101 Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics
By: Mr. Morton
Whether you are a student in need of a persuasive essay topic, or a teacher looking to assign a persuasive essay, this list of 101 persuasive essay topics is a great resource. I taxed my brain to create this huge list of persuasive essay topics relevant to today’s society, but I believe it was worth the effort. Additionally, any of these topics could be applied to a persuasive speech project as well. I appreciate any and all comments or feedback. Thank you for visiting!
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- Should students be allowed to have phones in elementary and high schools?
- Should students have to wear uniforms?
- Should college athletes be paid for playing?
- Should the elderly receive free bus rides?
- Should state colleges be free to attend?
- Should all American citizens have to complete a year of community service?
- Should students be required to take Spanish classes?
- Should marijuana be legal for medicinal purposes?
- Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
- Should the driving age be raised to twenty-one?
- Should students be paid for having good grades?
- Should illegal immigrants be allowed to get drivers licenses?
- Should not wearing a seat-belt be illegal?
- Should student’s textbooks be replaced by notebook computers or tablets?
- Should students have to pass a basic skills test to graduate high school?
- Should schools raise money by selling candy and sugary soft drinks to students?
- Should schools serve french-fries and fried potato products to students at lunch?
- Should students’ grades in gym affect their grade point averages?
- Should girls be allowed to play on boys sports teams?
- Should teens be able to buy violent video games?
- Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
- Should teenage girls be allowed to get birth control without the permission of their parents?
- Should our country have free health care?
- Should immigration laws be reformed?
- Should the federal government recognize civil unions?
- Should people who download music and movies illegally be punished?
- Should school athletes have to be on the honor roll to play in games?
- Should music with curse words be allowed at school dances?
- Should public schools begin the day with a silent prayer time?
- Should students be able to listen to music on headphones during study hall?
- Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
- Should smoking be allowed at parks and other outdoor public venues?
- Should cities offer free public Wi-Fi?
- Should the government place a tax on junk food and fatty snacks?
- Should the 2nd amendment give citizens the right to own assault weaponry?
- Should people traveling in airplanes have to undergo intensive security screenings?
- Should genetically modified foods be sold with a warning label?
- Should teachers have to pass a basic skills test every ten years to renew their certification?
- Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
- Should people be allowed to keep pit-bull dogs?
- Should the city offer a bike sharing program?
- Should there be an ordinance citing people who fail to recycle $50?
- Should there be an ordinance citing people who play music too loudly $50?
- Should prostitution be legalized and regulated by the government?
- Should celebrities who break the law face stricter penalties?
- Should the government increase spending on the space program?
- Should larger passengers have to pay for two plane or movie theater tickets?
- Should children have to use booster seats in cars?
- Should people have to get a license to become parents?
- Should there be tougher federal restrictions for content on the internet?
- Should people be allowed to curse on daytime television?
- Should owners be legally accountable for clearing snow from sidewalks on their property?
- Should sexual education be taught in public schools?
- Should students be able to get free condoms at school?
- Should students who commit cyber-bullying be suspended from school?
- Should corporations be allowed to advertise in schools?
- Should students be allowed to eat during class?
- Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?
- Is it appropriate for students and teachers to be friends on Facebook?
- Should students have open campus lunch periods?
- Should abortions be legal?
- Should abortions be legal in cases of rape and incest?
- Should the death penalty be used to punish violent criminals?
- Should students learn about world religions in public schools?
- Should schools start later in the morning?
- Should the USA end overseas military operations?
- Should politicians be allowed to accept campaign contributions from corporate lobbyists?
- Should people with terminal illnesses have the right to doctor assisted suicides?
- Should Puerto Rico become a state?
- Should stem cell researchers be able to use stem cells from aborted babies to cure diseases?
- Should school athletes have to take drug tests?
- Should professional athletes have to take drug tests?
- Should America convert to the metric system?
- Should high school students have to complete community service hours to graduate?
- Should teens over 13 years of age be allowed into R rated movies?
- Should state tests be given in other languages for ESL students?
- Should scientists be allowed to test products intended for human use on animals?
- Should unhealthy fast food products be sold with a warning label?
- Should there be a tariff or tax on products manufactured outside of the country?
- Should students or teachers receive money for scoring well on standardized tests?
- Should everyone under the age of 17 have a 9:00 PM curfew?
