Persuasive Writing Prompts
1. Many people
believe that television violence has a negative effect
on society
because it promotes violence. Do you agree or disagree?
Use specific
reasons and examples to support your response.
2. According to some
people, elderly drivers should be required to
reapply for
their driving licenses because with age comes
diminished
vision, hearing, and reaction time. How do you feel
about this
issue? Explain what you think should be done and why.
3. Medical
researchers, cosmetic companies, and others often perform
experiments
on animals. Many people feel that experimentation on
animals is
wrong and should be stopped immediately because
animals do
feel pain, and there are other alternatives. How do you
feel? State
your position and explain your reasons.
4. In order to
save money, your principal is thinking about canceling
all field
trips for the remainder of the year. Write an essay
persuading
him or her to allow students to continue attending field
trips. Use
specific reasons and examples to support your response.
5. Some people
are actively involved in promoting and supporting a
cause, such
as the release of international political prisoners or
protecting
the environment. Is there a cause you actively support?
Write an
essay convincing readers to support that cause.
6. Since the
cloning of the sheep Dolly, there has been much debate
over whether
or not human beings should be cloned. Many people
feel this is
a violation of the natural order of things and that all
research in
the area of human cloning should be banned. Others
feel that
this is a natural progression of science and human
evolution and
that research in the area of human cloning should be
a priority.
How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons
and examples
to support your position.
7. Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance
regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance
teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents
only give children an allowance as a reward for completing
chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you
think parents should do and why.
8. Many people
volunteer their time to help others, either through
non-profit
organizations, churches, or other charitable venues.
Write an
essay convincing readers to find a charity and volunteer
their time.
9. All-girl
schools have been gaining popularity in recent years
because of
the belief that girls learn better when they aren’t
competing
with or intimidated by boys, who statistically get more
attention in
the classroom. Do you think single-sex schools are a
good idea?
Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your
position.
10. We all have
favorite activities that we enjoy. Write an essay
convincing readers
to try the activity that you enjoy most.
11. Research
shows that the average American watches as much as six
hours of
television each day. Do you think this is too much? Write
an essay
convincing readers to spend less time in front of the TV.
12. Many junior
high and high schools around the country now
require
students to spend a certain number of hours each term
doing
volunteer work or community service. Some people believe
this is an
excellent idea that promotes good citizenship and
cultivates compassion.
Others feel that forced volunteerism is not
volunteerism
at all. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific
reasons and
examples to support your position.
13. Most states
allow people to get a driver’s license at the age of 16.
Some people feel
that 16 is much too young for the responsibility
that comes
with driving a car and that teenagers should not be
allowed to
drive until the age of 18. In your opinion, at what age
should people
be allowed to drive, and why?
14. As part of
the “war on drugs” and in reaction to an increase in
school
violence, many schools across the nation now conduct
targeted
searches of student lockers and backpacks. Although the
Supreme Court
has ruled that public school officials have the right
to search
students’ persons and property when they have
reasonable
cause to suspect weapons or drugs, many people feel
this is a
gross violation of students’ right to privacy. Others feel
that since
school officials are responsible for the well-being of
students
while they are in the building, they have the right to
search for
drugs or weapons at any time. How do you feel about
this issue?
State your position and explain your reasons with
specific
examples.
15. Write an
essay convincing readers to break a specific habit that is
harmful to
their physical, emotional, or financial health.
16. In many
countries, citizens are required to serve in the military for
a year or
more. Do you believe the
similar
practice? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and
examples to
support your answer.
17. Have you ever
traveled to a place that you found very meaningful
and
rewarding? Write an essay that persuades others to visit this
important
place.
18. Many of us
spend hours in front of our computers and
communicate
more by e-mail or instant-messaging than in person.
Some people
believe that this is good because it helps shy people
communicate
more openly with others. Others believe that
computer
communication prevents us from developing
interpersonal
skills and limits our ability to have meaningful
relationships
with others. How do you feel about this issue? Use
specific
reasons and examples to support your position.
19. Some
companies offer a paternity leave that allows fathers to stay
home with
their newborns for several weeks while still earning
partial pay
and benefits. Do you think this is a good policy? Why
or why not?
Explain your answer.
20. According to
some health organizations, many foods on our
grocery store
shelves are made with genetically modified
ingredients.
Most of these foods, however, do not have a GMO
(genetically
modified organism) label. Do you think there should
be a law
requiring manufacturers to label foods containing GMOs?
Use specific
reasons and examples to support your position.
21. More and more farmers and food manufacturers are
genetically modifying their crops to reduce susceptibility to
disease, improve flavor, and reduce costs. Do you think
genetically modifying foods is a good idea? Why or why not?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
22. A few decades
ago, many families had half a dozen or more
children.
Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to have
only one or
two children. Are smaller families better than larger
ones? Why or
why not? State your position and support it with
specific
reasons and examples.
23. Representatives
of credit card companies can often be found on
college
campuses offering special incentives to get students to fill
out credit
card applications. Many people feel that this takes
advantage of
students, who are often low on cash during their
college
years. Others feel that it is an excellent way to help
students
begin to build credit and learn financial responsibility.
How do you
feel about this issue? Take a position and use specific
reasons and
examples to support your argument.
24. Good habits improve our physical, emotional, and/or financial
health. Select one of your good habits and write an essay
persuading readers to make that habit a part of their lives.
25. What is your
all-time favorite movie and why? Write an essay
persuading
readers to watch this film.
26. Today, there
are more and more reality shows on television. Do
these shows
make good television? Why or why not? Explain your
answer using
specific reasons and examples.
27. Is “an
eye for an eye” a good basis for determining an appropriate
punishment?
Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples
to explain
your position.
28. Many cities
suffer from serious air and noise pollution—as well as
endless
traffic jams—because of too many cars. Some people feel
that cities
with extensive public transportation systems should ban
passenger
cars and force people to walk, bike, or use public
transportation.
Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
29. On
today’s talk shows, guests and audience members often argue
heatedly with
each other, and on more than one occasion, guests
and audience
members have been hurt. Do today’s talk shows go
too far?
Explain your answer.
30. Have you ever
made a change that improved your life or the lives
of others?
Write an essay that convinces readers to make a change
for the
better.
31. The singer
and songwriter Bob Dylan once wrote, “A man is a
success if he
gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in
between does
what he wants to do.” Do you agree with this
definition of
success? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and
examples to
support your position.
32. Carpooling,
recycling, and planting trees are all activities that are
good for the
environment. Write an essay convincing readers to
actively
participate in one of these activities.
33. The Internet
includes many websites with images and content that
are
inappropriate. Should websites like these be censored by
parents? Why
or why not? State your position and support it with
specific
reasons and examples.
34. Some people
prefer to live in the quiet of the country; others
prefer the
hustle and bustle of the city. Which do you think is the
better
choice? State your position and support it with specific
reasons and
examples.
35. Is there a book that you feel should be required reading for
everyone? Write an essay persuading your audience to read
this book.
36. Some people
go right on to college after high school; others take a
year or more
off to work or travel. Which do you think is the
better
choice? State your position and support it with specific
reasons and
examples.
37. Some people think of the
potatoes.” Write an essay persuading readers to be more
physically active.
38. You have been
asked to write a brochure to attract visitors to your
hometown.
Write an essay that convinces people to visit the place
where you
live.
39. Many states have
increased the speed limit from 55 miles per hour
to 65 miles
per hour or more on major turnpikes and thruways. Do
you think it
is wise to allow motorists to drive over 65 miles per
hour? Why or
why not? Explain your position using specific
reasons and
examples.
40. Nowadays, the private life of a politician is hardly private. In
your opinion, should we be so concerned with the private
affairs of a politician or political candidate? State your
position and support it with specific reasons and examples.
41. Today’s top professional athletes often have salaries and
bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars. Do you think these
athletes deserve such high compensation? Why or why not?
Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples.
42. Many parents
do not allow their children to play with toy guns. In
your opinion,
is this a wise decision? Explain what you think
parents
should do about toy guns and why.
43. For
centuries, people have wondered about the possibility of life
on other
planets in the universe. Do you believe extraterrestrial life
exists? Write
an essay persuading others to share your point of
view.
44. Many science
fiction stories deal with the possibility of being able
to
“design” our children by choosing the specific physical and
personality
traits we would like them to have. Do you think this is
a good idea?
Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples
to support
your position.
45. If someone
discovered a formula that would enable us to live
forever,
would that be a blessing or a curse? Use specific reasons
and examples
to support your answer.
46. Some
educators argue that every child in every school should have
access to
computers. Others believe that the value of computers in
the classroom
is overrated and that computers may actually
interfere
with the learning process. In your opinion, how
important are
computers in the classroom? Use specific reasons
and examples
to explain your answer.
47. Should the
United States invest more time, money, and effort in
space
exploration? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and
examples to
explain your position.
48. Some people
believe that students aren’t learning enough in high
school.
Should school standards be higher? Explain your answer
using
specific reasons and examples.
49. It has often
been said, “Ignorance is bliss,” and “What you don’t
know
won’t hurt you.” Do you agree with these statements? Why
or why not?
