarding the usage of smartphones during the learning process. What adverse ramifications do the mobile phones have on the academic results of pupils? Persuade your readers to prohibit phone usage in school.
Traditional education is more effective than remote learning . How the benefits of the conventional way of learning outweigh the advantages of remote education? Compare the aspects of remote learning for different age groups: 1st grade age, 6th grade age, and a college student.

📜 College Persuasive Essay Topics on History

The American Revolution was a turning point in USA history.
The year 1763 is crucial in US history.
The media played a crucial role in promoting the Vietnam War .
We shouldn’t underestimate the significance of African-American social reform.
Technological advancement of the 17th century was a new era in world history.
Without Enlightenment and Romantic Age , the European culture wouldn’t be so progressive nowadays.

Enlightenment took over the period of the 17th and 18th centuries.

People should’ve stopped the propaganda of Adolf Hitler and Jim Jones before the intensive development.
The historical influence of Abraham Lincoln should become a role model for modern political figures.
Americans should have abolished slavery in the United States way earlier.
The four voyages by Christopher Columbus are crucial in the progress of world history.
Cultural exchanges in the medieval period significantly impacted the civilizations.
Protestant reformation was the most influential Christian movement.
Japanese women in the Middle Ages should have been more powerful.
The world war should never happen again.
The age of exploration . Who are the key figures? How did they impact world history formation? Convince your readers of the importance of the age of exploration.
The Mayan calendar system did not predict the end of the world . Investigate the Mayan calendar system. What is your explanation of the fact that the calendar system ended in the year 2012? Persuade your readers that the suggestions about the end of the world in 2012 are false.
Racial discrimination in America violated human rights to a great extend . Give a brief overview of racial discrimination in the USA. Persuade the readers to perceive racial discrimination as an act of human rights violation.
Apollo 11 – the first spaceflight that landed people on the Moon . Discuss the importance of this event. Convince your readers about the significance of the Moon exploration.
History studying should become the top priority for students. The knowledge of history may help to prevent mistakes from the past. So, persuade your readers to explore historical events.
Holocaust should not be justified and denied . What are the horrible consequences of holocaust tragedy? Analyze an opinion regarding the denial of the holocaust. Persuade the readers not to support this idea.

⚖ College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Politics

Civil rights of black Americans should not be limited.
Migration should not be restricted because it has certain benefits to modern countries .
In the battle of socialism vs. democracy , the second one should win.

Why is socialism becoming so popular in democratic states?

Nationalism in international relations should be accepted.
E-government should become transparent and accountable for the citizens .
Celebrities should stay aside from political activities.
The laws for each state of America should become common.
A voting system should be transparent.
Ordinary people should not be allowed to own guns.
The federal tax return process should become more manageable.
Individual rights versus the common good . Express your position regarding the issue. What do you support: individual rights or common good? Persuade the readers to follow your ideas.
Gay marriage should be allowed . If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments. Exclude harsh comments and offensive language from the narrative.
The death penalty cannot be justified . Why do you think so? Give clear arguments to support your opinion. If you believe that the death penalty is justifiable, prove your position.
Electronic voting in the United States should not be banned . Present the positive sides of this way of voting and convince the readers in your rightness. Don’t you agree with this opinion? Then, provide counterarguments.
Abortion should be legal . Provide clear arguments to express your position. Or provide counterarguments to contradict the idea of abortion legalization.

👍 College Persuasive Essay Topics on Sociology

Community services should be provided for mentally disabled people .
Equality and diversity are the main social issues .
Interpersonal communication skills are crucial in modern society.
Gender inequalities in the 21st century should be overcome .
Should the Canadian government legalize prostitution?
Max Weber’s rationality theory should be accepted by society .
China should take specific steps to overcome the overpopulation problem .
Gender stereotypes in a family should be dismantled.

Present studies aim to fill a gap in the literature on gender role attitudes and family dynamics.

Abusive relationships in a family should not be hidden.
Implementing more tough punishments on the lawbreakers should reduce the crime rates of the USA.
Does family promote or limit mobility? Choose one side of the issue and provide clear arguments to support your ideas.
Divorce has negative effects on children . Do you agree with this statement? Convince the readers to accept your point of view by stating your position clearly and powerfully.
Birth control should be monitored on a governmental level. Express your opinion regarding birth control in modern society. Conduct a study on the cultural, religious, and political aspects of the birth control issue.
Is there the right age to get married? Decide if there are any age suggestions to create a family or no? Support your choice with bright ideas and appropriate examples.
To resolve the conflict, we need to know the nature of the conflict . Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Provide strong arguments to make people believe in your point of view. How do you think psychology works while resolving the conflict?

💰 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Economics

Competing theories are the core of economic development.
We have to consider John Locke’s and Karl Marx’s economic ideas nowadays.
Demand and supply correlation in the market matters a lot.
Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” concept can improve modern economics .
If we want to stabilize the economy, we have to implement the monetary policy .
Should big banks be broken up?
We should consider the relationship between money supply and inflation while preventing the high level of inflation.
We shouldn’t take the Keynesian explanation of the recession too seriously.
Industrialization plays a significant role in economic development.
Small business owners should receive financial support during the period of crisis.

As an example or evidence for this persuasive topic, talk about the COVID-19 crisis.

The governments should reduce monopoly power.
The role of understanding the goals of human resource management in the context of human capital theory . Explain the significance of effective HR management for a business flourishing. Persuade your readers to invest enough resources in human capital.
Exchange regimes have a significant impact on macroeconomic performance . Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide well-developed arguments to prove your point of view. Persuade your readers to accept your position.
Consumer behavior is different in every country. If you agree, develop this idea by providing strong arguments. If you don’t, state your position. Either way, support your arguments with supporting evidence. Make your readers follow your opinion.
The understanding of the basic concepts of economics is essential for every person . Explain how the knowledge of economics can help people to manage their money wisely. How to survive during the crisis? How to lead a business successfully, etc. Persuade your readers to study the basics of economics.

💡 Interesting College Persuasive Essay Topics

Are you already impressed with a diversity of topics our team collected for you? But don’t think that’s all we have to offer for you. Since our mission is to help you, we have more persuasive essay ideas for college to share.

Below, you can find more fascinating ideas for your assignments. For your convenience, we divided persuasive essay topics for college into several sections. Investigate our ideas and don’t hesitate to use them.

🚌 Transportation Persuasive Essay Topics

Planes should newer take off if weather conditions are inappropriate .
Never drive a car if you are under the alcohol or drug effect .
Hybrid cars are environmentally friendly, so they should become the future of the transportation industry .
Why should people study driving?
The usage of alternative energy resources should reshape the global transportation infrastructure .
The governments should invest enough money in public transport advancement .
Cars usage should be regulated .
A school bus should be checked at least once a month to ensure the safety of pupils.
The reserves of petroleum should be replenished to provide a proper transportation industry operation.
The shipping of essential goods during the state of emergency (quarantine, dangerous natural conditions, etc.) should be free.
We should use public transport instead of private cars to save the environment.
Hybrid engine vs. standard engine . Examine the positive and negative aspects of both of them. Which one would you prefer? Persuade your readers to support your opinion by giving clear arguments.
Information technology influences the logistics industry to a great extent . Provide appropriate examples of the IT impact on logistics. Convince your readers of the importance of your opinion.
The role of transportation in the development of tourism . Prove your audience that transportation progress has a direct impact on tourism opportunities.

Transportation plays a vital role in tourism.

