PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

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

author image

General Education

feature_essaytopics

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

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

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

All persuasive essays have the following:

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

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

It’s a Topic You Care About

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

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

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

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

It’s a Manageable Topic

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

feature_argumentativeessay-1

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

body-sparkler-us-flag

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

feature_information_technology

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

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

Do Your Research

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

Make Your Thesis Perfect

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

Consider the Other Side

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

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

Need more help with this topic? Check out Tutorbase!

Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. You can use dozens of filters and search criteria to find the perfect person for your needs.

Connect With a Tutor Now

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

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Join the Conversation

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

  • For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

prompts for persuasive writing

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Summer Boarding Courses

100 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Writers aged 8 to 18

femal-student-persuasive-writing

Being able to state your ideas and offer evidence for your arguments is an excellent skill to have! If you can convince people that you are right, you will be able to achieve so much more within your job, with your friends and new people that you meet.

Persuasive writing is about trying to get the reader to agree with your opinion or ideas. To be able to express what you want and what you believe to be true, we at Summer Boarding Courses have put together these 100 persuasive writing prompts to help you exercise your tactics!

Persuasive Writing Prompts for Writers

We have 25 fun writing prompts for each age group below that we teach at Summer Boarding Courses in the UK.

Present your arguments like a pro, build upon your critical thinking skills and communicate seamlessly through your writing with these opinion writing prompts.

But first, before you begin to write, you must consider the following…

Which audience are you trying to persuade?

Who are your trying to persuade? Is it your friends, your teachers, the manager of a company or the whole community that you live within? Different groups of people have different wishes, ideas, needs and wants. Think carefully about what appeals to the group you are trying to convince.

For example, if you are student arguing that school break times should be longer to your student friends, they may be easier to persuade than the teachers!

Students love to hang out with their friends, go outside, do sport and eat delicious food.

However, if you are trying to convince the teachers at your school that break times should be longer, they may feel stressed and unsure about this. They have lessons that they need to deliver to you, work goals to meet, and your education and learning is at the forefront of their minds.

If you can convince them that you can complete your learning is less time, they might just agree that longer break times are a good idea!

Always try and appeal to each person’s perspective so that you can convince as best as you can.

male-student-writing-on-whiteboard.j

Be kind and respectful

We can all have different ideas about what is right, wrong, correct and unusual. Be respectful and kind when arguing in your speech or writing about what you are standing for. We are all entitled to our opinion, and for many issues, there are pros and cons for each side that we take.

Here are some key phrases that you can use to help yourself get your point across clearly and politely:

‘In my opinion…’

‘I feel that…’

‘Others must agree that…’

‘It seems to me that…’

‘Some people believe that…’

‘For this reason…’

‘I agree that…’

‘On the other hand…’

Firstly…Secondly….’

two-female-students-in-english-class

Introduce your argument in the first paragraph

Start your piece with an introductory paragraph that states your argument. This paragraph will clearly tell the reader what your opinion is and what you are standing for.

Support your argument with at least three pieces of evidence

Most people will not be convinced of your ideas unless you can show them evidence. This evidence can be qualitative or quantitative.

Qualitative evidence

Qualitative evidence is descriptive information that can come from a personal story, an interview, a drawing or a photograph. You can find this information from personally talking to people about their experiences.

Quantitative evidence

Quantitative evidence is about numbers, statistics and concrete data. This information can come from surveys, official records and experiments which carefully follow methods to try and ensure accurate information. Many people prefer to see quantitative evidence, as personal stories collected for qualitative evidence can sometimes be inaccurate.

Show that you understand the different sides to your argument

A clear and coherent writer who is putting their argument forward will have taken the time to consider other points of view different to their own. Show the reader that you understand and can see what else people may argue. Try and have a good answer back to these thoughts.

If you have evidence to support your counterargument, even better!

Ask questions

Ask your reader questions to get them to think about what you are arguing. This way, you can challenge their point of view.

They will start thinking about other perspectives that they may not have considered before.

If you’re stuck: think about a time where you did convince someone

Has there been a time in the past where you did successfully manage to persuade someone to see your point of view? Think about this time carefully.

How did you manage to convince the person? What strategies and language did you use?

Has there been a time where you were persuaded by someone?

Channel these techniques into your writing to put forward the best argument you can.

group-summer-school-students-watching-tutor.

Finish your argument with a strong closing statement

Summarise your ideas and reinforce your argument so that readers are reminded about why your argument is valid. This is your last chance to sway their opinion!

Find below our 100 essay writing prompts to help you practice your persuasive skills.

25 Persuasive Young Kids Writing Prompts

Are you looking for 4th grade and 5th grade writing prompts? Or prompts for ages a little younger or older for kids? Here are our 20 writing persuasive prompts for students aged 8 to 12!

I should be able to go to bed when I want.

All classrooms should have a class pet.

There needs to a be a non-school uniform day every week.

You can only eat apples or oranges for the next week. Which one will you eat? Why?

I should be allowed to stay home alone.

There should be no homework at school.

Break times at school should be longer.

People should be fined for dropping litter.

I should be allowed to eat ice cream every day.

All students should learn how to cook.

Persuade your family to let you open a birthday present the day before your birthday.

Persuade your family to give you twice as much pocket money.

If you could have any pet, what would it be? Convince your family why you should care for it.

Convince your friend to swap their packed lunch with yours.

Students should be allowed to pick their own seats in class.

Persuade your family to watch the film you want to watch.

Dogs are better than cats.

School holidays should be longer.

Imagine in the future, you can live on land or underwater. Which one would you choose? Why?

You have to live in another country. Which one do you choose? Why?

Convince your family to let you watch your favourite TV programme.

Students should be allowed to choose their teacher.

Students should have 3-day weekends.

You can only play one sport for the next month. What is it? Why?

Students who are late to school should do a chore for their class.

You can choose one superhero power to help others: fly or stop time. Which one do you choose? Why?

Study English Abroad with Summer Boarding Courses

Find out more about how we can help you with your ESL writing, speaking, listening and reading.

25 Prompts for Persuasive Writing for Older Kids

Here are 25 writing persuasive prompts for students aged 11 to 15. If you’re looking for 7th grade and 8th grade writing prompts particularly, these are for you!

Mobile phones should be allowed to be used in the classroom.

It should be made mandatory to eat vegetables every day at school.

The school day should start later and end later in the day.

There should be a computer game room at school.

All students should learn at least 2 languages in school.

Students should be able to wear whatever they want at school.

Students should be taught only how to type; not write with pen and paper.

The first lesson of school every day should be exercise.

Facebook states that you must be at least 13 years old to have a Facebook account. Is this fair?

Persuade your brother/sister to do your house chores for one week.

Smoking should be banned in all public areas.

Teachers must wear a uniform to school. What is the uniform? Why?

Family should only give pocket money if chores are completed.

Persuade your teacher to let you eat your favourite snacks in class.

We should all learn how to grow our own fruit and vegetables.

Persuade your family to take you on holiday to a destination you want to go to.

Persuade your friend who doesn’t like sports to play your favourite sport with you.

Fast food like chips and pizza should be served everyday in the school canteen. Yes or no?

Persuade your family to let you stay at your friend’s house.

Teachers should not be allowed to have their cell phone in the classroom.

There should be one day per week where the whole nation must be vegetarian.

Fizzy drinks should be banned from school.

Students should be paid for getting good grades.

Is it better to have enough money, or too much money?

I should decide what time my bedtime is.

Headington-summer-school-students-in-geogrpahy-lesson

25 Ideas for Argumentative Writing Prompts for Teenagers

These writing prompts are great for students aged 13 to 16!

Teenagers should not do any chores at home.

All students should teach one lesson to their class each term.

Students should be allowed to use their mobile phones at any time in school.

All students should volunteer in their community once every week.

Persuade your friend to help you with your homework.

Imagine you can create a new class to be taught in your school. What subject would it be? Why should it be taught?

Students who commit cyber-bullying should be suspended from school. Yes or no? Why?

The voting age should be lowered to age 13.

Persuade your teacher to have their lessons outside in the Summer.

Persuade your family to let you redecorate your bedroom.

Imagine that you have been granted a ticket to live on Mars. If you go, you are not allowed to come back to Earth. Would you go? Why?

Textbooks should be replaced by tablets or e-readers.

Persuade your teacher to end their class 10 minutes early.

Persuade your teacher to let your class have a party.

Imagine that you are given 1 million pounds to improve your neighbourhood. What would you do with the money? Why are your ideas the right thing to do?

Persuade your teacher to not set your class homework for the next month.

Everyone under the age of 17 should have to stay in after 9pm.

People should only be allowed to drive their cars 4 days a week to minimise pollution.

Country life is better than city life.

All students should be allowed to study abroad once per year.

Teenagers under the age of 15 should not be allowed to have a Facebook page.

The internet should be free for everyone.

Everyone should eat vegan food one day per week.

All school classes should be outdoors in the forest.

25 Young Adult Persuasive Essay Prompts

These quick writing prompts for students aged 15 to 17 will have you scribbling away to get your point across!

All students should learn how to make YouTube videos.

People should pay extra tax when they buy drinks in plastic bottles.

Humans are living longer, to the point where we may become immortal in the future. Would living forever be a good? Argue your point of view.

Students should be allowed to listen to their own music on headphones when working in class. Argue your viewpoint.

Teenagers around the world should not be allowed to drive until they are 18.

You have been given money to hold a major event in your hometown. What would the event be about or for? Why should people come?

Imagine you want to be the next president of your country. Why should people vote for you?

Convince your friend to lend you something special of theirs.

Persuade your family to let you study overseas at a Summer School next year.

Imagine that you have been given the chance to interview for your dream job. Convince the boss that you are the person they should choose.

