Persuasive Essay Topics

RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS 1. National Health Care: Should the United States support a national health care plan? (pro or con)

2. Violence in the Media Does violence in the Media (select one type: video games, movies, Internet) produce greater violence in society? (pro or con)

3. Gun Control Should the United States have tougher gun control laws? (pro or con)

4. Conceal /Carry Laws Should the United States have stricter conceal/carry laws?

5. Gambling: Should gambling be legalized in Minnesota? (pro and con)

6. Capital Punishment (Death Penalty) Should the United States ban the death penalty? (Pro or con)

7. Animal Rights: Should animals be used in any of the bottom activities? Select an activity and give a pro or con argument.

A. Used for research 1. product testing 2. medical testing B. fur industry C. entertainment (circus, zoo) D. puppy mills E. dog fighting

8. Environment: Examine one of the bottom topics. Determine which group believes in greater regulation and protection for the environment and which group supports less regulation and less expensive protections. Select a side and explain why this sides arguments are better.

A. Timber vs. Greenpeace B. Global Warming C. Whaling in Japan D. Elephant Tusk Smugglers E. Save Wetlands F. Factory Trawlers G. Endangered Species – manatee H. Ozone I. Rainforests J. Acid Rain K. Recycling L. Alternate Energy Sources 9. Nuclear Arms Race: Should nuclear weapons be regulated? (Pro or Con)

10.War in Iraq: Should the United States continue to be a part of the war in Iraq? (pro or con)

11.Cloning: Define the type of cloning you are interested in researching. Then decide if you are for or against that specific type of cloning and explain why or why not.

12.Stem Cell Research: Define the type of stem cell research you are interested in researching. Then decide if you are for or against that specific type of stem cell research and explain why or why not.

13.Drunk Driving Penalties: Are Drunk Driving penalties too harsh or too lenient. Explain what the penalties are and why they should be changed.

14.Darfur – genocide: Examine this genocide – or another current genocide- and explain what the world’s response should be for these types of events.

15.World Hunger or World Poverty Should the United States be doing more to alleviate world hunger and poverty? (pro or Con)

16.Paranormal – select one of the topics below and explain if it is real or not. A. ESP B. UFOs C. Bermuda Triangle

17. Homelessness is a national problem: Is homelessness really a national problem and what should the United States be doing about this problem?

18.Mars – future travel Should the United States spend tax dollars to support travel to Mars?

19.Corporal Punishment: Does the government have the right to interfere with a parent’s decision to use corporal punishment?

20.Child Abuse: Explain what child abuse is that then determine if the government is doing enough to stop child abuse and punishing parents and guardians.

21.School Uniforms: Should schools require school uniforms? (pro or con) 22. Correct use of: Explain why there are problems with young people riding these vehicles. Are current laws adequate for protecting riders and the public? (pro or con) 1. ATVs 2. Skateboards 3. Dirt Bikes 4. Snowmobiles

23.Wiretapping: Should the United States be able to wiretap any person’s phone or computer?

24. Sports and Drugs: Should professional, college, and amateur sports care about the use of these drugs? Should there be more drug testing? A. Steroids B. Drug Testing

25.International Adoption: Considering the large number of children in the foster system, should US citizens be allowed to continue adopting children from other countries?

26.Identity Theft: Are current laws adequate for dealing with people who commit identity theft?

27.Hacking: Are current laws adequate for dealing with computer hackers?

28.Japanese School System vs. USA School System: Should the United States adopt a school system that is more like Japan’s? (pro or con)

29.Teen Issues: Select one of the issues from the list and explain why it is a problem and then persuade the audience to accept what is the best way to deal with this problem. A. Juvenile Penalties for Serious Crimes B. Pregnancy C. Depression D. Alcoholism E. Illegal Drinking F. Chemical Abuse G. Smoking H. Eating Disorders I. Obesity J. School Violence K. Bullying L. Cutting

30.Year-Round School- Should Minnesota adopt a year-round school calendar? (pro- con)