50. Although foreign
aid spending is typically only a very small portion
of our annual
budget (currently about .1% of the Gross National
Product), the
foreign aid.
Some people feel this is too much and that we should
spend nearly
all of our money addressing problems here at home.
Others feel
it is not nearly enough and that we should spend a
great deal
more helping other nations. How do you feel about this
issue?
Explain what you think we should do and why.
51. Some people
fish to eat what they catch; others fish simply for the
“sport,”
returning the fish to the water after they’ve caught it.
Many animal
rights activists argue that sport fishing is cruel and
should be
abolished. How do you feel about this issue? State your
position and
support it with specific reasons and examples.
52. Many schools
employ security guards and have installed security
equipment
such as video cameras and metal detectors in the
building. In
your opinion, how should security in public schools be
handled? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
53. Across the
country, public places such as libraries and museums are
now
smoke-free environments, and restaurants are required to
have separate
smoking and non-smoking sections. Some smokefree
advocates are
now campaigning to ban smoking in all
restaurants
and bars. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or
why not? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your
position.
54. In a small minority
of schools across the nation, students do not
earn grades;
rather, they receive regular written and oral
evaluations
of their work. Some people believe that this is more
effective for
learning than the grading system, which they believe
rewards students
unevenly and encourages a competitiveness that
is
counterproductive to learning. How do you feel about this issue?
Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
55. Is reading fiction a waste of time? Why or why not? Explain
your answer using specific reasons and examples to support
your position.
56. Many schools
offer students who are native speakers of another
language the
opportunity to take classes in their native tongue so
that they can
more easily assimilate and better understand the
material.
Some educators believe that this is a disservice and that
these
students should be immersed in the English language. How
do you feel
about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your
position.
57. Many people
immigrate to the United States because they believe
that it is
better than their native country. In fact, many people
believe that
the United States is the best country in the world. Do
you agree?
Why or why not?
58. Some people think that school cafeterias should be required
to provide low-fat and/or vegetarian lunch options to
accommodate the eating habits of all students. Do you agree
or disagree? Explain your position and use specific reasons
and examples as support.
59. Elementary and
secondary schools around the country are
beginning to
actively address the problem of bullies. In your
opinion, is
bullying an issue that should be addressed by schools or
left to
parents? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
position.
60. Most private
schools require students to wear uniforms. Should
public school
students wear uniforms too? Argue for or against
school
uniforms for public school students. Use specific reasons
and examples
to support your position.
61. Do you think
that the movie and/or TV ratings systems are
effective or
useful? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your
position.
62. Many people
believe that honesty is the best policy. In your
opinion, is
it ever okay to lie? Explain your answer using specific
reasons and
examples.
63. In order to
solve your school’s recent litter problem, your principal
asked
students to take better care of the campus, but the litter
problem
continued. Your principal’s reaction is to cancel all
extracurricular
activities until the problem is resolved. Do you
agree or
disagree with his reaction? Use specific reasons and
examples to
support your position.
64. If an alumnus
donated a large sum of money to your school, how
do you think
that money should be spent? Write an essay
convincing
school officials to allocate the money in the way you
think is best
for the school.
65. Many people
feel that American society is too competitive. Do you
agree? If so,
is this a good thing or a bad thing? Use specific
reasons and
examples to support your answer.
66. If it were up
to you to choose one item from the twenty-first
century to
place in a time capsule for future generations, what
would you
choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your choice,
explaining both the item’s significance and the reasons
why it
embodies the culture of the early twenty-first century.
67. Who makes a
better leader: someone who is loved, or someone
who is
feared? Take a position and explain your answer.
68. Some people
are concerned that many teachers are not sufficiently
qualified for
the classroom and argue that they should be required
to pass
competency tests before they are allowed to teach. Do you
agree? Why or
why not? Explain your answer with specific reasons
and examples.
69. If it were up
to you to choose one professional (a doctor, a
reporter, a
scientist, a politician, an actor) to travel aboard the next
space
station, who would you choose and why? Use specific
reasons and
examples to support your choice.
70. In our increasingly
global society, many people feel that all
students
should be required to learn a foreign language before
graduating
from high school. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Explain your
position using specific reasons and examples.
71. Today, more
and more colleges and universities are offering not
only
individual courses but entire degree programs online. Some
educators
worry that online programs do not provide the same
quality as an
on-campus education and that in an online program,
students can
get others to do their work. Others believe online
courses offer
convenience and flexibility enabling students, who
might
otherwise not be able, to earn a degree and complete their
educations.
In your opinion, should colleges and universities offer
degrees entirely
online? Why or why not?
72. Is a good
education a right or a privilege? Why do you think so?