Persuade your family to watch a movie on Netflix that you want to watch.

You have just started a new business making a phone better than the iPhone. Explain what features your phone has, that makes it much better than Apple’s.

Persuade a friend to come to a new activity group with you that they are feeling anxious about.

Aliens exist. True or false? Argue your point of view.

All young adults should be required by law to volunteer in their community once every week. Yes or no?

Mathematics class is more important than music class. Yes or no? Why?

City life is better than country life.

Driving tests should be mandatory every year after you are 65 years old.

Students who bully others should be suspended from school.

There should be one currency for the whole world.

Recycling should be a legal requirement for every household.

Life is better than it was 10 years ago.

Girls and boys should study separately in school.

You can choose to put one celebrity on your country’s highest-value banknote. Who is the celebrity? Why should they be placed on the note?

Life is better without a computer.

Are you ready to improve your persuasive writing?

We hope you have enjoyed these free writing prompts! This is your chance to change the world in which we live through your thoughts!

If you want to work on your writing in English, try and aim to make these your daily writing prompts! We also recommend using pictures as writing prompts. Looking at pictures with writing prompts, rather than just seeing a sentence, can help you create your arguments and ideas if you are a  visual learner .

And if you are ready to fully immerse yourself in a thriving and educational setting, come and study with us this Summer!

At Summer Boarding Courses, we run many courses for all international students aged 8 to 17 years old and would love for you to join us. We can help you improve your ESL writing as well as your English speaking, listening and reading skills with many other nationalities.

The New York Times

The learning network | 200 prompts for argumentative writing.

The Learning Network - Teaching and Learning With The New York Times

200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2011/03/07/education/07classrooms.html">Related Article</a> | <a href="//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/08/does-class-size-matter/">Related Student Opinion Question</a>

Updated, March 2, 2017 | We published an updated version of this list, “401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing,” as well as a companion piece, “650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing.” We also now have a PDF of these 200 prompts .

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get five new Student Opinion questions delivered to you every week.

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

Our annual Student Editorial Contest invites you to write an evidence-based persuasive piece on an issue that matters to you. To help jump-start your brainstorming, we have gathered a list of 200 writing prompts from our daily Student Opinion feature that invite you to take a stand.

Though you won’t be limited to these topics for the contest, you’ll see that our list touches on every aspect of modern life, from politics to sports, culture, education and technology. We hope the range inspires you, and we hope the fact that each question links to at least one related Times article gives you a starting point for finding evidence.

So skim the list below to think about the topic you’d most like to take on.

For more information, here are links to our spring 2014 editorial-writing contest , a list of winners from that contest and a related lesson plan on argumentative writing .

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2012/09/08/education/studies-show-more-students-cheat-even-high-achievers.html">Related Article</a>

  • Is Cheating Getting Worse?
  • Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers?
  • Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s?
  • Should Middle School Students Be Drug Tested?
  • Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too?
  • How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests?
  • How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities?
  • Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests?
  • Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?
  • Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School?
  • Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative?
  • What Are You Really Learning at School?
  • How Important Is Arts Education?
  • Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes?
  • Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records?
  • Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education?
  • What Is the Right Amount of Group Work in School?
  • Is Your School Day Too Short?
  • Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea?
  • Should the Dropout Age Be Raised?
  • Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School?
  • How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave?
  • Should Schools Be Allowed to Use Corporal Punishment?
  • How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community?
  • How Should Schools Address Bullying?
  • Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards?
  • What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools?
  • Do We Need a New Way to Teach Math?
  • Does Class Size Matter?
  • Should All Students Get Equal Space in a Yearbook?
  • Is Prom Worth It?
  • How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences?
  • Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool?
  • Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades?
  • What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College?
  • Do You Support Affirmative Action?
  • Do College Rankings Matter?
  • How Necessary Is a College Education?
  • Should Engineers Pay Less for College Than English Majors?

Technology and Social Media

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/booming/in-your-face-book-heres-the-party-you-werent-invited-to.html">Related Article<br /></a>

  • Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?
  • Does Technology Make Us More Alone?
  • Are You Distracted by Technology?
  • Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time?
  • Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smart Phones Playing ‘Stupid Games’?
  • Has Facebook Lost Its Edge?
  • Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad?
  • Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired?
  • Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online?
  • What Should the Punishment Be for Acts of Cyberbullying?
  • Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning?
  • Do Your Teachers Use Technology Well?
  • Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class?
  • Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools?
  • Should Computer Games Be Used for Classroom Instruction?
  • How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone?
  • Should Companies Collect Information About You?
  • Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions?
  • Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful?
  • Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much?
  • Would You Want a Pair of Google’s Computer Glasses?
  • How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Your Essays?
  • What Role Will Robots Play in Our Future?
  • How Many Text Messages Are Too Many?
  • How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews?

Arts and Media: TV, Music, Video Games and Literature

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2012/05/14/business/media/in-evolving-media-landscape-television-holds-sway.html">Related Article</a>

  • Why Do We Like to Watch Rich People on TV and in the Movies?
  • Do TV Shows Like ‘16 and Pregnant’ Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy?
  • Does TV Capture the Diversity of America Yet?
  • Is TV Too White?
  • Is TV Stronger Than Ever, or Becoming Obsolete?
  • Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes?
  • What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time?
  • What Artists or Bands of Today Are Destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
  • What Musician, Actor or Author Should Be a Superstar, but Hasn’t Quite Made It Yet?
  • Will Musical Training Make You More Successful?
  • Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport?
  • Should Stores Sell Violent Video Games to Minors?
  • Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art?
  • Do Violent Video Games Make People More Violent in Real Life?
  • When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies?
  • What Game Would You Like to Redesign?
  • What Were the Best Movies You Saw in the Past Year?
  • To What Writer Would You Award a Prize?
  • Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary?
  • Where Is the Line Between Truth and Fiction?
  • Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art?
  • Do We Need Art in Our Lives?
  • What Makes a Good Commercial?
  • Why Did a Cheerios Ad Attract So Many Angry Comments Online?
  • Does Pop Culture Deserve Serious Study?

Gender Issues

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/nyregion/city-unveils-a-campaign-to-improve-girls-self-esteem.html">Related Article</a><a href="//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/tyell/"></a>

  • Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters?
  • Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys?
  • Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies?
  • How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body?
  • Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks?
  • Is It O.K. for Men and Boys to Comment on Women and Girls on the Street?
  • What Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence Against Young Women?
  • How Do You Feel About Rihanna and Chris Brown Getting Back Together?
  • Do Fraternities Promote Misogyny?
  • Why Aren’t There More Girls in Leadership Roles?
  • Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science?
  • Should Women Be Allowed to Fight on the Front Lines Alongside Men?
  • Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men?
  • Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating?
  • Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls?

Sports and Athletics

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/sports/football/would-i-let-my-son-play-football.html">Related Article</a><a href="//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/news-quiz/weekly-news-quiz/"></a>

  • If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It?
  • Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football?
  • Should College Football Players Get Paid?
  • When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying?
  • Has Baseball Lost Its Cool?
  • Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense?
  • Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots?
  • Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights?
  • Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports?
  • Is Cheerleading a Sport?
  • How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay?
  • Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players?
  • Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals?
  • Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere?
  • Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports?
  • Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community?

Politics and the Legal System

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/08/30/opinion/global/chappatte-doubts-about-intervening-in-syria.html">Related Article</a>

  • What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve?
  • If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus?
  • When Is the Use of Military Force Justified?
  • What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security?
  • California Notice
  • Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends?
  • Do You Trust Your Government?
  • What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk?
  • Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law?
  • Should Rich People Have to Pay More Taxes?
  • Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place?
  • Is It Principled, or Irresponsible, for Politicians to Threaten a Shutdown?
  • Do Leaders Have Moral Obligations?
  • Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing?
  • How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings?
  • Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?
  • Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School?
  • What Is Your Relationship With Guns?
  • Do You Support or Oppose the Death Penalty?
  • When Should Juvenile Offenders Receive Life Sentences?

Parenting and Childhood

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/opinion/losing-is-good-for-you.html">Related Article<br /></a>

  • Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies?
  • When Do You Become an Adult?

When Should You Be Able to Buy Cigarettes, Drink Alcohol, Vote, Drive and Fight in Wars?

  • Should the Morning-After Pill Be Sold Over the Counter to People Under 17?
  • Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription?
  • Is Modern Culture Ruining Childhood?
  • Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve?
  • How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior?
  • What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation?
  • Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior?
  • How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex?
  • Is Dating a Thing of the Past?
  • How Should Parents Handle a Bad Report Card?
  • Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want?
  • How Should Educators and Legislators Deal With Minors Who ‘Sext’?
  • Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough?

Health and Nutrition

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/09/06/health/e-cigarette-use-doubles-among-students-survey-shows.html">Related Article</a><a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/09/06/health/e-cigarette-use-doubles-among-students-survey-shows.html"></a>

  • Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers?
  • Are Antismoking Ads Effective?
  • Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers?
  • Do You Think a Healthier School Lunch Program Is a Lost Cause?
  • How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From?
  • Is It Ethical to Eat Meat?
  • Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’?
  • Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks?
  • Should Marijuana Be Legal?
  • Should Students Be Required to Take Drug Tests?

Personal Character and Morality Questions

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/09/15/opinion/sunday/its-not-mess-its-creativity.html">Related Article<br /></a>

  • Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble?
  • Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing?
  • Can Money Buy You Happiness?
  • Does Buying and Accumulating More and More Stuff Make Us Happier?
  • Are We Losing the Art of Listening?
  • Do People Complain Too Much?
  • Can Kindness Become Cool?
  • Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work?
  • How Important Is Keeping Your Cool?
  • When Should You Compromise?
  • Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations?
  • Can You Be Good Without God?
  • Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value?
  • What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired in 2014?
  • What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused?
  • Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage?
  • How Important Do You Think It Is to Marry Someone With the Same Religion?
  • How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant?
  • Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative?
  • How Important Is Keeping a Clean House?
  • Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives?
  • Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate?
  • When Is It O.K. to Replace Human Limbs With Technology?
  • Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth?
  • Should Fertilized Eggs Be Given Legal ‘Personhood’?
  • How Concerned Are You About Climate Change?

