Possible Persuasive Writing Prompts
1. 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.
2. 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; if so, why?
3. 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.
4. Many people volunteer their time to help others, either through non-profit organizations, churches, or other charitable venues. However, volunteerism is on the decline and has been for at least two decades. Why is this the case and how could it be potentially reversed?
5. Many people believe that television violence and violent online games have a negative effect on society because they ultimately promote violence. Do you agree or disagree?
6. Many schools in large districts 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 or interviews to support your position.
7. Many people complain that Canadian 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?
8. Many middle 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Research shows that the average Canadian watches as much as six hours of television each day. Do you think this is too much?
12. Many provinces 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 19. In your opinion, at what age should people be allowed to drive, and why?
13. 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.
14. Fake news has become an increasingly disturbing phenomenon, attempting to sway or mislead reader opinion regarding everything from elections to religions and everything in-between. What is the responsibility of journalists and those who produce news? How should such a thing be regulated?
15. In many countries, citizens are required to serve in the military for a year or more. Do you believe the Canada should institute a similar practice? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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?
21. 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, especially on certain American shows. Do today’s talk shows go too far? Do they serve any type of social service? Explain your answer.
22. Identify a change that improved your life or the lives of others and the process used to reach the goal.
23. Carpooling, recycling, and planting trees are all activities that are good for the environment, but how do you convince others to actively participate in one of these activities.
24. Some people think of Canada and the United States as a nations of “couch potatoes.” What incentives should be employed for people to be more physically active?
25. Nowadays, the private life of a politician is hardly private thanks to social media and the internet in general. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. Some people believe that students aren’t learning enough in high school and we are graduating students who are semi-literate and ill prepared to cope in both the working world and that of advanced education. Should school standards be higher? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.
29. Although foreign aid spending is typically only a very small portion of our annual budget (currently about .1% of the Gross National Product), Canada still spends billions of dollars a year on 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.
30. 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.
31. Many schools in larger urban centers 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.
32. In a small minority of schools across the nation, students do not earn grades; rather, they receive regular written (anecdotal) 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?
33. 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.
34. Argue for or against school uniforms for public school students. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
35. Do you think that the movie and/or TV ratings systems are effective or useful? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. Consider who is doing the rating of these products.
36. 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.
37. Today, more and more high schools and universities are offering not only individual courses but entire 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 successfully graduate and complete their educations. In your opinion, should high schools and universities offer graduation programs entirely online? Why or why not?
38. Is a good education a right or a privilege? Why do you think so? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
39. What would improve your hometown? What evidence and arguments would you employ convincing town officials to make a change that would improve your neighborhood?
40. Most students enjoy the long stretch of summer vacation, but some parents and educators feel that two 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 by citing evidence gathered from school districts where this idea has already been implemented.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. Should a parent be a child’s disciplinarian, or a child’s teacher such is the case in places such as Japan and Korea? Take a position and explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.
44. With the current popularity of sport utility vehicles many people believe that it’s more important than ever for the federal government to pass legislation requiring automobile manufacturers to use more fuel-efficient engines. Do you agree that such a law should be passed? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your argument.
45. 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.
46. 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.
47. Do you think exams are an accurate measure of a student’s aptitude and intellectual abilities? Support your position with specific examples.
48. Many of us are fond of music that speaks to our particular generation. How would you convince others not in your generation that your music has value and is worth listening to.
49. Schools are increasingly moving away from singing the national anthem “O Canada’ at the beginning of assemblies and other events. Some are now arguing that not only should we be actively promoting our national anthem in our schools, but also singing ‘God Save the Queen’ at the closing of assemblies and events. State your position and use specific reasons and examples to support or abandon this practice.
50. 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.
51. 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.
52. Many music albums and CDs now contain ‘Trigger Warnings’ and ‘Cautionary Warnings’ to parents that the lyrics of some of the songs may not be suitable for children. Some people argue that simply putting a warning label is not good enough. What do you think the recording industry should do to warn parents about inappropriate lyrics and content? Explain what you think should be done and why.
53. Many high schools have instituted an enforced study period in every student’s schedule instead of allowing free or spare periods. Is this fair, effective, and worthwhile, or is this an unconscionable infringement on student rights. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer, arguing both sides of this topic.
