As educators, we understand the importance of selecting persuasive essay topics that are engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant to our students! However, the process of finding the perfect subject to inspire critical thinking and spark meaningful debates can be quite challenging. To make your search easier and ensure that your students are motivated to develop well-structured arguments, we’ve curated this comprehensive list of 138 persuasive essay topics; read on to find your class’ next essay topic!
Education
1. Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Students will love exploring the benefits and drawbacks of implementing a school uniform policy. They can consider aspects such as individual expression, bullying, and socioeconomic disparities.
2. Do standardized tests accurately measure students’ abilities?
Investigate the role of standardized tests in evaluating student performance and the potential alternatives for assessing academic progress.
3. Should schools implement a later start time?
Consider the impact of later start times on student health, academic performance, and extracurricular activities.
4. Are single-gender classrooms more effective than co-educational ones?
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of single-gender classrooms, focusing on academic performance, social development, and gender stereotypes.
5. Should teachers be allowed to carry firearms in schools?
Explore the potential implications of arming teachers in schools, focusing on safety, training, and the overall learning environment.
6. Is a college education necessary for success in today’s job market?
Explore the role of higher education in preparing individuals for the workforce, considering the value of vocational training and the potential for success without a college degree.
7. Should schools implement mandatory community service hours for students?
Debate whether students should be required to participate in community service as a part of their educational experience.
8. Should standardized tests be abolished?
Explore the pros and cons of standardized testing and whether it accurately measures student performance and potential.
9. Should college athletes be allowed to profit from their name, image, and likeness?
Discuss the fairness of college athletes being able to profit from their name, image, and likeness, and how it may impact the world of college sports.
10. Is homeschooling a better alternative to traditional schooling?
Compare the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling versus traditional schooling.
11. Should the government regulate the content of television and streaming platforms?
Discuss the role of government in regulating the content of television shows and streaming platforms and the impact on free speech and artistic expression.
12. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of allowing students to evaluate their teachers’ performance.
13. Should schools teach financial literacy as a mandatory subject?
Argue for or against the inclusion of financial literacy education in school curricula.
14. Is remote learning as effective as traditional classroom education?
Examine the effects of remote learning on students. Consider aspects of convenience, flexibility, social development, and hands-on learning opportunities in your essay.
15. Are exams an effective way to assess intelligence?
Investigate the effectiveness of exams in measuring intelligence. Look at the limited range of skills that can be assessed by exams by comparing this to their efficiency in assessing a large number of students.
16. Should schools teach emotional intelligence?
Discuss the role of schools in teaching emotional intelligence. In doing so, consider the interpersonal skills and mental well-being of students, while also looking at the challenge of assessing and grading such matters.
17. Are traditional textbooks outdated?
While traditional textbooks provide a structured approach to learning, they are often more expensive and less updated than digital resources. Taking these points into account, investigate whether traditional textbooks are outdated or not.
18. Should students be taught cursive writing in school?
Investigate the outcomes of teaching cursive writing in school. Teaching this writing form may enhance fine motor skills and cognitive development. However, with the prevalence of digital communication, it may be considered an outdated skill.
19. Should there be stricter laws on advertising to children?
Explore the laws on advertising to children by comparing the protection of children to the possibility of limiting creative freedom and market competition.
20. Are open-book exams more effective than traditional exams?
Examine the real-world implications of open-book exams. While these tests prioritize understanding over memorization, these types of assessments also open up the possibility of cheating.
Health and Science
21. Are GMOs safe for human consumption and the environment?
Examine the scientific evidence surrounding GMOs and their potential impact on human health, agricultural practices, and the environment.
22. Is it ethical to market unhealthy food to children?
Explore the moral and practical implications of advertising unhealthy food products to children, taking into account issues like childhood obesity, consumer choice, and corporate responsibility.
23. Are alternative medicines effective or dangerous?
Examine the scientific evidence surrounding alternative medical practices and their potential impact on public health, regulation, and medical ethics.
