Top 20 Persuasive Essay Topics To Look Into

A persuasive essay is a type of argumentative writing; however, it doesn’t require absolute facts and substantial evidence to support your ideas and viewpoints. The main purpose is to convince the reader that your opinion is correct. At the same time, you should prove why the alternative isn’t valid. Generally, your task lies not in pleasing advocates or attacking opponents, but in winning over those who sit on the fence. Persuasive writing is commonly used by politicians, journalists, advertisers, and bloggers. Often, it’s aimed to provoke thought and induce people to act.

How to choose a topic for your essay? It should primarily concern a burning issue relevant to present-day society. Think of a problem you’re interested in or one that arouses controversies. The following list of topics will assist you in finding something really vital to speculate upon:

• Cell phones shouldn’t be allowed in schools.


• Social networks create isolation.


• Surveillance cameras interfere in the private lives of citizens.


• Could we do without technology?


• Should the mandatory retirement age be eliminated?


• Smoking at outdoor public venues should be allowed.


• Teachers should certify their qualification every ten years.


• City council should offer a bike sharing program.


• The importance of sexual education in public schools.


• Students should wear uniforms.


• Do single sex colleges provide better education?


• Kids should be paid for good grades.


• A relaxed dress code creates a casual atmosphere in the workplace.


• Students shouldn’t add teachers as friends on Facebook.


• Humor is the best way to cope with stress.


• The promotion of diets should be outlawed.


• Should housewives receive salary for their work?


• Grades can’t measure students’ intelligence.


• Should euthanasia be practiced?


• Why is reading so important in shaping personality?

Choose the one you care about, the one you’re willing to examine from different angles, and the one you’ll be able to research effectively. Your next step, after picking out a theme, is to decide what position to choose—for or against. Then think about your audience, what they expect to read and what arguments will work on them. Are they of two minds or do they support one of the sides? To effectively persuade the reader you’ll need to ground your views, so read up on your subject, use different sources to have a clear understanding of two contrary opinions, and provide evidence and references. Remember to stick to your standpoint through the whole text.