Other Questions

<a href="//www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/opinion/sunday/here-comes-the-neighborhood.html">Related Article</a><a href="//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/lesson-plans/"></a>

  • Is It Wrong for a Newspaper to Publish a Front-Page Photo of a Man About to Die?
  • What Causes Should Philanthropic Groups Finance?
  • Should Charities Focus More on America?
  • Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits?
  • Did a Newspaper Act Irresponsibly by Publishing the Addresses of Gun Owners?
  • Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office?
  • What Time Should Black Friday Sales Start?
  • Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses?
  • How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are?

Comments are no longer being accepted.

Argumentative prompts – 200

So i was thinking about doing a topic of Nuclear War for school and i am not able to take and find it on here does anyone know were i can find it?

Many of these questions aren’t at all appropriate for someone writing a persuasive speech. Take the question about life existing other than on earth. The only argument that should convince anyone that life exists other than on earth would use definitive scientific evidence. And if we had that, there wouldn’t be an argument in the first place.

Regarding the section on Gender Issues:

Where are the questions regarding transgender teens or adults? Where are the questions regarding sexuality? Where are the questions regarding whether or not gender roles have an impact on teens? Where are the questions regarding society’s view on the LGBT(etc.) community?

Hi Tasha, We have touched on all of these issues on the blog numerous times, but for this collection of questions, we only highlighted those asked in a way that most naturally led to argumentative writing. But, for example, we have a whole collection on teaching about LGBT issues here, and we ask questions and run lesson plans around aspects of teenage sexuality regularly. (For instance, just off the top of my head, here , here , here , here , here, here , here and here .) But we’re always open to suggestions, so let us know what else you’d like to see. –Katherine

I have another persuasive argument-should students have recess in junior high?

Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? Have you ever seen an image of a model in a magazine and thought to yourself “wow, I wish I looked that remarkable”? You are not the only one. They are perfect, however, the images we view of these women and men are 99.9% not how they actually look. They use a tremendous amount of photoshop to create a look they could not even achieve themselves. Yes, looking at these images have an outcome of someone staring unhappily in the mirror, not seeing perfect skin and chiseled abs. Looking at perfect people in pictures for hours and then looking at yourself, you seem to come across every blemish and fault that the models in the pictures did not have. Having the idea that you could never look as flawless as the unreal people in magazines does have the power to lower your self-esteem. You do not really know how bad you feel about your looks until you see teeth as bright as the sun, the perfect coke bottle shape, and the flawless sun kissed skin in your favorite magazine. Photoshopped images make you look and feel better, but then again it portrays an unrealistic person that is hardly yourself. Everyone has flaws and with this photoshop madness, the flaws are erased. With no flaws in these images there is no limit to how far someone will go to get that level of perfection, even though that level is unachievable because a great deal of lightening, smoothing, and shrinking has been added to the image. The more photoshop is being used to clear up insecurities; the more it is just adding to ours. If you see before and after photos, you will realize that people in the photoshopped images are not as perfect as they claim to be. And we should not feel bad about ourselves because of this, but we do. Seeing how a size 10 model can be photoshopped down to a size 1 is ridiculous. How can wrinkles vanish inconspicuously, uneven skin tones be evened out, dark circles erased, and stretch marks blurred? In real life this is not possible to be completely without a blemish or flaw. So, when we see all of these photoshopped images we start putting our heads down in shame knowing we cannot look as impeccable as these fake images display. Altering images to try and fit the society’s way of how people should look is nonsense. We will never look like that and it is just making people self-esteem worse because we will go to the end of the world and back to figure out every secret to acquire glowing skin and youthful looking skin like the individuals in our magazine. But the secret is all in the image, it is a little thing called photoshop and it is ruining the way we look at ourselves.

Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? Have you ever seen an image of Kim Kardashian in a magazine and thought to yourself “wow, I wish I looked that remarkable”? You are not the only one to think in this fantasizing way. Kim is perfect; however, the images we view of her are 99.9% retouched. Photographers use a tremendous amount of photoshop to create a look of pure perfection they could not achieve themselves. Yes, looking at these images has an outcome of staring unhappily in the mirror, not seeing perfect skin and chiseled abs. Looking at perfect people in pictures for hours and then looking at yourself, you seem to come across every blemish and fault that the models in the pictures did not have. Having the idea buried in your mind that you could never look as flawless as the unreal people in magazines does have the power to lower your self-esteem. You do not really know how bad you feel about your looks until you see teeth as bright as the sun, the perfect coke bottle shape, and the flawless sun kissed skin on your idle, in your favorite magazine. Photoshopped images make them look and feel better about themselves, but then again it portrays an unrealistic person that is hardly close to the real you. Everyone has flaws and with this photoshop madness, the flaws are erased. With no flaws in these images there is no limit to how far someone will go to get that level of perfection, even though that level is unachievable because a great deal of lightening, smoothing, and shrinking has been added to the image. The more images being photoshopped to clear up insecurities; the more insecurity there is being piled on the viewers. If you see before and after photos, you will realize that people in the photoshopped images are not as perfect as they claim to be. And we should not feel bad about ourselves because of this, but we do. Seeing how a size 10 model can be photoshopped down to a size 1 is ridiculous. How can wrinkles vanish inconspicuously, uneven skin tones be evened out, dark circles erased, and stretch marks blurred? In real life this is not possible to be completely without a blemish or flaw. So, when we see all of these photoshopped images we start putting our heads down in shame knowing we cannot look as impeccable as these fake images display. Altering images to try and fit into society’s way of how people should look is nonsense. We will never look like that and it is just making people self-esteem worse because we will go to the end of the world and back to figure out every secret to acquire glowing and youthful looking skin like the individuals in our magazine. But the secret is all in the image, it is a little thing called photoshop and it is ruining the way we look at ourselves.

Carly H & Maggie W Galvin Middle School Canton, MA 02021

Should student be able to wear whatever they want?

Many adults argue there is a line between skimpy and sweet. More than 75 % of schools in the United States have issued dress codes that limit what boy and girls are allowed to wear on school grounds. Unless schools are supplying uniforms or paying money for students’ wardrobes we believe schools should not have a say. Although many teachers would say middle school and high school students’ choice of clothing is rather inappropriate and distracting, almost all parents and students would beg to differ. As middle schoolers we strongly believe schools have taken away students right to express themselves. Middle school and high school age kids are just starting to come out of their shells. Some students feel more comfortable in their own clothes than they would feel in a uniform. Nowadays students have been bullied due to what they are wearing. Kids have been called “ugly” or “weird” and “gay”. Kids want to fit in and wear the newest styles. It seems though these styles have been getting skimpier and skimpier. Letting a child wear clothing of their choice it can boost their self confidence. We feel that as long as your parents let you out of the house the way that you are dressed then the schools should not have a say. About 63% percent of kids in middle school get bullied because of what they are wearing. Without a dress code students have that chance to fit in and develop a personal style. Many teachers and faculty believe schools without dress codes have lower test scores. People say that these low test scores can be because students are dressing inappropriately. Dressing inappropriately can distract other students and faculty. Some people have a hard time paying attention in school and then skimpy clothing can just make it worse. One theory suggests that students who wear uniforms and who don’t not have freedom to wear what they want get better grades in school. Even though wearing uniforms might seem like it can solve all problems no matter what people choose to do clothing will always be a debate in schools. All in all wearing whatever you want has its advantages but also disadvantages. When you have the freedom to wear what you want there is always going to be the kids that take that for granted. But then having that freedom can be a way for children to fit in and express themselves. We believe that students should be able to wear whatever they want.

Colleen B. Sofia C. Galvin Middle School Canton, MA 02021

Why women are not pursuing careers in the S.T.E.M. field.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Throughout history humans haven’t been treated equally, most of this injustice has to do with sex, race, or ethnicity. As humanity has developed we have created rights for the discrimination. Women have always been thought as the inferior gender, however as time has progressed women have earned more rights. Unfortunately many women still think of themselves as secondary.

One reason the majority of female has not been choosing careers in math and science has to do with encouragement. Repetition builds a muscle, a muscle builds a habit and habit builds a character that sticks. If children are not encourage from a young age, or don’t get exposed to S.T.E.M. careers, their mind has already been developed and is not focused on exploring the science and math fields. Most children of this generation are steered toward sports from a young age, which does not allow females in particular to see a variety of career options in their future. Its not that the majority of women don’t want to work in the S.T.E.M. field but their upbringing does not promote these callings.

Throughout history, women have always been stereotyped as the inferior gender. Women are usually thought as less intelligent and are relegated to lower paying jobs. Females in the past have had a very small work selection. From the 1950s to the 1970s, women commonly had two job options, becoming a teacher or a nurse. However, as time has progressed women have begun to expand their career choices but still make less than males. The Media can make a big impact on how women are seen through pop culture.

Even though statistics state that the percentage of females in the S.T.E.M. field has decreased, people still believe that our country has a stable science and math field. Many believe that in our future, the science fields will open up to women population more. This may be true but the fields are already open for females to enter. However, the majority of females still do not choose to pursue these careers.

Just as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Until more women explore the S.T.E.M. fields we can never quite tell how strong and intelligent women are.

Is Prom Worth it?