24. Should the United States adopt a national healthcare system?
Discuss the pros and cons of a national healthcare system; considering aspects like cost, access, and quality of care.
25. Is it ethical to clone animals or humans?
Examine the moral and practical implications of cloning technology, taking into account issues like scientific advancement, human dignity, and potential misuse.
26. Is it ethical to use gene editing to prevent genetic diseases?
Discuss the potential consequences of using gene editing technology to eradicate genetic disorders, taking into account issues like eugenics, inequality, and medical ethics.
27. Should the United States increase funding for mental health services?
Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of increased investment in mental health services, considering aspects like access, stigma reduction, and public health.
28. Should there be a tax on sugary drinks?
A tax on sugary drinks could discourage consumption and improve public health. Conversely, it may also be considered a regressive tax, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. Compare and contrast these views on this topic.
29. Is it ethical to use technology to enhance human abilities?
Discuss the potential consequences of using technology to augment human abilities, both physically and mentally.
30. Should organ donation be made compulsory?
Explore the ethical concerns about bodily autonomy involved in compulsory organ donation.
31. Should fast food companies be held accountable for obesity?
Discuss the accountability of fast food companies regarding their effect on the obesity epidemic. Consider that holding them accountable could promote better consumer health but may also lead to issues surrounding personal responsibility.
32. Should physical education be mandatory in schools?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of physical education in schools. Compare and contrast the pros of promoting physical fitness and teamwork with the cons of undue stress on students who may have other academic goals.
33. Should art and music therapy be covered by healthcare insurance?
Art and music therapy have been shown to improve mental health and quality of life. However, including them in healthcare coverage could increase insurance premiums. Considering these points, weigh up the pros and cons of covering art and music in healthcare insurance.
34. Should animal testing be banned?
Explore the ethical concerns surrounding animal testing. While animal testing has contributed to medical advancements, it raises ethical questions about animal welfare. Alternatives like in vitro testing are becoming more feasible, leading some to advocate for a ban.
Technology and Innovation
35. Should governments provide incentives for people to use electric vehicles?
Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of government incentives for electric vehicle adoption, focusing on environmental impact, economic considerations, and technological advancements.
36. Are smartphones making people less intelligent?
Examine the potential impact of smartphone usage on cognitive abilities, attention spans, and critical thinking skills.
37. Are smartphones contributing to the decline of face-to-face communication?
Examine the potential impact of smartphone usage on interpersonal communication, considering factors like social connections, mental health, and empathy.
38. Are digital currencies the future of finance?
Investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks of digital currencies, focusing on aspects like financial stability, security, and global economic impact.
39. Are humans too reliant on technology?
Explore the potential consequences of increasing dependence on technology, taking into account issues like human autonomy, mental health, and social connections.
40. Should the United States abolish the penny?
Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of eliminating the penny, considering factors like production costs, consumer behavior, and economic impact.
41. Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in the criminal justice system?
Examine the potential consequences of integrating AI into the criminal justice system, focusing on issues like bias, accountability, and human rights.
42. Is it ethical to use genetic engineering to enhance human abilities?
Discuss the potential consequences of using genetic engineering to alter human traits, taking into account issues like eugenics, inequality, and human dignity.
43. Are self-driving cars the future of transportation?
Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of autonomous vehicles, focusing on aspects like safety, environmental impact, and technological advancements.
44. Is it ethical to use human enhancement technologies?
Discuss the potential consequences of using human enhancement technologies, taking into account issues like eugenics, inequality, and human dignity.
45. Should the government provide free internet access for all citizens?
Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of offering free internet access to everyone in the United States.
46. Is cryptocurrency a viable alternative to traditional currency?
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of using cryptocurrency as an alternative to traditional currency.
47. Should privacy laws be updated to protect individuals from invasive facial recognition technology?
Discuss the implications of facial recognition technology on personal privacy and whether existing laws need to be updated.
48. Should voting in elections be done online?
Debate the feasibility and potential impact of implementing online voting in elections.
