187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024]

persuasive essay on higher education

Persuasive essay writing is a popular assignment for students in high school and college alike. This is not surprising. After all, it is a basic of the learning process. However, finding ideas for such a task isn’t easy, especially if you’re looking for higher persuasive essay topics.

One of the subjects that requires you to write such a paper is higher English. To pass this class, you have to deal with and compose quite tricky texts. Thus, if you are studying this subject, you will have to be ready to face many writing challenges.

This is why our team has created a list of the most fruitful ideas for academic writing. For your convenience, we divided the higher English persuasive essay topics into several sections. So, navigate our page, look through all the examples, and make your search even more effective.

❓ What Is Higher English?

  • 💭 How to Choose?
  • 📎 For High School
  • ✒️ For College
  • 📖 Literature
  • 🙊 Controversial Issues
  • 🏫 Education
  • 🗳️ Politics
  • 💭 Philosophy

📃 References

If you’ve studied in any country other than the UK, you may be wondering what higher English is. Is it a course? Is it a level? Well, in this section, we dive into the definition of the phrase.

Higher English is a course typical for the UK, particularly for England and Scotland. It investigates the English language and literature on a deep level.

It can be taught both:

  • as an independent subject
  • alongside other higher science programs

Through the course of higher English, students learn to think critically and creatively.

Developing a portfolio is one of the requirements for completing an advanced higher English course. It takes 30% of the overall grade. Thus, folio plays a vital role in accomplishing the course. For a successful portfolio, students have to write two texts, no less than 1300 words each. Composing them, they have to use creative and discursive writing techniques.

Generally, higher English is focused on advancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following:

  • use complex language;
  • apply literature knowledge in everyday life;
  • understand the core of language operation.

Students are required to write an impressive number of persuasive essays. Here is where they may face difficulties with the appropriate topic selection.

We will not let you worry about that.

You can find a list of useful higher English persuasive topics created by our team on our page. Take a look at it and choose the most exciting idea for your essay!

Before selecting a topic for a higher English essay, reread your assignment if you have one.

💭 How to Choose a Persuasive Topic for Higher Folio?

A higher folio has to include a persuasive essay in it. Therefore, first, let’s figure out what it is.

A persuasive essay is one of the types of discursive essays. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a particular situation. Discuss a problem or issue is essential to its purpose.

Now, let’s narrow down the focus:

What is the nature of persuasive writing? It is a writing technique that aims to convince readers to accept the author’s point of view. Moreover, it often includes a call to action. It motivates the audience to take specific steps to achieve the desired result.

Be careful there! Learn how to distinguish an argumentative essay from a persuasive one.

An argumentative essay is often based on a consistent explanation and logical reasoning. It shows the readers the writer’s point of view, yet doesn’t call them for any action. In contrast, a persuasive essay relies on emotions and expressions of personal opinions. A perfect way to see those differences would be by going to an essay examples database that certainly would contain a variety of paper types.

Persuasive essays attempt to make readers follow the author’s idea.

Now, let’s move to the issue of an effective selection of a persuasive topic for higher English. Our team prepared some useful tips for you. Don’t hesitate to use them.

  • Keep your goal in mind. The persuasive essay aims to present all the arguments that can convince the reader that the writer is right. So, choosing a topic, pick the one that you can elaborate on and persuade in.
  • Choose the essay idea wisely. Ensure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the tutor who will check and grade your paper. You’re writing for them.
  • Make sure to have enough resources. Evaluate whether there is enough information on the topic so that you can write a compelling essay. Check the possible trustworthy sources for the evidence that you’ll use in the paper.
  • Show your best side. Consider whether you can demonstrate your skills, composing on the chosen idea. Remember that you’re writing an essay for your portfolio. You may want it to look as perfect as possible and highlight your strengths. That is to say, see if you can elaborate on the topic.
  • Compose a strong introductory paragraph. An introduction is crucial because it grabs the reader’s attention and presents a thesis. Think of a strong thesis statement and whether you can come up with one. If you cannot compose a powerful thesis statement, better choose a more successful topic.
  • Don’t choose an overused topic. Determine the originality of your idea and your willingness to write about it. Try to google persuasive essay examples and figure out what topics are the most common and widely used. Based on your observations, come up with a unique issue and surprise your readers with it.

Find and consider as many persuasive topics as you can to form one unique idea.

⭐ Top 12 Higher Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Unions are important.
  • Zoos are unacceptable.
  • Paper books are obsolete.
  • Graffiti is art.
  • We will live on Mars.
  • English is universal .
  • Plastic bags are useful.
  • Cloning is unethical.
  • Student uniform is obsolete.
  • UK schools are better.
  • Most effective propaganda techniques.
  • Internships should be paid.

☝️ Amazing Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics

Just like any other assignment, an essay may be of different degrees of complexity. This is how we divided our higher English persuasive essay ideas into several sections.

So don’t waste your time. Go to the corresponding section and select the most appropriate topic.

📎 Higher English Topics for High School

A subject of higher English may seem very unfamiliar and bizarre at school. Being unprepared for the complexity of the course can scare you. Pupils get extremely confused when it comes to the topic search.

You are lucky:

We prepared a list of exceptional topics for middle school and high school students. Feel free to use it. Be prepared to face any challenges of the higher English course!

  • The significance of literacy .
  • Football has a direct impact on the culture of England.
  • Foreign languages should be taught in every school.

Foreign language programs improve students’ academic performance.

  • Both abstinence and safe sex should be taught in high schools.
  • School uniforms should be mandatory to maintain discipline.
  • People should quit smoking .
  • Eating disorders among teenage girls is an issue that shouldn’t be underestimated.
  • Motivation theories are incredibly effective in education .
  • Self-esteem plays a crucial role in students’ health condition .
  • Alcohol negatively affects adolescent health , so their parents should monitor alcohol consumption by teens.
  • Children and teenagers should not be silent about domestic violence .
  • The government should ban sports betting.
  • We should drink enough water.
  • The minimization of a generation gap is crucial for a healthy relationship in a family.
  • Drug tests should be mandatory for high school sportspeople.
  • A gap year is a great idea . Convince your readers about the usefulness of taking a gap year after finishing school. Prove the rightness of your position by providing strong arguments. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide well-developed counterarguments.
  • Alcohol consumption in the UK. The government of the UK should introduce measures to limit alcohol consumption. We have to avoid possible adverse ramifications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Prove your point of view by providing strong arguments.
  • Studying in the United Kingdom is a great experience. What are the positive sides of gaining an education in the UK? Convince your readers to study the UK.
  • A grade does not reflect students’ knowledge. Give your readers a clear explanation of why grades do not demonstrate a student’s performance in the class. Persuade them to pay more attention to education. You might believe that grades reflect a student’s academic performance. Then, support your position by providing counterarguments.
  • Violent video games should be banned . What are the possible negative consequences caused by video games? Prove your audience the necessity to ban violent video games.

The influence of video games on children is inconclusive.

✒️ Higher English Topics for College

The majority of UK colleges require their students to take the course of higher English. Therefore, you need to be ready. Difficulties caused by this subject should not be your worry.

Since we care about college students, we gathered persuasive essay ideas in one place. So, if you are seeking help, you are on the right page! Scroll through our topics and chose the most appropriate for you.

  • Cheating during college exams should be strictly punished because it is demoralizing.
  • The benefits of active listening are crucial in demonstrating high performance in the workplace.
  • Students’ time management strategies should be taken into consideration by every student.
  • Sleep is essential because deprivation affects college students’ academic performance.
  • Should fast food qualify as ‘food’?
  • A healthy lifestyle and eating should become the norm for every person.
  • Alternative energy sources are crucial for saving the planet.
  • A family should promote mobility, not limit it.
  • We have to implement specific strategies to combat the sexist language.
  • Communication skills are essential in a successful business leading.
  • Teaching deaf children how to read is a vital part of deaf kids’ mental development.
  • Parents should control the impact of TV cartoons on their children’s behavior .
  • Community services for mentally disabled people should be highly-developed.
  • Recycling should become mandatory.
  • Businesses should invest money in innovations.
  • Genetically modified food should not be a threat to the population. Give a clear explanation of why GMO products are safe to consume. If you disagree with the statement, provide strong counterarguments to prove your position.
  • Should smoking be banned in public places? Decide on whether it should be prohibited on not and prove your position. Your arguments should support only one side of the issue. Don’t stay somewhere in the middle.
  • We should expand the legal age for getting a driving license in the UK . Explain why 17 years old adolescents are not mature enough to drive a car. If you don’t agree with the statement, provide counterarguments to prove the rightness of your point of view.
  • E-books should not replace paper books. Express your position regarding this statement. Provide clear arguments or counterarguments to prove your point of view.

Consider every side of the debate concerning paper books and E-books.

  • English language learning should be mandatory in every country. The main idea of the essay: English is a global language. Support this statement and persuade the readers about the significance of English knowledge in the modern world.

💪 Persuasive Essay Topics: Advanced Higher English

If you are a university student in Scotland, you will be familiar with higher English. You may have to be ready for an advanced one as well.

Choose the most appropriate idea among a wide variety of persuasive essay topics about Scotland. Although the task is quite challenging, you don’t need to worry. Consider our list of cool essay topics. With it, you will write an outstanding paper without any struggles.

  • Gender equity issues in work practices should be considered while creating a healthy working environment.
  • The application of social concepts and theories is a part of the general well-being.
  • Functionalism, conflict, and interactionism are the most significant aspects of sociological theories .
  • Data collect regarding customer should be considered as a future of e-commerce.
  • Scotland’s tourism products and destination identity develop the tourism market economy.
  • Organizational behavior issues and theories are vital in leading a successful business.
  • ICT impacts curriculum development and reforms in the United Kingdom to a great extent.
  • Public sector financial management plays a crucial role in the general well-being of the country.
  • Scottish routes company establishment is a turning point in the online marketing platform development.
  • The city authorities should prevent senior citizens’ abuse .
  • Women’s rights violations should not exist in modern society.
  • Freedom of speech, religion, and religious tolerance are the fundamental concepts of modern civilized society.
  • E-Commerce adoption results in wise business positioning. How will e-commerce help to increase the dynamics of any business? Convince your audience about the significance of e-commerce by providing strong arguments.
  • Human rights play a vital role in public opinion-making. Support this idea with well-developed arguments and examples. If you disagree with the statement, provide compelling counterarguments to prove the rightness of your opinion.
  • Globalization ruins the cultural heritage of the nations . Comment on the impact of the world globalization on the national identity of every country. Persuade the readers to preserve the national culture of their home countries.

👍 Good Persuasive Essay Topics for Higher English

Our team’s main aim is to help the students in all the possible ways. So, we decided to develop one more method to divide the academic essay topics.

Find different sections that focus on specific fields for your persuasive essay.

Look through the sections, decide what is the most suitable for you, and choose a fascinating essay topic. An essay idea search has never been so easy, right?

💬 Persuasive Essay Topics on Language

Language is one of the most potent tools for communication within one nation and internationally. Moreover, it carries the cultural identity of the country, preserving a spirit.

The topic of language is too diverse and has a lot of aspects to discuss. Consequently, professors of higher English course usually give essays on it.

The section Topics For Persuasive Essay UK will provide you with a wide variety of ideas. Don’t waste your time! Choose an appropriate topic for your paper right away.

  • Language influences our attitude to a great extent.
  • Sexism is present in the English Language.
  • Language and communication are two different concepts .
  • Language has a direct influence on cognition.
  • Shakespeare affected the modern English language to a great extent.
  • To understand how language operates, we should first examine English Language Evolution .
  • Multilingualism should be accepted and encouraged in modern society.
  • Accents and dialects are the critical components of language intervention.
  • The teachers should learn linguistics.
  • The change in languages over time is harmful to the nation.
  • Scottish Gaelic and Goidelic Celtic languages should not have been restricted in the 16th century.
  • Text autocorrect negatively influences the level of literacy and language knowledge.
  • We should consider Scots Gaelic as a separate language from Irish.
  • English should become an official international language.
  • Body language can say more than verbal communication.
  • Joking or expressing love in a foreign language is harder than in a native one . Either support or contradict this statement by providing appropriate examples and clear arguments.
  • The implementation of one universal language is a bad idea . Why and how it can impact the national diversity of the world? Prove the importance of preserving national languages.
  • The Scottish language will soon disappear. Conduct research on the usage of Scottish nowadays. Is it very wide-spread? How many people know and use it in everyday life?

Try to predict the future of the Scottish language.

  • “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being.” – Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Develop this thought by providing strong arguments and examples. Persuade your readers about the importance of foreign language learning.
  • Irish language learning should become mandatory in the educational institutions of Ireland . Explain the significance of the Irish language for the population of Ireland. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide clear counterarguments to prove your position.

🙊 Persuasive Essay Topics on Controversial Issues

  • Is attention deficit disorder a real disorder?
  • To deal with girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system , girls need to receive more attention than boys.
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • LGBTQ+ communities should have equal rights all over the world.
  • Adoption, childlessness, or reproductive technology – which one is the most effective and ethical?
  • Abortion should be legalized for underaged girls.
  • Should smoking tobacco be classified as an illegal drug?
  • Are surrogacy and its effects on families harmful for children?
  • Should student diversity be present in a school classroom?
  • Tuition fees should become lower.
  • Should homelessness become a concern of city authorities or governmental representatives?
  • Should the death penalty be legalized in the United Kingdom?
  • Should sex education become mandatory in all high schools in Scotland?
  • The mental health of employees should be a concern of employers.
  • Health care should be free.
  • Should women develop a career and have a stable income before giving birth to kids?
  • Should the production and selling of energy drinks be banned? Explain the harm of energetics on the health of a human being. Decide whether energy drinks are worth consuming. Persuade the readers about the rightness of your position by presenting strong arguments.