We have to reduce the use of crude oil in the transportation industry . What are the possible adverse ramifications of such oil usage? Persuade your readers to limit applying this type of fuel. If you don’t agree with the idea, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

🌿 Environmental Persuasive Essay Topics

The government should control the overpopulation to prevent consequences for the environment .
Human activity should be limited to preserve biodiversity .
We have to examine an ecologically sustainable approach .
Alternative energy sources are essential for saving the planet .
We should try our best to live a zero-waste lifestyle .
Saving endangered species must be a top priority issue for environmental organizations.
Solar energy can save the environment.
Hunting sports should be banned because they harm biodiversity.
The conservation of global resources is necessary for maintaining the lifecycle of the planet.
Waste sorting should be mandatory all around the world.
Stopping deforestation will prevent the loss of natural habitat for animals.
Tourism negatively affects wildlife. Comment no the negative consequences of traveling on nature. If you believe that tourism does not harm wildlife, provide counterarguments to claim your position.
Farming has to be wise. Explain how intensive farming damages nature. Convince your readers about the importance of following the farming rules. They can help to prevent intensive farming’s adverse ramifications.
The Prime Days on Amazon should be banned . Explain how the incredibly low prices on items during the Prime Days result in extremely high costs for the environment. Persuade your readers to resist the desire to buy unnecessary goods from Amazon.
Without rainforests, our planet will suffocate . Prove the significance of the preservation of the rainforests for the environment.

Tropical forests are responsible for around 34 percent of photosynthesis occurring on land.

⚙ Technology Persuasive Essay Ideas

Globalization influences computer technologies to a great extent .
The government should implement Internet censorship .
Cloud computing is an innovative era in computer science .
Cyberbullying should be controlled to prevent a negative influence on youth .
Dependency on computers is a considerable threat to human well-being .
Data and information security should be a top concern of every internet user .
Investing money in developing information technology systems is profitable for companies.
The internet blocks the development of human intelligence.
To prevent the development of serious illnesses, we should use genetic technology.
Technological advancement should focus on the improvement of the health sector.
We have to use technology wisely to make people smarter.
A scientific revolution started the technological advancement. Convince your readers about the importance of the scientific revolution in technological development. If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion, providing counterarguments.
E-books or audiobooks will never replace paper books. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? State your position clearly and make your readers accept it.
Nowadays, society is too dependent on computer technologies . Comment on its negative and positive sides in the life of modern people. Persuade the readers not to overuse technology in everyday life.
Technology and science complement each other. Provide clear arguments to prove this idea or counterarguments to disprove it.

😃 Easy College Persuasive Topics

Do you think that persuasive essays have to cover only serious or global issues? Do you feel as if you have to be overwhelmed with the complexity of the subject? You are mistaken. A paper won’t become less successful if it explores even everyday life topics.

That’s why:

We prepared the next section of the article for you. Here you can find simple persuasive essay ideas for college students. Select a fascinating topic and compose an outstanding essay.

🎶 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Music

Music has a significant impact on culture .
Music preferences depend on personality type .
Music can influence our behavior .

Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity, and our perception of the world.

Songs with lyrics that promote violent behavior should be banned.
A musician is not just a job; it is a vocation.
Medical workers should investigate the positive effect of music on mental illnesses’ treatment.
Music can be helpful in the learning process.
Good song lyrics can inspire people . Provide a sample of inspiring verses. How can it motivate listeners? Persuade the readers to pay attention to the song lyrics while listening to music.
A guitar is always a good idea for friendly gatherings . Prove to your readers that several songs played on a guitar can create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Rap reflects violence. This is a generally accepted opinion. Do you agree or disagree with it? Prove your point of view by providing well-developed arguments.

🌍 Persuasive Topics for College on Traveling

While traveling, health and safety issues should be a top priority .
Tourism should be sustainable .
A trip to India will make you see the world from the other side.
Summer will become more memorable and fascinating if you travel.
Traveling broadens people’s minds.
Traveling with family or friends is an essential part of a happy life.
Spending a holiday on a trip is always more pleasurable than in front of a TV or computer.
Every person should visit Europe at least once in life. Explain why Europe is a must-see destination for every tourist.
People should travel as much as they want. Persuade people not to resist the desire to explore new places by listing the advantages of traveling.
Traveling is affordable for everyone. Persuade people to visit various countries, even with a limited budget.

Give some useful tips to persuade your reader to travel more.

✌ Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Lifestyle

Parents should be responsible for their children’s obesity .
Proper nutrition and positive behavior prevent cancer .
A healthy lifestyle prevents aging .
Weight management programs and hypnotherapy are useful in maintaining good shape and a healthy organism .
An active way of life should replace a sedentary lifestyle to prevent heart diseases.
You should plan your weight loss process wisely.
Well-balanced nutrition is a way to a healthy and beautiful body.
Regular yoga and fitness will help you to maintain mental and physical wellness.
Regular physical activities and enough sleep can help students to study better.
Media influences the development of eating disorders . Explain the mechanisms media’s effect on eating disorders. Persuade your readers to pay enough attention to the information on social media.

📺 Persuasive Topics for College about Media

The role of mass media in modern society shouldn’t be underestimated .
Media affects the way people look at society .

Dr. Pamela Rutledge says about the media's influence on society.

TV shows have a negative influence on children .
Parents should control the effects of mass media advertising on teenagers .
Professional psychologists should review every cartoon before being released on television.
The information on the internet should be filtered to avoid the spreading of fake news.
Censorship is a must-have for modern television.
Old cartoons are more insightful than modern ones. Compare and contrast old and new animated films. Prove the usefulness of old ones. Convince the audience to make their children familiar with old cartoons.
Social media develops an inferiority complex among teenagers . How pictures of luxurious life in social networking sites influence adolescents’ self-esteem? Persuade the readers to filter the information seen in social media.
Mass media in the 1950s was more ethical than contemporary mass media. Analyze the ethical issues that are present in modern media. Why is following the ethical rules while sharing the information through the mass media vital?

🏫 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College on Teens

Both abstinence and sex education should be taught in high schools .
Professional psychologists or psychiatrists should treat anxiety disorders in children and adolescents .
Cheating in schools should be strictly punished.
Understanding teen depression is a crucial step in overcoming it.
The federal government should enact anti-bullying laws .
Bullying in school should be the main issue to deal with for the headteacher.
The teenage period requires constant monitoring of children’s behavior by parents and teachers.
Parents should have access to teenagers’ academic results.
The mental health of teens is precarious. Convince the readers to monitor and maintain adolescents’ mental health.
Parents should control social media usage by teenagers. Why should parents monitor the social networking accounts of their children? Explain why it is useful to teach teens how to behave on social media.

Persuade the parents to keep track of kids’ social networking activity.

📚 Persuasive Topics for College on Literature

Literature studying should be mandatory in schools.
Literature teaches us how to live a worthy life.
Robin Hood should become an example to follow.
You have to read some books several times throughout life to get the idea.
Lyric poetry may help in dealing with inner conflicts.
William Shakespeare is an outstanding figure of English literature that should always be appreciated.
Every person should have one book that will always remain their favorite one.
The theme of Romeo and Juliet will always remain relatable. Support this idea by providing compelling arguments and examples from the play. If you don’t agree with the statement, present clear counterarguments to prove your point of view.
The parents should read fairy tales to their children from early childhood. Persuade your audience to make their kids familiar with the fairy tales. Explain the importance of positive aspects of this genre of literature.
Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde are connected. Describe Oscar Wilde’s background. Analyze how the author reflected his personality in the character of Dorian Gray. Convince your readers to accept your point of view. Propose examples from the book and the author’s biography.

🖐 25 More Topics to Persuade College Students

Here you can find a pleasant bonus from our team—25 more ideas to write about. You can use them not only for essays but also as persuasive speech topics for college.