- Should schools with low scores on standardized tests be closed?
- Should minors be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages in their homes with their parents’ consent?
- Should students be allowed to drop out before they turn 18 years old?
- Should alcohol manufacturers be allowed to advertise on television?
- Should students as young as fourteen be allowed to hold jobs?
- Should American families have a two child max rule to limit population growth?
- Should children younger than thirteen be allowed to watch MTV or music videos?
- Should people who are caught driving drunk lose their licenses for a year?
- Should students who fail their classes be retained and have to repeat the grade?
- Should large businesses and corporations be required to employ a number of minorities proportionate to the population?
- Should female construction workers earn the same wages as males?
- Should children in temporary living situations with a 3.0 GPA earn free college tuition?
- Should gambling and sports-betting be illegal or should the government regulate it?
- Should children who commit violent crimes be tried as adults?
- Should the government be allowed to detain suspected terrorists without trial?
- Should the government censor internet content deemed inappropriate?
- Should teachers have to wear uniforms or have a dress code?
- Should teachers be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
- Should the state execute dogs that have bitten someone?
- Should talking on a phone without a hands-free device while driving be illegal?
These essay topics ought to be enough to get you started.
Looking For Something Else?
How to Write Persuasive Essays
How to Write Narrative Essays
Narrative Essay Topics
Research Paper Topics
Jacob
/ May 7, 2012Thxs These are really helpfull
jazzlynn
/ May 7, 2012really am thankful that i am not the only person that thing animal testing is wrong.
Robert Lee
/ May 4, 2012i’m obese and i feel that buying two tickets for any seat is very offensive!
matthew
/ May 2, 2012these are great ideas
Kelli
/ May 1, 2012This list is helpful, but it is mostly about school and government. You need more of a variety.
Haley
/ May 1, 2012These topics are helpful they really help you think. I noticed most of your topics are about the government or schools.
In my opinion I think you should expand your to things like healthy eating and exercise, should 13 year olds be allowed on facebook or other social networks. Things like that.
– Haley
kaTuyn
/ April 30, 2012I really like your list, it really helped.
Yo dude
/ April 30, 2012Man this helps
Don Crouse
/ April 30, 2012Excellent list!
Mandy
/ April 29, 2012Mr. Morton, do you think the topic “the education system should be revised” is a good topic ? I believe that most of students are learning the wrong things for the real world .
Mr. Morton
/ May 3, 2012That’s a great topic, Mandy. I’d probably say “reformed” rather than “revised,” but it is definitely a topic worthy of exploration.
AAA
/ April 27, 2012This was great help for my essay thank you ALOT ! you’re a life saver
Relda Thomas
/ April 26, 2012I am an 8th grade English teacher in California and assigned my students to write a persuasive essay. I had a limited list of topics, but yours really gave them many more options.
Thanks, Mr. Morton!
Mr. Morton
/ May 3, 2012I’m happy to help. Thanks for visiting!
NY College Student
/ April 25, 2012This list was extremely helpful me, thank you and great work!
Fleis
/ April 24, 2012this list helps out alot been looking at at it and know what to write about finally. thanks Mr. Morton
Amanda Naylor
/ April 23, 2012Another good idea would be, why is it that junk food is so much cheaper than healthy foods, when the world is so argumental over obesity?
dancer
/ April 22, 2012This is great i love all the topics how about something about people taking advantage of their access card
Miss Kelly Minn
/ April 22, 2012I can’t believe that you came up with so many ideas!
Bridgette
/ April 19, 2012Mr. Morton i’m ten and do u think that students should wear uniforms??????????
Mr. Morton
/ May 3, 2012Hi, Bridgette. I’m 30 and I think it should be a school based decision based on neighborhood conditions, school goals, and other considerations. Thank you for visiting!
Morrin
/ April 19, 2012Thank you very much. This list was very useful to me as I’m currently teaching my students persuasive writing and needed some topic ideas. Several of these are very good topics that the kids can get their teeth into 🙂
Jessica B
/ April 18, 2012I really like your list, it really helped. I noticed you have some of the normal controversial ones (abortion, religion in schools) but nothing about homosexuality. Questions could include, but not be limited to:
-Should the US legalize gay marriage on a national level? State level?
-Should gay couples be able to adopt?
