30 Prompts for a Persuasive Paragraph, Essay, or Speech

30 Prompts for a Persuasive Paragraph, Essay, or Speech 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 observationWhen 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 cardsThough 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 s o-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 observationSome 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 collegeLaws 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 proposalTeachers 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 practiceExplain why you do or do not favor a major reform of English spelling so that each sound is represented by only one letter o r one combination of letters ï » ¿Because electric cars are costly and dont 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 proposalTo 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 planIn 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 ideaExplain why you do or not favor the enforcement of a mandatory retirement age so that more job opportunities can be created for young peopleNot all recycling projects are cost-effective. Explain why you agree or disagree with the principle th at 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 campusOver 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 uniformsThe 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 proposalResearch 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 dayMany 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 weekThe introduction of new digital technologies has radically altered peoples 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 classesIn 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 16Your 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 proposalSome school authoritie s 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 legislationThere 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 boycottsIn 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 banIn 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.