As teenagers we all want to have one perfect night, especially girls. For us prom is the only chance to have a complete Cinderella dream. You wait all these years until the day finally comes, dress hunting. That’s the moment when you doubt and say the unspeakable, “Is prom worth it?” Some might say yes while others may say no whatever the reason is the glitz or the thought of getting rejected. People come in and out of our lives, but many articles say this is our last chance to be with our peers. It isn’t really because there is still graduation but to have a lot of fun with our peers, proms the night. In that one night you become the person you were when you walked into to high school for the first time and now you get to leave as the person you have become. In high school you change, you make new types of choices and maybe become mature. Sometimes in growing up we forget the things that makes us, us and in this night you get a chance to remember and become that graduating class that you were always meant to be. To some people they still say no, however I think it is still worth it. Other articles say that prom is a big memorable moment. You all fall into places like in a story, there is a king and queen and moments to remember. Moments aren’t only captured in pictures but in places, in our minds, in people, in heartbeats. These moments are what brings a class together and helps us say, “Don’t you remember…” This will definitely be something you will remember. Many of us want to do everything, trying anything, and do them with the people they love. We have choices in our lives which sometimes get’s in the way of doing things but is prom a choice which helps us accomplish this? About twenty five percent of the teen population don’t attend prom. Some might not want to go after seeing the price on the dress tag or the ticket itself. Most families spend about a thousand one hundred thirty nine dollars. For most families this is a lot and people don’t plan to spend this much unless it’s their wedding. In this economy college tuition also seems a lot to families and this seems like an unnecessary expense. Despite the cost and the drama that prom brings on, it is a night to remember. From the moment you meet your date to the moment the limo picks you up there is a story to be told within.

• //learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/is-prom-worth-it/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 • //www.lifeway.com/Article/parenting-teens-family-Prom-in-Perspective

Grace K and John A Galvin Middle School Canton MA 02021

School Dress Codes . In middle schools and high schools all over the country, administrators are punishing children for their clothing choices. The reason for this being that girl specifically, dress too provocatively. Therefore, stricter dress codes are being enforced, but is it worth it? It isn’t appropriate for anyone besides a child’s parents to tell them what they can and can not wear. Period. Most people buy their kids shorter, smaller and lighter clothes for the warmer months, spending their own hard earned money. For a public school to then proceed to tell those parents that their child is not permitted to wear that clothing on school grounds, where they spend over 7 hours of their day, just isn’t right. If a child’s legal guardian is perfectly fine with their kids wearing a pair of “short-shorts” then why should a school policy be allowed to them they can’t? Especially when the school isn’t providing uniforms or money to buy clothing that fit into their particular dress codes. Another reason why schools shouldn’t enforce such strict dress codes is because of basic human rights. Freedom of expression, by definition, is the right to express one’s ideas and opinions freely through speech, writing, and other communication. For centuries, clothing has been one of those forms of other communication. To deny people their rights is illegal, no matter what age, race, or sex and schools not allowing students to wear clothing of their choice is no exception. Besides it being against the law, schools are supposed to encourage kids to be themselves, stand up for what they believe in, and help them find their identities. One of the best ways for our country’s youth to accomplish these things is to allow them to be as unique and personal with their clothes as possible. If this means letting a child wear a tank top with straps that are less than 3 inches wide, so be it. Many people don’t want to give kids, girls in particular; the freedom to wear whatever they want to school because they think it will be too much of a distraction for boys. While I agree with that, I think it is more important for children to be able to express themselves freely. Besides that, who’s to say that girls aren’t distracted by the clothing that boys wear? There are almost no restrictions or limitations towards the clothing that boys are allowed to wear yet there are several for girls. It shouldn’t be a female student’s problem that some young boys get too “distracted” by what they wear when boys are hardly even affected by the dress code at schools anyways. In conclusion, school dress codes are harsh and unnecessary and should be lessened at the least. Plenty of people agree with this as well as disagree. Hopefully, schools will see the error of their ways and adjust their clothing policies, as they are currently unfair and too strict for many different reasons.

Colleen B. Sofia C. Galvin Middle School Canton, MA 02021 Why women are not pursuing careers in the S.T.E.M. field. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Throughout history humans haven’t been treated equally, most of this injustice has to do with sex, race, or ethnicity. As humanity has developed we have created rights for the discrimination. Women have always been thought as the inferior gender, however as time has progressed women have earned more rights. Unfortunately many women still think of themselves as secondary. One reason the majority of female has not been choosing careers in math and science has to do with encouragement. Repetition builds a muscle, a muscle builds a habit and habit builds a character that sticks. If children are not encourage from a young age, or don’t get exposed to S.T.E.M. careers, their mind has already been developed and is not focused on exploring the science and math fields. Most children of this generation are steered toward sports from a young age, which does not allow females in particular to see a variety of career options in their future. Its not that the majority of women don’t want to work in the S.T.E.M. field but their upbringing does not promote these callings. Throughout history, women have always been stereotyped as the inferior gender. Women are usually thought as less intelligent and are relegated to lower paying jobs. Females in the past have had a very small work selection. From the 1950s to the 1970s, women commonly had two job options, becoming a teacher or a nurse. However, as time has progressed women have begun to expand their career choices but still make less than males. The Media can make a big impact on how women are seen through pop culture. Even though statistics state that the percentage of females in the S.T.E.M. field has decreased, people still believe that our country has a stable science and math field. Many believe that in our future, the science fields will open up to women population more. This may be true but the fields are already open for females to enter. However, the majority of females still do not choose to pursue these careers. Just as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Until more women explore the S.T.E.M. fields we can never quite tell how strong and intelligent women are. -//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/22/why-arent-more-girls-choosing-to-pursue-careers-in-math-and-science/ -//www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept09/vol67/num01/Encouraging-Girls-to-Pursue-Math-and-Science.aspx

Should cyber-bullying laws be passed?

Cyber-bullying is extremely serious, no one should suffer from cyber-bullying, those doing the bullying should not get away with it they need to be punished. More laws on cyberbullying and punishments need to be passed. If cyber bullying doesn’t get prevented it will drastically increase over the years due to the progress of new technology. Cyberbullying is cruel and hurtful, it can cause depression, thoughts of suicide and low self esteem. Anna Maria Chavez the chief executive officer of girl scouts once said “unless and until our society recognizes cyberbullying for what it is, the suffering of thousands of silent victims will continue.” Hurtful words take a toll on the individual, at times they may feel worthless and believe the world would be a better place without them. In the United States 49 states have bullying laws only 19 states include cyberbullying, meaning 31 states have yet passed a cyberbullying law. How much longer until more cyberbullying laws are passed? How many more lives will be lost? Each year over 13 million individuals are bullied, there are about 4,400 deaths in the United States by suicide those being bullied have a greater chance to be one of those individuals. No one should be cyber bullied, bullies need to be punished for their actions. Megan Meier from Dardenne Prairie, Missouri committed suicide on October 17, 2006 at the age of 13 due to cyberbullying. After Megan’s death, her mother Tina Meier urged that Megans bully must be punished, and was able to get “Megans Law” passed which protects individuals from harassment on social networking sites. The majority of parents plead for more cyberbullying laws, why aren’t they passing? Therefore each state should pass laws preventing cyberbullying and punishments for bullies. Bullying is a stab in the heart after the constant fighting,trying to get through the pain, the heart gives up as the individual cannot take it anymore. Katherine Jenkins, a classical crossover singer has said “children should be able to live free from bullying and harassment and it is time that we all took a stand.” Cyber Bullying must end before it´s too late.

Sources The Associated Press. “Mother Wants Maximum Penalty in Cyberbullying Case.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Nov. 2008. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. //www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/us/29internet.html?ref=meganmeier “About Tina Meier.” Megan Meier Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. //www.meganmeierfoundation.org/about-tina-meier.html “State Cyberbullying Laws.” N.p., Feb.-Mar. 2014. Web. Feb.-Mar. 2014. < //www.cyberbullying.us/Bullying_and_Cyberbullying_Laws.pdf>. “Bullying and Suicide.” Bullying Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2014. //www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html Jenkins, Katherine. “Beatbullying’s The Big March 2012.” Beatbullying’s The Big March 2012. Feb.-Mar. 2014. Address. Chavez, Anna Maria. “Confronting Cyber Violence in the Digital Age.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 25 Apr. 2013. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. //www.huffingtonpost.com/anna-maria-chavez/confronting-cyber-violenc_b_3157086.html

It can’t be worked out systematically. Young people need to leap beyond the assumption that at 18 they can do everything; buy cigarettes, drink alcohol, vote, drive and fight in wars—but it actuality, not until they’re 21.

Young people need to be protected by law since a majority is ignorant of the consequences that follow every decision. Anemona Hartocollis found that many young people thought they weren’t mature enough in making life-or-death decisions before 21. It not only applied to drinking and smoking, but combat as well. When both parties are in agreement that one is in need of guidance, justifies raising the age limit, making it equivalent, provides consistency.

Dealing with consumption, privileges and the civic engagement, privileges are the least controversial of the three. At 16, young people can receive their license. There should be regulations—which some states have already implemented. The ‘We Check to Protect-Vertical Identification Program’ requires those under 21 a vertical (portrait) style driver’s license (Johnson). This ensures health and safety of young people as reminder for teenagers, parents, businesses, law enforcement, retailers and merchants.

Buying cigarettes and drinking alcohol is next controversial. Enforcing an age limit is virtually impossible (by society’s standards, since keeping up with our standard of living in our culture of instant gratification, where underage this that and the other, are the best things these days) it wouldn’t make a difference. It would receive outcry.

“If [loved ones] condone it, then… it’s acceptable,” says Patrick Brown who sought the consultation of his mother before enlisting. Even though it may not be idealistic with underage consumption, ‘Older adults with the benefit of a lot of hindsight might tend to agree’ (Hartocollis).