1. 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.
2. 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; if so, why?
3. 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.
4. Many people volunteer their time to help others, either through non-profit organizations, churches, or other charitable venues. However, volunteerism is on the decline and has been for at least two decades. Why is this the case and how could it be potentially reversed?
5. Many people believe that television violence and violent online games have a negative effect on society because they ultimately promote violence. Do you agree or disagree?
6. Many schools in large districts 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 or interviews to support your position.
7. Many people complain that Canadian 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?
8. Many middle 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Research shows that the average Canadian watches as much as six hours of television each day. Do you think this is too much?
12. Many provinces 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 19. In your opinion, at what age should people be allowed to drive, and why?
13. 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.
14. Fake news has become an increasingly disturbing phenomenon, attempting to sway or mislead reader opinion regarding everything from elections to religions and everything in-between. What is the responsibility of journalists and those who produce news? How should such a thing be regulated?
15. In many countries, citizens are required to serve in the military for a year or more. Do you believe the Canada should institute a similar practice? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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?
21. 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, especially on certain American shows. Do today’s talk shows go too far? Do they serve any type of social service? Explain your answer.
22. Identify a change that improved your life or the lives of others and the process used to reach the goal.
23. Carpooling, recycling, and planting trees are all activities that are good for the environment, but how do you convince others to actively participate in one of these activities.
24. Some people think of Canada and the United States as a nations of “couch potatoes.” What incentives should be employed for people to be more physically active?
25. Nowadays, the private life of a politician is hardly private thanks to social media and the internet in general. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. Some people believe that students aren’t learning enough in high school and we are graduating students who are semi-literate and ill prepared to cope in both the working world and that of advanced education. Should school standards be higher? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.
29. Although foreign aid spending is typically only a very small portion of our annual budget (currently about .1% of the Gross National Product), Canada still spends billions of dollars a year on 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.
30. 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.
31. Many schools in larger urban centers 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.
32. In a small minority of schools across the nation, students do not earn grades; rather, they receive regular written (anecdotal) 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?
33. 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.
34. Argue for or against school uniforms for public school students. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
35. Do you think that the movie and/or TV ratings systems are effective or useful? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. Consider who is doing the rating of these products.
36. 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.
37. Today, more and more high schools and universities are offering not only individual courses but entire 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 successfully graduate and complete their educations. In your opinion, should high schools and universities offer graduation programs entirely online? Why or why not?
38. Is a good education a right or a privilege? Why do you think so? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
39. What would improve your hometown? What evidence and arguments would you employ convincing town officials to make a change that would improve your neighborhood?
40. Most students enjoy the long stretch of summer vacation, but some parents and educators feel that two 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 by citing evidence gathered from school districts where this idea has already been implemented.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. Should a parent be a child’s disciplinarian, or a child’s teacher such is the case in places such as Japan and Korea? Take a position and explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.
44. With the current popularity of sport utility vehicles many people believe that it’s more important than ever for the federal government to pass legislation requiring automobile manufacturers to use more fuel-efficient engines. Do you agree that such a law should be passed? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your argument.
45. 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.
46. 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.
47. Do you think exams are an accurate measure of a student’s aptitude and intellectual abilities? Support your position with specific examples.
48. Many of us are fond of music that speaks to our particular generation. How would you convince others not in your generation that your music has value and is worth listening to.
49. Schools are increasingly moving away from singing the national anthem “O Canada’ at the beginning of assemblies and other events. Some are now arguing that not only should we be actively promoting our national anthem in our schools, but also singing ‘God Save the Queen’ at the closing of assemblies and events. State your position and use specific reasons and examples to support or abandon this practice.
50. 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.
51. 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.
52. Many music albums and CDs now contain ‘Trigger Warnings’ and ‘Cautionary Warnings’ to parents that the lyrics of some of the songs may not be suitable for children. Some people argue that simply putting a warning label is not good enough. What do you think the recording industry should do to warn parents about inappropriate lyrics and content? Explain what you think should be done and why.
53. Many high schools have instituted an enforced study period in every student’s schedule instead of allowing free or spare periods. Is this fair, effective, and worthwhile, or is this an unconscionable infringement on student rights. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer, arguing both sides of this topic.