Use specific
reasons and examples to explain your answer.
73. The network
that runs your favorite television show has suddenly
decided to
cancel it. Write a letter convincing the station to
continue
running the show.
74. What would
improve your hometown? Write an essay convincing
town
officials to make a change that would improve your
neighborhood.
75. Many people
complain that American news shows focus too much
on
sensational items, such as local crimes and celebrity gossip, and
spend too
little time on important national and international news.
In your
opinion, should television news devote more time and
coverage to international
news and global issues? Why or why not?
76. Most students
enjoy the long stretch of summer vacation, but some
parents and
educators feel that two and a half months is too long a
break from
school. Some argue that students and families would be
better served
if the school year were extended through July, with a
three or
four-week break in August, a longer winter break, and a
week off each
in the spring and fall. Does this sound like a good
idea to you?
Why or why not? Explain your answer.
77. Many people feel that the use of surveillance cameras in
public places, such as parking lots, is a good idea that can help
ensure our safety. Others worry that too many cameras
violate our right to privacy and give law enforcement officials
too much power. In your opinion, should we install more
surveillance cameras in public places? Why or why not?
Support your position with specific reasons and examples.
78. It has often
been said, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
Do you agree?
Why or why not? Use specific reasons and
examples to
explain your answer.
79. Recent
studies have shown that students often perform better on
exams if
classical music is played softly in the background.
However, some
students may find the music distracting. Should
schools play
classical music during exams and/or allow students to
listen to it
on headphones? Take a position and explain your
answer.
80. All across
the country, state laws require drivers to wear seatbelts.
Not everyone believes
the use of seatbelts should be mandatory.
What do you
think? Make a case for or against mandatory seatbelt
use. Use
specific reasons and examples to support your position.
81. Most schools
require students to read “old” texts such as ancient
Greek
tragedies or Shakespearian plays. Many students wonder
why they
should read these texts instead of more contemporary
material.
Make a case for or against the reading of classical
literature in
English classes.
82. Should a
parent be a child’s disciplinarian, or a child’s best friend?
Take a
position and explain your answer using specific reasons and
examples.
83. More and more
Americans are deciding to eliminate meat from
their diets
and become vegetarians. Do you think this is a good
idea? Argue
for or against becoming a vegetarian. Use specific
reasons and
examples to support your position.
84. With the
current popularity of sport utility vehicles many people
believe that
it’s more important than ever for Congress to pass
legislation
requiring automobile manufacturers to use more fuelefficient
engines. Do
you agree that such a law should be passed?
Why or why
not? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your
argument.
85. Every year,
millions of people visit zoos around the world. But
some people
believe that zoos are inhumane and that animals
should not be
kept in captivity. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Use specific
reasons and examples to support your position.
86. Politicians
come from all sorts of professional backgrounds, from
lawyers and chief
executive officers to actors and even professional
wrestlers. On
a few notable occasions, politicians with criminal
backgrounds
have even been elected. In your opinion, should
candidates
with a criminal record be allowed to run for office?
Why or why not?
Use specific reasons and examples to support
your answer.
87. Students who
don’t want to do their homework can find dozens of
sites on the
Internet that offer essays for sale. Do you think this is a
legitimate
business, or should these enterprises be shut down? Use
specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
88. Do you think
the SAT or ACT exam is an accurate measure of a
student’s
aptitude for college? Support your position with specific
examples.
89. It has often
been said that we can lie with silence as well as with
words. Do you
agree? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
90. Many students
complain about having to learn history. Why do we
need
knowledge of the past? Write an essay convincing skeptics
that learning
about the past is important.
91. Woodrow
Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that
will hold the
world together.” Do you agree? Use specific reasons
and examples
to explain your answer.
92. Charles
Simmons said, “Live only for today, and you ruin
tomorrow.”
Do you agree? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
93. Thomas
Edison, the renowned inventor, is famous for having said,
“Genius
is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent
perspiration.”
Do you agree with this definition of genius? Why or
why not?
94. Many of us
are fond of music that speaks to our particular
generation.
Write an essay that convinces others not in your
generation
that your music is worth listening to.
95. Alexander Smith said, “The great man is the man who does a
thing for the first time.” Do you agree with this definition
of
greatness? Why or why not?
96. The
eighteenth century writer Samuel Johnson wrote, “Ignorance,
when
voluntary, is criminal.” Do you agree? Use specific reasons
and examples
to explain your answer.
97. For decades,
elementary school children across the country had
been required
to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag
every school-day morning. That practice has
recently been
called into question, and standing and reciting the
pledge is now
voluntary. In your opinion, should students be
required to
say the pledge, should it remain voluntary, or should
the practice
be completely abandoned? State your position and use
specific
reasons and examples to support it.