49. Should individuals be allowed to sell their data?
Investigate the potential advantages and disadvantages of allowing individuals to sell their data- including new economic opportunities and the potential to exacerbate data privacy concerns.
50. Is the digital age making libraries obsolete?
Use evidence to discuss if the digital age is making libraries obsolete; focusing on the ease of access to information and the role a physical library plays in the community.
51. Is remote work the future of employment?
Examine the pros and cons of remote work. Although remote work offers flexibility and can improve work-life balance, it may also contribute to feelings of isolation and create challenges in team collaboration.
52. Are privacy concerns outweighing the benefits of surveillance technology?
Investigate the balance between public safety and individual privacy in the era of mass surveillance, considering the potential implications for civil liberties and security.
53. Is there a right to be forgotten on the internet?
The “right to be forgotten” could offer individuals control over their digital footprint. Conversely, it could also be a tool for rewriting history and limiting free speech. Explore the right to be forgotten on the internet by considering these factors.
54. Should governments invest more in space exploration?
Space exploration can drive technological advancements and inspire a new generation of scientists, yet the enormous costs could be spent on more immediate concerns like healthcare and education. Explore this ethical debate of technology and inspiration versus healthcare and education.
55. Should AI be granted citizenship?
Although granting citizenship to AI could help establish a legal framework for interactions with advanced intelligence, this raises ethical questions about personhood and rights. Report on the differing views of this controversial topic.
56. Should gene editing be used to create “designer babies”?
Gene editing has the potential to eliminate hereditary diseases but could also lead to ethical dilemmas and inequality. The idea of “designer babies” raises concerns about the commodification of human life. Considering this ethical dilemma, evaluate the pros and cons of using gene editing in this way.
57. Are paper books better than e-books?
Paper books offer tactile satisfaction and are easier on the eyes, while e-books are more convenient and environmentally friendly, as they save on paper. Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of book in order to decide which one is better.
58. Should driverless cars be legalized?
Driverless cars have the potential to improve road safety and traffic flow. On the flip side, their widespread adoption raises questions about data privacy and job loss in driving-related sectors. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these cars in your essay.
59. Should there be an age limit for social media usage?
Look at the positive and negative consequences of instituting an age limit for social media usage. Even though this could protect young users from online dangers like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, it might also limit their access to educational resources and social connections.
60. Is 3D printing a boon or a bane for society?
3D printing offers incredible potential for innovation in healthcare, manufacturing, and other fields. Even so, it poses risks like the unauthorized production of weapons or copyrighted material. Compare these pros and cons while discussing 3D printing in your essay.
61. Are smart homes a risk to privacy?
Smart homes offer convenience and energy efficiency but can be vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized data collection. Privacy concerns are a significant drawback to their adoption. Join the debate around the privacy of smart homes by exploring both sides of the coin.
62. Is virtual reality a revolution in education?
Evaluate the benefits and consequences of using virtual reality (VR) in schools. VR offers immersive educational experiences that can enhance learning, however, the cost of VR technology and concerns about screen time could limit its educational application.
63. Should cryptocurrency be regulated by governments?
Take a look at the arguments for and against the government regulation of cryptocurrency. Despite the fact that government regulation could legitimize cryptocurrency and protect investors, one of the key attractions of cryptocurrency is its decentralization, which could be compromised by government oversight.
64. Is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity?
The rapid development of AI technologies offers vast opportunities for advancement but also raises ethical and safety concerns. If not managed properly, AI could pose significant risks, including job loss and unintended harmful actions. Investigate these concerns, weighing the benefits against the risks.
Society and Culture
65. Is it time to reconsider the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule?
Examine the benefits and drawbacks of the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule and whether alternative options should be considered.
66. Should the government regulate loot boxes in video games?
Investigate the lack of regulation of loot boxes- taking vulnerable populations and revenue streams for game developers into consideration in your discussion.
67. Should public transportation be free for all?
Explore the feasibility of free public transportation by looking at carbon emissions, accessibility of cities, maintenance of systems, and overcrowding.
