Persuasive writing permeates our lives. Whether it is a television commercial, a printed ad, or an opinion piece written in the editorial section of a newspaper or online, people want to convince other people to buy their products or services or to believe as they do and/or accept their positions. Some of these writers use psychological techniques; others use actual factual data to support their opinions; some use both.
In an academic setting, students will often be required to produce persuasive essays and papers. And the standards are usually high. Students will have to conduct significant research, develop an opinion or take a side, and then, through their writing, attempt to convince others to accept their position.
Usually, persuasive essays and papers have topics that are controversial and over which there is a lot of discussion. The good new is this: There is a lot of research out there on these topics – research that is easily accessible.
So, let’s take a look at some of the topics that would make for good persuasive essays and papers.
- Drunk Driving: Decades ago, drunk driving did not command the attention that it has in more recent times. The dangers are obvious – accidents that result in injury and death. Perhaps one of the most vocal organizations that has put a national spotlight on drunk driving is MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). This organization has been responsible for lobbying state legislators for stricter laws and increased penalties. A good research paper topic might be related to this organization and its accomplishments. Another might relate to current imposed penalties, if they are tough enough, and, as well, the rehabilitative efforts that may be in place to assist alcoholics recover from their disease.
- Abortion: While this is very much a “tired” topic, it is nonetheless in the spotlight again now. In 1972 the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalized abortion nationwide. Since that time, the controversy has not died down. In states where the majority of voters appear to be against abortion, legislators have passed laws restricting abortion and putting unachievable regulations in place that have forced clinics to close. In several instances, abortion doctors have been attacked and even killed. Planned Parenthood has been under attack because it performs abortions. If you choose abortion as a topic for research and persuasion, then you must have your own position clearly defined from the start. And you may want to explore topics that are a bit different from the more common ones – perhaps explore abortion from a civil right perspective or research social programs that promote and supply birth control so that abortions are not necessary in the first place. One interesting topic comes from the book Freakonomics. There is a chapter relating reduction in crime rates to abortion and the decrease in teenage pregnancies that result in births.
- Animal Testing: Another hot topic, especially for animal rights activists. For many years, all sorts of companies have engaged in research that uses animal subjects, even in cosmetics development. Proponents of animal testing, especially in the medical field, insist that animal testing is critical and has resulted in many breakthroughs, as well safety of foods and drugs. Obviously, the big question is whether animal testing is moral and ethical. But another topic could relate to the advantages and disadvantages of animal testing from a factual standpoint, and then taking a position that one outweighs the other.
- Global Warming: The science is really “in” on this one, though there are still those who insist that the threat is a hoax. How could you convince a non-believer that global warming is real? And what are the politics involved? For example, fossil fuel corporations have a vested interest in continuing to produce and sell fuel products that are clearly responsible for a chunk of climate change. How much sway do they have over legislators, and should they? What about the role of cattle farming? Most large beef producers keep cows in pens where they feed on grains. Why? Because the meat supposedly “tastes” better than grass-fed beef. The problem is, when cows are grown in this environment, they fart – a lot. Cow farts are estimated to produce about one-third of the methane gas that destroys the ozone layer. Persuading consumers to change their beef eating behaviors and cattle producers to alter their methods would both be great topics for a rather unique topic on global warming.
- Violent Video Games: The verdict is still out on the impact of violent video games on children and teens and their behaviors. Psychological researchers have only recently begun to study this issue. But there is some research out there that can be explored and reported, as you take you stand and attempt to convince others.
- Death Penalty: One of the Ten Commandments states, “Thou shalt not kill.” Throughout history, however, people have killed others during wartime, in self-defense, and, even in earlier times, to settle arguments through duels. Governments have established the death penalty as a punishment for serious crimes. In the U.S., the death penalty punishment is left up to each state. Those who oppose the death penalty state that no man has the right to determine the life or death situation of another. They also point out that wrongful executions have occurred. Those who support it state that some crimes are so heinous that only the death penalty is an appropriate punishment. This controversy is nothing new. But here is a potential topic: In those states that have the death penalty, has crime decreased? In countries that have banned the death penalty at a national level, has crime increased. You will find data that can support your opinion, no matter which side you are on.
- School Uniforms: Religious schools have always had uniform requirements. It is their belief that such a policy establishes a stricter more disciplined atmosphere and eliminates the competition for appearance on the part of students. These are all good arguments, and there is research to back up the arguments of why we should have school uniforms in public schools as well. The other side of the coin is this: school uniform requirements are a violation of First Amendment rights, specifically, that dress is a manner of free speech. You may have an initial opinion on this, of course, but it would be a good idea to conduct some research first. Specifically, you should look at the data regarding academic and behavioral changes, if any, upon the implementation of a uniform policy. You can then have an opinion based upon science, not just opinion.