-Should schools do more to teach acceptance towards homosexuals and transgenders?
-Should pre-op transgenders be considered the sex they identify with by the government?
Anyway, just some suggestions! Thanks again for yours. 🙂 -Jessica
Mr. Morton
/ April 18, 2012Well Jessica, I do have this one: “Should the federal government recognize civil unions?” (#25).
But your suggestions are great too!
Thanks for contributing.
Student Dallas
/ April 18, 2012This is a great list. Thanks!!
Kym
/ April 17, 2012Thanks so much i almost got an F on my last paper and when i asked for a make-up mty teacher sent me to this website your the best thnx so much
amanda j
/ April 17, 2012schools should probide recycling bins in cafeterias and hallways
middle schools should have a pool and have a swimming unit during gym class
legal age to ride in the passenger seat of a car
just some additional ideas i thought of hope they help 🙂
Mr. Morton
/ April 18, 2012Those are great. Thanks for contributing 😀
michael
/ April 16, 2012I am canadian so not all topics work. Still i used #84. your site helped a lot.
Mr. Morton
/ April 18, 2012I apologize for my limited world view. I’m glad you found one that worked anyway.
Pops
/ April 11, 2012This helps so much! thanks
Chuck Norris
/ April 11, 2012why am i so powerful
Julia
/ April 4, 2012I am teaching English writing in China, college level. I found your list interesting, but culture bound for the most part. I find this fascinating, because I wouldn’t have thought a topic list could be culture bound. The entire system here is different from USA. The fact that I could see your list though is wonderful. Keep up the good work
Mr. Morton
/ May 3, 2012Your criticism is certainly accurate. Unfortunately, I lack the global experience to push much beyond this at this time, but I hope that there’s still something here that you can use. Thanks for visiting!
Amber
/ April 4, 2012I love this website. Im using it to write one of my papers right now. I haven’t decided yet. There is too many great choices. Thank you for providing this website to help me accomplish the work I need.
Mr. Morton
/ April 15, 2012That’s awesome. Thanks for visiting!
givin' hope
/ April 2, 2012love all of the debates on here, and would love to see more debates on church! 😛
Haley
/ April 1, 2012Hi m.Morton
I think your website is a really good idea and I am going to use one of your topics for my home work I love persuasive writing this is the best website you are a very helpful person and I will let you know how my teacher thinks of my topic soon
P.S I’m in grade 6
@Cr0n1cRa1n
/ March 30, 2012many of these topics are really intresting.. im going to put a link to this sight in my blog… eveny though no one follows me yet.. 🙁
(help!! (http://cronicrain.blogspot.com))
thanks a ton for the help though!!!~Z
Mr. Morton
/ May 3, 2012Thanks for the link!
Gilbert
/ March 29, 2012Thanks Mr. Morton! I got a C- on my paper! That’s my highest grade so far! Thanks bro! You da best!
Mr. Morton
/ March 30, 2012Well, sir, don’t thank me. That’s your accomplishment. Congratulations on meeting the standard.
aq
/ March 27, 2012i like the 1st one.
its awesome this site is awesome.
Jonathan Miranda
/ March 26, 2012This rocks! Thanks so much! I got a 105% in Writing for this! I love you!
Mr. Morton
/ March 30, 2012Your successes and failures belong to you, but I appreciate your misplaced attribution regardless. Thank you for visiting!
Megan
/ March 23, 2012Topic #40 really bothers me. I have had multiple pitbulls throughout my life and they are THE most loyal and loving breed. The fact that anyone would specifically question the peoples’ right to own pitbulls disgusts me beyond belief. I thought humans were more intelligent than to fall into the unfortunate stereotyping in this unforgiving world. I suppose I was wrong.
Mr. Morton
/ March 30, 2012It seems like you are really passionate about this topic, Megan. Why not use this as an opportunity to defend the breed through argument?
jo bob
/ May 1, 2012Like where you are going Mr. Morton. Megan is wrong though. I personally have been attacked and have witnessed many attacks by pitbulls. Also I study dogs ( as a career) and most pitbulls have a characteristic of attacking when they feel something is threatining them or their owner, even if it is a runner.
Mr. Morton
/ May 3, 2012You two should write dueling essays.