Energy drinks can promote adverse effects on children and teenagers.

  • Suicides among male teen homosexuals: harassment, shame, or stigma? In your opinion, what is the main reason for suicides among them? Support your position with clear evidence and appropriate examples.
  • Does studying abroad result in better education? Analyze the positive and negative aspects of gaining higher education abroad. Express your own opinion regarding this issue and convince your readers about your rightness.
  • Should birth control be monitored on a governmental level? Why is birth control crucial in modern society? What are the religious, cultural, and political aspects of birth control? Explain the link between birth control and gender and sexuality issues. Support your opinion by providing well-structured arguments.

🏫 Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

  • The college students should be ready to face challenges and pressures.
  • There is a strong correlation between wearing a school uniform and academic performance .
  • Sex education plays an essential role in preventing teenage pregnancy.
  • Student diversity in school classroom influences the educational process in a positive way.
  • The curriculum approaches in England and Scotland differ to a great extent.
  • At university, acquiring skills is more significant than getting grades.
  • Cheating on college exams is demoralizing.
  • Could electronic cigarettes help university students give smoking up?
  • Athletes that represent educational institutions should receive scholarships covering their tuition fees.
  • In schools, we should teach colorblind children what colors are.
  • Art oriented activities like drama clubs, music lessons, and handicraft classes are essential for the all-round development of children.
  • A university should be a dry campus. Comment on the negative influence of alcohol on the learning process. Persuade your readers about the importance of controlling alcohol consumption while being a student.
  • Single-sex schooling in education is effective. Convince the readers about the effectiveness of single-sex education by providing strong evidence. If you don’t agree with the statement, express the opposing position. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

Resultsof the studies on single-sex education are inconclusive.

  • Online education cannot fully replace the regular one . Compare and contrast these two ways of gaining knowledge. Provide clear arguments to prove the significance of attending educational institutions. Explain why having in-class discussions is crucial for students’ development. Do you believe that regular education is replaceable by the remote one? Then provide counterarguments to support your position.
  • The internet has a negative influence on the educational process . How the internet stops the mental development of kids, teenagers, and grown-ups? Persuade readers to limit internet usage while studying.

🗳️ Persuasive Essay Topics on Politics

  • To prevent the adverse effects of corruption, we should eliminate its causes.
  • The political parties of the United Kingdom are way more reliable than in the United States .
  • Human rights should not intervene in public opinion-making.
  • Politics and religion interdependence impacts the general political situation of a country.
  • Political freedom is a significant key to the general well- being of modern society.
  • Terrorism should not be used as a political instrument.
  • Civil disobedience in contemporary society is a massive threat to civilians and governments.
  • International humanitarian law is a useful tool to reduce the hazardous effects of military conflicts.
  • The royal family is the indicator of the UK political system’s uniqueness.
  • We should protect the confidentiality in the health care system.
  • The voting system should be fair and transparent.
  • The COVID-19 outbreak of 2019-2020 has a direct influence on international political relations.
  • Scotland would not be a stronger country if it existed independently from the UK. What are the benefits for Scotland of being in a political union with the United Kingdom? Persuade your readers in a mutually beneficial economic and political cooperation.
  • Brexit happened against Scotland’s will. Elaborate on the wish of the Scottish population to remain the part of the European Union. Prove that the negotiation of the conflict between England, Wales, and Scotland was not diplomatic enough.
  • The retirement policy of the UK should be changed. What are the main weaknesses of the current British retirement system? Give your suggestions on how it can be improved. Convince your readers in the usefulness of the retirement policy modifications.

💭 Persuasive Essay Topics on Philosophy

  • Dystopia idea in movies and novels influences people’s perception of life in a negative way.
  • Philosophy ideology of success and failure plays a vital role in reaching high results.
  • Suicide conflicts with moral philosophy and human values.
  • Classic philosophical problems embodied in films can help people in dealing with them.
  • We cannot ignore the philosophy of critical issues in today’s society .
  • Spiritual and physical journeys play a vital role in human life.
  • The philosophy of religion helps people to dive deep into their beliefs and values.

Philosophy of religion is the examination of the themes and concepts involved in religious traditions.

  • Unethical treatment of animals contradicts the moral concepts of philosophy.
  • From the philosophical perspective, heroism should be considered as a dedication to principles.
  • Specific philosophical values help develop resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Should human rights be violated if it may help the life of a person?
  • Abortion should be band because it contradicts the ethical ideas of humanity.
  • In the battle well-paid job vs. vocation, vocation should win . Explain the philosophy of vocation. Persuade the readers to follow their hearts when it comes to a choice of profession.
  • Philosophy Issue: Truth vs. Happiness. While choosing between these two notions, what would you select? Persuade your audience about the rightness of your position by presenting well-structured and clear arguments.
  • Philosophy plays a significant role in education . Convince your readers about the importance of philosophy while gaining knowledge. In case you don’t agree with the position of philosophy in school, present the opposing opinion. Provide counterarguments to support your ideas.

🗿 Persuasive Essay Topics on History

  • The black death disease should be perceived as one of the most horrible pandemics that hit the medieval world.
  • Industrial Revolution in England opened a new era of technical advancement.
  • The conditions of the working class in England is one of the causes of the industrial revolution.
  • Great Britain Empire’ Alliances led to the break out of the European Great War.
  • Enlightenment and Romantic Age pushed the development of the British culture forward.
  • History of Celtic Christianity has a direct impact on the development of religion in the UK.
  • The provisional Irish republican army is one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations.
  • The British ideal of an orderly world shaped the world we live in today.
  • English Civil War has a direct impact on American colonists.
  • The Wars of the Three Kingdoms formed the history of modern England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The Wars of the Three Kingdoms lasted 12 years.

  • Elizabeth II -is the legend of contemporary world history . Provide a brief overview of the queen’s achievements. Convince the readers about the uniqueness of Elizabeth’s II as a historical figure.
  • The Great Fire of London is one of the darkest events in British history. Comment on the terrific outcomes of the tragedy. How did the fire impact the economic situation in the entire county?
  • Oxford University is the place where ordinary people turn into upstanding figures . Introduce three of the most influential alumnae of Oxford University. What was their input in the scientific development of the UK? Prove the crucial role of Oxford University in the British educational system.
  • William Wallace is a person who successfully fought for Scottish independence . Elaborate on his role in British history and prove the importance of his actions.
  • History, culture, and language of Wales directly influenced the development of the United Kingdom. Give a brief overview of Wales formation starting from the ancient times and mowing to the 21st century. Prove the connection between Wales and the UK historical and cultural progress.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope our article was insightful and full of useful ideas. Don’t forget to share it with the other students!

  • Higher English, Course Overview and Resources: SQA, Scottish Qualifications Authority
  • Higher English: Planit National Qualifications
  • The Complete Guide to English-Language Certificates: Preparation Courses Portal
  • How to Create a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay: Amy Mahoney, Pen and the Pad
  • 434 Good Persuasive Topics for Speech or Essay: My Speech Class
  • Senior Fiction Suggestions for Advanced Higher English Dissertations: Senior Reading by Subject, Shetland Library
  • Persuasive Essay Examples: AcademicHelp.net
  • Choose Bright Persuasive Essay Topics 6 Main Steps: Persuasive Papers
  • Strong Thesis Statements: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University
  • Basic Steps in the Research Process: North Hennepin Community College
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Esther Lombardi, ThoughtCo
  • Persuasive Essay: Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Persuasive Writing: Read Write Think
  • Distinguishing Argumentation from Persuasion: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
  • Find Your Argument: Australian National University, Canberra
  • Argument: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • What Is an Essay: Library University of Leeds
  • Counterargument: Gordon Harvey (adapted from The Academic Essay: A Brief Anatomy), for the Writing Center at Harvard University
  • Share via Facebook
  • Share via X
  • Share via LinkedIn
  • Share via email

By clicking "Post Comment" you agree to IvyPanda’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions . Your posts, along with your name, can be seen by all users.

This is so helpful, I’m going to use some of these topics with my students!

Thank you for your feedback! We greatly appreciate it!

PrepScholar

Choose Your Test

  • Search Blogs By Category
  • College Admissions
  • AP and IB Exams
  • GPA and Coursework

113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment

author image

General Education

feature_essaytopics

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

  • Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
  • Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
  • Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
  • Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
  • Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

feature_argumentativeessay-1

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

  • Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
  • Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
  • With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
  • Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
  • Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
  • What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
  • Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
  • Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
  • Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
  • Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
  • Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
  • Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
  • Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
  • Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
  • Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
  • Should students learn cursive writing in school?
  • Which is more important: PE class or music class?
  • Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
  • Should class rank be abolished in schools?
  • Should students be taught sex education in school?
  • Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
  • What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
  • Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
  • Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
  • Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
  • Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
  • Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
  • Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
  • What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
  • Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
  • Should there be limits to free speech?
  • Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
  • Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
  • Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
  • Should recycling be made mandatory?
  • Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
  • Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
  • Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
  • Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
  • Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
  • Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
  • Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
  • Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

  • Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
  • Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
  • Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
  • Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
  • Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
  • Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
  • Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
  • Is national security more important than individual privacy?
  • What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?
  • Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
  • Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
  • Who was the most/least effective US president?
  • Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

body-sparkler-us-flag

  • What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
  • Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
  • Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
  • Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
  • Is eating genetically modified food safe?
  • What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
  • What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
  • Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
  • Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
  • Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
  • Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
  • Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
  • Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
  • Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
  • What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
  • What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
  • Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
  • What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
  • Should nuclear power be banned?
  • Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
  • Do zoos help or harm animals?
  • Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
  • Should animals in circuses be banned?
  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
  • What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
  • What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
  • Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
  • Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
  • Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
  • Is solar energy worth the cost?
  • Should stem cells be used in medicine?
  • Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
  • Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
  • Should college athletes receive a salary?
  • Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
  • Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
  • Should horse racing be banned?
  • Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
  • Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
  • Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
  • Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
  • Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
  • Should facial recognition technology be banned?
  • Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
  • Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
  • Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
  • Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
  • Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
  • Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
  • Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
  • Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

feature_information_technology

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

  • Do your research
  • Make your thesis perfect
  • Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

PrepScholar

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Follow us on Facebook (icon)

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Tuition — Is College Worth It: The Benefits Of College Education

test_template

Is College Worth It: The Benefits of College Education

  • Categories: College College Tuition Why Is College Important

About this sample

close

Words: 1396 |

Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 1396 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Why Is College Worth It? (Essay)

Works cited.

  • Archibald, R., & Feldman, D. (2006). Graduation Rates and Accountability: Regressional Discontinuity Estimates of the Impact of Merit Aid on College Persistence. Journal of Human Resources, 41(4), 669-700.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Unemployment rates and earnings by educational attainment. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm
  • College Board. (2021). Trends in College Pricing 2021. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-2021-full-report.pdf
  • Deil-Amen, R., & Rosenbaum, J. E. (2003). The unintended consequences of merit aid: The impact on college access and choice. Journal of Higher Education, 74(4), 365-391.
  • Deming, D. J., Goldin, C., & Katz, L. F. (2012). The value of postsecondary credentials in the labor market: An educational perspective. American Economic Review, 102(4), 463-468.
  • Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. U.S. Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • Finnie, R., & Mueller, R. E. (2019). The financial returns from post-secondary education: A literature review. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 49(1), 22-44.
  • Hout, M. (2012). Social and economic returns to college education in the United States. Annual Review of Sociology, 38, 379-400.
  • Jackson, C. K., Johnson, R. C., & Persico, C. (2016). The effects of school spending on educational and economic outcomes: Evidence from school finance reforms. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 131(1), 157-218.
  • Perna, L. W. (2010). Understanding the working college student. ASHE Higher Education Report, 35(3), 1-131.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Education

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1333 words

1 pages / 533 words

4 pages / 2025 words

3 pages / 1218 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Is College Worth It: The Benefits of College Education Essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on College Tuition

Anyone who has ever attended college or thought about attending college has noticed that participating in any sort of higher education is costly. Many families are able to put their kids through school with the help of student [...]

Should college be free? Argumentative essay on this issue is worth writing. Yes, some students, parents, and educators say that it is completely wrong for a person to attend public schools for free and now have them pay for [...]

Recently, politicians all across the United States have debated over the topic of whether college should be free or not. Although it sounds like an incredible idea, it definitely has its flaws. There are a variety of issues [...]

There are several ways on how students can pay their college funds, those ways are discussed below: Students should apply as many scholarships and grants as possible. The money paid by the scholarships go [...]

It is thought in American society that a college degree is necessary to pursue a prestige high-paying career. More students are taking the path of higher education causing a growth in student and national debt. Rising debt in [...]

Education has positive advantages for whatever is left of society. Education is the establishment of sound society. Everybody has a privilege to educate in this cutting edge world. Education enables a man to manufacture great [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

persuasive essay on higher education

  • Link to facebook
  • Link to linkedin
  • Link to twitter
  • Link to youtube
  • Writing Tips

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

  • 5-minute read
  • 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. 

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Should the government censor the internet?
  • Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
  • Should self-driving cars be banned?
  • Is facial recognition software unethical?
  • Should mental health apps collect users’ personal data?
  • Should children under 13 have cell phones?
  • Should internet access be treated as a human right?
  • Should all paperwork be digitized?

Science and the Environment

  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
  • Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
  • Should we clone human beings?
  • Should animal testing be allowed?
  • Should the government fund space exploration?
  • Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
  • Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
  • Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
  • Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
  • Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
  • Should the government cut its military spending?
  • Should the government introduce a national living wage?
  • Should politicians be banned from social media?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
  • Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
  • Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
  • Should fast food commercials be banned?
  • Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
  • Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
  • Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
  • Should students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should the government provide free college education?
  • Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
  • Are high school students given too much homework?
  • Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
  • Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
  • Is the school day too long?
  • Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

Lifestyle and Culture

Find this useful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should the use of tobacco be banned?
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should all museums and art galleries be free?
  • Should kids be encouraged to read more?
  • Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
  • Is pet ownership a human right?
  • Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about. 