Immaturity extends beyond a person’s legal entrance into adulthood. Cheryl G. Healton, dean of Global Health at N.Y.U. says, “The executive function [of the brain]…is really not fully developed until…over 21” (Hartocollis). If, through someone else’s experience, has better knowledge about these issues, then the government raising the age limit to 21, for a majority of them, is right when young people aren’t fully prepared to comprehend such actions psychologically.

Some will argue about the consistency. Keeping the age limit to drive at 16, treating them like minors until 21, and raising it to 21 for the other issues, will receive different levels of criticism. It’s simpler to have a bit of difference than to have no congruity.

Buying cigarettes, drinking alcohol, voting, driving and fighting in wars shouldn’t be given freedom until 21. Young people are supposed to make mistakes and everyone is a life lesson learned. We don’t want to be guilty by association of not trying to prevent such lessons learned at severe expenses and/or too early.

Hartocollis, Anemona. “Smoking? Combat? Wait Till 21, Young Recruits Say.” New York Times [New York] 23 Apr 2013, early ed. A19. Web. 4 Mar. 2014. < //www.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/health/smoking-combat-wait-until-21-to-decide-young-recruits-say.html>.

Johnson, Ruth. Michigan. Department of State. Vertical Driver’s License Helps with Age Verification!. State of Michigan, 2003. Web. < //www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669-70561–,00.html>.

Nathaniel Skinner

Are we Ever Without God?

People often wonder “Can we be good without God?” . It’s a common question; one may argue that there are good atheists all around us. This is true, even by Christian standards; there are atheists practice good deeds and some who practice evil deeds, just like there are Christians who practice good deeds and some who practice evil deeds. Some atheists give to the poor, help those in jail, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and do other things a good Christian should do. Being an atheist does not always equate to being an immoral or bad person. So yes you can be good and you can do this without believing in God. What is God, is there a single definition or are there multiple? According to Roman Catholic belief, what we refer to as God is an all powerful deity consisting of The Father, the son, and the Holy spirit. A common understanding of this God, to many non-Christians is the guy in the white garb standing on the clouds with the beard and sandals;this is not the sole image of God. God is all powerful, so why would ‘he’ maintain one form for all the 7 billion plus people on earth now, not to mention all the people who have come before us? In truth God is all things good, God is happiness, God is love, God is faith, God is truth and God is compassion. Truly whatever religion whatever race what ever culture, if you are just and honest and practice these things then God is with you. So The more prevalent question here instead of can you be good without god is: are people ever without God?

God is not bound to human form nor is God bound to any of the laws of physics or reality that are recognized by modern day science(Proverbs 15:3) This means that God can and does appear in a multitude of forms and situations. We must be careful not to put God into human restraints: God is not subject to the same terms that we judge our fellow men and women(Job 11:7-9). In this way God is all around us, even inside our hearts. God knows us like we know ourselves because we all have a little piece of God in ourselves, this furthers the fact that no one can be without God. Even people who are commonly considered immoral or evil have God in them or around them; just because one does not believe in God does not mean God is not present so even murderers and stone cold criminals have God in their life.

God is also all knowing, meaning that god knows the future, the present and the past by “heart”. The argument can be made that if God knows a certain person will go to hell after they die from the beginning why does he not just send them straight to hell? The answer is that life is a journey and if God were to send people straight to hell without giving them a chance to walk the path of life and understand what they are called to do, then it would be extremely unfair. Just because a person is an atheist does not mean they are doomed to hell; actions speak louder than words. It really is true. So if you worship god in your actions but don’t do it in your voice or mind then this still counts as being with God.

God loves all of us; every human to walk this earth have received love from God even if they don’t know it. God has a roundabout way of getting things done. Every Action is weaved into God’s design: running like a perfect machine every action affects somebody,then somebody else then somebody else and so on. God is in fact everywhere and we cannot and will not part unto death. until then there is never a step one person walks without God

“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.”

― John Lennon

Due to the controversial and seemingly almost unique view included in this editorial, there are no New York Times sources that support the ideas expressed. I hope to receive a slight pardon for not having a NY times source. If this essay does not qualify, I understand. N. Skinner

//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+11%3A7-9&version=ESV

Proverbs 15:3

//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15%3A3&version=ESV

Why does society (men and women) tell women that they have to appeal a certain way to the public eye? Women are the most beautiful creation God has made because without women, there wouldn’t be a population to grow to carry out the future. Since this is true who do we as a society tend to present to women that they need to change. keep in thought that we don’t have to make something perfect, if it was already perfect to begin with. In some cases women have always been told what to do or how to appeal a certain way to the public eye. I believe that society’s appeal to the preconceived image of the perfect woman is unjust because no two women are the same and no to women should have to conform to look like one another. Society, both men and women, have been putting pressure on women to have that ‘perfect’ body. From the New York Times, Katherine Schulten had said that “the ads show girls of different races and sizes, and others playing sports in a wheelchair. Each one with the campaign’s slogan: ‘I’m beautiful the way I am.’” This describes how women shouldn’t be discriminated on how their body appears in the public eye. The woman should see herself just as worthy as she sees all the other women. In some circumstances, women have always been told that they have to take the second seat to man. There’s a song that compares women and society, it shows how “we say to girls: ‘You can have ambition but not too much. You should am t be successful, but not too successful, otherwise you will threaten the man’ (Knowles). Throughout this song i can confer that some women are able to handle the pressure of the workplace, whereas other women like the role of being a domestic engineer. However, Maybelline expresses through their campaign that women should indeed wear makeup. Maybelline’s President, David Greenberg, claimed that “makeup helps women feel more comfortable with going out in public.” Mr. Greenberg says that they’re not trying to make women have a false identity, but instead trying to make them have a secure sense of security. Women shouldn’t be judged by their appeal to the public eye. Society needs to stop advertising a certain type of woman, and show all types of women. If a woman were to walk down the street, either she is insecure, obese, and/or depressed, and she were to look up to a beautiful woman on the billboard, shes going to feel more insecure and want to change how she appears. A life of a woman shouldn’t be based on their physical appearance, because every woman is beautiful in their own way and it shouldn’t be hidden due to what society says. – Schulten, Katherine. “Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies?” The Learning Network Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have Perfect Bodies Comments. New Yorks Times, 03 Oct. 2013. Web. 02 Mar. 2014. < //learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/is-there-too-much-pressure-on-girls-to-have-perfect-bodies/>.

Does Technology make us more alone? As a greatness that has increased the way that we perceive the world, technology can be a burden. Unlike the many screen glossed eyes and over exerted thumbs, technology is doing something far worse than hand cramps: it is making the human mind more comfortable with being alone and devoid of human contact. Technology has created, based upon evidence stated by Sherry Turkle, the desire ‘to customize our lives’ through the vast creativity that technology provides. It forces people to only ‘pay attention to what interests them’. But who wouldn’t? People typically pay more attention to the subjects that interest them and would most likely try to find those subjects online where they are easiest to access. Yes, despite increasing our knowledge, it is decreasing our ability to converse with one another. The fear of being judged all gone with eye contact glued to a screen. It is as if no one wants to be bothered by others around them, but is willing to have millions follow them on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Even Sherry Turkle- a psychologist and professor employed at M.I.T- states in her article The Flight from Conversation that ‘people are comforted by being in touch with a lot of people- carefully kept at bay’. This need to be important and loved by a persona is a reassuring concept that provides those two wants without having to deal with actual human emotion. The need for interaction with living, breathing people seems to be cast aside for the more accurate version from a nonliving thing such as a robot. We live in an age where technology is a necessity in life, but it is becoming a way to destroy connecting and feeling emotions from other people, enforcing being alone in a world that is barely real.

“The Flight From Conversation”. New York Times. April 21, 2012. Web. March 2, 2014. //www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html?pagewanted=all

Legalize Marijuana Drugs aren’t as harmful as people believe them to be. Marijuana is more helpful than harmful. Statistics state that 88,000 people die from alcohol and more than 480,000 people die from cigars. While less than a hundred people die from the marijuana usage. This drug benefits people with diseases such as cancer. It seems that many people would rather drink alcohol that can become addictive rather than smoke marijuana which is a drug that most people value for medical needs. Marijuana is being legalized in many places for different reasons. In Mexico City officials suggest “Legalization of marijuana, not other drugs.” People smoke the drug instead of having any other addictions such as shopping, sex, tv and video games. In Guatemala, the president has put forward a plan for the government to legalize and sell the drug. While these two places are allowing the drug, majority of the U.S is still against the use of marijuana. “The U.S has rejected legalization as a solution to drug use.” Citizens in the U.S have different emotions about this debate with many citizens not accepting the drug. Marijuana isn’t harmful because it is a natural substance. People should be able to smoke a substance that is natural rather than tobacco which is mixed with a highly addictive substance called nicotine. Allen St. Pierre a Executive Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws agrees that the drug marijuana should be legalized. He stated that he hopes more Americans would legalize it. “Since 1996, 18 states approved marijuana for medical use.” And also “13 states have decriminalized the possession of marijuana, removing the possibility of jail time.” This suggest that many of the world’s population are able to persuade their government that marijuana isn’t as much as an addictive drug as society believes it to be. Marijuana isn’t a harmful substance unless it is laced with another drug. Marijuana has been proven to be a palliative drug and should be legalized in the U.S

Archibold, Randal C. “Americas Coalition Suggests Marijuana Laws Be Relaxed.” New York Times. 18 May. 2013: A.7. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Gonchar,Michael. Should marijuana be legalized?.Ny times. 31, May 2013. Web. 10, March 2014

Sexual Violence against Young Women According to American Medical Association, Sexual violence and rape are considered the most under reported violent crime. In the Steubenville case 2 high school football players were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl. After being found guilty of raping and sending nude images of the girl around, 1 boy got 1 year in juvenile jail and the other boy got 2 years. After the case one of the boys apologized to the victims family stating “No pictures should have been sent around, let alone ever taken.” The fact that the 2 high school boys raped and took pictures shows that we as a society are not teaching the effects and consequences of rape to young adults. According to an article in the New York Times, “the judge of the case noted that the boys could have had far worse punishments and said that this was a cautionary lesson.” The fact that the judge is giving them a cautionary lesson astounds me. Rape is rape and no matter what age the rapists are the consequences should be served based on the crime not their age.