98. Currently, Americans
pay taxes based upon how much they earn:
the higher
their income, the higher the percentage of that income
they must pay
in taxes. Many people have been arguing that a flat
tax, in which
everyone pays the same rate regardless of income,
would be a
more equitable and desirable tax system. Which of
these two tax
systems do you think is best, and why? Use specific
reasons and
examples to support your answer.
99. The great
inventor Charles F. Kettering said, “The price of
progress is
trouble.” Do you agree with Kettering’s assessment of
progress? Why
or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your
answer.
100. The writer
Thomas Mann said, “War is only a cowardly escape
from the
problems of peace.” Do you agree with this claim? Why
or why not?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
101. Activist
Jeannette Rankin once said, “You can no more win a war
than you can
win an earthquake.” Do you agree with this
statement?
Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your
answer.
102. Write an
essay explaining why you should be admitted to a
particular
college.
103. The Roman
leader Seneca said, “A great fortune is a great slavery.”
Do you agree
with this claim? Why or why not? Use specific
reasons and examples
to support your answer.
104. If your
readers were to learn a foreign language, which language
do you think
they should learn, and why? Write an essay
convincing
readers to learn that particular language.
105. Many albums
and CDs now contain stickers warning parents that
the lyrics of
some of the songs may not be suitable for children.
Some people
argue that simply putting a sticker on a label is not
enough. What
do you think the record industry should do to warn
parents about
inappropriate lyrics? Explain what you think should
be done and
why.
106. Should we
devote time and money to building a space station on
the moon or
Mars? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
107. Should people lease or buy new cars? Make a case for the
option that you think is best. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your position.
108. The inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin said, “Money
never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in
its nature to produce happiness.” Do you agree with this
statement? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your position.
109. Some states have now made it illegal to drive while talking on
a hand-held cellular phone. Do you think this is a good law
that should be passed in other states as well? Why or why
not? Explain your answer.
110. The poet W.
H. Auden wrote, “Machines are beneficial to the
degree that
they eliminate the need for labor, harmful to the
degree that
they eliminate the need for skill.” Do you agree? Why
or why not?
Use specific reasons and examples to explain your
answer.
111. Are students
learning enough science in high school? Argue for or
against an
expanded science requirement in secondary schools.
112. According to
an old Greek proverb, “All things good to know are
difficult to
learn.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Use specific
reasons and
examples to explain your answer.
113. William Hazlitt wrote, “Man is a make-believe animal—he
is never
so truly himself
as when he is acting a part.” Do you agree?
Explain your
answer using specific reasons and examples.
114. Imagine that
you have a relative who is unfamiliar with computers
and has never
been on the Internet. Write an essay convincing this
relative to
get a computer and get online.
115. Imagine that
you have found a great apartment to share, but your
new roommate
doesn’t want any pets. Write an essay persuading
your roommate
to let you bring your pet with you.
116. According to a
Czechoslovakian proverb, “Better a lie that soothes
than a truth
that hurts.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Use
specific
reasons and examples to explain your answer.
117. Imagine that
your high school (or alma mater) has decided to do
away with a
club to which you belong (or used to belong). Write
an essay
persuading school officials not to disband that
organization.
118. “Original”
fairy tales, like those recorded by the Brothers Grimm,
often contain
violence. Some literary critics and child
psychologists
believe these tales are good for children because they
address
children’s real fears, feelings, and desires. Others argue
that
contemporary “sanitized” fairy tales still convey the main
themes of the
tales and are far more appropriate for children. How
do you feel
about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to
explain your
answer.
119. Imagine that
you have made it to the final round of interviews for a
new job.
Convince your prospective employers that you are the
one who most
deserves the position.
120. Most high
school schedules include a study hall period several
times a week.
Is study hall a waste of time, or a necessary break
from class?
State your position and use specific reasons and
examples to
support your position.
121. Imagine that you
have a friend who doesn’t have any money in his
or her
savings account. Convince this friend that it’s important to
create and
follow through with a savings plan.
122. During the
Christmas holiday season, images of Santa Claus are
everywhere,
and young children often line up to take pictures with
adults
dressed as Santa. Some people feel that children should not
be led to
believe that Santa Claus is real. Do you agree? Why or
why not? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your
position.
123. Is there
something that you believe is truly worth fighting for?
Write an
essay persuading others that this cause is worth a fight.
124. Write an
essay convincing your best friend to try your favorite
brand of junk
food.
125. Imagine that
you have been asked to help raise money for a local
charity.
Choose a charity and write an essay convincing readers to
contribute to
the fundraising campaign.