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level. 

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

  • An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
  • The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
  • A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

How to Ace Slack Messaging for Contractors and Freelancers

Effective professional communication is an important skill for contractors and freelancers navigating remote work environments....

Logo Harvard University

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay Topics

Cathy A.

Easy and Unique Persuasive Essay Topics with Tips

15 min read

Published on: Jan 4, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

persuasive essay topics

People also read

How to Write a Persuasive Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Basics of Crafting an Outstanding Persuasive Essay Outline

Ace Your Next Essay With These Persuasive Essay Examples!

Persuasive Essay About Gun Control - Best Examples for Students

Top Examples of Persuasive Essay about Covid-19

Learn How To Write An Impressive Persuasive Essay About Business

Learn How to Craft a Compelling Persuasive Essay About Abortion With Examples!

Make Your Point: Tips and Examples for Writing a Persuasive Essay About Online Education

Learn How To Craft a Powerful Persuasive Essay About Bullying

Craft an Engaging Persuasive Essay About Smoking: Examples & Tips

Learn How to Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media With Examples

Craft an Effective Argument: Examples of Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty

Share this article

You're staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with a topic for your persuasive essay. You know you need to pick something interesting, but you're unsure where to start. 

It's hard to get motivated when it feels like everything has already been said on the topic you're considering. You are wondering how can you make your essay stand out.

The good news is that CollegeEssay.org  is here to help. 

We have compiled a list of potential persuasive essay topics to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you are looking for something controversial, humorous, or informative – we have it all. 

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics below to get started.

On This Page On This Page -->

Unique Persuasive Essay Topics for Students

Writing a persuasive essay can be quite an interesting task for students. It allows them to showcase their research and analytic skills and present their thoughts orderly. 

Choosing the right topic is key to making the writing process more enjoyable. 

Here are some great ideas that you can use for your essay: 

Persuasive Essay Topics for Middle School 

  • Should students be required to wear uniforms in school? 
  • What are the benefits of a longer school day? 
  • How can technology help improve student engagement and learning? 
  • Is it important for all schools to have equal access to resources? 
  • Should physical education be mandatory in all schools? 
  • How can schools better prepare students for entering the job market?
  • Should a student’s grade be based solely on test performance?
  • Is it important to limit screen time, or should there not be restrictions? 
  • Should recess time be increased or decreased in school? 
  • Is it beneficial for students to take part in after-school activities?

Persuasive Essay Topics for Grade 6 

  • Should school lunch prices be lowered to make it more accessible for all students? 
  • Is there an argument for allowing cell phone usage in the classroom? 
  • Should schools offer a wider variety of electives? 
  • Is there a persuasive case for requiring physical education classes in elementary and middle schools? 
  • Should students be allowed to opt-out of standardized testing? 
  • Is the current homework load for elementary and middle school students too much? 
  • Should school provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of financial status?
  • Should sixth-grade classes have more field trips and outdoor activities? 
  • Should students have access to more technology in the classroom? 
  • Is there an argument for making recess mandatory for all grade levels? 

Persuasive Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • Should schools have a dress code? 
  • Should students be required to do community service projects to graduate? 
  • Is it necessary for all student-athletes to take mandatory drug tests? 
  • Are the current laws on gun control sufficient enough? 
  • Should same-sex marriage be legal? 
  • Should teenage drivers be allowed to have passengers in their cars? 
  • Is standardized testing an effective measure of student success?
  • Should homework be abolished in schools? 
  • Should young children be allowed to use mobile phones or tablets at school? 
  • Are video games too violent for young children?

Tough Essay Due? Hire a Writer!

Tough Essay Due? Hire a Writer!

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School 

  • Should physical education classes be mandatory in high school?
  • Is a strict dress code necessary for student success?
  • Are standardized tests an effective measure of student achievement?
  • Does social media have a positive or negative impact on teenagers?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their teachers? 
  • Should cell phones be prohibited in the classroom?
  • Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald's or Taco Bell?
  • Is competitive sports necessary for a well-rounded education? 
  • Are after-school activities essential to a student’s development?
  • Should students be allowed to choose their classes?

Persuasive Essay Topics for College 

  • Should universities require all students to take at least one course in diversity studies? 
  • Should universities implement free speech zones on campuses? 
  • Should college athletes be paid for their performance? 
  • Is it ethical for employers to ask about an applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process? 
  • Should college students be required to take a foreign language course? 
  • Should the US government provide free tuition for all qualifying students? 
  • Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research? 
  • Are standardized tests an adequate measure of academic aptitude and ability? 
  • Should paper textbooks be replaced with e-books? 
  • Should all students be required to learn coding and computer science in school? 

Persuasive Essay Topics for University 

  • Should universities offer free tuition to all students?
  • Are special scholarships beneficial for university students?
  • Should college athletes be paid for their services?
  • Is it important for universities to provide mental health resources to their students? 
  • How can universities help prevent cheating and plagiarism among students?
  • Should universities be required to provide online courses?
  • Are university degree requirements outdated and irrelevant?
  • Is it necessary for university students to take physical education classes? 
  • Does the presence of social media in academia positively or negatively impact learning? 
  • Should universities prioritize research over teaching?

Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics from Different Fields 

When choosing essay topics, there is no shortage of interesting persuasive essay topics from different fields available.

Here are some examples of interesting persuasive essay topics from different fields:

Arts & Culture 

  • Should museums be more inclusive of diverse cultures?
  • Should the government fund public art programs?
  • Are comic books an important form of literature?
  • Does graffiti have any value as an art form?
  • Is the traditional concept of beauty outdated in today’s society? 
  • Is it important for the public to have access to art galleries and museums?
  • Do modern movies have any real artistic value?
  • Are video games a form of art?
  • Should government funding be given to the performing arts?
  • Does the music industry put too much emphasis on image rather than talent?
  • Should governments guarantee a minimum wage?
  • Should the government subsidize green energy projects?
  • Is it necessary to introduce higher taxes on wealthy people?
  • Are free trade agreements beneficial or detrimental to developing countries?
  • Can economic growth be sustained without harming the environment?
  • Is immigration beneficial or detrimental to a country’s economic growth?
  • Should governments limit the size of banks and financial institutions?
  • Is it necessary for countries to regulate their currency markets?
  • Should governments invest in renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels?
  • Should high officials pay more taxes?
  • Should students be required to complete a certain number of community service hours to graduate?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory for all public schools?
  • Are textbooks becoming obsolete due to technological advances?
  • Should the education system focus more on practical subjects such as coding and programming?
  • Is the current grading system in public schools fair and effective?
  • Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional schooling?
  • Should standardized testing be abolished from the education system?
  • Should teachers receive bonuses for good performance in the classroom?
  • Are students more likely to succeed if they attend a private school or university?
  • Should all students have access to free college tuition?
  • Is using animals in medical research ethical?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose their child’s gender?
  • Should companies be held responsible for the pollution they create? 
  • Are businesses obligated to act ethically when conducting business abroad? 
  • Is it ethical to censor content on the internet?
  • Should the government enforce stricter regulations on genetically modified food?
  • Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in decision-making processes?
  • Should corporations be allowed to have their own private security forces? 
  • Are restrictions on freedom of speech necessary for public safety? 
  • Do companies have an ethical responsibility to pay fair wages?

Government and Politics 

  • Should the government regulate social media?
  • Should term limits be placed on members of Congress?
  • Are taxes too high in the United States?
  • Should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
  • Is the Electoral College still relevant today?
  • Does the death penalty serve as a deterrent to crime?
  • Should the US switch to a single-payer health care system?
  • Should there be limits on campaign spending?
  • Should the United States adopt a flat tax system?
  • Is it time to repeal the Second Amendment?
  • Is legalizing marijuana an ethical practice?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their child? 
  • Is it ethical to test medicines on animals? 
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of genetic engineering? 
  • Are there any health risks associated with using digital screens too often? 
  • Should physical education be mandatory in every school? 
  • Is the healthcare system in your country adequate for your needs? 
  • Are there any benefits to eating organic food? 
  • How does mental health affect physical health? 
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children? 
  • Was the Spanish Inquisition justified? 
  • Were the American Colonists justified in rebelling against Great Britain? 
  • Did Christopher Columbus’ discoveries benefit or harm indigenous populations? 
  • What effect did Genghis Khan have on world history? 
  • Did World War I significantly change the course of history? 
  • Was the Treaty of Versailles fair to Germany? 
  • Did Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule bring about positive or negative changes for France and Europe? 
  • Should the United States annexed the Philippines in 1898? 
  • How did the Great Depression shape world history? 
  • Is there any validity to the theory of a “clash of civilizations”? 
  • Should artificial intelligence be regulated?
  • Should autonomous vehicles be allowed on public roads?
  • Is the internet making us less social?
  • Should research into cloning be banned?
  • Are there moral issues related to genetic engineering?
  • Should governments fund space exploration programs?
  • Are smart home devices making us more vulnerable to cyberattacks?
  • Should the government regulate social media use?
  • Are robots taking away jobs from humans?
  • Should nuclear energy be used as an alternative to fossil fuels?
  • Should professional athletes be drug tested?
  • Is there a gender gap in sports?
  • Should college athletes be paid for their performances?
  • Does skill or luck decide the outcome of sports competitions?
  • Are sporting events becoming too commercialized? 
  • Is it necessary to increase public funding for sporting events?
  • Is the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports cheating or fair?
  • Should college students be able to choose their own sports teams?
  • Do professional sports hurt young people?
  • Should parents allow children to play violent video games?
  • Should schools replace textbooks with tablets?
  • Are algorithms replacing human decision-making in the workplace?
  • Is it time to regulate the use of facial recognition technology?
  • Can artificial intelligence and robots be used to improve healthcare outcomes?
  • Should autonomous vehicles be allowed on public roads? 
  • Should Internet access be a basic human right?
  • Should social media platforms do more to protect user privacy?
  • Is blockchain technology the future of banking and finance? 
  • Are virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa invading privacy? 
  • Can we trust that autonomous weapons system will make ethical decisions in war?

Social Media

Here are a few social media persuasive essay topics. Take a look at them.

  • Is social media a positive or negative influence on society?
  • Should employers be able to access an employee's social media accounts?
  • Should people be allowed to post anonymously online?
  • How can parents protect their children from the risks of using social media?
  • Does the spread of fake news on social media hurt society?
  • Should governments regulate online speech on social media?
  • Should employers be allowed to conduct background checks using social media?
  • Is the personal data of individuals safe from exploitation by corporate interests on social media platforms?
  • Are people spending too much time on their digital devices?
  • Is the use of social media by young people making them more isolated?

Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics 

  • Should the death penalty be reinstated in all states?
  • Should gun control laws be stricter? 
  • Is global warming a real threat? 
  • Are vaccinations safe for children? 
  • Should prostitution be legalized? 
  • Should marijuana be made legal? 
  • Does school uniform violate personal freedom? 
  • Should genetically modified foods be allowed in the market? 
  • Should sex education in school be mandatory? 
  • Should animal testing be banned?

Fun Persuasive Essay Topics 

  • Should cats be allowed to go to school?
  • Should people have a minimum number of friends before they can graduate?
  • Is it okay to laugh at your own jokes?
  • Should parents be required to take parenting classes?
  • Are video games the best way to spend free time?
  • Should kids be allowed to wear pajamas in public places?
  • Should students have to pass a test before they can drive a car?
  • Are cell phones essential for teenagers or should they be limited?
  • Should everyone learn how to cook their meals?
  • Would it be better if all schools had the same uniform?

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Topics 

  • Should the electoral college be abolished? 
  • Is it ethical to eat meat? 
  • Should the internet have censorship? 
  • Are genetically modified foods safe for human consumption? 
  • Is social media good or bad for society? 
  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised? 
  • Should school attendance be mandatory for students? 
  • Are video games too violent and negatively influencing children?  
  • Should religious education be banned from public schools?

How to Choose a Good Persuasive Essay Topic? 

Choosing a writing topic for your persuasive essay writing is essential. 

The right topic will let you draft an exceptional and well-written essay. Selecting a persuasive essay topic might sound easy, but it can be challenging. 

You cannot randomly start writing a persuasive essay about any topic and expect your essay to be brilliant. 

To select the best topic for your essay, take these essential steps:

1. Know your Interests -   You can only draft an effective essay if you are writing about something that interests you. When you write something you are passionate about, the enthusiasm helps to persuade the readers.

2. Narrow Down Ideas - Make a rough list of the topic of your interest. Then, analyze all the issues and identify topics you think you can present well.

3. Pick your Stance - Now that you know the information is sufficient on a topic, decide your stance. Pick a side to support with evidence and logic. 

4. Controversy is the Best Policy - People love to read about controversial stuff. It is more likely that the readers will go through the entire essay to ease their curiosity. 

After passing your ideas through these filters, you will have a strong and arguable topic to draft an essay on.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Persuasive Essay 

Whether you are in school, college, or university, crafting an effective persuasive essay can be difficult.

Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, you can create a compelling, persuasive essay that will make your readers take notice. 

Here are six tips to help you write a compelling, persuasive essay:

1. Choose Your Topic Carefully

You need to select a relevant and interesting topic for your audience. Make sure you feel passionate about it and can present it logically and convincingly.

2. Do Extensive Research

Before beginning your essay, research your topic as much as possible. So you can present both sides of the argument in an informed, balanced way.

3. Identify Your Audience

 Before writing your persuasive essay, consider who will be reading it and their interests. 

This will help you write in a language that resonates with them and ensure that your arguments suit their understanding.

