Persuasive Essay Writing Topics
Note: Some topics require background research.
Environment
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Climate change / global warming: why it is / is not a problem
Health
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Why people should quit smoking
The effects of drug or alcohol abuse
Smoking bans: should the federal government pass a nationwide indoor smoking
ban?
Social anxiety: how is it different from shyness? Are we a society of anxiety?
Fast food: Are we taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity?
Human Rights Issues
 Bullying laws: should the government put laws into place to prevent bullying?
 Spanking: should it be outlawed?
 Should the death penalty be abolished in all countries?
Media
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Models: should there be a minimum weight limit?
Advertising: should certain kinds of ads be banned in the interest of
health/morality/annoyance – alcohol, cigarettes, prescription meds, etc…?
Internet and children: are children smarter (or more socialized) because of the
Internet?
Internet regulation / censorship: should the federal government be allowed to
regulate information on the internet?
Working mothers: what differences, if any, are there in children who are raised by
stay-at-home moms and working moms? Does society today still discriminate
against working mothers who wish to have flexible work schedules?
School Issues
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Why students should / should not wear uniforms
Why cell phones should / should not be allowed in high schools
Why classes should be shorter / longer
Why Facebook should be allowed / banned in schools
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Censorship: should parents or teachers censor textbooks / literature for children in
schools?
Exams: should exams be outlawed in favour of another form of assessment?
Other
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Who the best movie star or singer/band is
What the best sport is
Animal rights: should it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?
Juvenile offenders: should juvenile offenders be tried and punished as adults?
Privacy: should the government be allowed to wire tap without permission?