Persuasive Essay Topics - Top Choices

Did you know that persuasive essays are exercises in rhetoric and powerful tools for shaping opinions and influencing behaviors? With approximately 70% of students in the United States tasked with writing such essays at some point during their academic careers, brainstorming a compelling theme becomes of vital importance. 

As a writer, you have to pick the right subject that makes the difference between sparking lively debate and eliciting yawns from your audience. In this article, we’ll share a collection of persuasive essay topics that easily captivate readers and inspire thoughtful discourse and potential change.

The List of Persuasive Essay Topics

Browsing persuasive essay ideas can really benefit students in several ways. First, it helps them think critically by examining issues from different angles. Second, it broadens their knowledge about important things happening in the world. 

Plus, when they pick topics they're passionate about, writing becomes more enjoyable and their arguments stronger. Let's not forget that sample topics from our paper writing service also sharpen their communication skills, helping them express their ideas clearly and persuasively. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Finding a strong persuasive essay topic takes time and precision. Also, you need an action plan on how to research a topic as well. 

1. Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
2. Is mandatory community service beneficial for high school students?
3. Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
4. Is social media beneficial or harmful to society?
5. Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?
6. Should standardized testing be abolished in schools?
7. Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
8. Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
9. Is online learning more effective than traditional classroom learning?
10. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
11. Is climate change primarily caused by human activity?
12. Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled in food products?
13. Is it ethical to use animals for scientific experimentation?
14. Should the use of cell phones be banned while driving?
15. Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?

Persuasive Essay Topics for College

Advanced students on the lookout for persuasive essay topics for college will find the following ideas most interesting. 

1. Should college tuition fees be free for all students?
2. Is the grading system an effective measure of students' abilities?
3. Should colleges implement stricter policies against plagiarism?
4. Is it beneficial for colleges to adopt a pass/fail grading system?
5. Should colleges prioritize mental health services for students?
6. Is it fair for colleges to consider race or ethnicity in admissions decisions?
7. Should college athletes be allowed to profit from their likeness?
8. Is it important for colleges to offer courses on financial literacy?
9. Should colleges provide free menstrual products on campus?
10. Is it ethical for colleges to invest in fossil fuel companies?
11. Should colleges require students to take courses on diversity and inclusion?
12. Is online education as effective as traditional classroom learning in college?
13. Should colleges implement stricter policies to combat sexual assault on campus?
14. Is it beneficial for colleges to offer courses on sustainable living practices?
15. Should colleges prioritize funding for STEM programs over humanities programs?

Persuasive Essay Topics High School

In high school, topics for persuasive writing have to always be on point. If you’re stuck in writer’s block, we’re here to help!

1. Should high school students be required to pass a financial literacy course before graduating?
2. Is it important for high schools to provide comprehensive sex education?
3. Should the school day start later to accommodate teenage sleep patterns?
4. Is it beneficial for high schools to implement mandatory community service requirements for graduation?
5. Should high school students be allowed to choose their own curriculum?
6. Is it ethical for high schools to use surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways?
7. Should high school athletes be subject to random drug testing?
8. Is it beneficial for high schools to offer courses on mental health and well-being?
9. Should high schools ban the use of cell phones during school hours?
10. Is it fair for high schools to implement dress codes or uniform policies?
11. Should high school students be allowed to leave campus for lunch?
12. Is it important for high schools to teach comprehensive LGBTQ+ education?
13. Should high schools require students to complete a certain number of hours of volunteer work to graduate?
14. Is it beneficial for high schools to offer courses on environmental sustainability?
15. Should high schools prioritize funding for arts and music programs?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

This academic domain offers many peculiar topic ideas for research. We’ve gathered the best themes that you can easily explore stress-free. But first, find out how to write a persuasive essay up to the mark.

1. Should standardized testing be replaced with alternative forms of assessment?
2. Is the traditional grading system effective in accurately measuring students' knowledge and abilities?
3. Should schools implement comprehensive sex education programs from an early age?
4. Is it important for schools to prioritize teaching emotional intelligence and mental health awareness?
5. Should technology be integrated into classrooms as a primary tool for learning?
6. Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional schooling?
7. Should schools provide free breakfast and lunch for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status?
8. Is the current curriculum adequately preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce?
9. Should financial literacy be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
10. Is it beneficial for schools to offer classes on mindfulness and stress management?
11. Should arts and music programs receive equal funding and recognition as other academic subjects?
12. Is there a need for stricter regulations regarding bullying and harassment in schools?
13. Should schools prioritize teaching critical thinking skills over rote memorization?
14. Is there a need for more emphasis on environmental education and sustainability in schools?
15. Should schools provide comprehensive support services for students with learning disabilities?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Society

Modern society faces plenty of challenges, which are a great source of inspiration for topic ideas.