4. Use Logical Arguments

It is important to provide logical and compelling arguments to be persuasive. Make sure you use facts, statistics, and other evidence to make your points more convincing.

5. Structure Your Essay Well

An effective persuasive essay should be well-organized. Divide it into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

Pay attention to the structure of your essay, as it can help you make your points more effectively.

Learn how to make a perfect persuasive essay outline with the help of our blog. 

6. Make It Engaging

An engaging, persuasive essay will capture your audience’s attention from beginning to end. 

Use various techniques to make your essay interesting and engaging, such as using examples, analogies, and persuasive language.

We hope you are inspired by our comprehensive list of topics. Pick up a topic that entices you and start working on it. By following these amazing tips and tricks, you can surely compose an essay that will wow your professor.

Still not sure how to draft a perfect essay? Well, leave it to us. Our essay writing service helps you craft your argument in the most effective way possible to get the desired results.

 Don't let yourself get overwhelmed with the process! Trust our professional persuasive essay writer. 

Let CollegeEssay.org's best essay writing service guide you on your journey and take your writing to the next level. 

Take the stress out of writing persuasive essays and get the results you need with our expert essay writer AI .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i choose a good persuasive essay topic.

When selecting a persuasive essay topic, consider an issue that is interesting to you and has two or more opposing viewpoints. Research various resources about the topic to gain a better perspective

What strategies can I use for writing a persuasive essay?

When writing a persuasive essay, establish facts from reliable sources to support your argument. Be concise but thorough, and use persuasive language to strengthen your argument.

How can I make my persuasive essay stand out?

To make your persuasive essay stand out, use vivid language and strong, specific evidence to support each point. Make sure all sources are current and relevant to the argument being made. With these elements, your persuasive essay will stand out from the rest!

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

persuasive essay topics

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

persuasive essay on higher education

Logo for Idaho Pressbooks Consortium

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

65 Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays

The previous chapters in this section offer an overview of what it means to formulate an argument in an academic situation. The purpose of this chapter is to offer more concrete, actionable tips for drafting an academic persuasive essay. Keep in mind that preparing to draft a persuasive essay relies on the strategies for any other thesis-driven essay, covered by the section in this textbook, The Writing Process. The following chapters can be read in concert with this one:

  • Critical Reading and other research strategies helps writers identify the exigence (issue) that demands a response, as well as what kinds of research to use.
  • Generate Ideas covers prewriting models (such as brainstorming techniques) that allow students to make interesting connections and develop comprehensive thesis statements. These connections and main points will allow a writer to outline their core argument.
  • Organizing is important for understanding why an argument essay needs a detailed plan, before the drafting stage. For an argument essay, start with a basic outline that identifies the claim, reasoning, and evidence, but be prepared to develop more detailed outlines that include counterarguments and rebuttals, warrants, additional backing, etc., as needed.
  • Drafting introduces students to basic compositional strategies that they must be familiar with before beginning an argument essay. This current chapter offers more details about what kinds of paragraphs to practice in an argument essay, but it assumes the writer is familiar with basic strategies such as coherence and cohesion.

Classical structure of an argument essay

Academic persuasive essays tend to follow what’s known as the “classical” structure, based on techniques that derive from ancient Roman and Medieval rhetoricians. John D. Ramage, et. al outline this structure in Writing Arguments :

Introduction (one to several paragraphs)
Presentation of writer’s position
Summary of opposing views (Counterarguments)

Response to opposing views  (Rebuttals)

Conclusion

This very detailed table can be simplified. Most academic persuasive essays include the following basic elements:

  • Introduction that explains why the situation is important and presents your argument (aka the claim or thesis).
  • Reasons the thesis is correct or at least reasonable.
  • Evidence that supports each reason, often occurring right after the reason the evidence supports.
  • Acknowledgement of objections.
  • Response to objections.

Keep in mind that the structure above is just a conventional starting point. The previous chapters of this section suggest how different kinds of arguments (Classical/Aristotelian, Toulmin, Rogerian) involve slightly different approaches, and your course, instructor, and specific assignment prompt may include its own specific instructions on how to complete the assignment. There are many different variations. At the same time, however, most academic argumentative/persuasive essays expect you to practice the techniques mentioned below. These tips overlap with the elements of argumentation, covered in that chapter, but they offer more explicit examples for how they might look in paragraph form, beginning with the introduction to your essay.

Persuasive introductions should move from context to thesis

Since one of the main goals of a persuasive essay introduction is to forecast the broader argument, it’s important to keep in mind that the legibility of the argument depends on the ability of the writer to provide sufficient information to the reader. If a basic high school essay moves from general topic to specific argument (the funnel technique), a more sophisticated academic persuasive essay is more likely to move from context  to thesis.

The great stylist of clear writing, Joseph W. Williams, suggests that one of the key rhetorical moves a writer can make in a persuasive introduction is to not only provide enough background information (the context), but to frame that information in terms of a problem or issue, what the section on Reading and Writing Rhetorically terms the exigence . The ability to present a clearly defined problem and then the thesis as a solution creates a motivating introduction. The reader is more likely to be gripped by it, because we naturally want to see problems solved.

Consider these two persuasive introductions, both of which end with an argumentative thesis statement:

Example B feels richer, more dramatic, and much more targeted not only because it’s longer, but because it’s structured in a “motivating” way. Here’s an outline of that structure:

  • Hook: It opens with a brief hook that illustrates an emerging issue. This concrete, personal anecdote grips the reader’s attention.
  • Problem: The anecdote is connected with the emerging issue, phrased as a problem that needs to be addressed.
  • Debate: The writer briefly alludes to a debate over how to respond to the problem.
  • Claim: The introduction ends by hinting at how the writer intends to address the problem, and it’s phrased conversationally, as part of an ongoing dialogue.

Not every persuasive introduction needs all of these elements. Not all introductions will have an obvious problem. Sometimes a “problem,” or the exigence, will be as subtle as an ambiguity in a text that needs to be cleared up (as in literary analysis essays). Other times it will indeed be an obvious problem, such as in a problem-solution argument essay.

In most cases, however, a clear introduction will proceed from context to thesis . The most attention-grabbing and motivating introductions will also include things like hooks and problem-oriented issues.

Here’s a very simple and streamlined template that can serve as rudimentary scaffolding for a persuasive introduction, inspired by the excellent book, They Say / I Say:  The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing :

Each aspect of the template will need to be developed, but it can serve as training wheels for how to craft a nicely structured context-to-thesis introduction, including things like an issue, debate, and claim. You can try filling in the blanks below, and then export your attempt as a document.

Define key terms, as needed

Much of an academic persuasive essay is dedicated to supporting the claim. A traditional thesis-driven essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion, and the support constitutes much of the body. In a persuasive essay, most of the support is dedicated to reasoning and evidence (more on that below). However, depending on what your claim does, a careful writer may dedicate the beginning (or other parts of the essay body) to defining key terms.

Suppose I wish to construct an argument that enters the debate over euthanasia. When researching the issue, I notice that much of the debate circles around the notion of rights, specifically what a “legal right” actually means. Clearly defining that term will help reduce some of the confusion and clarify my own argument. In Vancouver Island University’s resource “ Defining key terms ,” Ian Johnston  offers this example for how to define “legal right” for an academic reader:

Before discussing the notion of a right to die, we need to clarify precisely what the term legal right means. In common language, the term “right” tends often to mean something good, something people ought to have (e.g., a right to a good home, a right to a meaningful job, and so on). In law, however, the term has a much more specific meaning. It refers to something to which people are legally entitled. Thus, a “legal” right also confers a legal obligation on someone or some institution to make sure the right is conferred. For instance, in Canada, children of a certain age have a right to a free public education. This right confers on society the obligation to provide that education, and society cannot refuse without breaking the law. Hence, when we use the term right to die in a legal sense, we are describing something to which a citizen is legally entitled, and we are insisting that someone in society has an obligation to provide the services which will confer that right on anyone who wants it.

As the example above shows, academics often dedicate space to providing nuanced and technical definitions that correct common misconceptions. Johnston’s definition relies on research, but it’s not always necessary to use research to define your terms. Here are some tips for crafting definitions in persuasive essays, from “Defining key terms”:

  • Fit the descriptive detail in the definition to the knowledge of the intended audience. The definition of, say, AIDS for a general readership will be different from the definition for a group of doctors (the latter will be much more technical). It often helps to distinguish between common sense or popular definitions and more technical ones.
  • Make sure definitions are full and complete; do not rush them unduly. And do not assume that just because the term is quite common that everyone knows just what it means (e.g.,  alcoholism ). If you are using the term in a very specific sense, then let the reader know what that is. The amount of detail you include in a definition should cover what is essential for the reader to know, in order to follow the argument. By the same token, do not overload the definition, providing too much detail or using far too technical a language for those who will be reading the essay.
  • It’s unhelpful to simply quote the google or dictionary.com definition of a word. Dictionaries contain a few or several definitions for important terms, and the correct definition is informed by the context in which it’s being employed. It’s up to the writer to explain that context and how the word is usually understood within it.
  • You do not always need to research a definition. Depending on the writing situation and audience, you may be able to develop your own understanding of certain terms.

Use P-E-A-S or M-E-A-L to support your claim

The heart of a persuasive essay is a claim supported by reasoning and evidence. Thus, much of the essay body is often devoted to the supporting reasons, which in turn are proved by evidence. One of the formulas commonly taught in K-12 and even college writing programs is known as PEAS, which overlaps strongly with the MEAL formula introduced by the chapter, “ Basic Integration “:

Point : State the reasoning as a single point: “One reason why a soda tax would be effective is that…” or “One way an individual can control their happiness is by…”

Evidence : After stating the supporting reason, prove that reason with related evidence. There can be more than one piece of evidence. “According to …” or “In the article, ‘…,’ the author shows that …”

Analysis : There a different levels of analysis.  At the most basic level, a writer should clearly explain how the evidence proves the point, in their own words: “In other words…,” “What this data shows is that…” Sometimes the “A” part of PEAS becomes simple paraphrasing. Higher-level analysis will use more sophisticated techniques such as Toulmin’s warrants to explore deeper terrain. For more tips on how to discuss and analyze, refer to the previous chapter’s section, “ Analyze and discuss the evidence .”

Summary/So what? : Tie together all of the components (PEA) succinctly, before transitioning to the next idea. If necessary, remind the reader how the evidence and reasoning relates to the broader claim (the thesis argument).

PEAS and MEAL are very similar; in fact they are identical except for how they refer to the first and last part. In theory, it shouldn’t matter which acronym you choose. Both versions are effective because they translate the basic structure of a supporting reason (reasoning and evidence) into paragraph form.

Here’s an example of a PEAS paragraph in an academic persuasive essay that argues for a soda tax:

A soda tax would also provide more revenue for the federal government, thereby reducing its debt. point Despite Ernest Istook’s concerns about eroding American freedom, the United States has long supported the ability of government to leverage taxes in order to both curb unhealthy lifestyles and add revenue. According to Peter Ubel’s “Would the Founding Fathers Approve of a Sugar Tax?”, in 1791 the US government was heavily in debt and needed stable revenue. In response, the federal government taxed what most people viewed as a “sin” at that time: alcohol. This single tax increased government revenue by at least 20% on average, and in some years more than 40% . The effect was that only the people who really wanted alcohol purchased it, and those who could no longer afford it were getting rid of what they already viewed as a bad habit (Ubel). evidence Just as alcohol (and later, cigarettes) was viewed as a superfluous “sin” in the Early Republic, so today do many health experts and an increasing amount of Americans view sugar as extremely unhealthy, even addictive. If our society accepts taxes on other consumer sins as a way to improve government revenue, a tax on sugar is entirely consistent. analysis We could apply this to the soda tax and try to do something like this to help knock out two problems at once: help people lose their addiction towards soda and help reduce our government’s debt. summary/so what?

The paragraph above was written by a student who was taught the PEAS formula. However, we can see versions of this formula in professional writing. Here’s a more sophisticated example of PEAS, this time from a non-academic article. In Nicholas Carr’s extremely popular article, “ Is Google Making Us Stupid? “, he argues that Google is altering how we think. To prove that broader claim, Carr offers a variety of reasons and evidence. Here’s part of his reasoning:

Thanks to the ubiquity of text on the Internet, not to mention the popularity of text-messaging on cell phones, we may well be reading more today than we did in the 1970s or 1980s, when television was our medium of choice. But it’s a different kind of reading, and behind it lies a different kind of thinking—perhaps even a new sense of the self. point “We are not only  what  we read,” says Maryanne Wolf, a developmental psychologist at Tufts University and the author of  Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain . “We are  how we read.” Wolf worries that the style of reading promoted by the Net, a style that puts “efficiency” and “immediacy” above all else, may be weakening our capacity for the kind of deep reading that emerged when an earlier technology, the printing press, made long and complex works of prose commonplace. When we read online, she says, we tend to become “mere decoders of information.” evidence Our ability to interpret text, to make the rich mental connections that form when we read deeply and without distraction, remains largely disengaged. analysis

This excerpt only contains the first three elements, PEA, and the analysis part is very brief (it’s more like paraphrase), but it shows how professional writers often employ some version of the formula. It tends to appear in persuasive texts written by experienced writers because it reinforces writing techniques mentioned elsewhere in this textbook. A block of text structured according to PEA will practice coherence, because opening with a point (P) forecasts the main idea of that section. Embedding the evidence (E) within a topic sentence and follow-up commentary or analysis (A) is part of the “quote sandwich” strategy we cover in the section on “Writing With Sources.”

Use “they say / i say” strategies for Counterarguments and rebuttals

Another element that’s unique to persuasive essays is embedding a counterargument. Sometimes called naysayers or opposing positions, counterarguments are points of view that challenge our own.

Why embed a naysayer?