So, take the benefit of our list of topics. Show an outstanding academic performance in the college.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Family

A happy relationship should be based on trust and honesty.
In small and big families, parents should treat their children equally.
After giving birth, motherhood should become the primary concern of a woman’s life.
Parents should be the most significant support for their kids when they are sad, confused, or lost in life.
Children should take their retired parents to their home instead of the nursing home.

Support your position by providing strong arguments.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Health

Physical activity is an effective way to prevent heart diseases.
People should quit smoking .
Mental health is not less important than physical health.
Well-balanced nutrition is key to a healthy body.
Taking care of general wellness should be everyone’s primary concern.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine

Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only.
Drug prices should be set ethically .
Herbal medications are the safest.
Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy.
Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential . What is the working principle of a capsule, pill, syrup, etc.? Prove that the inappropriate application will not have an appropriate effect.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Sports

Visiting a gym is extremely useful for our health .
Physical education should be mandatory in high school.
Extreme sports are only for professional athletes.
The governments should invest enough money in the development of sports schools.
Football is not only for boys. Women can create a successful football team, as well.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Religion

Discrimination by religion or culture should not be acceptable in modern society.
Every person should have a right to choose a god or goddess to worship.
The representatives of different religions should be tolerant of each other.
The attitude towards wealth in Christianity differs from the perception of wealth in Islam.
Any other religious representatives should not criticize the central beliefs of Judaism .

Select a persuasive topic on a touchy subject with care.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope the information was useful to you. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share the article with other students.

🔗 References

Persuasive Essays, Writing Resources, Hamilton College
Persuasive Essay Outline: HCC Learning Web, Houston Community College
Choosing a Topic for Your College Essay: Essay Writing Center, International Student
Choosing College Essay Topics: Accepted
35 College Essay Prompts and Topics: Kayla Rutledge, SignUpGenius
How to Write a College Essay: Kelly Mae Ross, Devon Haynie, and Josh Moody for U.S. News
How To Answer the 2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts: College Essay Advisors
Writing a Political Science Essay: Charles King, Georgetown University
Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue: Frederic Beaudry, ThoughtCo
Evidence: The Writing Center, the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill
Introducing Quotations and Paraphrases: UNSW Current Students
How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan
Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students: Saul McLeod, Simply Psychology
How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Writing Guides, Ultius
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55 Rare Topics For Persuasive Essays

Table of Contents

A persuasive essay is a type of writing where your primary purpose is to convince the reader that your opinion is correct.

It can be applied to a wide variety of disciplines; in fact, persuasive writing can be used in any writing format, be it a college persuasive essay, an article, a promotional copy or a personal letter.

As you will see from our presentation, the choice of persuasive essay topics largely depends on the format of writing – as well as the writer’s maturity.

One thing remains unchanged, though, and it is the educational value of this type of essay.

It helps students build a set of strong skills, such as the capacity of forming and grounding one’s opinion, engage in debates and provide logical reasoning supporting their stance.

Persuasive essay topics: where to start?

When you are tasked with writing a persuasive essay, and if you have a free choice of the subject, we insist that you should pick a topic that you are well-versed in, and preferably passionate about.

In the very least, this should be something you can relate to. If you have a specific topic to write on, make sure you carry out elaborate research to make strong and informed points.

The structure of a persuasive essay could be roughly outlined as follows:

Think of a topic you can argue for or against.
Write up 5-6 arguments that will convince the reader that your opinion is right.
Read a professional persuasive essay and see how it is written to be inspired and mimic the layout!
The entire persuasive essay is going to be built around the thesis, therefore it is of paramount importance to write it in a concise and clear way.

The secret behind the thesis

A persuasive essay should begin with a thesis, where the reader is immediately told what your article is about. In the thesis, you explain your position on the question you have chosen to rewrite.

It is the main purpose of your entire essay, and you will devote the whole text to convincing the reader that you are right.

To awaken the reader’s interest, you can write your thesis as an exclamation or question that you repeat or answer at the end of your article.

Supporting arguments for your thesis

Now you have explained your position, you should prove that you are right! You do this by listing your arguments, or reasons why you think you are doing.

Arguments can be divided into two main groups:

(1) Emotional arguments – based on your own feelings and thoughts. Feeling arguments are very personal and strong. The aim of the emotional argument is to awaken the reader’s feelings. In other words, the reader should preferably start crying out of your emotional argument…

(2) Factual arguments – based on pure facts. The factual arguments are objective, clear and at the same time very convincing to the reader, especially if you can refer to where you got your facts from. To convince the reader in the best way, your essay must include both emotional and factual arguments. The emotional argument causes your opinion to sound passionate, while the factual arguments give concrete reasons why you feel like you are doing to the reader.

To convince the reader in the best way, use both types of arguments!

An argument in response to counter-argument

A really good debater doesn’t just think of themselves, but also of his opponents! You do this by taking counter-arguments, or reasons why you should not think that you do yourself.

This makes your persuasive essay look very thought out, which also makes it more reliable. The purpose of including opponents’ opinions, for you as an author, is to clearly show that they are not correct.

In order to succeed in this, you must choose the opponent’s best argument and disassemble it and defeat it using your own arguments.

The golden rule states that factual arguments must be answered with factual arguments, and in the same way, an emotional argument must be answered with an emotional argument.

How to craft a persuasive essay conclusion?

In the end, the reader should get an overview. Summarize the most important and above all, repeat your strongest argument! The last part of your discussion article should contain a convincing answer to your thesis. Sometimes it can be effective to reason about the consequences if you do not do what you think.

The purpose of this is to give the argument a proper final clamp and convince the reader once and for all. The best effect is achieved by ending strongly and confidently; for that reason, you need to think about being brief.

Just as with the number of arguments you have in the article, the conclusion becomes more powerful if it is short and clear.

Persuasive essay topics for kids

Books are better than TV.
Zoos are prisons for animals.
School attendance should be optional.
Home assignments should be banned.
Is there life on Mars?

Persuasive essay topics middle school

Education is impossible without teachers.
Should computers replace teachers?
Do we need a school uniform?
Is reading a new trend or a thing of the past?
Mobile phones should be used at school.

Persuasive essay topics for high school

Death penalty should be banned. Do you agree?
Why should your parents let you attend the concert of your favorite music band?
Why should teachers allow pupils to choose their seat place?
Video games help childhood development.
Convince your parents to buy you a mobile phone. Support your request with good arguments.

Persuasive essay topics 5th grade

E-books in a not too distant future can change our way to read. Do you agree?
Imagine having to convince your parents to buy you the scooter. Write your thesis in an argumentative text, remember to insert the possible objections of the teachers and come to a conclusion.
Electronic mail compared to the traditional one. Which one is better?
Parents should give children more freedom. True or false?
Curfews are a good practice for children to abide by.

Persuasive speech topics for college

Transgenic foods: are you for or against?
Are you in favor or against hunting? Express your opinion with appropriate arguments.
Human cloning: are you in favor or against it?
The Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun in his book “Racism explained to my daughter” says: “A child is not born a racist”. Do you agree with this statement?
History teaches us to predict the future.

Persuasive speech topics for college students

Alcoholism: a disease or a vice?
Citizenship income should be adopted by every state.
The G20 countries, to save the planet from global warming, must adopt more ambitious global CO2 emission reduction targets than those of the Paris Accords.
The abolition of homework, a measure recently introduced in France, should be adopted by every school system to combat early school drop-outs.
Caloric and fat-rich foods, commonly called junk food, should be taxed more than “healthy foods”.