1. Should the government provide universal basic income to all citizens?
2. Is social media usage contributing to a decline in mental health among young people?
3. Should hate speech be protected under freedom of speech laws?
4. Is gun control necessary to reduce gun violence in society?
5. Should the minimum wage be raised to a living wage?
6. Is healthcare a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed by the government?
7. Should affirmative action policies be implemented to address systemic inequalities?
8. Is police brutality a widespread problem that requires urgent reform?
9. Should the prison system focus more on rehabilitation rather than punishment?
10. Is immigration beneficial or harmful to the economy and society?
11. Should there be stricter regulations on the use of fossil fuels to combat climate change?
12. Is access to affordable housing a basic human right?
13. Should there be stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages?
14. Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?
15. Should there be stricter regulations on the use of technology to protect privacy rights?

Persuasive Essay Topics on History

History provides a wealth of diverse and impactful events, figures, and societal changes that offer rich material for exploring lessons, controversies, and parallels with contemporary issues, making it an excellent source of ideas.

1. Should reparations be paid to descendants of enslaved individuals?
2. Was colonization a beneficial or detrimental force for indigenous peoples?
3. Should Confederate monuments and symbols be removed from public spaces?
4. Was the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?
5. Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples' Day?
6. Was the Civil Rights Movement successful in achieving its goals?
7. Should historical figures with controversial legacies be reevaluated and reassessed?
8. Was the Treaty of Versailles fair to Germany after World War I?
9. Should Holocaust denial be considered a form of hate speech?
10. Was the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II justified?
11. Should the United States apologize for its role in the transatlantic slave trade?
12. Was the feminist movement of the 20th century successful in achieving gender equality?
13. Should historical monuments and landmarks be preserved even if they represent controversial figures or events?
14. Was the policy of Manifest Destiny morally justified?
15. Should history textbooks be revised to provide a more inclusive and diverse narrative?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Social Issues

Social issues are a compelling source of persuasive essay topics because they touch upon fundamental aspects of human experience, ignite passionate debates, and prompt critical examination of societal norms and values.

1. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
2. Is universal basic income an effective solution to poverty?
3. Should the minimum wage be raised to a living wage?
4. Is police brutality a widespread problem that requires urgent reform?
5. Should hate speech be criminalized to protect marginalized groups?
6. Is access to affordable housing a basic human right?
7. Should stricter gun control laws be implemented to reduce gun violence?
8. Is the criminal justice system biased against racial minorities?
9. Should LGBTQ+ individuals have equal rights and protections under the law?
10. Is access to quality education a fundamental human right?
11. Should there be stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages?
12. Is climate change primarily caused by human activity, and what measures should be taken to address it?
13. Should abortion be legal and accessible to all women?
14. Is income inequality a growing problem that needs to be addressed?
15. Should there be greater investment in mental health services and support?

Crime and Legal Persuasive Essay Topics

Crime and legal topics offer rich ground for persuasive essays due to their inherent complexity, moral ambiguity, and profound impact on individual rights, justice, and societal order.

1. Should the death penalty be abolished?
2. Is solitary confinement a humane form of punishment?
3. Should juveniles be tried as adults for serious crimes?
4. Is mandatory sentencing effective in reducing crime rates?
5. Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
6. Is racial profiling a legitimate law enforcement tactic?
7. Should there be stricter penalties for white-collar crimes?
8. Is the current bail system fair to low-income individuals?
9. Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
10. Is the War on Drugs effective in addressing drug-related crime?
11. Should there be stricter regulations on gun ownership?
12. Is the three-strikes law an effective deterrent to repeat offenders?
13. Should hate crimes be punished more severely than other crimes?
14. Is plea bargaining a just and fair practice in the criminal justice system?
15. Should non-violent drug offenders be given alternative sentences, such as rehabilitation instead of incarceration?