Recall above how a helpful strategy for beginning a persuasive essay (the introduction) is to briefly mention a debate—what some writing textbooks call “joining the conversation.” Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein’s They Say / I Say explains why engaging other points of view is so crucial:

Not long ago we attended a talk at an academic conference where the speaker’s central claim seemed to be that a certain sociologist—call him Dr. X—had done very good work in a number of areas of the discipline. The speaker proceeded to illustrate his thesis by referring extensively and in great detail to various books and articles by Dr. X and by quoting long pas-sages from them. The speaker was obviously both learned and impassioned, but as we listened to his talk we found ourselves somewhat puzzled: the argument—that Dr. X’s work was very important—was clear enough, but why did the speaker need to make it in the first place? Did anyone dispute it? Were there commentators in the field who had argued against X’s work or challenged its value? Was the speaker’s interpretation of what X had done somehow novel or revolutionary? Since the speaker gave no hint of an answer to any of these questions, we could only wonder why he was going on and on about X. It was only after the speaker finished and took questions from the audience that we got a clue: in response to one questioner, he referred to several critics who had vigorously questioned Dr. X’s ideas and convinced many sociologists that Dr. X’s work was unsound.

When writing for an academic audience, one of the most important moves a writer can make is to demonstrate how their ideas compare to others. It serves as part of the context. Your essay might be offering a highly original solution to a certain problem you’ve researched the entire semester, but the reader will only understand that if existing arguments are presented in your draft. Or, on the other hand, you might be synthesizing or connecting a variety of opinions in order to arrive at a more comprehensive solution. That’s also fine, but the creativity of your synthesis and its unique contribution to existing research will only be known if those other voices are included.

Aristotelian argumentation embeds counterarguments in order to refute them. Rogerian arguments present oppositional stances in order to synthesize and integrate them. No matter what your strategy is, the essay should be conversational.

Notice how Ana Mari Cauce opens her essay on free speech in higher education, “ Messy but Essential “:

Over the past year or two, issues surrounding the exercise of free speech and expression have come to the forefront at colleges around the country. The common narrative about free speech issues that we so often read goes something like this: today’s college students — overprotected and coddled by parents, poorly educated in high school and exposed to primarily left-leaning faculty — have become soft “snowflakes” who are easily offended by mere words and the slightest of insults, unable or unwilling to tolerate opinions that veer away from some politically correct orthodoxy and unable to engage in hard-hitting debate. counterargument

This is false in so many ways, and even insulting when you consider the reality of students’ experiences today. claim

The introduction to her article is essentially a counteragument (which serves as her introductory context) followed by a response. Embedding naysayers like this can appear anywhere in an essay, not just the introduction. Notice, furthermore, how Cauce’s naysayer isn’t gleaned from any research she did. It’s just a general, trendy naysayer, something one might hear nowadays, in the ether. It shows she’s attuned to an ongoing conversation, but it doesn’t require her to cite anything specific. As the previous chapter on using rhetorical appeals in arguments explained, this kind of attunement with an emerging problem (or exigence) is known as the appeal to kairos . A compelling, engaging introduction will demonstrate that the argument “kairotically” addresses a pressing concern.

Below is a brief overview of what counterarguments are and how you might respond to them in your arguments. This section was developed by Robin Jeffrey, in “ Counterargument and Response “:

Common Types of counterarguments

  • Could someone disagree with your claim?  If so, why? Explain this opposing perspective in your own argument, and then respond to it.
  • Could someone draw a different conclusion from any of the facts or examples you present?  If so, what is that different conclusion? Explain this different conclusion and then respond to it.
  • Could a reader question any of your assumptions or claims?  If so, which ones would they question? Explain and then respond.
  • Could a reader offer a different explanation of an issue?  If so, what might their explanation be? Describe this different explanation, and then respond to it.
  • Is there any evidence out there that could weaken your position?  If so, what is it? Cite and discuss this evidence and then respond to it.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, that does not necessarily mean that you have a weak argument. It means, ideally and as long as your argument is logical and valid, that you have a counterargument. Good arguments can and do have counterarguments; it is important to discuss them. But you must also discuss and then respond to those counterarguments.

Responding to counterarguments

You do not need to attempt to do all of these things as a way to respond; instead, choose the response strategy that makes the most sense to you, for the counterargument that you have.

  • If you agree with some of the counterargument perspectives, you can concede some of their points. (“I do agree that ….”, “Some of the points made by ____ are valid…..”) You could then challenge the importance/usefulness of those points. “However, this information does not apply to our topic because…”
  • If the counterargument perspective is one that contains different evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the evidence that the counterarguer presents.
  • If the counterargument perspective is one that contains a different  interpretation of evidence than you have in your own argument, you can explain why a reader should not accept the interpretation of the evidence that that your opponent (counterarguer) presents.
  • If the counterargument is an acknowledgement of evidence that threatens to weaken your argument, you must explain why and how that evidence does not, in fact invalidate your claim.

It is important to use  transitional phrases  in your paper to alert readers when you’re about to present an counterargument. It’s usually best to put this phrase at the beginning of a paragraph such as:

  • Researchers have challenged these claims with…
  • Critics argue that this view…
  • Some readers may point to…
  • A perspective that challenges the idea that . . .

Transitional phrases will again be useful to highlight your shift from counterargument to response:

  • Indeed, some of those points are valid. However, . . .
  • While I agree that . . . , it is more important to consider . . .
  • These are all compelling points. Still, other information suggests that . .
  • While I understand  . . . , I cannot accept the evidence because . . .

Further reading

To read more about the importance of counterarguments in academic writing, read Steven D. Krause’s “ On the Other Hand: The Role of Antithetical Writing in First Year Composition Courses .”

When concluding, address the “so what?” challenge

As Joseph W. Williams mentions in his chapter on concluding persuasive essays in Style ,

a good introduction motivates your readers to keep reading, introduces your key themes, and states your main point … [but] a good conclusion serves a different end: as the last thing your reader reads, it should bring together your point, its significance, and its implications for thinking further about the ideas your explored.

At the very least, a good persuasive conclusion will

  • Summarize the main points
  • Address the So what? or Now what? challenge.

When summarizing the main points of longer essays, Williams suggests it’s fine to use “metadiscourse,” such as, “I have argued that.” If the essay is short enough, however, such metadiscourses may not be necessary, since the reader will already have those ideas fresh in their mind.

After summarizing your essay’s main points, imagine a friendly reader thinking,

“OK, I’m persuaded and entertained by everything you’ve laid out in your essay. But remind me what’s so important about these ideas? What are the implications? What kind of impact do you expect your ideas to have? Do you expect something to change?”

It’s sometimes appropriate to offer brief action points, based on the implications of your essay. When addressing the “So what?” challenge, however, it’s important to first consider whether your essay is primarily targeted towards changing the way people  think  or  act . Do you expect the audience to do something, based on what you’ve argued in your essay? Or, do you expect the audience to think differently? Traditional academic essays tend to propose changes in how the reader thinks more than acts, but your essay may do both.

Finally, Williams suggests that it’s sometimes appropriate to end a persuasive essay with an anecdote, illustrative fact, or key quote that emphasizes the significance of the argument. We can see a good example of this in Carr’s article, “ Is Google Making Us Stupid? ” Here are the introduction and conclusion, side-by-side:

[Introduction]  “Dave, stop. Stop, will you? Stop, Dave. Will you stop, Dave?” So the supercomputer HAL pleads with the implacable astronaut Dave Bowman in a famous and weirdly poignant scene toward the end of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey . Bowman, having nearly been sent to a deep-space death by the malfunctioning machine, is calmly, coldly disconnecting the memory circuits that control its artificial “ brain. “Dave, my mind is going,” HAL says, forlornly. “I can feel it. I can feel it.”

I can feel it, too. Over the past few years I’ve had an uncomfortable sense that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neural circuitry, reprogramming the memory. …

[Conclusion] I’m haunted by that scene in 2001 . What makes it so poignant, and so weird, is the computer’s emotional response to the disassembly of its mind: its despair as one circuit after another goes dark, its childlike pleading with the astronaut—“I can feel it. I can feel it. I’m afraid”—and its final reversion to what can only be called a state of innocence. HAL’s outpouring of feeling contrasts with the emotionlessness that characterizes the human figures in the film, who go about their business with an almost robotic efficiency. Their thoughts and actions feel scripted, as if they’re following the steps of an algorithm. In the world of 2001 , people have become so machinelike that the most human character turns out to be a machine. That’s the essence of Kubrick’s dark prophecy: as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence.

Instead of merely rehashing all of the article’s main points, Carr returns to the same movie scene from 2001  that he opened with. The final lines interpret the scene according to the argument he just dedicated the entire essay to presenting.

The entire essay should use rhetorical appeals strategically

The chapter “ Persuasive Appeals ” introduces students to logos, pathos, ethos, and kairos. Becoming familiar with each of those persuasive appeals can add much to an essay. It also reinforces the idea that writing argumentative essays is not a straightforward process of jotting down proofs. It’s not a computer algorithm.

  • Logos (appeals to evidence and reasoning) is the foundational appeal of an argument essay. Clearly identifying the claim, then supporting that claim with reasoning and evidence will appeal to the reader’s logos demands. As the previous chapter on argumentation mentions, however, what constitutes solid evidence will vary depending on the audience. Make sure your evidence is indeed convincing to your intended reader.
  • Pathos (appeals to emotion) are a crucial component and should permeate should every section of the essay. Personal anecdotes are an effective way to illustrate important ideas, and they connect with the reader at an emotional level. Personal examples also cultivate  voice .
  • Ethos (appeals to character, image, and values) is essential to gaining the reader’s trust and assent. The tone of your essay (snarky, sincere, ironic, sarcastic, empathetic) is immensely important for its overall effect, and it helps build the reader’s image of you. A careful attention to high-quality research reinforces a sincere and empathetic tone. When supporting certain claims and sub-claims, it’s also important to identify implied beliefs (warrants) that your reader is most likely to agree with, and to undermine beliefs that might seem repugnant.
  • Kairos (appeals to timeliness) impresses the reader with your attunement to the situation. This should be practiced especially in the introduction, but it can appear throughout the essay as you engage with research and other voices that have recently weighed in on the topic.

All of these appeals are already happening, whether or not they’re recognized. If they are missed, the audience will often use them against you, judging your essay as not being personable enough (pathos), or not in touch with commonly accepted values (ethos), or out of touch with what’s going on (kairos). These non-logical appeals aren’t irrational. They are crucial components to writing that matters.

Argument Outline Exercise

To get started on your argument essay, practice adopting from of the outlines from this Persuasive Essay Outline worksheet .

Write What Matters Copyright © 2020 by Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

  • Essay Samples
  • College Essay
  • Writing Tools
  • Writing guide

Logo

Creative samples from the experts

↑ Return to Essay Samples

Persuasive Essay: Why is Education Important in Our Society?

Introduction.

Education is more than just learning from books, and it is a shame that a lot of schools do not see that it is more than just a curriculum and school score. A good education can teach a child how to learn so that the child may take up independent learning as an adult. Education may also teach a child how to reason so that a child does not grow up to be ignorant.

I will show you the two best reasons why education is important in our society.

Persuasive point 1

The biggest selling point for education in our society is the fact that it helps people learn “how” to learn. It is not about the knowledge they accumulate, it is the way a child is taught how to “learn” things. A child may come away from school not knowing a lot of the course, but if that child has been taught how to learn, then that child may become an adult that learns everything he or she needs in life. Otherwise, that child may grow up to be a person that cannot see the obvious because he or she cannot reason and consciously learn new things.

Persuasive point 2

Education teaches people how to reason, and if they are taught how to reason well, then they help subdue their own thoughts of ignorance. For example, there are lots of posts and websites on the Internet about childhood vaccinations and how dangerous they are. Ignorant people than never learned how to reason will look at them, believe them and support them. If a person is taught how to reason then he or she will know how to recognize empirical evidence.

That person would look at all the people in the US that have had childhood injections (most of them) and then look at all the people with autism. They would reason that if childhood vaccinations caused autism then most of the people in the US would have autism. If a person is taught how to reason then that person may see how people that smoke seem more likely to develop emphysema than people that do not smoke. They would then reason there is a link between smoking and emphysema. This sort of reasoning can be taught in schools, and if children are not taught it then they walk around risking their children’s lives by not vaccinating them, and walk around smoking because their daddy smoked for years and it never hurt him.

If education is not seen as important, then one day it will just be all about school scores and hitting the factors of a curriculum. There will be a day when children start to hate learning because school put them off it for life (this already happens in some cases). Plus, without education teaching people how to reason things out and teaching them how to separate what is fact from what is faulty evidence, then our society will become more and more ignorant until a smarter country simply marches over and takes our country from under out ignorant noses.

Get 20% off

Follow Us on Social Media

Twitter

Get more free essays

More Assays

Send via email

Most useful resources for students:.

  • Free Essays Download
  • Writing Tools List
  • Proofreading Services
  • Universities Rating

Contributors Bio

Contributor photo

Find more useful services for students

Free plagiarism check, professional editing, online tutoring, free grammar check.

Persuasive Essay Topics - Top Choices

persuasive essay on higher education

Did you know that persuasive essays are exercises in rhetoric and powerful tools for shaping opinions and influencing behaviors? With approximately 70% of students in the United States tasked with writing such essays at some point during their academic careers, brainstorming a compelling theme becomes of vital importance. 

As a writer, you have to pick the right subject that makes the difference between sparking lively debate and eliciting yawns from your audience. In this article, we’ll share a collection of persuasive essay topics that easily captivate readers and inspire thoughtful discourse and potential change.