Interesting persuasive essay topics

Love and age difference.
The friendship between man and woman: a myth or reality?
Is having friends such a necessity?
Is having a pet waste of resources?
Can love last forever?

Easy persuasive essay topics

A countryside or urban life?
Social networks have improved our lifestyle.
Working is needed for being happy.
All sorts of lotteries should be made illegal.
Is it possible to be a success by only playing it fair?

Funny persuasive essay topics

Should cats or dogs rule the world?
Your Zodiac sign determines your personality.
Santa’s policies are largely discriminating.
Socials favor stalking tendencies.
YouTube makes you a superstar overnight.

Controversial persuasive essay topics

Ethnic adoptions: pro or con?
Pharmaceutical industries are disrupting our lives.
Abortion should be legal around the world.
Animal testing should be made illegal.
Genetic cloning is not ethical.
Capital punishment pros and cons.
Euthanasia should be legalized.
Immigration laws should be made stricter.

Best persuasive essay topics

Kids should be brought up in a stricter manner.
Works of art should be returned to their respective countries of origin.
The young only think about money. Do you agree?
A real vacation is when one doesn’t do anything.
Friends count as much as a family.

Chose the best topic from the list but have a hard time moving away from blank paper? We can help you out! Few clicks and your perfect essay is on the way to you, while you sit back and relax.

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Have you read an article online about the alarming threats of climate change? Or, maybe, one that claimed 5G wireless frequencies have caused the COVID-19 pandemic? They were pretty convincing, right? This is because authors making such articles use several special techniques to persuade you to believe in their sometimes ridiculous ideas. This is a core element of persuasive writing topics. Many writers use very good persuasive essay topics to convince you of their assertions on a given issue. In this guide, you will explore 300+ persuasive essay ideas on different subjects and themes, which can greatly help you in academic work. In case you lack motivation, best recruit a persuasive essay writing service and wrap the task up quickly.

What Are Persuasive Essay Topics?

Persuasive essay topics are designed to convince the reader to agree with your point of view. More often, they are opinionated rather than descriptive. Since persuasive ideas are argumentative in nature, they challenge readers to think about the issue critically. However, topics for persuasive essays lean more towards the writer’s position instead of discussing both sides, like in argumentative essay topics . People write a persuasive essay for varied reasons, such as creating an advertisement and convincing customers to buy a product or generally change someone’s opinion on a given subject. On most occasions, persuasive paper topics revolve around issues in culture, politics, and religion. Regardless of their purpose, you should use a convincing language amd examples to sway readers. In this context, persuasive topics are somewhat identical to exemplification essay ideas where you also provide evidence to get your point across.

Characteristics of Good Persuasive Essay Topics

You can come up with many good topics for persuasive essays, but that does not mean that you should necessarily write about them. Specific persuasive essay prompts are easier to develop into strong and convincing papers. Then, what constitutes great titles for essays ? Below are characteristics of good persuasive essay topics you should consider:

Relevant to current trends.
Timely and contain updated information.
Clear and concise. They enable readers to understand and grasp what is being discussed.
Appeal to the audience by generating interest and emotions.
Provide evidence that supports your argument.
Focused and specific instead of broad or shallow.
Debatable, allowing writers and readers to formulate arguments and counterarguments, and make a strong case.

How to Choose a Persuasive Essay Topic?

You have been asked to choose a topic. So, how do you approach the assignment? Of course, you can think of many persuasive topics to write about, but you must be careful about what you select. In fact, settling on a particular subject can be tough given the high academic expectations. These 6 tips will help you choose an appropriate persuasive essay topic:

Identify your area of interest When selecting a topic for a persuasive paper, make sure you are passionate about it. This way, it will be much easier to generate ideas.
Think about your audience Consider the readers and what they find interesting. Your choice should be relevant to them.
Reflect on the purpose Define the reasons for writing the essay and what you want to accomplish. It should align with your personal goals.
Conduct research Sharing an opinion on an issue does not mean it is informed. You still need to find more information from credible sources that will help build your arguments.
Go for controversy Settle on a topic that has conflicting opinions. This will engage your readers and give them something to think about.
Avoid sensitive issues Do not write about personal or uncharacteristic topics that can provoke your readers.

List of Persuasive Essay Topics

The biggest challenge for most students is understanding where to start when picking persuasive essays topics . Is it an appropriate one? Will the lecturer accept it? We have combed through several lists of persuasive topics to provide you with 10 that are simple, relevant, and current:

Should high schools be free for all students?
Is the death penalty more appropriate for dangerous criminal offenders?
Should the government implement more stringent measures on gun control?
Is it ethical to clone animals and use them for scientific research?
Should countries enforce mandatory COVID-19 vaccination on its citizens?
Is it appropriate for football players to protest about social injustices in a foreign country?
With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, should the U.S. administration get involved in the conflict?
Should children be allowed to play complex video games from an early age?
Does motorsport racing under rainy conditions make it more exciting?
Should social media companies implement greater restrictions on what people post online?

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Best Persuasive Essay Topics

The best topics for persuasive essays are thought-provoking, current, and controversial. They can generate multiple perspectives. Here is a list of 15 best topics to write a persuasive essay on:

Are genetically modified crops beneficial or harmful to society?
Does social media positively or negatively impact personal privacy and security?
Is net neutrality relevant in this modern era of interconnectivity?
Do phone manufacturing companies that recycle plastic waste help the environment on a larger scale?
Does early childhood development have an impact on long-term success?
Is online shopping making the traditional business model obsolete?
Do renewable energy sources benefit or derail a country’s economy?
Is technology positively or negatively impacting mental health and well-being?
Do online learning programs harness or destroy traditional universities?
Will criminal justice reforms become a necessity to society?
Does reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly contribute to climate change?
Are drones good or bad for personal and commercial use?
Is social media use positively or negatively impacting politics and democracy?
Do privacy laws promote personal freedom or restrict it?
Will legalizing marijuana bring more good than harm to society?

Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Good topics for a persuasive essay elicit emotional response and lead to a strong argument. There are so many to choose from, but you can check out these 15 good topics to write a persuasive essay on and pick one that interests you:

Should each country increase its minimum wage?
Can gun ownership and sale be regulated?
Should college athletes be paid?
Should learning institutions ban the use of smartphones by students within their premises?
Is lowering the voting age to 16 an appropriate move?
Should using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be regulated?
Should citizens receive free healthcare?
Should schools ban junk food?
Should colleges require learners to wear uniforms?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should sex education be part of the curriculum?
Should States ban the use of plastic bags?
Should animal testing be banned?
Should the government regulate internet access?
Should the legal age of drinking be increased?

Consider ordering essays online if you need professional help with persuasive writing.

Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics

An interesting persuasive essay prompt should grab the reader’s attention and touch on issues that bring out strong opinions and reactions. Here are 15 interesting persuasive paper topics for you. You can pick one that resonates with you.

Artificial intelligence is proving powerful even at its infant stage. Can its use be regulated?
Fake news and misinformation are spreading fast following increasing online activities. Should social media companies be held accountable for this?
Can virtual reality be used for therapeutic activities?
Should the government provide free for its unemployed citizens?
Can college admission be based solely on merit?
Should telemedicine become the new norm in healthcare?
Should universities teach financial literacy as a core subject?
Will revising school curriculums help integrate diverse perspectives in teaching and learning?
Should plastic surgery be more regulated?
Do modern movies portray any artistic value like their classical counterparts?
Should the government introduce higher tax brackets for wealthy people?
Does the death penalty deter crime?
Will robots replace humans in workplaces?
Should animal rights be considered on par with human rights ?
Should self-drive vehicles be allowed on public roads?