Ashleigh
/ May 14, 2012i agree with both they should not be hurt if they had bitten somone but they should be in a stable and locked up area if not with an owner and if there pitbull is not with an owner and bites anyone the owner should be charged and the dog SHOULD NOT be put down because it will have learnt its lesson and it dose not relise what it has done wrong and it would only bite if feels like being threatend but if it dose bite someone the owner should not get away with it as easy.
Night
/ May 6, 2012I’d like to bring up the point that pit bulls like most dogs react and attack when threatened. Most pitbulls get a bad reputation because of how some owners train them to be ferocious and and throw them into dog fights. I know pit bulls that will defend a child, but are trained not to bite or bark.
roselina
/ May 18, 2012i would have to say that the attacks are due to the owners lack of proper training! All dogs can learn to behave unless they have grown where there is violence. If someone treats dogs right then they should usually turn out fine. Pitbulls( in my oppinion) should recieve a bit of training to make sure they don’t hurt people. But it isn’t just pitbulls that do it! I say all dogs should go through training to make sure they behave.
Samantha
/ March 22, 2012Some.. interesting topics. Not my favourite though..
Joseph
/ March 20, 2012Mr. Morton doing good!!!!!
I have another idea….should owners be held accountable for their pets?
Kim Evans
/ March 18, 2012I’m 47 and have had alot of life changes in the last 8 yrs. decided to go to college and my brain at this point needs all the ideas it can get. Very helpful!
Mr. Morton
/ March 20, 2012You can do it!
kimbo
/ March 22, 2012🙂
mons
/ March 17, 2012great job 🙂 thanks Mr. Morton 🙂
Colby
/ March 16, 2012this is like the most useful thing i have found thank you i will never be at a loss for a topic now!
Mr. T
/ March 16, 2012Should students be able to play WoW in class, and throw MOHAWK GRENADES at unexpecting players?!
lizardman4
/ April 25, 2012nice topic though i don’t think many people will like it.
sthellasar
/ November 20, 2012YES YES ONE MILLION TIMES YES
ottokar M.
/ March 15, 2012Hey Mr. Morton
it’s great that you created that list, but I think that teachers normally are paid for working, not for googling. So, my English teacher loves Google and ‘tortures’ us (her own words!!!) with essays and stuff all the time. My point is that I think it is far to easy to go google and take the first result to fill one complete lesson.
I am from Germany and many topics don’t even fit for our system…
Ottokar
Mr. Morton
/ March 20, 2012Interesting ideas. I like to work smarter, not harder; of course, I work pretty hard too. Anyway, you have an interesting topic for an essay in your complaint.
Narl Lopez
/ May 8, 2012This is America not Germany.
#FlagbearerOfTheRestOfTheWorld
/ March 21, 2016the internet isn’t limited to one country you see….
there are other important countries in the world too…
one needs to write persuasive essays elsewhere too…
Raymond
/ March 13, 2012Great ideas
RiahP
/ March 13, 2012Mr.Morton thank you so much ! i got a 100 on my writing i did topic #100
And a GREAT DEBATE WITH IT
Mr. Morton
/ March 20, 2012Congratulations!
ismail sekiraqa
/ April 20, 2012What topic did you chose?
Brittany
/ March 12, 2012i love this website because it is a great website for my kids I love number 31
The Zodiac Killer
/ March 12, 2012Should the police work harder to catch me?
The Zodiac catcher
/ March 23, 2012I found YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous Girly
/ March 28, 2012NO ONE CARES YOU CREEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dont mean to be mean BUT this comment is just STUPID
Mr. Morton
/ March 30, 2012Umm… yeah. It’s kind of like a joke comment, but also a suggestion I suppose. See: Zodiac Killer.
Anonymous
/ April 6, 2012yes they should 😛
Bronson
/ March 12, 2012Should Cow meat be illegal?
kelly sword
/ October 23, 2012i think so
lili anggraika
/ March 11, 2012Nice idea, sir
betty Chick
/ March 7, 2012Do you think this one is a good persuasive/argumentive essay question…..
should police officers or any type of specialized force members be treated differently when proven guilty in a crime compared to a civilian?
Im having trouble finding a good topic!!!!! >.<
Mr. Morton
/ March 20, 2012I think that’s a very interesting topic. Great suggestion!
LOgan
/ March 6, 2012LOVE THIS SITE 🙂