Health Persuasive Essay Topics

Health is our biggest asset, so exploring topics related to medical aid or illnesses is a great move. If you need more essay topics, we have them here.

1. Should vaccination be mandatory for all children?
2. Is universal healthcare a fundamental human right?
3. Should junk food be banned in schools to combat childhood obesity?
4. Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right?
5. Should there be stricter regulations on the marketing of sugary drinks and snacks?
6. Is mental health education as important as physical health education in schools?
7. Should the government regulate the portion sizes of fast food items?
8. Is the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) a safer alternative to smoking?
9. Should there be a tax on sugary beverages to discourage consumption?
10. Is access to contraception and family planning services a fundamental right for women?
11. Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled in food products?
12. Is healthcare a privilege or a commodity?
13. Should there be stricter regulations on the advertising of prescription medications?
14. Is the use of medical marijuana beneficial for treating certain medical conditions?
15. Should there be greater investment in mental health services and support?

Women's and Gender Persuasive Essay Topics

Women's and gender issues are an excellent source of persuasive essay topics because they encompass fundamental questions of equality, identity, and justice.

1. 1. Should gender equality be actively promoted in all areas of society?
   2. Is feminism still relevant in the 21st century?
   3. Should there be greater representation of women in leadership positions?
   4. Is gender-based violence a widespread problem that requires urgent attention?
   5. Should there be equal pay for equal work regardless of gender?
   6. Is maternity leave sufficient for working mothers, and should paternity leave be offered to fathers?
   7. Should gender-neutral language be used to promote inclusivity?
   8. Is body positivity an important movement for promoting self-acceptance regardless of gender?
   9. Should transgender individuals have equal rights and protections under the law?
   10. Is the objectification of women in media harmful to society?
   11. Should sex education include comprehensive information on consent and healthy relationships?
   12. Is the gender binary outdated, and should society embrace a more fluid understanding of gender identity?
   13. Should there be greater access to reproductive healthcare services for women?
   14. Is the beauty industry promoting unrealistic standards of beauty for women?
   15. Should gender quotas be implemented to ensure equal representation in politics and corporate boards?

Ethics Persuasive Essay Topics

Every online essay writer knows that ethics provides a fertile ground for persuasive essay topics, prompting critical reflection on moral dilemmas, societal values, and the ethical implications of various actions and policies.

1. Should animal testing be banned in all industries?
2. Is using animals for entertainment, such as in circuses and zoos, ethical?
3. Should euthanasia be legalized for terminally ill patients?
4. Is it ethical to clone animals for scientific research or conservation purposes?
5. Should genetic engineering be used to modify human embryos?
6. Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in decision-making processes?
7. Should genetic testing be mandatory for certain medical conditions?
8. Is it ethical to use sweatshop labor to produce goods?
9. Should there be limits on the amount of wealth individuals can accumulate?
10. Is it ethical to engage in cultural appropriation?
11. Should the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports be allowed?
12. Is consuming products that harm the environment ethical, such as palm oil?
13. Should businesses prioritize profit over social and environmental responsibility?
14. Is it ethical to use personal data for targeted advertising?
15. Is it ethical to use technology to monitor citizens for security purposes?

Science Persuasive Essay Topics

Science offers a wealth of persuasive essay topics by exploring cutting-edge advancements, ethical dilemmas, and societal implications, fostering critical thinking and informed discourse on key issues shaping our world.

1. Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled in food products?
2. Is climate change primarily caused by human activity, and what measures should be taken to address it?
3. Should nuclear energy be promoted as a clean alternative to fossil fuels?
4. Is space exploration worth the investment of time and resources?
5. Should there be stricter regulations on the use of antibiotics in agriculture?
6. Is there a need for greater investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power?
7. Should scientific research involving animals be subject to stricter ethical guidelines?
8. Is it ethical to use gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 in humans?
9. Should there be stricter regulations on the use of pesticides in agriculture?
10. Is there a need for greater investment in stem cell research for medical purposes?
11. Should the use of plastic be banned to reduce pollution in the oceans?
12. Is there a need for greater investment in space exploration to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts?
13. Should there be stricter regulations on using artificial intelligence to ensure ethical behavior?
14. Is there a need for greater investment in research on renewable energy storage technologies?
15. Should there be stricter regulations on the use of nanotechnology in consumer products?