Easy Persuasive Essay Topics

An easy persuasive essay topic is straightforward and requires less research to write as it does not need one to have a deep understanding of complex issues. Readers can easily familiarize with them and formulate clear arguments. Here are 15 easy persuasive topics you can write on:

Should students be mandated to participate in physical education in school?
Can food trucks serve healthier meals?
Should learning institutions offer free menstrual products to all female students?
Can rehabilitation centers be made free for patients battling substance abuse disorders?
Should the government provide tax reprieve for citizens using environmentally friendly vehicles?
Is it better to give or receive?
Should kids be allowed to go to bed past midnight?
Is it better to have more field trips and outdoor experiences than in-class learning?
Should zoos be banned?
Should working pregnant women be added more maternity leave time?
What should the government do to help homeless people?
Should electric vehicles replace gas-powered cars?
Is singing the national anthem before a world cup match necessary?
Can torture be used when dealing with matters of national security?
Should convicts be permitted to vote?

Funny Persuasive Essay Topics

You may want to use humor to sway a reader’s opinion. Fun persuasive essay topics incorporate jokes, pun, and sarcasm to make a point. Here are 15 persuasive paper topics you can use in your write-up:

Should aliens be granted citizenship on Earth?
Can there be a law requiring people to take a nap each day?
Should superheroes be real and work for the government?
Can robots be allowed to compete in sports?
Should pizza be recognized as a staple food?
Is it realistic for schools to have similar uniforms?
Should the government invest in a department of sarcasm?
Can pets go to school?
Is it acceptable to laugh at your own funny jokes ?
Should adults be required to take parenting lessons before they become one?
Is playing video games the best way to spend free time?
Should all books be required to have a happy ending?
Can emojis be taught in school as a second language?
Should unicorns be recognized as a real species?
Should students be required to make a minimum number of friends before graduating?

Unique Persuasive Essay Ideas

If all the above ideas do not match what you are looking for, see if these 15 unique persuasive essay topics would appeal to you. Remember to select persuasive essay prompts that you are familiar with and can find information to back your stance.

How much should people know about a president’s personal life?
Do animal zoos protect or exploit them?
Can virtual reality be used as a tool for criminal rehabilitation?
Should the government fund human enhancement technology for the disabled?
Is it ethical to train soldiers to be excellent assassins?
Should the use of virtual currencies be regulated by banks and other financial institutions?
Should internet access be free to all citizens?
Should human cloning be permitted for medical research?
Can schools offer classes on self-defense against criminals?
Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their kid?
Is it reasonable for parents to genetically alter their babies?
Is there a good reason for countries going to war?
Which would you prefer, being rich and alone or living a poor life but with friends?
Is life better today than it was 60 years ago?
Should cryogenics be considered a valid option for preserving one's life?

Need more unique ideas? Give our Essay Topic Generator a shot! It can generate various titles in seconds.

Controversial Topics for Persuasive Essays

Controversy is part of human interest that leads to endless discussions and arguments in favor of or against different viewpoints. Controversial topics for persuasive essay mostly challenge societal norms and beliefs. Such papers can elicit strong emotions from readers and, more often than not, spark heated debates. Check out these 15 controversial things to write a persuasive essay on:

Are COVID-19 vaccinations safe for children?
Should the Second Amendment be abolished or reformed?
Should marriage be redefined to include same-sex couples?
Should abortion be legalized?
Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
Should schools be required to offer courses on climate change and environmental activism?
Should the government conduct surveillance on its citizens?
Can affordable housing projects solve homelessness in most African countries ?
Are cryptocurrencies scam?
Should military organizations be allowed to develop and test biological weapons of mass destruction?
Should patients be able to access assisted suicide when terminally ill?
Are video games getting too violent for our children?
Should schools ban religious education?
Is global warming threatening human existence?
Should social media platforms be banned during election periods?

Persuasive Essay Topic Ideas for Students

Students may be required to tackle some persuasive writing prompts to show how they develop and present opinions on various issues. The instructor may provide several guidelines on how to approach the assignment, but you will most likely be free to focus on an area that appeals to you. With so much to choose from, you could be too overwhelmed to settle on good persuasive essay topics for students. If you feel stuck, take a look at our suggestions list below.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Elementary Students

If you are in elementary school, practicing some persuasive tactics can help you learn how to express yourself better. Coming up with topics to write about for a persuasive essay can assist students build critical thinking skills from an early age. Here are 10 elementary persuasive essay topics you may find useful:

Should schools have dress codes?
Should teachers give out homework to students?
Should students bring their favorite toys to school?
Should the school day end earlier?
Should students be required to learn a foreign language?
Should schools have a student council?
Can students send a letter to the school management?
Should elementary schools provide free meals to all students despite their financial status?
Should recess be made mandatory for all grade levels?
Should students receive pocket money from their parents?

Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School

For middle school students, choosing a simple title for a persuasive essay and then researching them is a viable approach to helping build an understanding of different issues of the world around. It will also assist them in better expressing their opinions. These 10 persuasive essay ideas for middle school should get you started:

Should kids access the internet without parental control?
Are celebrities bad role models for children?
Should people wear safety belts when using public transport?
Should social media platforms limit the age required to create an account?
Should parents pay their kids after scoring good grades in school?
Is it necessary for children to be informed about politics?
Should students be allowed to wear what they want, even if it's unconventional?
Is it important for individuals to respect different cultures and beliefs?
Should kids be allowed to engage in extreme sports ?
Should teens be able to express their opinions freely?

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Choosing high school persuasive essay topics is a demanding task since they should strike a balance between being challenging enough for your but not too hard to research. In essence, the prompts should cover issues pupils have learned in class and can easily relate with. We have chosen 10 good persuasive essay topics for high school that will challenge your thoughts but simple enough to prevent any confusion:

Should teens care for their ageing parents?
Should schools offer more technology education, such as coding and computer engineering?
Following today’s culture and societal norms, has Christmas lost its true meaning?
Should schools provide free birth control and condoms to students?
Do human activities cause climate change?
Should college tuition be free for all students?
Should high school students have part-time jobs?
Are all politicians good people?
Does money make the world go round?
Should cities across all states have free Wi-Fi?

Persuasive Essay Topics for Colleges Students

For students who want to challenge themselves, picking college persuasive essay topics can be a great way to improve their critical thinking skills. You can select one of these 10 persuasive essay topics for college level if you are up for the task:

Should churches be taxed?
Is climate change the most significant issue humans have ever faced?
Should countries focus on their development rather than pumping resources to solve global issues?
Should freedom of speech have its limits?
Should colleges and universities offer more courses on sustainable living and environmental protection?
Are humans fueling their own destruction?
Is morality objective?
Can we rely on nuclear power ?
Should prisons be privatized?
Is social media positively or negatively affecting learning in colleges and universities?

Persuasive Writing Topics by Subject

When choosing persuasive writing essay topics, there is no shortage of a good idea from any of the available subjects. We have carefully taken an in-depth look at some fields and came up with a wide range of prompts for persuasive essays. From the examples given below, you can pick one that interests you and can comfortably write about it. We urge you to go through the list, and if you find an area that appeals to you, do not hesitate to use it.

Persuasive Essays Topics on History

Persuasive research paper topics on history are excellent for social studies, asking students to debate on various past and present issues. Some questions may not be as straightforward as you think. Here are 10 topics for a persuasive essay:

Was the early European exploration mission to Africa and other continents a good or bad thing?
Should companies be allowed to make contributions towards political candidates?
Is democracy effective as a form of governance?
Was the American Civil War primarily fought over states' rights or slavery?
Was the Vietnam War a necessary conflict?
Should schools teach revisionist history?
Should the Confederate flag be displayed in public places?
Are the founding fathers heroes or villains?
Was it justifiable for America to use atomic bombs in World War II?
Should we commemorate and celebrate Columbus Day?