68. Do violent video games contribute to real-world violence?
Assess the relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior, considering factors like desensitization, addiction, and mental health.
69. Are social networking sites good for society?
Research the influence of social networking sites on society. While these sites facilitate communication and can be a force for social change, they can also contribute to the spread of misinformation and polarize opinions.
70. Should social media platforms be more strictly regulated?
Discuss the role of social media in modern society and the potential need for increased regulation to address issues like misinformation, privacy, and cyberbullying.
71. Are celebrities entitled to their privacy?
Investigate the balance between public interest and individual privacy in the context of celebrity culture, considering issues like tabloid journalism, paparazzi, and social media.
72. Is the internet making people more isolated?
Examine the impact of the internet on social connections, mental health, and the way people interact in modern society.
73. Are private prisons a good idea?
Investigate the potential implications of private prisons, considering factors like cost, accountability, and the potential for corruption.
74. Is the gig economy sustainable?
The gig economy offers flexibility but often lacks worker rights, job security, and benefits. Its long-term sustainability is questionable, particularly when considering social safety nets and worker well-being. Explore the gig economy before choosing a personal stance based on its pros and cons.
75. Are smartphones contributing to the decline of face-to-face communication?
Examine the potential impact of smartphone usage on interpersonal communication, considering factors like social connections, mental health, and empathy.
76. Should the United States switch to a four-day workweek?
Explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of a shorter workweek, addressing factors like productivity, work-life balance, and economic implications.
77. Are violent protests ever justified?
Discuss the potential moral and practical implications of using violence as a form of protest, taking into account historical examples and the role of nonviolent resistance in social change.
78. Are humans inherently good or evil?
Examine the philosophical and psychological perspectives on human nature, considering the potential impact of genetics, environment, and cultural influences.
79. Should parents be held responsible for their children’s cyberbullying?
Examine the role of parental involvement in preventing and addressing cyberbullying and the potential legal and ethical implications.
80. Are zoos beneficial or harmful to animals?
Investigate the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity and the potential educational and conservation benefits of zoos.
81. Should there be a universal basic income?
Discuss how a universal basic income may have advantages and disadvantages. While it could significantly reduce poverty and give people the freedom to pursue more fulfilling work., funding such a program would be a significant challenge and could lead to inflation.
82. Are beauty pageants harmful or beneficial?
Examine the cultural significance of beauty pageants and their potential impact on participants’ self-esteem, body image, and societal expectations.
83. Are nuclear weapons necessary for global security?
Discuss the role of nuclear weapons in maintaining global stability and the potential consequences of disarmament, proliferation, and deterrence.
84. Are influencers a positive force in society?
Investigate the power of influencers in society. Although influencers have the power to shape public opinion, promote products, and contribute to culture in a significant way, they can also spread misinformation and perpetuate unrealistic standards, creating a mixed impact on society.
85. Should social media influencers be held accountable for the products they promote?
Discuss the responsibilities of social media influencers in endorsing products, taking into account issues like consumer protection, ethics, and the impact on their audience.
86. Should public figures have the right to a private life?
Examine how much privacy public figures deserve by taking into account their status and how intrusive the masses can be to their personal life.
87. Should there be stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of guns?
Although stricter gun regulations could potentially reduce the number of mass shootings and gun-related crimes., they could also infringe upon individual rights to self-defense and freedom. Acknowledge both of these points while choosing a side to argue against.
88. Is fame harmful to mental health?
Discuss the effect of fame on mental health. In addition to bringing intense scrutiny and invasion of privacy, which can be detrimental to mental health, the constant public attention from being famous can lead to anxiety, stress, and a distorted sense of self.
89. Should companies be allowed to patent natural remedies?
Patenting natural remedies can drive investment in research but also risks cultural appropriation and limits access. Ethical concerns arise when companies profit from traditional knowledge without benefit-sharing. Based on this information, decide whether companies should be allowed to patent natural remedies or not.