In Ms. Nathman’s article “Raising children who will speak up tot prevent rape, not defend it,” she discusses the “Cult of Masculinity” and how male power and strength are being praised upon especially since these 2 boys were football stars. The teenage boys thought that because they were football stars that they were unstoppable and could get away with anything until they were caught and found guilty. Nathman states that there is often and impulse to “Blame the victim” and that is one thing I disagree with her. There in any case is never an impulse to blame the victim noted on what she was wearing. So the amount of insincerity people are showing to the victim of this case is unbearable. Social media also had a big role on the insincerity people showed the victim.

In my opinion, the work of these college activists is impressive, but we need to do more. I also agree with the college activists saying that colleges and high schools are falling short in educating students about sexual assaults since most young adults are defending the rapists of this case. Also many people are tweeting to the victim that she “ruined their life” when the rapist ruined their own life. “Rape is not a recreational activity. We, as a society, have an obligation to do more to educate our young people about rape. They need to know that it is a horrible crime of violence. And it is simply not ok.” Stated Ohio attorney of the Steubenville case Dr. DeWine.

Guarino, Mark “Steubenville’s Troubling Question: Is Rape Just a Part of ‘Hook-up Culture?’ Christian Science Monitor, March 20, 2013 n.p

Oppel, Richard “Ohio Teenagers Guilty in Rape That Social Media Brought to Light”. New York Times, March 17, 2013

Books not Guns

In 2002 at a Arizona university, an irate student shot three professors to death. This event and many other school shootings lead to one of the biggest questions in Arizona’s and other states government and schools… “Should weapons be aloud on campus?” Guns and other weapons should not be permitted in schools and on campuses. They can cause danger to other students and professors. Students or teachers may use them without a cause or for the wrong reasons, and bringing weapons to campus can be the cause of more school shootings. If students bring weapons to school, it can put everyone in that building or on that campus in danger. Students or professors may feel unsafe and not comfortable there, even though a campus is supposed to be a comfortable, friendly environment. Having people on campus able to carry weapons on them can cause students and/or teachers to have violent outburst. For example, if the student thinks it’s unfair to have an assessment or finds the material they are learning too difficult, they might use their weapon upon the teacher. The number of students bringing weapons to school is sky rocketing and the number teachers being threatened by their students is increasing as well. As of now the risk of a student accidentally getting shot or obtaining a gun during a school year has increased by 40 percent in the past four decades. Because of one child carrying a gun on campus, others may feel they can too. “Campus shootouts are a relative rarity, but they do occur. The most notorious shooting at an Arizona university took place in 2002 when a disgruntled nursing student shot three professors to death.” Just from being angry and dissatisfied, she shot the people there to help her. Exactly as Carmen Themar stated, “…and bullets don’t always go where they are aimed.” Taking out your frustration on someone may impact another’s life. The shooting victims most likely have families that are devastated. The anger could cause those certain people to shoot others. A gun shooting is more than just injuring or killing that human; whole families are affected. Guns should stay out of any educational environment because schools are for learning and guns have no purpose to be there.

“Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?” The Learning Network Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Szabo, Liz. “Guns in the Home Are Proving Deadly for Kids.” //sks.sirs.com . Newspaper USA Today, 29 May 2013. Web.

Is it really worth calling a sport? From experience, I can tell you cheerleading is a sport. Girls train endless, tiring hours each week perfecting a routine that includes a combination of gymnastics, dance, and stunting. Not only do you need a high level of strength and skill, cheerleading offers a high risk of injury. And what is that cheerleading doesn’t have that other sports do? “An athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature” is the definition of a sport according to Dictionary.com. Cheerleading exceeds all these criteria. According to the Women’s Sport Foundation, a sport must include a physical activity which involves propelling a mass through space or overcoming the resistance of mass, like a football, baseball, or in cheerleading, a person.Of course it takes strength and skill to throw a ball accurately, but to throw a person up into the air takes a tremendous amount of strength. All sports are governed by rules, and have some element of competitiveness. Cheerleading has rules that restrict skills in each level and performance time, and as far as I know, cheerleading is the most competitive sport I’ve ever participated in. Cheerleaders travel the U.S. all year round to compete in different states. There is even a competition called The World Championship that is broadcasted on ESPN. If its broadcasted on television, then its definitely a sport. 65.1% of all catastrophic sports injuries in high school females are from cheerleading, according to livescience.com. So, over half of all injuries in high schools in girls are from cheerleading, so what makes it not a sport? Injuries are sadly common in every sport, and I have experienced one before. As a backspot, my job is to catch and make sure my flyer stays up safely in the air. While putting their safety before mine, I have numerous girls fall on me, especially my head. After many visits to the doctors, I was diagnosed with a concussion. Missing many days of school, I had left my team stranded with one less team member. Injuries really take a toll on life, especially when you play a sport that has a high risk of it occurring. According to, George W. Bush was the head cheerleader at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. Since, cheerleading has grown tremendously. Numerous cheer gyms are opening in every state, why would there be such a demand for them if cheerleading wasn’t a sport. Not only are their gyms continuously opening, but cheerleading is all over the media, television and online shows are dedicated to the sport. So, if you still don’t think cheerleading is a sport, ask cheerleader, and they will tell you countless reasons why it is.

Sources Thomas, Katie. “Cheering Clamors to Be Sport.” The New York Times 22 May 2011: 1-5.

IS Music The Key to Success?

Music. It’s Not Just For Entertainment

Collaboration. Creativity. Discipline. Three important qualities that are hard to come by in society today. As people, we need to find a way to acquire these traits. Many people look to music for entertainment. Unfortunately they are missing the big picture. Music can encourage these desired qualities within us. In fact, many successful people in business, acting and newscasting have been classically trained in music. Coincidence? I think not. Alan Greenspan, a man who served as the chairman of the federal reserve,and grew up playing the clarinet and piano, told the New York Times that he himself, knows that this is no coincidence. “The probability that this is just chance is extremely small.” Greenspan explains. In agreement, many pose the question, “Why does this connection exist?” Most would simply say “It just does.” Paul Allen says otherwise. The co founder of Microsoft has played both the violin and the guitar. He informed the New York Times that at the end of a long day of programming, he would pull his guitar out and play, learning to express himself in a brand new way. The sad part is that music isn’t being taught to many students. In a 2003 Gallup Poll, only 54% of American households said they have have at least one musician. Since 1978, this statistic has dropped by 15%. Sooner or later, there will be nobody playing musicians. Parents have argued that the arts do nothing for our students, but do gym classes really do anything for us? At a small middle school in Holliston Massachusetts, kids are required to take a form of music class. Students can play instruments, sing in the chorus or study general music. Holliston has ranked number 18 in the state. Interestingly, all of the schools ranked ahead of Holliston require music to graduate. In an article in Forbes Magazine, a writer says that if a scientist were to have musical training it would have no relevance on how great a scientist they are. Thus, countering the fact that musical training will lead to success. This may be true but most would agree that listening to music can help us concentrate on work. Music being a branch of performing arts also can give us confidence. SInging in front of a crowd could help with public speaking. Playing an instrument in front of thousands shares the language of melody, sharing our ideas in front of a crowd shares the language of our knowledge. Many instrumentalists refer to music as a “hidden language.” If we believe that languages of countries will help us to be successful, then we believe that the language of music will help too.

Works Cited: Lipman, Joanne. “Is Music the Key to Success?.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 12 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. < //www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/is-music-the-key-to-success.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0> .Ubel, Peter. “An Embarrassingly Unscientific New York Times Op-Ed On Music And Success.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 10 Jan. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. < //www.forbes.com/sites/peterubel/2014/01/10/an-embarrassingly-unscientific-new-york-times-op-edon-music-and-success/>.

Collaboration. Creativity. Discipline. Three important qualities that are hard to come by in society today. As people, we need to find a way to acquire these traits. Many people look to music for entertainment. Unfortunately they are missing the big picture. Music can encourage these desired qualities within us. In fact, many successful people in business, acting and newscasting have been classically trained in music. Coincidence? I think not. Alan Greenspan, a man who served as the chairman of the federal reserve,and grew up playing the clarinet and piano, told the New York Times that he himself, knows that this is no coincidence. “The probability that this is just chance is extremely small.” Greenspan explains. In agreement, many pose the question, “Why does this connection exist?” Most would simply say “It just does.” Paul Allen says otherwise. The co founder of Microsoft has played both the violin and the guitar. He informed the New York Times that at the end of a long day of programming, he would pull his guitar out and play, learning to express himself in a brand new way. The sad part is that music isn’t being taught to many students. In a 2003 Gallup Poll, only 54% of American households said they have have at least one musician. Since 1978, this statistic has dropped by 15%. Sooner or later, there will be no musicians left. Parents have argued that the arts do nothing for our students, but do gym classes really do anything for us? At a small middle school in Holliston Massachusetts, kids are required to take a form of music class. Students can play instruments, sing in the chorus or study general music. Holliston has ranked number 18 in the state. Interestingly, all of the schools ranked ahead of Holliston require music to graduate. In an article in Forbes Magazine, a writer says that if a scientist were to have musical training it would have no relevance on how great a scientist they are. Thus, countering the fact that musical training will lead to success. This may be true but most would agree that listening to music can help us concentrate on work. Music being a branch of performing arts also can give us confidence. SInging in front of a crowd could help with public speaking. Playing an instrument in front of thousands shares the language of melody. Sharing our ideas in front of a crowd shares the language of our knowledge. Many instrumentalists refer to music as a “hidden language.” If we believe that languages of countries will help us to be successful, then we believe that the language of music will help too.