- Gay Marriage: Oh dear. If you decide to choose this as a topic for a research piece, you will find no lack of resources, arguments, and threats. No matter what your opinion may be regarding gay marriage, don’t be like the stubborn King Creon who refused to see any other side of the picture. Instead, keep an open mind, and research both sides of the issue before forming your own opinion. You might want to address some legal issues. For example, if gay marriage is legal in one state, and a married couple moves to another state where it is not, what is the status of their marriage? What opinions might you have to solve these legal issues? Are national laws a solution?
- Illegal Immigration: Right now, the focus on this issue is at our southern border. President Trump wants to build a wall, as he promised during his campaign, but Democrats and a few Republicans are opposed to this. Illegal immigration from Mexico to the U.S. is a reality, of course. And the controversy has brought many proposals for immigration reform, none of which have been adopted. But illegal immigration is not just occurring at the southern border between the U.S. and Mexico. Many who come on temporary visas; many who come as students simply do not leave when supposed to. And they are from Asia and the Middle East. Research topics might involve some of these lesser-covered issues, making your paper stand out among the others.
- Racism: A topic that is always on the table, especially more recently, given the more visible activity of racist groups and the continual publicity related to the killing of Black males by police officers. There are a number of topics for argumentative essays and papers, such as the recent trend toward rolling back affirmative action programs that universities have had in place for many years. There are other issues of racism as well, for example, discrimination against Muslims, in response to terrorism. Again, try to choose a topic that is not commonly covered, and your instructor will perhaps be more engaged while reading it.
- Stem Cell Research: The controversy surrounding this issue is primarily religious and relates to whether a human embryo is indeed a human life with rights to life. Staunch anti-abortionists tend to oppose stem cell research too. But such research has already resulted in medical breakthroughs and holds promise to positively impact disease prevention and treatment. One potential topic relates to government funding for stem research, especially in terms of grants to university or other medical facilities for such research.
- Should College Athletes Be Paid: College sports programs are expensive. And adding pay to athletes obviously increases the costs. There is also the issue that those institutions with large endowments in sports are far more competitive in recruiting top athletes, thus un-leveling the “playing field.” In arguing why college athletes should be paid, many proponents state that athletes are virtually employees of the university, making money for that university, and yet receiving no compensation for their contributions. Opponents also state that most college athletes are on scholarship with tuition, books, and room and board paid for – benefits that most other students do not have. And they end their college careers not in debt, unlike the majority of students today. Thus, they do receive compensation while in school. Your obvious thesis for this issue is in support of or opposed to salaries for college athletes. Pose your argument logically.
- Is Breaking the Law Ever Justified: There is an ancient Greek Tragedy, titled Antigone. In it a sister buries her brother against the decree of the king, who believed him to be a traitor and forbid a proper burial. She broke the law but felt justified in doing so. Are there ever instances in which breaking a law can be justified, especially a law that is deemed to be unjust? Rosa Parks, for example, broke the law when she sat in the front of the bus. Black students broke the law when they sat at a dime store lunch counter. The other side of this argument is that laws should never be broken but, instead, opponents should work within “the system” to change those laws they oppose. Pick a side.
Additional Topics On Which You can Take a Stand
- Government shutdowns
- Term Limits for political leaders other than governors and Presidents
- Democracy as the only reasonable system of government
- The benefits and drawbacks of paparazzi
- Freedom is the primary necessity of human beings
- Universal healthcare
- Influence of large corporations on legislators
- The Electoral College
- Prison privatization
- Life terms for federal judges
- Underground oil pipelines
- Emission controls
- Paris Climate Accord
- Iran Nuclear Agreement
- Human rights violators of the world
- Russian influence in American elections
- Free speech – how far does it go?
- Gun control/rights
- Affirmative Action
- If people told only the truth, the world would be a … more dangerous place
- Genetically-modified foods
- Animal abuse
- Anti-poaching rangers will safe the endangered species
- Animal sports should be banned
- Using credit scores as factors in insurance costs
- Privacy vs. data gathering by government
- College costs and student loan debt
- Immunization requirements vs. individual freedom
- Right to die
- Social welfare safety nets – food stamps, housing subsidies, etc.
