Persuasive Topic 1
When the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act was put into
practice in 2010, it limited the ability of anyone under age 21 to qualify for a credit card.
Write an essay explaining why you support or oppose the restrictions that have been
placed on students’ access to credit cards. Be sure to give specific details that will help
others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 2
Teachers and administrators in many American schools are now authorized to conduct
random inspections of students’ lockers and backpacks.
Write an essay explaining why you support or oppose this practice. Be sure to give
specific details that will help others understand your position and support your
argument.
Persuasive Topic 3
Most countries around the world require their students to wear uniforms. Over the past
20 years, more and more American public schools have implemented policies requiring
students to wear uniforms.
Explain why you support or oppose mandated school uniforms. Be sure to give specific
details that will help others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 4
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. Be sure to give specific details that
will help others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 5
People argue that behavior is influenced by the media (magazines, newspapers,
television, movies, video games, the Internet). Do you think people are affected by
these sources?
Explain why you support or oppose this theory. Be sure to give specific details that will
help others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 6
Some schools have made it mandatory that American students be required to learn a
second language.
Explain why you support or oppose this requirement. Be sure to give specific details that
will help others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 7
Think about what ways the availability of fast-food restaurants has affected your eating
habits. McDonalds posts nutrition facts inside and also on their drive-thru menus. In an
age where faster is better but not necessarily healthier, write an essay explaining
whether you agree or disagree that all fast food chains should also post their nutrition
facts with their menus. Be sure to give specific details that will help others understand
your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 8
According to some people, elderly drivers should be required to reapply for their driving
licenses because with age comes diminished vision, hearing, and reaction time. How do
you feel about this issue?
Explain if you agree or disagree whether this should be a requirement and why. Be sure
to give specific details that will help others understand your position and support your
argument.
Persuasive Topic 9
Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior
because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other
parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they
have behaved properly.
Explain what you think parents should do and why. Be sure to give specific details that
will help others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 10
Research shows that the average American watches as much as six hours of television
each day. At a recent community discussion group, members argued that this is too
much. Do you agree?
Write an essay explaining why or why not. Be sure to give specific details that will help
others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 11
Most states allow people to get a driver’s license at the age of 16. Some people feel that
16 is much too young for the responsibility that comes with driving a car. In many
foreign countries, teenagers aren’t allowed to learn until they’re 18.
Write an essay explaining at what age should people be allowed to drive and why. Be
sure to give specific details that will help others understand your position and support
your argument.
Persuasive Topic 12
In many countries, citizens are required to serve in the military or public service for a
year or more. Do you believe the United States should establish a similar practice? Why
or why not? Be sure to give specific details that will help others understand your position
and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 13
Even though fear and anxiety are unpleasant emotions, many people spend money to
watch horror movies.
In an essay, explain why you think people like to watch and spend money on horror
movies. Be sure to give specific details that will help others understand your position
and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 14
Although cigarette ads were banned from TV in the 1970s, they still appear in
magazines and on billboards. Many ads seem to appeal to younger audiences. In an
essay, argue how you think these advertisements should be handled. Be sure to give
specific details that will help others understand your position and support your
argument.
Persuasive Topic 15
Your local school board has decided to put year-round schooling to a vote. They believe
that summer holidays are hard for working families, students don’t retain what they
learned the previous year, and that it’s better financially for the district.
Write an essay that explains whether you agree or disagree with the school board. Be
sure to give specific details that will help others understand your position and support
your argument.
Persuasive Topic 16
Equity is the equal treatment that frees men and women to respond and develop their
needs. It frees people from discrimination and bias.
Has our nation become more equitable in its treatment of people (women, minorities,
etc.)? Explain your point of view in an essay. Be sure to give specific details that will
help others understand your position and support your argument.
Persuasive Topic 17
Carpooling, recycling, and planting trees are all activities that are good for the
environment. Write an essay convincing your friend to actively participate in one of
these activities. Be sure to give specific details that will help him/her understand your
position and support your argument.
Topics taken and modified from:
About.com Grammar & Composition
501 Writing Prompts
Billings ABE essay bank