90. Is digital activism effective?
Consider the influence of digital activism on physical activism. Quickly reaching an audience, digital activism can swiftly create meaningful change. On the flip side, it also risks “slacktivism,” where online engagement does not translate to real-world action.
91. Are unpaid internships exploitative?
Critically unpack the ethics of unpaid internships. While they offer valuable work experience, some people may view them as exploitative.
92. Are reality TV shows harmful to society?
Discuss the potential consequences of reality TV programming, considering aspects like mental health, body image, and societal values.
93. Should the United States implement a wealth tax?
Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of instituting a wealth tax, taking into account factors like income inequality, economic growth, and tax fairness.
94. Are video games a valid form of artistic expression?
Examine the potential merits of video games as an artistic medium, considering aspects like storytelling, visual design, and cultural impact.
95. Is cancel culture a force for good or bad?
Look at the pros and cons of cancel culture by exploring the impacts of holding individuals accountable for their actions at the risk of suppressing free speech.
96. Is the gig economy contributing to income inequality?
Investigate the potential link between the gig economy and growing income inequality, considering factors like job stability, workers’ rights, and social mobility.
97. Should cigarette advertising be banned?
Research the morality of advertising cigarettes; investigate the effect of this advertising on young people and the rights of cigarette companies to have freedom of speech.
98. Should the United States invest more in infrastructure?
Discuss the potential consequences of increased investment in infrastructure, focusing on issues like job creation, economic growth, and public safety.
99. Is multitasking actually detrimental to productivity?
Discuss the potential impact of multitasking on productivity levels. To do so, critically analyze the necessity of multitasking in fast-paced work environments and how it causes shifts in attention.
100. Should the United States abolish daylight saving time?
Discuss the potential consequences of eliminating daylight saving time, taking into account factors like energy savings, public health, and daily routines.
101. Should the United States provide reparations for historical injustices?
Discuss the potential consequences of providing reparations for historical injustices, considering aspects like social equity, economic impact, and historical accountability.
102. Should celebrities be held to a higher standard of accountability?
Examine the influence celebrities have on society and whether they should be held more accountable for their actions.
103. Should professional athletes be role models for young people?
Explore the responsibilities of professional athletes as role models and whether they should be held to a higher standard.
Government Policies
104. Should the United States adopt a value-added tax (VAT)?
Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing a VAT, considering factors like economic growth, tax fairness, and administrative simplicity.
105. Should the United States implement a carbon tax?
Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of instituting a carbon tax, taking into account factors like environmental impact, economic growth, and global cooperation.
106. Should the United States adopt a ranked-choice voting system?
Examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a ranked-choice voting system, focusing on aspects like voter representation, election outcomes, and political polarization.
107. Should the government provide incentives for people to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
Discuss the potential impact of government incentives for individuals to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives.
108. Should the United States adopt a flat tax system?
Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing a flat tax system, considering aspects like economic growth, income inequality, and tax complexity.
109. Should the United States adopt a merit-based immigration system?
Examine the potential impact of a merit-based immigration system, considering factors like economic growth, social integration, and fairness.
110. Should the United States institute term limits for members of Congress?
Discuss the potential consequences of implementing term limits for elected officials, focusing on issues like political stagnation, corruption, and democratic representation.
111. Should the United States enact stricter immigration policies?
Examine the potential impact of stricter immigration policies on the economy, social cohesion, and humanitarian concerns.
Environmental and Global Issues
112. Are electric cars as green as they are portrayed?
Analyze how “green” electric cars really are. Although they reduce emissions compared to traditional fossil-fuel vehicles, the environmental impact of these vehicles depends on how the electricity they use is generated. Additionally, the production and disposal of batteries can be environmentally taxing.
113. Is consumerism driving climate change?
High levels of consumption are directly linked to increased carbon emissions and resource depletion. However, blaming consumerism may oversimplify a complex issue that also involves systemic industrial practices. Examine both sides of this argument on consumerism and climate change before stipulating which side you support and why.