The List of Persuasive Essay Topics

Browsing persuasive essay ideas can really benefit students in several ways. First, it helps them think critically by examining issues from different angles. Second, it broadens their knowledge about important things happening in the world. 

Plus, when they pick topics they're passionate about, writing becomes more enjoyable and their arguments stronger. Let's not forget that sample topics from our paper writing service also sharpen their communication skills, helping them express their ideas clearly and persuasively. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Finding a strong persuasive essay topic takes time and precision. Also, you need an action plan on how to research a topic as well. 

  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Is mandatory community service beneficial for high school students?
  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
  • Is social media beneficial or harmful to society?
  • Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?
  • Should standardized testing be abolished in schools?
  • Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
  • Is online learning more effective than traditional classroom learning?
  • Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
  • Is climate change primarily caused by human activity?
  • Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled in food products?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for scientific experimentation?
  • Should the use of cell phones be banned while driving?
  • Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?

Get Pro Help and Boost Your Grades!

Hopefully this guide will help you discover good topics for a persuasive speech or essay and write a top-notch paper. Looking for a place to buy persuasive essay ?

Persuasive Essay Topics for College

Advanced students on the lookout for persuasive essay topics for college will find the following ideas most interesting. 

  • Should college tuition fees be free for all students?
  • Is the grading system an effective measure of students' abilities?
  • Should colleges implement stricter policies against plagiarism?
  • Is it beneficial for colleges to adopt a pass/fail grading system?
  • Should colleges prioritize mental health services for students?
  • Is it fair for colleges to consider race or ethnicity in admissions decisions?
  • Should college athletes be allowed to profit from their likeness?
  • Is it important for colleges to offer courses on financial literacy?
  • Should colleges provide free menstrual products on campus?
  • Is it ethical for colleges to invest in fossil fuel companies?
  • Should colleges require students to take courses on diversity and inclusion?
  • Is online education as effective as traditional classroom learning in college?
  • Should colleges implement stricter policies to combat sexual assault on campus?
  • Is it beneficial for colleges to offer courses on sustainable living practices?
  • Should colleges prioritize funding for STEM programs over humanities programs?

Persuasive Essay Topics High School

In high school, topics for persuasive writing have to always be on point. If you’re stuck in writer’s block, we’re here to help!

  • Should high school students be required to pass a financial literacy course before graduating?
  • Is it important for high schools to provide comprehensive sex education?
  • Should the school day start later to accommodate teenage sleep patterns?
  • Is it beneficial for high schools to implement mandatory community service requirements for graduation?
  • Should high school students be allowed to choose their own curriculum?
  • Is it ethical for high schools to use surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways?
  • Should high school athletes be subject to random drug testing?
  • Is it beneficial for high schools to offer courses on mental health and well-being?
  • Should high schools ban the use of cell phones during school hours?
  • Is it fair for high schools to implement dress codes or uniform policies?
  • Should high school students be allowed to leave campus for lunch?
  • Is it important for high schools to teach comprehensive LGBTQ+ education?
  • Should high schools require students to complete a certain number of hours of volunteer work to graduate?
  • Is it beneficial for high schools to offer courses on environmental sustainability?
  • Should high schools prioritize funding for arts and music programs?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

This academic domain offers many peculiar topic ideas for research. We’ve gathered the best themes that you can easily explore stress-free. But first, find out how to write a persuasive essay up to the mark.

  • Should standardized testing be replaced with alternative forms of assessment?
  • Is the traditional grading system effective in accurately measuring students' knowledge and abilities?
  • Should schools implement comprehensive sex education programs from an early age?
  • Is it important for schools to prioritize teaching emotional intelligence and mental health awareness?
  • Should technology be integrated into classrooms as a primary tool for learning?
  • Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional schooling?
  • Should schools provide free breakfast and lunch for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status?
  • Is the current curriculum adequately preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce?
  • Should financial literacy be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?
  • Is it beneficial for schools to offer classes on mindfulness and stress management?
  • Should arts and music programs receive equal funding and recognition as other academic subjects?
  • Is there a need for stricter regulations regarding bullying and harassment in schools?
  • Should schools prioritize teaching critical thinking skills over rote memorization?
  • Is there a need for more emphasis on environmental education and sustainability in schools?
  • Should schools provide comprehensive support services for students with learning disabilities?

persuasive essay topics

Persuasive Essay Topics on Society

Modern society faces plenty of challenges, which are a great source of inspiration for topic ideas.

  • Should the government provide universal basic income to all citizens?
  • Is social media usage contributing to a decline in mental health among young people?
  • Should hate speech be protected under freedom of speech laws?
  • Is gun control necessary to reduce gun violence in society?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised to a living wage?
  • Is healthcare a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed by the government?
  • Should affirmative action policies be implemented to address systemic inequalities?
  • Is police brutality a widespread problem that requires urgent reform?
  • Should the prison system focus more on rehabilitation rather than punishment?
  • Is immigration beneficial or harmful to the economy and society?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of fossil fuels to combat climate change?
  • Is access to affordable housing a basic human right?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages?
  • Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of technology to protect privacy rights?

Persuasive Essay Topics on History

History provides a wealth of diverse and impactful events, figures, and societal changes that offer rich material for exploring lessons, controversies, and parallels with contemporary issues, making it an excellent source of ideas.

  • Should reparations be paid to descendants of enslaved individuals?
  • Was colonization a beneficial or detrimental force for indigenous peoples?
  • Should Confederate monuments and symbols be removed from public spaces?
  • Was the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?
  • Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples' Day?
  • Was the Civil Rights Movement successful in achieving its goals?
  • Should historical figures with controversial legacies be reevaluated and reassessed?
  • Was the Treaty of Versailles fair to Germany after World War I?
  • Should Holocaust denial be considered a form of hate speech?
  • Was the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II justified?
  • Should the United States apologize for its role in the transatlantic slave trade?
  • Was the feminist movement of the 20th century successful in achieving gender equality?
  • Should historical monuments and landmarks be preserved even if they represent controversial figures or events?
  • Was the policy of Manifest Destiny morally justified?
  • Should history textbooks be revised to provide a more inclusive and diverse narrative?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Social Issues

Social issues are a compelling source of persuasive essay topics because they touch upon fundamental aspects of human experience, ignite passionate debates, and prompt critical examination of societal norms and values.

  • Is universal basic income an effective solution to poverty?
  • Should hate speech be criminalized to protect marginalized groups?
  • Should stricter gun control laws be implemented to reduce gun violence?
  • Is the criminal justice system biased against racial minorities?
  • Should LGBTQ+ individuals have equal rights and protections under the law?
  • Is access to quality education a fundamental human right?
  • Is climate change primarily caused by human activity, and what measures should be taken to address it?
  • Should abortion be legal and accessible to all women?
  • Is income inequality a growing problem that needs to be addressed?
  • Should there be greater investment in mental health services and support?

Crime and Legal Persuasive Essay Topics

Crime and legal topics offer rich ground for persuasive essays due to their inherent complexity, moral ambiguity, and profound impact on individual rights, justice, and societal order.

  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Is solitary confinement a humane form of punishment?
  • Should juveniles be tried as adults for serious crimes?
  • Is mandatory sentencing effective in reducing crime rates?
  • Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
  • Is racial profiling a legitimate law enforcement tactic?
  • Should there be stricter penalties for white-collar crimes?
  • Is the current bail system fair to low-income individuals?
  • Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
  • Is the War on Drugs effective in addressing drug-related crime?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on gun ownership?
  • Is the three-strikes law an effective deterrent to repeat offenders?
  • Should hate crimes be punished more severely than other crimes?
  • Is plea bargaining a just and fair practice in the criminal justice system?
  • Should non-violent drug offenders be given alternative sentences, such as rehabilitation instead of incarceration?

Health Persuasive Essay Topics

Health is our biggest asset, so exploring topics related to medical aid or illnesses is a great move. If you need more essay topics , we have them here.

  • Should vaccination be mandatory for all children?
  • Is universal healthcare a fundamental human right?
  • Should junk food be banned in schools to combat childhood obesity?
  • Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the marketing of sugary drinks and snacks?
  • Is mental health education as important as physical health education in schools?
  • Should the government regulate the portion sizes of fast food items?
  • Is the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) a safer alternative to smoking?
  • Should there be a tax on sugary beverages to discourage consumption?
  • Is access to contraception and family planning services a fundamental right for women?
  • Is healthcare a privilege or a commodity?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the advertising of prescription medications?
  • Is the use of medical marijuana beneficial for treating certain medical conditions?

Women's and Gender Persuasive Essay Topics

Women's and gender issues are an excellent source of persuasive essay topics because they encompass fundamental questions of equality, identity, and justice.

persuasive essay topics

  • Should gender equality be actively promoted in all areas of society?
  • Is feminism still relevant in the 21st century?
  • Should there be greater representation of women in leadership positions?
  • Is gender-based violence a widespread problem that requires urgent attention?
  • Should there be equal pay for equal work regardless of gender?
  • Is maternity leave sufficient for working mothers, and should paternity leave be offered to fathers?
  • Should gender-neutral language be used to promote inclusivity?
  • Is body positivity an important movement for promoting self-acceptance regardless of gender?
  • Should transgender individuals have equal rights and protections under the law?
  • Is the objectification of women in media harmful to society?
  • Should sex education include comprehensive information on consent and healthy relationships?
  • Is the gender binary outdated, and should society embrace a more fluid understanding of gender identity?
  • Should there be greater access to reproductive healthcare services for women?
  • Is the beauty industry promoting unrealistic standards of beauty for women?
  • Should gender quotas be implemented to ensure equal representation in politics and corporate boards?

Ethics Persuasive Essay Topics

Every online essay writer knows that ethics provides a fertile ground for persuasive essay topics, prompting critical reflection on moral dilemmas, societal values, and the ethical implications of various actions and policies.

  • Should animal testing be banned in all industries?
  • Is using animals for entertainment, such as in circuses and zoos, ethical?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized for terminally ill patients?
  • Is it ethical to clone animals for scientific research or conservation purposes?
  • Should genetic engineering be used to modify human embryos?
  • Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in decision-making processes?
  • Should genetic testing be mandatory for certain medical conditions?
  • Is it ethical to use sweatshop labor to produce goods?
  • Should there be limits on the amount of wealth individuals can accumulate?
  • Is it ethical to engage in cultural appropriation?
  • Should the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports be allowed?
  • Is consuming products that harm the environment ethical, such as palm oil?
  • Should businesses prioritize profit over social and environmental responsibility?
  • Is it ethical to use personal data for targeted advertising?
  • Is it ethical to use technology to monitor citizens for security purposes?

Science Persuasive Essay Topics

Science offers a wealth of persuasive essay topics by exploring cutting-edge advancements, ethical dilemmas, and societal implications, fostering critical thinking and informed discourse on key issues shaping our world.

  • Should nuclear energy be promoted as a clean alternative to fossil fuels?
  • Is space exploration worth the investment of time and resources?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of antibiotics in agriculture?
  • Is there a need for greater investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power?
  • Should scientific research involving animals be subject to stricter ethical guidelines?
  • Is it ethical to use gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 in humans?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of pesticides in agriculture?
  • Is there a need for greater investment in stem cell research for medical purposes?
  • Should the use of plastic be banned to reduce pollution in the oceans?
  • Is there a need for greater investment in space exploration to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on using artificial intelligence to ensure ethical behavior?
  • Is there a need for greater investment in research on renewable energy storage technologies?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of nanotechnology in consumer products?

Persuasive Essay Topics on AI Impact

Due to its transformative potential, ethical considerations, and societal implications, AI's impact provides a rich source of persuasive essay topics. Use our dissertation service if you require assistance with more complex papers rather than short compositions.

  • Should there be regulations on developing and using autonomous weapons powered by AI?
  • Is AI technology advancing faster than our understanding of potential risks and consequences?
  • Should there be guidelines for the ethical use of AI in the surveillance and monitoring of citizens?
  • Is AI exacerbating existing societal inequalities, such as access to employment and healthcare?
  • Should there be measures in place to prevent AI algorithms from perpetuating bias and discrimination?
  • Is AI technology contributing to job displacement and unemployment in certain industries?
  • Should there be transparency and accountability in the decision-making processes of AI systems?
  • Is AI technology enhancing or hindering privacy rights for individuals?
  • Should there be regulations on using AI in facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
  • Is AI technology leading to the creation of safer autonomous vehicles than human-driven vehicles?
  • Should there be guidelines for the ethical use of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment?
  • Is AI technology posing risks to cybersecurity and data privacy?
  • Should there be regulations on the use of AI in predictive policing to prevent potential biases and abuses?
  • Is AI technology exacerbating misinformation and manipulation in online platforms and social media?
  • Should there be regulations on the use of AI in financial markets to prevent market manipulation and fraud?

Persuasive Essay Topics on Racism

Racism is an important and impactful source of persuasive essay topics because it addresses systemic injustices, societal inequalities, and ethical imperatives, fostering critical examination and advocacy for social change.

  • Should hate speech laws be strengthened to combat racism and discrimination?
  • Is affirmative action necessary to address systemic racism in education and employment?
  • Should there be greater representation of diverse voices in the media industry?
  • Is cultural appropriation harmful and perpetuates racism?
  • Should schools teach the contributions of marginalized communities?
  • Should there be reparations for descendants of enslaved individuals to address the legacy of slavery?
  • Is colorblindness an effective approach to addressing racism?
  • Should there be greater investment to build trust between law enforcement and communities of color?
  • Is there a need for anti-racism education and training in schools and workplaces?
  • Should there be stricter penalties for hate crimes motivated by racism?
  • Is there a need for greater diversity in leadership positions in the corporate and political spheres?
  • Should there be policies to address environmental racism?