Can you suggest me any topic /argumentative essay on aboriginal health?

What's Next

30 Writing Topics: Persuasion

Writing Prompts for a Persuasive Paragraph, Essay, or Speech

  • An Introduction to Punctuation
  • Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
  • M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
  • B.A., English, State University of New York

When considering topics  for a persuasive paragraph , essay , or speech , focus on those that genuinely interest you and that you know something about. Any one of the 30 issues listed here may serve as a good starting point, but feel free to adapt the topic to meet the needs and concerns of your audience . 

30 Persuasive Writing Topics

  • In an essay or speech addressed to your boss, explain why you deserve a raise in pay. Be sure to provide specific information to justify the proposed pay increase.
  • Some people dismiss science fiction or fantasy as a purely juvenile form of amusement, an escape from problems and issues in the real world. Referring to one or more particular books, movies, or television programs, explain why you agree or disagree with this observation
  • When the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act was put into practice in 2010, it limited the ability of anyone under the age of 21 to qualify for a credit card. Explain why you support or oppose the restrictions that have been placed on students' access to credit cards
  • Though texting is a valuable way of communicating, some people spend too much time sending messages by phone instead of interacting with others face to face. Addressing an audience of your peers, explain why you agree or disagree with this observation.
  • Most of the so-called reality programs on television are highly artificial and bear little resemblance to real life. Drawing on one or more specific programs for your examples, explain why you agree or disagree with this observation
  • Online learning is not only convenient for students and teachers but often more effective than traditional classroom instruction. Addressing an audience of your peers, explain why you agree or disagree with this observation
  • Some educators favor replacing the letter-grade method of evaluating student performance with a pass-fail grading system. Explain why you support or oppose such a change, drawing on examples from your own experience in school or college
  • Laws should be enacted to restrict the bonuses that can be given to the CEOs of companies that are debt-ridden and losing money. With reference to one or more specific companies, explain why you agree or disagree with this proposal
  • Teachers and administrators in many American schools are now authorized to conduct random inspections of students' lockers and backpacks. Explain why you support or oppose this practice
  • Explain why you do or do not favor a major reform of English spelling so that each sound is represented by only one letter or one combination of letters
  • Because electric cars are costly and don't do enough to protect the environment, the government should eliminate subsidies and incentives for manufacturers and consumers of these vehicles. With reference to at least one particular vehicle that has been supported by federal subsidies, explain why you agree or disagree with this proposal
  • To save fuel and money, Friday classes should be eliminated on campus and a four-day work week implemented for all employees. With reference to the effects of reduced schedules at other schools or colleges, explain why you support or oppose this plan
  • In a speech or essay directed at a younger friend or family member, explain why dropping out of high school to take a job before graduation is or is not a good idea
  • Explain why you do or not favor the enforcement of a mandatory retirement age so that more job opportunities can be created for young people
  • Not all recycling projects are cost-effective. Explain why you agree or disagree with the principle that any community recycling project must turn a profit or at least pay for itself
  • In a speech or essay addressed to the head of your school or college, explain why snack and soda vending machines should or should not be removed from all classroom buildings on your campus
  • Over the past 20 years, more and more public schools have implemented policies requiring students to wear uniforms. Explain why you support or oppose mandated school uniforms
  • The city council is now considering a proposal to allow construction of a shelter for homeless individuals and families. The proposed site for the homeless shelter is adjacent to your campus. Explain why you support or oppose this proposal
  • Research has shown that a short afternoon nap can promote physical well-being and improve mood and memory. Explain why you support or oppose a proposal to adjust schedules so that napping will be encouraged at your school or workplace, even if this means a longer work day
  • Many states now require proof of U.S. citizenship before admitting a student to a public college or university. Explain why you support or oppose this requirement
  • Rather than lay off workers in bad economic times, some companies have chosen to reduce the length of the work week (while also reducing pay) for all employees. Explain why you support or oppose a shorter work week
  • The introduction of new digital technologies has radically altered people's reading habits over the past 25 years. In light of this change, explain why students should or should not be required to read lengthy textbooks and novels in their classes
  • In some school districts, children are bused to schools outside their neighborhood in an effort to achieve diversity. Explain whether you favor or oppose compulsory busing of schoolchildren.
  • Explain why doctors and school nurses should or should not be allowed to prescribe contraceptives to children under the age of 16
  • Your state legislature is now considering a proposal to allow drinking by 18- to 20-year-olds after they have completed an alcohol education program. Explain why you support or oppose this proposal
  • Some school authorities have the power to remove from libraries and classrooms any books that they consider inappropriate for children or teens. Pointing to specific examples of how this power has been exercised, explain why you support or oppose this form of censorship
  • To reduce unemployment among young people, legislation has been introduced to repeal all minimum-wage laws. Explain why you support or oppose such legislation
  • There have recently been movements to boycott products imported from countries that tolerate the exploitation of underage workers. Using specific examples, explain why you support or oppose such boycotts
  • In your school or college, instructors have the right to ban cell phones (or mobiles) in their classrooms. Explain why you favor or oppose such a ban
  • In some cities, traffic congestion has been reduced by the creation of toll zones. Explain why you do or do not favor the imposition of mandatory fees on drivers in your city.
  • Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
  • Persuasive Writing: For and Against
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • Convince Me: A Persuasive Writing Activity
  • 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
  • The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
  • Persuasion and Rhetorical Definition
  • May Writing Prompts
  • Sample Weak Supplemental Essay for Duke University
  • How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
  • How to Write an Outstanding College Application Essay
  • Moving Past the Five Paragraph Essay
  • What Is Expository Writing?
  • Learn How to Use Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches
  • A Guide to Writing Recommendation Letters
  • Fun March Writing Prompts for Journaling

Brilliantio

Skyrocket Your Argument Skills: 70 Prompts for Persuasive Writing

By: Author Brilliantio Team

Posted on Published: August 25, 2023  - Last updated: December 8, 2023

Categories Writing

You’re here because you’ve got a point to make, and you want it to stick. Well, persuasive writing’s your ticket! It’s not just about winning arguments—it’s about influencing minds, shaping opinions.

But how do you craft compelling content? Don’t worry! We’ve lined up some handy prompts to guide you through the art of persuasive writing.

Ready to sway your audience with eloquence? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Identifying biases and examining personal prejudice
  • Crafting a precise and compelling thesis statement
  • Considering potential biased perspectives and addressing them head-on
  • Utilizing emotional appeals to connect with the audience on a deeper level

70 Prompts for Persuasive Writing

In order to understand the guts of persuasive writing, and practice it, there’s nothing like scanning a list of prompts:

Here are 70 prompts for persuasive writing:

  • Should students be required to wear uniforms in school?
  • Is the death penalty a necessary deterrent to crime?
  • Should voting be mandatory for all eligible citizens?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Does television have a positive influence on society?
  • Should plastic bags be banned globally to protect the environment?
  • Is technology making us more isolated?
  • Should schools ban junk food?
  • Does violent video games contribute to youth violence?
  • Should smoking in public places be banned?
  • Should schools start later in the day?
  • Is a college education worth the cost?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered?
  • Should social media platforms censor content?
  • Do beauty pageants do more harm than good?
  • Are professional athletes overpaid?
  • Should recycling be made mandatory?
  • Does the school year need to be longer?
  • Should homeschooling be encouraged?
  • Should genetically modified foods be labelled?
  • Does the gender pay gap exist and how can it be addressed?
  • Should the use of drones be regulated?
  • Are cell phones dangerous to our health?
  • Should all students learn a second language?
  • Should the government limit the size of sugary drinks?
  • Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should privacy rights be sacrificed for national security?
  • Should textbooks be replaced by tablets in schools?
  • Should fast food companies be blamed for obesity?
  • Should the voting age be lowered?
  • Should the age for obtaining a driver’s license be raised?
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory?
  • Do standardized tests accurately measure intelligence?
  • Should countries increase their use of renewable energy?
  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised?
  • Do celebrities have a right to privacy?
  • Should companies be allowed to advertise in schools?
  • Should students be graded on their handwriting?
  • Is vegetarianism a healthier way of life?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Should reality television be banned?
  • Should the government regulate the internet?
  • Should parents be held responsible for their child’s crimes?
  • Is it ethical to eat meat?
  • Should the use of animals for scientific research be banned?
  • Should students be required to take physical education courses?
  • Should the government invest more in space exploration?
  • Does society place too much emphasis on physical appearance?
  • Should the sale of violent video games to minors be banned?
  • Should performance enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Should schools provide gender-neutral bathrooms?
  • Is it ethical to clone animals or humans?
  • Should countries prioritize the fight against climate change?
  • Should the government regulate the price of prescription drugs?
  • Can online education replace traditional education?
  • Should the government provide free internet access to everyone?
  • Should people be allowed to keep exotic pets?
  • Should schools teach sex education?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Should society accept transgender individuals?
  • Should the government fund art programs in schools?
  • Does religion cause more harm than good?
  • Should the sale of firearms be restricted?
  • Should citizens be allowed to vote online?
  • Should some laws change?
  • Should governments provide a basic income for all citizens?
  • Should countries adopt a four-day workweek?
  • Should junk food advertising be banned during children’s television programs?
  • Should animals have rights similar to human rights?