- Industries must be more environment-friendly
- Food labeling
- Junk food should be banned
- Why healthy food is almost never tasty
- Government responses to natural disasters
- Offshore drilling
- Wrongful convictions
- Reparation payments to groups whose rights were violated in the past
- Voter suppression
- Gerrymandering
- Harmful pesticides
- Couch Potato kids
- Free trade policies
- Plight of Native Americans
- Stop and frisk policies
- Parents should allow their children to draw on the walls
- Graphic news reporting and children viewing it
- Discrimination against the handicapped
- Evaluating teachers on their students’ test results
- Children need private space more than adults do
- Fairytales distort children’s image of real life
- People need certain illusions to live in the real world
- Games improve children’s fine and gross motor skills
- Cartoon violence should not be censored
- Ignoring infrastructure needs
- Deforestation
- Dress codes at work
- Age discrimination
- Gender discrimination
- Legalized gambling
- Gambling as a dangerous passion
- Reasons PC games make life better
- Curse words in music and on television are unacceptable
- Prison reform
- General education requirements for degree programs
- School uniform is for students’ own benefit
- ”Harry Potter” should be included in the list of school literature
- Schools should be free of religion
- Co-ed or single-sex public schools
- Educational system needs reforms
- Studying abroad has more drawbacks than benefits
- What is done by night sppears by day: cheating is always revealed
- Online slang is a part of teenage subculture
- Every teenager needs an idol
- Keeping exotic animals as pets
- Pets are family members
- Chupacabras: the ultimate proof of the spooky creatures’ existence
- Paternity leave for fathers
- Cloning
- Music and academic performance
- Pop music is not a “bad” music
- Art should not be used to protest against the hardships of reality
- Horror movies are a means to experience adrenalin rush
- ”The Simpsons” are more than just a movie
- Tobacco and alcohol ads during TV sports events should be outlawed
- All forms of betting on sporting events should be prohibited
- Fashion models are not good as role models
- Eminent domain
- Traditional vs. progressive educational models
- Academic requirements for sports participation
- Cheerleading is a sport and should be regarded as such
- Students should receive money for playing sports
- College athletes can be smart—don’t fall prey to stereotypes
- Colleges waste too much money on sports programs
- Not all great sportsmen can become good coaches
- Athletes’ inborn talents are more important than the skills of their coaches
- Women coaches should work with women athletes
- Bodybuilding is inappropriate for women
- Women’s boxing is less popular than men’s boxing because of stereotypes
- Female and male athletes should not get equal salaries in the same sports
- Female tennis players can compete in the men’s league
- Every tennis tournament should give a separate award for the loudest player
- Sports management: a more lucrative degree than business administration
- We should have a separate radio station for sports chants
- Women athletes are more likely to have injuries than men
- Injuries can cause psychological traumas
- Psychological issues such as depression and anxiety can increase the risk of getting injured during exercise
- Instead of being prohibited, the use of steroids should be legalized and monetized
- Press conferences should be made mandatory for athletes
- What should be done about offensive team names in football?
- Bayern Munich is only a good team because of its excessive funding
- FIFA is too corrupt to function and should undergo a major overhaul
- World Cups produce devastating effects on the countries that host them
- The World Cup bidding process is flawed and encourages human rights violations
- The NBA should implement a stricter dress code
- In baseball pitching, control is less important than command
- Instant replays should be used in baseball
- Major League Baseball should implement a salary cap instead of a luxury tax
- Sports positively affect student’s self-perception and confidence
- Sports can lead to underperformance in class
- Perfectionism is not good in sports
- Green exercise and environment are an
- Changes in lifestyle can prevent the development of physical and psychological diseases essential aspects of healthy training
- Hunting for sport
- The first move advantage in chess can help only a good player
- Chess is not a waste of time and intelligence
- Chess is not a sport
- Poker players should be allowed to wear headphones during live events
- Cybersport is a sport
- The winners of the World Memory Championships should work in international councils
- Protection of endangered species
- Ocean garbage
- Space garbage
- Money must be made not of paper but of plastic
- Life on Mars is possible
- Atlantis did exist
- There is no way people see the same colors
- Diet fads
- Obsession with diets is dangerous
- Vegetarianism is dangerous for health
- Student athletes drink Red Bull to get wings, but get health problems instead
- Estimated benefit from GMO products is higher than their possible harm
- Money and the justice system
- The Draft
- Notebook computers can replace textbooks
- Hands-free devices while driving are the solution
- Public Wi-Fi should not be free
- Internet bullying and harassment
- Federal governments should control the internet
- The internet makes education more effective
- Internet pirates should be punished more severely
- Capital punishment should be banned
- Frivolous lawsuits
- Manipulation of the markets
- Advertisements on streets provokes consumerism
- Tariffs and trade wars
- We should prefer bicycles over cars
- Social vs. academic skills – which is more important
- Men should wear pastel colors
- Team spirit is the key to success in a business
- Using lie detector tests for job interviews violates a person’s constitutional rights
- Workplace harassment
- Biological and chemical weapons
- Bank bailouts
- Torture as a means to get information
- Racial Profiling
- Polygamy (for both genders?)
- There is no difference between male and female friendship
- The gender war cannot be stopped… and must not be
- Ethics of drone warfare
- Parking fees on college campuses
- Breast feeding in public
- Net neutrality
- Banning plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam products
- Using worms in landfills
- Population control
- Unnecessary medical testing
- Hormone and antibiotic use in chickens and other for-food animals
- Slaughterhouses are not going away: we need a more effective method to produce meat
- Usury interest rates at Payday and other loan companies
- Interest-free student debt repayment
- Free public college
- Megachurch wealth with no taxes
- All greatest discoveries are made completely by chance
- What constitutes excessive police force?
- Christmas must be more than a reason for a consumption surge
- “War on Christmas”
There you have it. Thirteen controversial issues and a host of other potential topics for argumentative research essays or papers. As well, any of these suggestions would make great topics of persuasive speeches too. The next time you are assigned an argumentative piece, refer to this list. You will surely find something that interests you.