114. Are current recycling efforts enough to combat the global waste crisis?
Investigate the potential impact of recycling on waste management, considering factors like environmental impact, resource conservation, and consumer behavior.
115. Should the United States invest more in renewable energy?
Explore the potential benefits of increased investment in renewable energy sources, including job creation, environmental impact, and energy independence.
116. Should the United States implement a carbon tax?
Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of instituting a carbon tax, taking into account factors like environmental impact, economic growth, and global cooperation.
117. Should the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement?
Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the United States rejoining the international effort to combat climate change.
118. Should companies be required to disclose their environmental impact?
Discuss the importance of corporate transparency regarding environmental impact and how it could benefit the planet.
119. Should governments provide financial incentives for individuals to adopt plant-based diets?
Discuss the potential environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet and whether financial incentives should be provided to encourage adoption.
120. Are human beings causing the sixth mass extinction?
Investigate the potential impact of human activities on global biodiversity, considering factors like habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution.
121. Is animal agriculture a leading cause of climate change?
Investigate the environmental impact of animal agriculture, considering factors like greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage.
122. Is the United States doing enough to combat climate change?
Examine the current policies and actions taken by the United States to address climate change and explore potential avenues for improvement.
Legal and Ethical Issues
123. Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in warfare?
Examine the moral implications of using AI in military conflicts and whether it should be allowed.
124. Should cloning be legalized?
Cloning technologies have the potential for medical advancements but raise ethical concerns about individuality and the sanctity of life. Legalizing cloning would require careful regulation and ethical oversight. Discuss the details that would need to be addressed when considering the legalization of cloning.
125. Is the current legal drinking age appropriate?
Examine the potential effects of raising or lowering the legal drinking age; taking into account factors like public safety, individual maturity, and cultural norms.
126. Is it ethical to use surveillance technology for public safety?
Examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of using surveillance technology to enhance public safety, taking into account privacy concerns and the potential for abuse of power.
127. Is it ethical for pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to consumers?
Discuss the ethics of pharmaceutical companies advertising directly to consumers. Even though direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising can inform patients about treatment options, it may also encourage over-prescription and put pressure on healthcare providers.
128. Should the United States intervene in foreign conflicts?
Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of U.S. involvement in international conflicts, taking into account issues like national security, global stability, and humanitarian concerns.
129. Is it ethical to use drone strikes in warfare?
Explore the moral and practical implications of using drone strikes in military operations, taking into account issues like civilian casualties, accountability, and the nature of modern warfare.
130. Is it ethical to market unhealthy food to children?
Explore the moral and practical implications of advertising unhealthy food products to children, taking into account issues like childhood obesity, consumer choice, and corporate responsibility.
131. Is there a moral obligation to help the homeless?
Examine the ethical considerations surrounding homelessness and potential solutions to address the issue.
132. Are nuclear weapons necessary for global security?
Discuss the role of nuclear weapons in maintaining global stability and the potential consequences of disarmament, proliferation, and deterrence.
133. Is it ethical to use genetic engineering to enhance human abilities?
Discuss the potential consequences of using genetic engineering to alter human traits, taking into account issues like eugenics, inequality, and human dignity.
134. Is it ethical to eat meat?
Examine the moral, environmental, and health implications of consuming animal products, considering factors like factory farming, cultural norms, and plant-based alternatives.
135. Are privacy concerns outweighing the benefits of surveillance technology?
Investigate the balance between public safety and individual privacy in the era of mass surveillance, considering the potential implications for civil liberties and security.
136. Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment?
Discuss the moral implications of using animals in circuses, theme parks, and other forms of entertainment, taking into account issues like animal welfare, conservation, and education.
137. Is online privacy a fundamental human right?
Examine the potential consequences of the erosion of online privacy, taking into account issues like surveillance, data collection, and digital autonomy.
138. Are social media platforms doing enough to combat fake news?
Investigate the potential impact of fake news on society and the role of social media platforms in addressing the issue, considering aspects like misinformation, user behavior, and regulation.
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