Understanding the Basics of Persuasive Writing

 Book Displaying A Feather Quill And Ink Pot, With A Balance Scale In The Background, Symbolizing The Weighing Of Arguments In Persuasive Writing

It’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of persuasive writing if you’re aiming to sway your reader’s viewpoint.

Identifying biases is a key element in this process; it means recognizing and examining your own prejudice, ensuring they don’t cloud your argument. This self-awareness enables you to present a compelling case that is rooted in facts rather than personal opinions.

Next, audience analysis plays an integral role. It involves scrutinizing who’ll be reading your work and what their likely stance might be on the topic at hand.

Understanding their views, values, or concerns will help craft an argument that resonates with them personally.

The Importance of a Strong Thesis Statement

Ize A Sturdy, Towering Oak Tree, Representing A Strong Thesis Statement, With Roots Deeply Entrenched In A Pile Of Books And Parchments, Symbolizing Persuasive Writing Foundations

You’ll find your argument falls flat if you don’t have a strong thesis statement.

In Thesis Development, crafting a precise and compelling statement is the backbone of your persuasive writing.

Your focus should be on Statement Specificity; it’s not enough to merely scratch the surface of your topic.

Dig deep into your subject matter, showing that you’ve thought critically about it. Don’t just make broad claims; instead, pinpoint exactly what you want to argue for or against in clear terms.

This specificity gives direction to your essay and sets expectations for your readers.

Crafting Persuasive Arguments

Crafting compelling arguments requires not just strong facts, but also a keen understanding of your audience’s perspective. It’s essential to consider potential biased perspectives that could cloud their judgment and affect how they perceive your argument.

You can’t ignore these biases; instead, you should address them head-on, providing sound reasoning to counteract any preconceived notions.

Equally important is topic relevancy. If you’re arguing about something irrelevant to your audience, even the most logically constructed argument won’t resonate with them.

So, understand what matters to them. Use this information as a guide when forming your argument and selecting supporting evidence.

Utilizing Emotional Appeals in Writing

 An Image Featuring A Hand Gently Coaxing A Heart And A Brain To Meet In The Middle, Symbolizing The Blend Of Logic And Emotion In Persuasive Writing

Utilizing emotional appeals in your arguments isn’t just about tugging at heartstrings; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level. You’re engaging their feelings and making them part of the narrative you’re constructing.

However, be wary of emotional manipulation risks. It’s a fine line between persuasion and manipulation. Cross it, and you risk losing trust.

The role of empathy is paramount here. If you can genuinely understand and share your audience’s feelings, they’ll sense that sincerity. It strengthens your bond with them more than any logical argument could.

Logical Reasoning in Persuasive Writing

 An Image Depicting A Brain, A Magnifying Glass Focusing On It, And Interconnected Puzzle Pieces Floating Around, Symbolizing Logical Reasoning In Persuasive Writing

In contrast to emotional appeals, logical reasoning is the backbone of a strong argument. It provides solid ground for your claims and helps your audience understand why they should agree with you.

It’s all about presenting a well-structured argument that’s easy to follow and convincing.

Your aim is to weave together facts and evidence in a way that supports your case convincingly. Fallacy detection is crucial here—it helps keep your arguments clean and free from logical errors that could undermine its credibility.

Analyzing argument structure can help you detect these fallacies, ensuring the consistency of your logic flow.

Ethical Considerations in Persuasive Writing

Ge Showcasing A Scale Balancing A Pen And A Feather, Symbolizing The Weight Of Ethical Considerations In Persuasive Writing, Surrounded By Faded Historic Documents

Ethical considerations aren’t just an afterthought when making your argument. They’re a vital part of ensuring credibility and respect for your audience.

Manipulative tactics might seem tempting as quick wins to sway opinion, but beware! They can undermine trust and harm your reputation in the long run.

It’d be best if you aimed for bias avoidance, providing balanced viewpoints while persuading.

Engaging with ethics means practicing honesty, fairness, and respect. Don’t misrepresent facts or distort others’ arguments. It’s crucial to verify information before including it in your argument.

Encourage open dialogue and consider counterarguments seriously. This isn’t just about winning debates; it’s about fostering understanding through respectful persuasion.

Techniques to Improve Your Persuasive Writing Skills

You’ll see a notable improvement in your argumentative skills if you start incorporating certain techniques into your daily practice.

The right persuasive language selection is crucial, as well as understanding the audience analysis.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Start by identifying your target audience and their interests. This will help you craft arguments that resonate with them.
  • Choose words and phrases that are persuasive but not inflammatory or offensive. Your aim should be to persuade, not offend.
  • Present evidence to support your points – Facts and data speak louder than just opinions.
  • Finally, always conclude with a strong call-to-action.

Common Mistakes in Persuasive Writing

 A Visual Of A Person Writing On A Large Paper, Surrounded By Common Symbols Of Mistakes, Such As Crossed-Out Text, Red Pen Markings, And Crumpled Paper Balls

There are a number of common pitfalls that can undermine your persuasive writing.

Weak argument construction, ignoring counterarguments, and misuse of evidence are each a trap that you’ve probably fallen into without even realizing it.

Weak Argument Construction

Weak argument construction can severely undermine your persuasive writing, making it less effective and impactful. It’s a common pitfall to use biased language or fallacy usage, which can alienate readers instead of drawing them in.

Ensure you’re avoiding these mistakes:

  • Overgeneralization: Try not to make broad statements without sufficient evidence.
  • Circular reasoning: Don’t rely on your conclusion as proof of the argument itself.
  • Biased language: Remember that this can unintentionally sway your argument and detract from its credibility.
  • Fallacy usage: Avoid logical inconsistencies that can confuse readers or weaken your stance.

Ignoring Counterarguments

Ignoring counterarguments isn’t just a bad strategy; it can actually harm the credibility of your stance. By avoiding these counterarguments, you’re essentially turning a blind eye to potential flaws or weaknesses in your argument.

This is known as ‘Counterargument avoidance’, and it’s not something you want to be guilty of.

Instead, face those opposing viewpoints head-on. Dismissive tactics may seem easier in the short run, but they’ll undermine your position over time. It’s crucial that you understand and address any counterarguments effectively. You should dissect them meticulously, understand their premise, and respond thoughtfully.

This approach not only strengthens your own argument but also shows respect for differing perspectives.

Misuse of Evidence

Misusing evidence is another pitfall that can seriously dent the integrity of your argument. You may be tempted to distort evidence or rely on unverified sources, but it’s important to resist these shortcuts. Instead, strive for accuracy and credibility.

Watch out for these common mistakes:

  • Distorting Evidence : Shaping facts to fit your narrative isn’t fair play. It’s more likely to backfire, undermining your argument.
  • Using Unverified Sources : Always check the reliability of your sources before using them.
  • Cherry-Picking Data : Choosing only data that supports your viewpoint while ignoring contrary evidence can weaken your argument.
  • Overgeneralizing from Limited Data : Drawing broad conclusions from a small sample can lead to misleading assertions.

Practice Exercises for Persuasive Writing

Ize A Hand Holding A Pen, Poised Over A Notebook Filled With Outlined Speech Bubbles, Each Containing Distinct, Hand-Drawn Symbols Representing Persuasive Writing Elements

You’ll find these practice exercises for persuasive writing incredibly helpful in honing your skills. They are designed to aid you in creating compelling persuasive narratives while maintaining tone consistency.

Imagine, you’re crafting a captivating story that sways the reader’s perspective – it’s an art, and like all arts, it needs practice.

The first exercise could be rewriting a neutral narrative into a persuasive one, focusing on tone consistency. This means keeping your arguments assertive without sounding aggressive throughout the narrative.

The second exercise might involve creating powerful introductions and conclusions for given topics. Remember, it’s not just about winning the argument but winning the reader!

With consistent practice, you’ll see your persuasive writing skills drastically improve.

So, you’ve got the basics down, right? You’re now ready to craft strong thesis statements and persuasive arguments.

Remember, don’t shy away from emotional appeals and logical reasoning. Keep ethics in mind too!

Don’t forget to practice with those prompts to avoid common pitfalls.

Now, it’s time for you to go forth and persuade!

IMAGES

  1. Persuasive Writing Prompts and Ideas

    prompts for persuasive writing

  2. This persuasive writing pack includes a range of worksheets and

    prompts for persuasive writing

  3. High School Persuasive Essay Topics and Tips

    prompts for persuasive writing

  4. 51 Great Persuasive Writing Prompts

    prompts for persuasive writing

  5. {FREE!} Persuasive Writing Prompts by Blair Turner

    prompts for persuasive writing

  6. Pin by Tammy Trentmann

    prompts for persuasive writing

COMMENTS

  1. 113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment -

    General Education Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help! Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories.

  2. 100 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Writers aged 8 to 18

    Finish your argument with a strong closing statement. Summarise your ideas and reinforce your argument so that readers are reminded about why your argument is valid. This is your last chance to sway their opinion! Find below our 100 essay writing prompts to help you practice your persuasive skills.

  3. 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Updated, March 2, 2017 | We published an updated version of this list, “401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing,” as well as a companion piece, “650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal...

  4. 30 Prompts for a Persuasive Paragraph, Essay, or Speech -

    Writing Prompts for a Persuasive Paragraph, Essay, or Speech Be sure to collect sufficient evidence to support your point of view in a persuasive essay or speech. (Blend Images/Ariel Skelley/Getty Images) By Richard Nordquist Updated on August 01, 2018

  5. Skyrocket Your Argument Skills: 70 Prompts for Persuasive Writing

    Here are 70 prompts for persuasive writing: Should students be required to wear uniforms in school? Is the death penalty a necessary deterrent to crime? Should voting be mandatory for all eligible citizens? Should animal testing be banned? Does television have a positive influence on society? Should ...