Read more: Historical Research Topics

Persuasive Essay Ideas About Culture

You have probably heard many arguments on culture and related issues, which are perfectly suitable for persuasive writing ideas. Examine cultural heritage, traditions, immigration, and other ideas for persuasive writing below:

Can music be used as a treatment intervention for mental illness?
Should there be limits on immigration to preserve a country's cultural identity ?
Is cultural diffusion a good or bad thing for society?
Should there be restrictions on cultural exports, such as music, movies, and art?
Should cultural heritage sites be preserved for future generations?
Should the representation of different cultures in media and entertainment be more diverse?
Should culture be modified to fit modern society?
Do the Kardashians positively or negatively influence young people?
What can museums do to encourage more people to visit?
Should cultural traditions be preserved, even if they are harmful?

Science Persuasive Essay Topics

The ever-evolving science world brings up lots of ethical concerns, making it easy to find a persuasive research topic. See what you think about these 10 topics for a persuasive research paper in this field:

Is evolution a fact or theory?
Should the government continue funding space exploration?
Is understanding human psychology essential for college students?
Is it ethical to perform scientific experiments on animals?
Should scientists access genetic testing to predict future health problems?
Should companies be allowed to cause more environmental damage because they make good products that benefit society?
Should researchers conduct early clinical trials on humans rather than animals?
Do you think humans are similar to animals?
How likely are robots going to overrun the human population?
Should genetically modified organisms be released into the wild?

View more: Science Research Paper Topics

Persuasive Essays for Topics on Education

Education is one of the most important aspects of a person's life, as it provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their future careers and personal lives. Moreover, it is constantly evolving and adapting to meet new challenges. As such, there are many contentious and thought-provoking topics to write persuasive essays on in this field. See if these 10 persuasive essay titles related to education inspire you:

Should online education replace traditional classroom learning?
Should schools offer courses in mental health and wellness?
How much should parents get involved in their children’s learning process?
Should schools provide more opportunities for students to study abroad?
Should schools provide more support and resources for students with learning differences?
Should teachers communicate with their students through social media?
Is college education necessary for a successful career?
Are exams the right approach to determine if students are actually learning and understanding course concepts?
Is detention necessary curbing indiscipline among students?
Should students take vocational lessons before graduating?

Read more: Education Research Topics

Political Persuasive Essay Topics

People have varying political opinions. Choosing topics to write a persuasive essay on means you have no problem conducting in-depth research to understand other perspectives. Take a look at these 10 titles for persuasive essays, but remember you can receive backlash from those on the opposing side:

Should the United States have a two-party or a multi-party political system?
Should protestors block off roads and cause traffic? Are their actions a concern for public safety?
Should same-sex marriages be legalized?
Should we continue protecting religious liberties?
Should local governments do more to fight global warming ? If yes, how so?
How can the threat of terrorism be mitigated?
How should countries encourage female participation in politics?
Can the issue of immigration be solved?
Should the government regulate political advertising and propaganda?
Should money spent on political campaigns be limited?

>> View more: Political Science Topics

Topics for a Persuasive Essay on Technology

The evolution of technology is remarkable, bringing forth developments that would have been impossible if it remained only a theory. In fact, it has changed how we learn, communicate, interact, and access information. When it comes to writing about technology, you can never miss things to write persuasive essays on, especially if you have a huge interest in the field. Here, we outline 10 ideas for persuasive essays you can explore:

Is technology improving or hindering our ability to communicate effectively?
Are we becoming too dependent on technology?
Should internet access be considered a basic human right?
Is technology making us less social and isolated?
Does technology contribute to the growing inequality in the world?
Are wearable technologies like smartwatches and fitness trackers improving our health?
Do action video games, such as Call of Duty and PUBG, increase juvenile violence?
Should children under a certain age be banned from using social media and other technology devices?
Which is better, Android or iOS?
Do you think car manufacturers can design automotive vehicles with similar capabilities as the Transformers?

>> More ideas: Technological Research Topics

Military Persuasive Essay Topic Ideas

War is part of our history, and understanding the role military personnel play is essential in building a better society. From this, persuasive paper topics on their activities and warfare have become common in college-level studies. Here, we will take a look at 10 of the most popular topics for persuasive essays you may encounter:

Should the military budget be increased or decreased?
How can the country help war veterans as they integrate into society?
Should military personnel protest and express their political views?
Should women be assigned to combat positions in the army?
Should the military use more advanced technology, such as drones and robots, in warfare?
Should the United States provide military aid to other countries?
Can the military be called upon in response to humanitarian crises and disasters?
Do you think that a large military base is a show of strength and power?
Due to their service to the nation, should the army be exempted from paying taxes?
Should the military be more transparent about its operations and decision-making processes?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Health

We all worry about the state of our public health system. There are so many persuasive essay topics to choose from in this field. For example, how do we deal with increasing mortality rates? Can an HIV/AIDS vaccine work? You can try these 10 other health persuasive essay topics and gain insight into today’s societal challenges:

Should schools screen students for depression?
Is it advisable for companies to drug test their employees anytime?
Substance abuse is at an all-high following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic . What should be done to combat this?
Only one state mandates all restaurants to display nutritional content on their menu. Do you think this should be applicable for all other states?
Can the Affordable Care Act be replaced? If yes, what improvements do you want included in the new one?
Should unhealthy foods be taxed to discourage consumption?
Should people understand their family medical history?
Should health insurance providers give out financial incentives to encourage their clients to adopt healthy lifestyles?
Should mental health be treated with the same priority as physical health?
Should citizens access healthcare regardless of their ability to pay?

>> Read more: Mental Health Topics to Write About

Persuasive Essay Ideas by Theme

One way of grouping your work is by themes, meaning organizing similar topics to create a coherent essay. This way, it will be easy to find things to write a persuasive essay about. In the following list, choose persuasive questions you are passionate about and understand well. Focusing on one area will help you build strong arguments and convince the reader to agree with your point.

Persuasive Essay Topics About Sports

Sports have always been a favorite pastime for many people, and it's not surprising that they are popular among students. Writing persuasive essay topics on sports allows you to explore diverse opinions surrounding various issues in this field. From the use of performance-enhancing drugs to its impact on society and education, there is no shortage of ideas to choose from. Whether you are a fan or simply interested in exploring the different arguments and perspectives, selecting this theme can be a fascinating and rewarding challenge. Have a look at these 10 sports persuasive essay topics for your next paper:

Is it important for children to participate in sports?
Does participating in sports have a positive impact on academic performance?
Should sport events be held in venues with retractable roofs or open-air stadiums?
Should athletes be held responsible for their actions off the field or court?
Are violent sports harmful to participants and should they be banned?
Is it fair for athletes to receive such high salaries?
Should sports teams provide equal pay for men and women?
Should athletes caught doping receive a life ban on future sports participation?
Should betting on sport be legal?
Should sport events be more environmentally friendly?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Animals

Animals are an important part of our world, and they play a vital role in our ecosystem. They create emotional connection in people and inspire us to take action and protect their rights and habitats. A persuasive paper idea on the ethics of zoos and circuses, wildlife conservation, or animal testing can be a good starting point for your essay. You can also look at these 10 other animal persuasive essay topics below if they interest you:

Should hunting animals be illegal?
Is animal-assisted therapy ethical?
Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment, such as circuses and rodeos?
Are animal rights activism and advocacy effective?
Is it right to keep wild animals as pets?
Should there be limits on the amount of sea creatures that can be caught for commercial purposes?
Is it necessary to have animal welfare laws that protect domesticated animals?
Should domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, be spayed and neutered to reduce overpopulation?
Should animals be given the same legal rights as humans?
Is it ethical to use animals for food production?