Unique Persuasive Essay Ideas

Would you like to stand out from the rest of the classroom with a unique topic that sparks interest and fosters meaningful dialogue? Consider choosing one of these topics.

  • Should schools implement mandatory outdoor education to promote environmental awareness?
  • Is there a need for a universal basic income to address the rise of automation and job displacement?
  • Should there be a cap on the number of hours individuals can work per week to promote work-life balance?
  • Is it ethical to use virtual reality technology to enhance empathy and understanding?
  • Should there be regulations on using AI-generated content to prevent misinformation?
  • Is there a need for a global ban on single-use plastics to combat ocean pollution?
  • Should there be a tax on meat consumption to address environmental and public health concerns?
  • Is there a need for mandatory financial literacy education starting from elementary school?
  • Should there be incentives for companies to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship?
  • Is there a need for a standardized global curriculum to ensure equal access to quality education worldwide?
  • Should there be regulations on using facial recognition technology to protect privacy rights?
  • Is there a need for greater representation of Indigenous voices in mainstream media?
  • Should a universal declaration of digital rights protect individuals' privacy and autonomy online?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on advertising fast food and sugary beverages to children?
  • Should a ban on cosmetic animal testing to promote cruelty-free alternatives?

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this article has presented a diverse array of persuasive essay topics, spanning from pressing social issues to the ethical implications of AI and beyond. It highlights the importance of engaging in critical discourse, fostering empathy, and advocating for positive change in our ever-evolving world.

At the same time, if you find yourself seeking assistance with your academic endeavors, remember that we can help you with your homework, ensuring you stay on top of your studies and coursework. Whether it's tackling complex essays or asking for support like ' do my homework ,' our resources are here to aid you on your academic journey.

What if Your Essay Could Change Minds and Transform Ideas?

Explore the endless possibilities of interesting persuasive essay topics that elevate your writing and inspire change.

How to Pick a Topic for a Persuasive Essay?

What are some topics for persuasive essay, what is a good persuasive essay.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

persuasive essay on higher education

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

  • Added new topics.
  • Added FAQs.
  • Morton. (2018, October 1). 101 Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics | Ereading Worksheets. Ereading Worksheets. https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/writing/persuasive-essay-topics/  
  • Education, J. S. B. S. E. (2023, September 27). 101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/persuasive-essay-topics/
  • User, S. (n.d.-b). Persuasive Writing Topics - Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, the Modes of Persuasion ‒ Explanation and Examples. https://pathosethoslogos.com/9-persuasive-writing/7-persuasive-writing-topics  

Social Studies Topics: Philosophy, Economics, Culture & More!

100 Persuasive Essay Topics

  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays attempt to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.

Writing a compelling persuasive essay requires you to select a topic that ideally stirs your readers' emotions. Before settling on a subject, explore some options to find one that helps craft the strongest and most engaging argument.

Below is a list of potential persuasive essay topics to spark your brainstorming process. You can choose a topic from this list or use it as inspiration to develop an idea of your own.

Main Components of a Persuasive Essay

  • Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook , which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis , or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
  • Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
  • Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a final appeal to the audience.

Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You'll surely find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

Beginner topics.

  • Kids should get paid for good grades.
  • Students should have less homework.
  • Snow days are great for family time.
  • Penmanship is important.
  • Short hair is better than long hair.
  • We should all grow our own vegetables.
  • We need more holidays.
  • Aliens probably exist.
  • Gym class is more important than music class.
  • Kids should be able to vote.
  • Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
  • School should take place in the evenings.
  • Country life is better than city life.
  • City life is better than country life.
  • We can change the world.
  • Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
  • We should provide food for the poor.
  • Children should be paid for doing chores.
  • We should populate the moon .
  • Dogs make better pets than cats.

Intermediate Topics

  • The government should impose household trash limits.
  • Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
  • Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
  • We should teach etiquette in schools.
  • School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
  • All students should wear uniforms.
  • Too much money is a bad thing.
  • High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
  • Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
  • Robocalling should be outlawed.
  • Age 12 is too young to babysit.
  • Children should be required to read more.
  • All students should be allowed to study abroad.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
  • Cell phones should never be used while driving.
  • All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
  • Bullies should be kicked out of school.
  • Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
  • The school year should be longer.
  • School days should start later.
  • Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
  • There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
  • Public transit should be privatized.
  • We should allow pets in school.
  • The voting age should be lowered to 16.
  • Beauty contests are bad for body image.
  • Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
  • Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
  • Video games can be educational.
  • College athletes should be paid for their services.
  • We need a military draft .
  • Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
  • Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
  • Year-round school is a bad idea.
  • High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
  • The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
  • Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
  • Standardized testing should be eliminated.
  • Teachers should be paid more.
  • There should be one world currency.

Advanced Topics

  • Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
  • Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
  • Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
  • Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
  • Racial slurs should be illegal.
  • Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
  • Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
  • People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
  • Free speech should have limitations.
  • Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
  • Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
  • High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
  • Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
  • Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
  • Child support dodgers should go to jail.
  • Students should be allowed to pray in school.
  • All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
  • Internet access should be free for everyone.
  • Social Security should be privatized.
  • Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
  • We shouldn't use products made from animals.
  • Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
  • Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
  • We need better sex education in schools.
  • School testing is not effective.
  • The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and Canada.
  • Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
  • Eating meat is unethical.
  • A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
  • Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
  • The Electoral College is outdated.
  • Medical testing on animals is necessary.
  • Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
  • Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
  • Books should never be banned.
  • Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
  • Freedom of religion has limitations.
  • Nuclear power should be illegal.
  • Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.

Key Takeaways

  • Persuasive essays aim to convince rather than confront, effectively making you advocate for a position or idea.
  • Choosing a compelling topic that evokes emotions is crucial for crafting a strong persuasive essay.
  • The main parts of a persuasive essay are the introduction (with a hook and thesis), body paragraphs (explaining themes supporting the thesis), and conclusion (summarizing main points and making a final appeal).

Hamilton College. " Writing a Persuasive Essay ."

  • 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
  • Complete List of Transition Words
  • 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
  • Personal Essay Topics
  • What Is Expository Writing?
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
  • 67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider
  • Tips for Writing a "What I Did on Vacation" Essay
  • Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
  • Topical Organization Essay
  • How to Outline and Organize an Essay
  • Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
  • 12 Interesting Ethical Topics for Essay Papers
  • Ecology Essay Ideas
  • Research article
  • Open access
  • Published: 30 April 2019

Persuasive technology for enhanced learning behavior in higher education

  • Yohana Dewi Lulu Widyasari 1 , 2 ,
  • Lukito Edi Nugroho 1 &
  • Adhistya Erna Permanasari 1  

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education volume  16 , Article number:  15 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

14k Accesses

20 Citations

22 Altmetric

Metrics details

Obtaining quality learning behavior requires constant improvement. The development of learning methods often unsupported changes in the behavior of participants. This condition causes reluctance to use new learning methods by some users. Meanwhile, technological developments, especially Web 2.0, have the ability to change the way people communicate and interact. This study used the features and capabilities of Web 2.0 to improve learning behavior. The use of this technology will be adjusted with learning methods, especially online-learning that overgrows nowadays. The concept of an integrated system applied a persuasive strategy to bring persuasion. Modifications e-learning were done by combining the concepts of Web 2.0 and persuasive system. Tests were performed on aspects that affect the user’s intentions by comparing the initial and final conditions after the intervention. The behavior changes were expected to improve user involvement and intention in online learning. The results show that the modified technology by using persuasive concept can improve the users’ intention.

Introduction

The teaching and learning process is a business process of educational organizations. The success of this process obtained if the chosen strategy accepted by the members of the organization (Zeng, Gonzalez, & Lobato, 2015 ). This acceptance including the choice of technology which is supporting the teaching and learning so that it can bring influence the changes to the learning behavior of its users. An individual learning culture is related to maximizing the sustainability of technology use. The development of Internet-based communication technology can alter the custom learners communicates and interacts. Some examples of Web 2.0 based technologies are application blogs, social media, YouTube and others (Newman, Chang, Walters, & Wills, 2016 ). Communication and interaction activities carried out with Web 2.0 technology would provide an opportunity to be developed into persuasion technology that can shape and improve existing behavior.

In a learning culture using technology, the process of behavior change is influenced by the use of technology by its users (Batsila, Tsihouridis, Vavougios, & Ioannidis, 2015 ). All participants do not always accept the method of learning using new technology. User involvement is essential in this technology. This study used the ability of Web 2.0 technology to build communication and interaction so that it helps to improve learning behavior; therefore, it can be used to support online learning methods that are rapidly developing recently.

A person’s interest in this technology can be demonstrated by a high intention of Web 2.0-based technologies. A lot of knowledge, information, and influence are carried indirectly when someone uses this technology (Gavin, Baxter, Baxter, & Connolly, 2014 ). A person’s interest in digital learning is also essential to achieve better learning outcomes. There is a gap in the level of interest between users of Web 2.0 technology and existing e-learning technologies. This difference requires an approach and understanding so that the e-learning technology can be used in a better role.

This study was developed based on the problems arising from the massive use of Web 2.0 and the demands of e-learning technology users in the learning process. Refer to this situation, and it is necessary to change digital learning behavior that has a high level of interest. Therefore, a model is needed to help intervened the behavior of e-learning users from the initial behavior to the target behavior. Then, modification of the Web 2.0-based e-learning technology is needed to run the model to bring more changes in the behavior of its users.

Online learning behavior was the special focus of this study, although the concepts presented can be used in other individual behaviors. This study used the ability of Web 2.0 technology to help improve learning behavior; therefore, it can be used to support online learning methods that are rapidly developing recently. The concept of a persuasive system was used as a strategy for persuasion. Modifications to e-learning technology were carried out by combining the concepts of Web 2.0 and persuasion systems. Testing was done on aspects that affect the user’s intention by comparing the initial and final conditions after using the technology. The research structure is shown as follows: The overview of the persuasion system, e-learning, and Web 2.0 technology is described in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 explains the research methodology. While Chapter 4 shows the analysis of the findings and discussion. Lastly, the conclusion is given in Chapter 5.

Overview of persuasive system, e-learning, and technology web 2.0

Persuasive system.

Information system had potentially utilized to predispose its consumers in improving and changing human behavior in several methods (Fogg, 2009 ). The change of behavior and attitudes which is caused by interactive technology can be categorized as persuasive technology. A persuasive concept should be customized with the goal and distribution of messages, and also computer technology adoption. The growth of the social web in composing, collaborating, and distributing information will bring opportunities this technology to affect its user behavior.

A persuasive system is defined as computer software or information system designed to reinforce alteration or improve attitudes, behavior, or both without coercion and deception. Persuasive system design developed in (Oinas-Kukkonen & Harjumaa, 2009 ) has three main stages. The first stage is essential, which is the stage that involves an understanding of the basic problems that become the background to a persuasive system before implementing it. In the second stage, matters related to the context of the persuasive system are discussed.

Contexts at this stage include intent as well as event and strategy used in persuasive systems. The context of intent consists of the type of change and persuader. The event includes the context of use, the context of the person using it and the context of the technology used as the media. The strategy context must be distinguished from the message and the type of delivery. The last stage is the system qualities for a new technology designed as a persuasive system and system qualities to evaluate the features of an existing system. The system qualities are the last stage. Its use to evaluate the features of an existing system. This stage focuses are primary task and dialogue support, support for the credibility of the system, and also social support. (Oinas-Kukkonen & Harjumaa, 2009 ).

E-learning and web 2.0

The development of Web 2.0 technology encourages the latest e-learning transformation from a centralized and traditional education system to an interactive and communicative online learning system (Gavin et al., 2014 ). Web 2.0 technology brings its social aspects in the traditional learning process. Web 2.0 is considered as a new type of technology that is increasingly being used and integrated with e-learning applications for developing active knowledge and sharing in communities or study groups.

Similar to the Web 2.0 paradigm, the term of e-Learning 2.0 (Chua & Tay, 2012 ) described a bottom-up approach to the learning process and based on user-generated learning content. The uses of web 2.0 features in the learning context is driven by user participation. This ecosystem has been described as Learning 2.0 (Inamorato dos Santos & Punie, 2016 ; Kim & Kim, 2016 ). Davis ( 2005 ) states that the concept of Web 2.0 is related with attitude and not only the technology because it directs back to an original web, but user participation is encouraged and make a social network. The openness in the network automatically affects the whole learning process.

The use of e-learning in the learning objectives is expected to have the same outcome, both in the education and organizational environment. The definition of the word ‘learning’ is an attempt made to obtain intelligence or effort to change behavior in response to something. The features of Web 2.0 technology that are used include communication, collaboration, participation, and connection (Davis, 2005 ). Web 2.0-based e-learning application provides a menu for communication in the form of the chat-room for the teachers and between the students. This feature is called synchronous communication. The communication feature is also presented asynchronously in the form of e-mail and discussion forum. The collaboration feature is done by presenting the opportunity for all users to be able to share even though class limits them.

The technology Web 2.0: Web 2.0 is a social software technology form that drives its users to get their objective. Infrastructure and organizational culture affect the use of web 2.0 technology. Organizational, technical and social aspects are things that need to be considered in the strategy of using web 2.0. In other studies, the web 2.0 is used to encourage the adoption of technology (Mitra & Roy, 2016 ), as a communication medium and encourage a change of communication method (Kim, 2017 ), and provide positive effects on the process learning for an individual, group, and organizational.

Web 2.0 technology can improve the ability to communicate, collaborate, and share (Shipps, 2013 ) and also encourages innovations (Zeng et al., 2015 ). Factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 technology include social factors and the culture of the workplace (Gavin et al., 2014 ), users’ adoption and acceptance (Napitupulu, 2017 ), internal organizational factors (infrastructures and organizational cultures); uniqueness, size, type, and the culture of an organization (Gavin et al., 2014 ); cultural, technical, and organizational factors.

