Persuasive Writing Topic Ideas

Topic #1	[Too Much Homework] Some of the parents at your school have started a campaign to limit the homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have argued that the homework is necessary. What is your position? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with three convincing arguments. More information
Topic #2	[Field Trips] In order to save money, your principal is thinking about canceling all field trips for the remainder of the year! Write a letter to your principal persuading him or her to allow students to continue attending field trips. Give at least three reasons to support your position.
Topic #3	[Litter] A litter problem has developed on your school's campus. Students are throwing trash on the ground, leaving empty soda cans and bottles outside on benches, and dropping napkins and other trash on the cafeteria floor rather than carrying them to the trash can. Your principal has asked students to take more care, but the litter problem persists. The principal has reacted by cancelling all after-school activities until the problem is taken care of. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. More information.
Topic #4	[Curfew] The mayor of your city is trying to decide if a 7:00p.m. curfew for children under the age of 16 is needed. What do you think? Write a persuasive essay to the mayor [Mayor Thompson] to convince him to enact or not to enact, the curfew. Give at least three reasons to support your position. More information.
Topic #5	[Helmets] Write a persuasive essay stating whether children under the age of 16 should be required to wear helmets while biking, scooting, skateboarding, rollerblading, and skiing. Give at least three reasons to support your position. Remember, you must argue in such a convincing manner that others will agree with you. The outcome of the state legislature's vote on helmets could be decided by your essay. More information
Topic #6	[Grade Scale Change] One of the biology teachers at your school has decided to change from a ten-point grade scale (100 to 90 is an A, 89 to 80 is a B, etc.) to a seven-point grade scale (100 to 93 is an A, 92 to 85 is a B, etc.). The teacher is trying to encourage students to put more effort into their classes by raising the requirements. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons.
Topic #7	[Locker Searches/Personal Searches] The principal at your school has started random locker and backpack/book bag searches to check for guns, knives, and other weapons. Anyone caught with these weapons will be immediately suspended. The principal argues that the random searches will not only guard against illegal weapons at school but will also will help students feel safer. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with three convincing reasons. More information
Topic #8	[School Uniforms] Write a persuasive essay stating whether or not the students at your school should be required to wear uniforms to school. Give at least three reasons to support your position. Remember, you must argue in such a convincing manner that others will agree with you. More Information
Topic #9	[Improve Your School] The local school committee is seeking ideas to improve your school. These ideas will be discussed during meetings with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and other interested parties. The changes proposed by students will be seriously considered since students are the reason for the schools existence. Choose one change that might improve your school for all students. Write a persuasive essay explaining why your suggested change is an improvement. Give at least three reasons to support your suggestion.
Topic #10	[Moving] Your family is getting ready to move to a new home and your parents have given you two choices: in a neighborhood outside a city or on a farm in the country. Where would you like to live? Write a letter to your family persuading them to live either outside the city or on a farm. Give at least three reasons to support your choice.
Topic # 11	[Cell Phones at School - Good or Bad?] Your school has outlawed the use of cell phones while in school. In fact, students caught with cell phones have had them taken away until their parents could come in. The school claims that there is no need for any student to have to make any call during the school day; if there is a home or school emergency, the office phones have always been available. Write a letter to the the principal, Mr. Holmes, stating how you feel about his decision to ban cell phones. More information.
Topic # 12	[Banning Junk Food at School] Schools in New Jersey are now required to ban junk food and food with lots of sugar. Students can only bring in healthy snacks, and the eating of cookies, cupcakes, or cake to celebrate student birthdays is forbidden. The state says that children in the United States are becoming obese and that is unhealthy. How do you feel about this ruling? Write a letter to the editor of your newspaper stating your opinion. More information.

Curfews for Kids - Good or Bad Idea?

Cell Phones at School - Good or Bad?

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