Entertainment Persuasive Writing Ideas

Entertainment is a constantly evolving industry that captivates and engages people from all walks of life. From movies and music to video games and television, there are countless forms of entertainment that shape our culture and influence our beliefs and values. Your persuasive paragraph topics can range from the impact of technology on the entertainment industry or representation of marginalized groups in media to the role of entertainment in shaping societal norms. In your writing, you can use any of these 10 persuasive paper ideas for your entertainment-themed essay:

What is the best music to listen to when in a bad mood?
Should people download copyrighted music and movies for free?
Is it important for society to access free public entertainment options, such as parks and museums?
Should streaming services pay the same amount as traditional TV networks for the rights to air content?
Are there benefits or drawbacks to binge-watching TV shows, and what impact does it have on our viewing habits?
Is it ethical for celebrities to use their influence to endorse products?
Is there a moral obligation to consider the ethics of reality TV shows and their impact on participants and audiences?
Is it important for TV networks to have diversity in the content they air?
Should individuals livestream their personal lives 24/7?
Should TV networks air a certain amount of educational content daily?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Food

Food is a basic life necessity that can bring people together and shape our cultural identity. From the rise of veganism to the impact of fast food on our health, you can find many persuasive paper ideas on this theme that inspire lively debates. If you are looking for more ideas on food, check out the following persuasive research topics:

Should there be restrictions on the use of artificial sweeteners in food production?
Is it necessary for individuals to reduce their meat consumption for the sake of the environment?
Is the global food system sustainable, and what changes must be made to ensure long-term food security?
Should fast food restaurants list the calorie count of their menu items?
Should there be restrictions on the sale of junk food to children?
Should the use of antibiotics in food production be limited?
Is it important for individuals to eat locally sourced food?
Should the use of growth hormones in food production be banned?
Should fast food restaurants be held responsible for promoting unhealthy food choices?
Should supermarkets donate unused foods to the homeless?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Depression

When looking for a persuasive essay title on depression, you have to be mindful since this is a sensitive theme. To get started, you can pick a topic for a persuasive essay from the list below:

Should employers provide mental health benefits for employees?
Is therapy the most effective treatment for depression? If not, what are the alternatives?
Is it important for society to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and depression?
Should medication be the first line of treatment for depression?
Is it possible for someone with depression to live a happy and fulfilling life?
Should mental health screening be mandatory for all?
Is it important for society to educate individuals about depression and mental health?
Should people take antidepressants without a prescription?
Should the government invest more in mental health research and treatment?
Is it necessary for people to talk about their depression in order to overcome it?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Music

Music is a universal language that can tell a story, link people together, and create emotional connection. From classical to rock, from hip-hop to jazz, there are countless genres of music that have shaped our culture and continue to inspire new generations. Many topics for persuasive papers can be engaging and allow you to express your opinion on different musical perspectives. When choosing what to write, you can talk about the impact of technology on music, its role in society, or you can settle on one of these 10 persuasive research essay topics below:

Is music education necessary in schools?
Is classical music more culturally significant than popular music?
Does music have a healing power?
Should music with explicit lyrics be censored? Does this impact free speech and artistic expression?
Are music competitions fair and beneficial for musicians?
Are music videos an important aspect of music or are they distracting and unnecessary?
What is the impact of the music industry on the economy?
Is it important for musicians to have a concrete message in their music?
Can music be used to spread hate and violence?
Should people be allowed to play music in public spaces without permission?

Persuasive Essay Ideas About Love & Friendship

Love and friendship are common themes for persuasive essays and letters as they can elicit strong emotions and opinions from people. When searching for ideas for a persuasive essay, you may argue for or against romantic love or about the benefits and drawbacks of different types of friendships. Whether you are composing a love or friendship essay , the following 10 topics for persuasive writing will give you an opportunity to express your own views and engage others in a meaningful dialogue:

Is love more important than friendship in a romantic relationship?
Is true love a matter of fate or choice?
Can money buy happiness in a relationship?
Is it better to be in a relationship or single?
Can friendships last for a lifetime?
Is honesty the best policy in a relationship?
Is it advisable to be long-term friends before dating?
Is it better to have a few close friends or many casual friends?
Is physical attraction important in a relationship?
Can you be friends with an ex-partner?

Keep in mind that we have different lists of topics for your essay writing. Find them in our blogs, be those analytical essay topics or position paper topics .

Bottom Line on Persuasive Essay Topics

Good ideas for persuasive essays can be challenging to formulate, but in this guide, we have provided over 300 engaging and exciting persuasive article topics on different subjects and themes to help you with this task. Remember that your choice should be influenced by interest, availability of evidence, and the ability to present concrete arguments. Once you pick a topic, follow these tips as you begin writing:

Avoid unusual persuasive essay topics that are far too complicated and can provoke your readers.
Research your topic and make sure you can present the opposing sides of the argument.
Understand your audience. This will help choose a subject they can relate or engage in.
Go for controversy. People like reading about issues that elicit strong opinions or emotions.

If you feel that writing is still a struggle for you, don’t hesitate to buy a persuasive essay from an academic writing service. Our professional writers will do their best to provide you with your paper timely.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students

Don’t be surprised when the discussion gets heated…

It can be tempting to steer away from controversial debate topics in the classroom. But teaching students to discuss hot topics calmly and rationally is vital. Show them how to think critically about a subject, then use facts to support their point of view. These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays , or fishbowl discussions .

Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

Education Controversial Debate Topics

Science and health controversial debate topics, civics controversial debate topics, social justice controversial debate topics, more controversial debate topics.

Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Should schools eliminate dress codes?

Are private schools better than public schools?
Should schools be allowed to teach critical race theory?
Are standardized tests effective?
Should schools teach abstinence instead of sexual education?
Should schools make condoms available to students?
Is year-round school better for students?
Should schools ban junk food?
Are single-gender schools better for students?
Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
Should we make college free for everyone?
Should we allow schools to ban books from their libraries?
Does religion have a place in public schools?
Should charter schools receive public school funds?
Are school voucher systems a good idea?

Is in-person school better than online school?
Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways?
Should schools install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters?
Should all teachers be armed in the classroom to help protect their students?
Is it important for schools to provide mental health support to students?
Should schools allow students to use phones during the school day?
Is recess important at every grade level?
Should we put equal value on vocational education and academics?
Is homeschooling good for children?
How much emphasis should school put on reading from the “canon” versus reading more contemporary voices?
Should humans eat animals?
Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

Should we ban plastic bottles and bags?
Is it worth it to spend money exploring space?
Should vaccines be mandatory?
Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
Is animal cloning ethical?
Should human cloning be legal?
Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?
Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?

Should assisted suicide be legal?
Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
Should all countries have to give up their nuclear weapons?
Is universal government-sponsored healthcare a good idea?
Should we ban testing on animals?
Should net neutrality be mandatory for internet service providers?
Is our society too reliant on technology?
Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
Does our society have a harmful “diet culture”?
Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

Can alternative energies replace fossil fuels?
Is nurture more important than nature when raising a child?
Should we lower the voting age to 16?
Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
Is democracy the best form of government?
Should all Americans be required to vote?
Should we raise the driving age to 18?

Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
Should parents be punished legally for their children’s crimes?
Should abortion be legal?
Would it be better to appoint Supreme Court judges for fixed terms?
Should people have to take a parenting class before having a child?
Should we legalize marijuana at the federal level?
Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol) instead of banning them?
Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
Do gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment?
Should we require people of all genders to register for the draft?
Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

Is it right to require people to take drug tests before receiving government aid like welfare?
Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
Why haven’t we had a female U.S. president yet?
Should men be allowed to make laws that affect women’s bodies?
Should the government provide funding for public art programs?
Are there any reasonable limits to freedom of speech?
Is security more important than freedom?

Is security more important than freedom?

Should we abolish the death penalty?
Is a strong middle class vital to the economy?
Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

Is the American justice system inherently racist?
Will stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings?
Is it logical to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico?
How much of a problem is ageism in our society?
Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

Does socioeconomic prejudice affect our society?
Should we automatically deport illegal immigrants, regardless of how long they’ve been in the country?
What is the role of media in fighting systemic racism?
Does segregation still exist in the United States?
Are white-collar jobs better than blue-collar jobs?
Does religion do more harm than good?
Will we ever achieve world peace?
Should parents use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are?
Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

Are the prices of pharmaceutical drugs reasonable?
Who should cover the medical costs of people without insurance?
Is video gaming a sport?
Should parents be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears?
Should we ban all violent video games?
Are beauty pageants sexist?
Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

Should there be a minimum age for owning a smartphone?
Is it possible to be an ethical hunter?
What is the best way to deal with homelessness?
Was Russia justified in attacking Ukraine?
Should both parents receive equal amounts of paid leave when they have or adopt a child?
Are stereotypes ever right?
Do people have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action?
Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
What gives people true power in the United States?

What gives people true power in the United States?

Is conflict necessary for change?
Is war ever justified?

What controversial debate topics do you use with your students? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 35 strong persuasive writing examples (speeches, essays, ads, and more) ., you might also like.

125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion. Continue Reading

WRT 101S - West - Controversial Issues - Wilkerson: Get Started

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Hot topics and current issues.

Is your topic about a controversial issue or something in the news? Try one of our Hot Topic databases. They have articles, topic summaries, as well as links to related newspaper articles and multimedia.

CQ Researcher : Congressional Quarterly provides useful and thoroughly researched information about a range of contemporary issues.
Points of View Reference Center : Multiple perspectives on current issues presented in overview essays and journal articles.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context : Cross-curricular research database that provides informed, differing views to help learners develop critical thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.

Controversial Issues

Writing a documented paper on a controversial issue requires that both sides of an issue be examined, requiring the researcher to take a position on one side or the other. In addition, you must defend your position against opposing points of views. You will need to find 4-6 credible sources.

Your research for a persuasive essay will involve one or more of the following:

Choosing a controversial issue that interests you, based on your instructions in the assignment
Locating reference sources to provide background information on your topic
Locating journal or magazine articles according to the time periods specified in your assignment
Locating websites specifically aimed at your topic
Citing your sources in MLA style
Preparing an Annotated Bibliography

General Reference Resources

Begin your research by seeking some general background information about your topic using reference resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica Online This link opens in a new window A general knowledge English-language encyclopedia.
Gale Virtual Reference Library (formerly Gale ebooks) This link opens in a new window An extensive collection of digital reference resources that provide invaluable topic information for getting started.

Factual Information: statistical data and more

US Government Publications and Information Use this to locate information published by federal and state governments.
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100 Persuasive Essay Topics
How to write an essay on a controversial issue
How to Write A Persuasive Essay
50+ Collection of the Most Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics
10 Daring Persuasive Argumentative Essay Topics
Controversial Essay Examples

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Tackling Controversies: Best Topics for Persuasive Writing
Top 10 Persuasive Essay Topics
TOP 7 Persuasive Essay Topics
99 Best Argumentative Essay Topics for Students
100+ Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students
Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Structure + Questions- CSEC English A

COMMENTS

15 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues
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.
100 Controversial Essay Topics for any Assignment
These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this. iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone. Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families. Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights. Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care.
100+ Topics for Argumentative Essays and Debates
Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research. Abortion - Should abortion be legal? Alternative Energy - Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?
130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing
Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...
205 Controversial Topics for Essays, Speeches, and Debates
So if you're looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you've come to the right place! We've compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you're trying to come up ...
16 Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics and Writing Prompts
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 ...
113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment
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 ...
The Best Controversial Topics for Debates and Essays
Tip #4: Avoid Hyperbole, Stereotypes, and Clichés. These are common issues that crop up in argumentative writing that ultimately weaken your position. Hyperbole happens when you exaggerate. When you use hyperbole, you risk misrepresenting the issue at hand—which is an argument killer.
100 Persuasive Essay Topics
A Persuasive Essay Has 3 Components. Introduction: This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook, which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis, or argument, which you'll explain in the next section. Body: This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length.
Persuasive Essay Topics: Igniting Debate and Driving Change
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 ...
Persuasive Essay Topics
A persuasive essay uses emotional appeal to convince the reader to agree with the author's position on an issue. The author may also present reasoning based on ethical standards. Think of a persuasive essay like a commercial or an ad. You're trying to convince your audience buy into your opinion.
120+ Good Persuasive Essay Topics From Easy to Unique
If you need to prove your point in a persuasive essay, you'll need to start with a great prompt. Check out these ideas for easy, challenging, and unique persuasive prompts in different categories. ... Persuasive Essay Topics About Science and Technology. The ever-changing world of science and technology brings lots of practical and ethical ...
100+ Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics to Challenge Your Thinking
In conclusion, persuasive essays are an effective way to communicate ideas and influence others' opinions. Writing a persuasive essay requires choosing the right topic that interests you, and you feel passionate about. Hopefully, this list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics has inspired you to select a topic that is thought-provoking, interesting, and engaging.
120 Persuasive Essay Topics
10 Best Persuasive Essay Topics. Including the most interesting, thought-provoking and unique topics, this section contains the ten best persuasive essay topics out there. All problems facing humanity could be fixed with better technology. Embalming is a dangerous practice. Euthanasia should be illegal.
50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment
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.
Think Outside the Box: 200 Inspiring Persuasive Essay Topics
Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics below to get started. 1. Unique Persuasive Essay Topics for Students. 2. Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics from Different Fields. 3. Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics. 4. Fun Persuasive Essay Topics.
50 Compelling Argumentative Essay 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.
200 Persuasive Essay Topics
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 ...
227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]
College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine. Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only. Drug prices should be set ethically. Herbal medications are the safest. Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy. Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential.
55 Rare Topics For Persuasive Essays
Controversial persuasive essay topics; Best persuasive essay topics; A persuasive essay is a type of writing where your primary purpose is to convince the reader that your opinion is correct. It can be applied to a wide variety of disciplines; in fact, persuasive writing can be used in any writing format, be it a college persuasive essay, an ...
Persuasive Essay Topics: 300+ Unique Ideas for Students
Controversial topics for persuasive essay mostly challenge societal norms and beliefs. Such papers can elicit strong emotions from readers and, more often than not, spark heated debates. Check out these 15 controversial things to write a persuasive essay on:
110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students
These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays, or fishbowl discussions. Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments. Education Controversial Debate Topics; Science and Health Controversial Debate Topics
110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience
We've compiled a list of 110 persuasive speech topics—broken down by category—for you to choose from or use as inspiration. Use the set of three questions we shared above to determine which of these interesting persuasive speech topics is right for you. Art, Media, and Culture.
WRT 101S
Your research for a persuasive essay will involve one or more of the following: Choosing a controversial issue that interests you, based on your instructions in the assignment; Locating reference sources to provide background information on your topic; Locating journal or magazine articles according to the time periods specified in your assignment