Persuasive Essay Topics on AI Impact

Due to its transformative potential, ethical considerations, and societal implications, AI's impact provides a rich source of persuasive essay topics. Use our dissertation service if you require assistance with more complex papers rather than short compositions.

1. Should there be regulations on developing and using autonomous weapons powered by AI?
2. Is AI technology advancing faster than our understanding of potential risks and consequences?
3. Should there be guidelines for the ethical use of AI in the surveillance and monitoring of citizens?
4. Is AI exacerbating existing societal inequalities, such as access to employment and healthcare?
5. Should there be measures in place to prevent AI algorithms from perpetuating bias and discrimination?
6. Is AI technology contributing to job displacement and unemployment in certain industries?
7. Should there be transparency and accountability in the decision-making processes of AI systems?
8. Is AI technology enhancing or hindering privacy rights for individuals?
9. Should there be regulations on using AI in facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
10. Is AI technology leading to the creation of safer autonomous vehicles than human-driven vehicles?
11. Should there be guidelines for the ethical use of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment?
12. Is AI technology posing risks to cybersecurity and data privacy?
13. Should there be regulations on the use of AI in predictive policing to prevent potential biases and abuses?
14. Is AI technology exacerbating misinformation and manipulation in online platforms and social media?
15. Should there be regulations on the use of AI in financial markets to prevent market manipulation and fraud?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Racism

Racism is an important and impactful source of persuasive essay topics because it addresses systemic injustices, societal inequalities, and ethical imperatives, fostering critical examination and advocacy for social change.

1. Should hate speech laws be strengthened to combat racism and discrimination?
2. Is affirmative action necessary to address systemic racism in education and employment?
3. Should there be greater representation of diverse voices in the media industry?
4. Is cultural appropriation harmful and perpetuates racism?
5. Should schools teach the contributions of marginalized communities?
6. Is the criminal justice system biased against racial minorities?
7. Should there be reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals to address the legacy of slavery?
8. Is racial profiling a legitimate law enforcement tactic?
9. Should Confederate monuments and symbols be removed from public spaces?
10. Is colorblindness an effective approach to addressing racism?
11. Should there be greater investment to build trust between law enforcement and communities of color?
12. Is there a need for anti-racism education and training in schools and workplaces?
13. Should there be stricter penalties for hate crimes motivated by racism?
14. Is there a need for greater diversity in leadership positions in the corporate and political spheres?
15. Should there be policies to address environmental racism?
    

Unique Persuasive Essay Ideas

Would you like to stand out from the rest of the classroom with a unique topic that sparks interest and fosters meaningful dialogue? Consider choosing one of these topics.

1. Should schools implement mandatory outdoor education to promote environmental awareness?
2. Is there a need for a universal basic income to address the rise of automation and job displacement?
3. Should there be a cap on the number of hours individuals can work per week to promote work-life balance?
4. Is it ethical to use virtual reality technology to enhance empathy and understanding?
5. Should there be regulations on using AI-generated content to prevent misinformation?
6. Is there a need for a global ban on single-use plastics to combat ocean pollution?
7. Should there be a tax on meat consumption to address environmental and public health concerns?
8. Is there a need for mandatory financial literacy education starting from elementary school?
9. Should there be incentives for companies to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship?
10. Is there a need for a standardized global curriculum to ensure equal access to quality education worldwide?
11. Should there be regulations on using facial recognition technology to protect privacy rights?
12. Is there a need for greater representation of Indigenous voices in mainstream media?
13. Should a universal declaration of digital rights protect individuals' privacy and autonomy online?
14. Should there be stricter regulations on advertising fast food and sugary beverages to children?
15. Should a ban on cosmetic animal testing to promote cruelty-free alternatives?

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this article has presented a diverse array of persuasive essay topics, spanning from pressing social issues to the ethical implications of AI and beyond. It highlights the importance of engaging in critical discourse, fostering empathy, and advocating for positive change in our ever-evolving world.

At the same time, if you find yourself seeking assistance with your academic endeavors, remember that we can help you with your homework, ensuring you stay on top of your studies and coursework. Whether it's tackling complex essays or asking for support like 'do my homework,' our resources are here to aid you on your academic journey.

FAQ