Higher - Discursive Writing Topics
The following are topics which might be used for a discursive
essay. Many have been used successfully by students in the
past.
Remember, though, that often the best essays are based on
topical issues, presently being debated in the media. Do not
feel that you are restricted to the list below.
Cars - a blessing or a curse?
Given the traffic congestion on our roads, should we be doing
more to keep cars off the road, and if so, what?
Should Britain be processing nuclear waste?
Should wolves be re-introduced to certain parts of Scotland?
Should humans treat farm animals more humanely?
Is there any place for zoos in a civilised society?
What is the future for the British (Scottish) countryside - a
recreational retreat or a living, working environment for the
production of food? Discuss.
It has been said that the glory game of football has been
turned into the money game. To what extent do you think this
statement is true and how has the game been affected?
Should athletes be allowed to take drugs to enhance their
performance providing the drugs do no long-term damage to
their bodies?
Should 'soft' drugs such as cannabis be legalised?
Should the age for the legal consumption of alcohol be
lowered to 16?
"Alcopops, with their trendy packaging and fashionable image,
are encouraging under-age drinking." To what extent do you
agree with this statement?
Should euthanasia be legalised in Britain?
Should abortion have any place in a civilised society?
Has abortion become too widespread?
How old is “too old” for parenthood?
Have improvements in contraception brought about liberation
or a passport to promiscuity?
Has genetic engineering gone too far?
Cloning - a tremendous medical advance or an ominous
development?
Should animal organs be used for human transplantation?
Should doctors have the right to refuse expensive treatment to
patients who will not change their habits (eg lose weight, stop
smoking, stop drinking)?
Should there be a minimum BMI for models?
Should surrogacy be allowed?
Has cosmetic surgery become too readily available?
Should Britain bring back capital punishment?
Is marriage an outdated institution?
Social Networking sites should be controlled by the
government. Discuss.
Is there still too much discrimination against women?
Should gay couples be allowed to have children?
Does racism continue in today's society? If so, what can be
done to combat this?
Should people be allowed to express their faith through the
clothes they wear?
Arranged marriages should be banned worldwide. Discuss.
Should more be done to help travelers?
What place does the Church have in modern society?
Should clergymen comment on government policies?
Should children of different faiths be educated separately?
Why do teenagers have such a bad press?
Has Britain had enough immigration?
Is enough being done to halt climate change?
Should film censorship be banned?
Should Youtube be exempt from censorship laws?
Ancient cultures are being destroyed by tourism. Discuss.
What are the benefits of a gap year?
Our rail networks should be extended. Discuss.
"Rap music is misogynistic!" Discuss.
Should pupils have to wear school uniform?
Does Britain need public schools?
Is education for life or is it a means to an end?
Is the National Lottery a good thing?
The Royal Family: are they a luxury we can no longer afford?
Money: the root of all evil or a necessary evil?
Why should we remember the Holocaust?
Now that the World Wars are outwith most people's
experience, is it time to forget about Remembrance Sunday?
Should Britain have become involved in the current conflict in
Iraq?
No man is born evil. Discuss.
Should Britain get rid of its nuclear weapons?
Though Scotland has been given devolution, many people
want to go a step further and achieve full independence. Do
you think independence would be good for Scotland?
Should public figures be made to resign in the light of
revelations about their private lives?
Are celebrities entitled to a private life?
What is the purpose of reality television?
CCTV is an intrusion on our privacy. Discuss.
Should young people under 18 be allowed to have Tattoos –
Should girls have the right to have an education in muslim
countries
Are arranged marriages necessarily wrong?
Facebook Twitter Social Media Sites have more dangers than
benefits
Gambling is a dangerous vice or a harmless pastime?
Online Gaming – entertainment or time wasting?
Reality TV has gone too far.
The Royals have the Right to Privacy as do us all.
High Speed Rail should come to Scotland as well as Leeds
and Manchester.
Scotland must vote for independence!
Scotland could never survive on its own.
Emily Pankhurst - the first great Feminist or a dangerous
meddler?
Feminism today – where next?
Gun law in USA must change.
Blonde Bimbo or Bright Bluestocking?
Drugs and Sport –
Gay Marriage
Women Clergy
The Persuasive Essay
versus
The Discursive Essay
Introduction – hook – definition Introduction – hook –
definition
Development 1…Pros
Development 1…Pros
Further development e.g.
Opposition 1 Cons
Conclusion - hook
Evaluation of pro/cons
Conclusion - hook
Style – rhetorical devices as seen in the press and on the
notes.