Web 2.0 is a technology that has social concepts. This technology uses interactive concepts, dynamic, has irregular structures content and provides full control to the user. Some researchers underline that Web 2.0 technology can bring a positive effect on aspects of individuals, groups, organizational learning and build knowledge that is easy and always available to the organization (Anderson, 2012 ; Newman et al., 2016 ; Sivarajah, Irani, & Weerakkody, 2015 ). Web 2.0 technology also supports collaboration, communication, and participation. Organizational employees are possible to share knowledge or idea trough web 2.0 with other employees. The sharing process can improve the organization’s innovation. Also, it encourages the process of building an organizational knowledge database in the repository (Batsila et al., 2015 ; Zeng et al., 2015 ).

Web 2.0 is social technology that can construct relationships and develop persuasion among users. The ability of web 2.0 in observation, affiliation, and access can encourage social comparison, social learning, and normative influence between users. Web 2.0 is the second generation of web-resolution that allows users to build and publish content as well as do collective intelligence; thus, it can be called a social web generation. The aspects of connection, communication, participation, and collaboration are characteristics of Web 2.0 that will be used in intervening in the way the organization works. The potentiality of Web 2.0 as a carrier of social features enables the intervention process to be carried out with this technology.

The development of information technology has an impact on the learning process. E-learning technology is becoming a new paradigm of modern education. The use of e-learning is not only a learning aid but also can change the existing learning culture. The nature of the flexibility to be able to access, do just-in-time deployment, the level of effectiveness and the costs that must be provided from the use of e-learning has encouraged the adoption of this technology in many organizations (Admiraal & Lockhorst, 2009 ).

On the other hand, with the advent of web 2.0, such as Blogs, Wikis, YouTube or SNS, it has led to the transformation of the learning process (Yadav, Tiruwa, & Suri, 2017 ). Integration of the latest learning technology or e-learning from a centralized and traditional education system to an interactive and communicative online learning system. Web 2.0 as a social web can encourage the learning of social constructivism, connectivism, distributed cognition, situated learning, and collective intelligence (Simoes & Borges Gouveia, 2008 ). E-learning encourages users to be more active and participatory without having to meet face to face. The knowledge and information shared in e-learning can be easily traced compared to those obtained directly.

Web 2.0 carries the social aspects it has in the traditional learning process where communication between teachers and students is also established among fellow students. Web 2.0 is considered as a type of new technology that is increasingly being used and integrated with e-learning applications for active knowledge creation and sharing in communities or study groups (Mason & Rennie, 2007 ). The application of e-learning in the educational environment is different from the organizational environment in general because it requires conformity with the goals and needs of the organization itself (Wang, 2011 ).

By the web 2.0 paradigm, the term e-Learning 2.0 (Chua & Tay, 2012 ) has evolved to describe the bottom-up approach to the learning process, decentralized and to user-generated learning content. The use of web 2.0 features for participatory communities of learners and learning ecosystems has been described as Learning 2.0 (Seely Brown & Adler, 2008 ). Davis ( 2005 ) explains that the concept of web 2.0 is attitude and not technology because it directs the web back to its creator, where user participation is encouraged and is a socially open network. Social openness inevitably influences e-learning and the overall learning process. The original learning process follows one traditional model, wherein an educator and students come together at the same physical location, usually in the classroom, and the educator leads the learning process.

Methodology

This section is described design of the research, participants, instruments, data collection and data analysis.

Design of the research

This research designed intervention strategies which were tested by analyzing the intention of the users. This study combined the application of persuasion strategies with a survey scale that explains factors that can increase the intention of users. Behavior changes target is carried out by comparing the initial assessment of behavior with the final assessment. Comparison of the condition of the initial behavior and the condition of the final behavior was made to explain changes in behavior that occurred.

Participants

Data were taken in a homogeneous community and a specific scope. Testing the effect of behavior change was carried out in a test class consisting of 30 students. The test class consisted of first-year students at a private polytechnic-based college. Before the application of e-learning, the mapping process was done to see the behavior of previous test participants. Mapping was done by asking the test participants’ initial position on the target behavior.

Instruments

Data were collected by conducting questionnaires to test participants. The acceptance model used in this study was developed from (Widyasari, Nugroho, & Permanasari, 2017 ). In this model, many variables affected the intention. The independent variables also derived from (Widyasari et al., 2017 ). The hypothesis model is shown in Fig.  1 .

figure 1

The Hypothesis Model (Widyasari et al., 2017 )

The questions were adjusted so that they matched the context of the user and the persuasion aspects. The independent variable of the user intent was assessed on a 5-point scale, where 1-strongly agree, 2-agree, 3-neutral, 4-disagree, and 5-strongly disagree. The survey was conducted before and after the intervention. This research uses Smart PLS 3 to process data, analyze and test the relevance of construct variables. Behavior change before and after intervention analyzed with nonparametric analysis method Wilcoxon Signed-Rank for paired data differences.

Data collection

The mapping also considered the experience of internet usage and learning media in the past. Mapping test participants in a group of behaviors were classified into four types. A first group is a group that does not understand and never used it, the second group is a group that does understands but never use it, a third group is a group that understands and sometimes uses it, and a fourth group is a group that understands and uses it regularly.

Grouping was done by giving direct questions to test participants regarding the habits of accessing the internet, features, and systems that are directly related to information technology in learning. After the grouping stage, the persuasive technology must be accepted and adopted. Therefore we persuaded the users (the students). The stages of change in persuasive action from a behavioral point of view were defined differently. According to Geller’s model of behavioral change (Yun, Scupelli, Aziz, & Loftness, 2013 ), there are four stages of change and three types of interventions. Each stage of change can work well if an intervention is carried out. There are three types of intervention in the Geller model, namely instructional, motivational, and supportive interventions.

The instructional intervention is done by providing an understanding of behavior in the form of education, advice, and self-monitoring. Meanwhile, the motivational intervention focuses on comparing behavioral performance that is targeted and building commitment in the form of user engagement. Engagement is very important for success in any intervention including understanding its role in organizational settings (Foster, Lawson, Wardman, Blythe, & Linehan, 2012 ).

Data analysis

Testing was done on a class of 30 people. The application of Web 2.0-based e-learning system with persuasive features needed the change phase. The hypothesis model in this class was tested using Smart-PLS 3 software. The mapping result shows that 53% of the participants never used e-learning technology before and 47% of participants had used and understood the use of e-learning.

Outer model analysis of reflective indicator models included analysis on the results of individual item reliability, internal consistency or construct reliability, average variance extracted, and discriminant-validity. Measurement of individual item reliability, internal consistency or construct reliability was categorized into convergent validity. The value of convergent validity measures the amount of correlation between constructs and other variables. The value of individual item reliability was obtained from the value of the loading factor. The loading factor value that is greater than 0.7 is considered ideal, which means that the indicator is valid to measure the contract. PLS algorithm processing dan bootstrapping results are displayed in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .

figure 2

PLS Processing Results

figure 3

Bootstrapping Analysis

Discriminant validity of the reflective model was evaluated through a cross-loading compared to the square root of AVE. The size of the cross-loading was used to compare the correlation indicator with the contract and the construct of other variables. If the value of cross loading a variable on the variable itself is greater than the value of cross loading on other variables, then this indicates that the variable is able to predict the variable rather than other variables. The value of discriminant validity was considered sufficient if the root value of AVE for each construct was higher than the latent variable correlation value. Value of AVE, Cronbach's Alpha and composite reliability showed in Table 1 . Result of Path Coefficient, t -value and p -value is displayed in Table 2 .

The comparison results of the conditions of change on the participants show that not all participants experienced a positive change or leveled up their behavior. The distribution of all participants in Table  3 shows that out of 30 respondents in the test class, there were two respondents with a decreased level of behavior, 11 respondents remained the same, and 17 respondents improved their behavior. The distribution is displayed in Fig.  4 .

figure 4

Distribution of Behavior Level Change

Based on the output in Table  4 , the mean “Before” is 2.3 while the mean “After” the amount is 3.1333 so the difference is 0.8333. The difference obtained positively means that the data before the intervention has a smaller average than after the intervention.

The correlation between the two before and after data in Table 5 , shows that the significance value is 0.319 which is higher than 0.05 so that it can be stated that there is no relationship between the previous data and the after data.

Design of technological intervention based on web 2.0 contextual model

The use and use of technology to improve the workings of humans have been carried out in various fields. In particular, it is called persuasive technology if the use of technology is intended to influence and change the behavior and attitudes of its users. There are several impacts that can occur in the use of Web 2.0-based technology. One of them is that web 2.0 opens up opportunities or new ways for users to communicate and community. Web 2.0 as a persuasive technology combine concept computer-human and computer persuasion.

One information technology that supports a persuasive system is a behavior change support system (BCSS). Behavior change support systems (BCSS) are defined as information systems designed to form, change, strengthen one’s attitudes, behavior, and compliance without committing fraud, coercion, or threats to achieve goals. There are three stages and three different objectives proposed in the BCSS concept. A person’s behavior needs to be formulated, changed, and strengthened to fulfill the rules (Oinas-Kukkonen, 2013 ). The assessment of the initial conditions of behavior to be intervened needs to be defined at the beginning of the persuasion process so that the target behavior is clearer and can be achieved.

The conceptual model in (Widyasari, Nugroho, & Permanasari, 2018 ) was used in the context of the learning process. The persuasive focus was applied through Web 2.0 technology tailored to the target environment and desired behavior changes. The description of the intervention model decomposition in the target environment can be seen in Fig.  5 .

figure 5

Model Decomposistion in Target

Increased motivation can only change behavior for a while; thus, a continuous intervention is needed to support a person to maintain his behavior. This type of intervention is called a supportive intervention. This type of intervention is done by communicating in social communication media, providing media or control devices, and giving rewards for the targeted behavior.

The intervention model in this study used Web 2.0 technology. The relationship of interaction with the expected behavioral conditions is illustrated in Fig.  6 . Based on the proposed intervention model, the persuasive concept of the system and changes in Geller’s behavior, a model for implementing Web 2.0 technology in e-learning was developed for the learning process.

figure 6

Behavior Enviroment and the Conducted Intervention

Before using analyzing, the following hypothesis is set:

Ho: The level of understanding of users before and after using e-learning technology based on persuasive technology is the same.

H1: The level of understanding before and after using e-learning technology based on persuasive technology is not the same.

For paired data analysis, data normality information is needed. This is needed to determine the analysis method to be used. Data normality analysis used is Shapiro-Wilk because the amount of data is less than 50.

Based on the results of the normalization analysis in Table  6 , it is known that the data is not normal because the significant value is 0.005 or less than α = 0.05. For abnormal data, a nonparametric analysis of the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test can be used to analyze paired data differences.

Based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test in Tables  7 and 8 , there were significant differences in the level of understanding between before using e-learning based persuasive technology and after it (Z = 3.405 p  = 0.001). Value Z means that there are significant differences between the data before getting persuasive technology intervention and data after getting persuasive technology intervention.

This research was developed from (Anderson, 2012 ; Ritterband, Thorndike, Cox, Kovatchev, & Gonder- Frederick, 2009 ) in the context of the learning process and using web 2.0. Web 2.0 as a social technology used in interventions focuses more on ease of access for persuader and persuadee. Behavioral changes that were targeted at the use of Web 2.0-based e-learning were very simple but were carried out specifically. It created a picture of the desired change effect. The experience of the test participants was mapped to depict the initial and targeted behavior. The impact and relevance of research on the development and effectiveness of intervention models proposed within the scope of existing technology intervention models. Internet intervention models and technology in general already exist and are widely used, especially those related to behavioral changes in the health sector (Ritterband et al., 2009 ). Web 2.0 as a social technology used in interventions focuses more on ease of access for those who influence (persuader) and for those who are influenced (persuadee). The use of web 2.0 in influencing its users has been used in marketing and advertising (Gagliardi, 2013 ).

The intervention model is related to persuasion because involvement and participation in collaboration were aspects that were developed in this study. Using web 2.0 directly in an educational environment is not an easy thing to do. Many components must be considered such as the purpose of use, the context, the users, the type of educational environment, policies and rules including government regulations. In this research, web 2.0 was not applied directly but was embedded in e-learning technology. Web 2.0-based e-learning developed also uses persuasion features. The use of persuasion features to emphasize the persuasion process that is carried out using web 2.0 capabilities as a social technology.

The intervention model was focused more on the involvement of the users of web 2.0 in the intervention process. The intervention model was simulated in the learning process conducted by the teacher (persuader) and students (persuaded) by Web 2.0-based e-learning technology. After understanding the features of Web 2.0 technology that can be used to change behavior, the Web 2.0 technology was adjusted to be both used directly and in the development of other systems. In this study, web technology was used in e-learning technology developed by placing features and capabilities of social interaction in e-learning technology.

Every proposed strategy depends on the context and scope of its implementation. The feature of persuasion in principle can be applied to all fields, but it still depends on the objective of persuasion to be achieved. Not all features and ways of persuasion in the system can support the achievement of the persuasion objectives. Web 2.0 technology that was integrated into the persuasion technology used in this study was adopted using the TOE framework in educational organizations and analyzed for its effectiveness in social system schemes. The TOE framework was used specifically as an adoption approach to providing scope limitations and the context of persuasion to be carried out. Web 2.0 technology integrated into the persuasion technology was analyzed for its usefulness level in the TOE framework. In this case, Web 2.0 technology was not used directly in an existing learning process but it was integrated with e-learning technology.

The e-learning technology used in educational organizations to help improve the teaching and learning process has three levels, namely as an addition, assistance, or substitute. The aspects of acceptance and adoption at each of these levels should be the basis for determining the features and methods of persuasion used in the technology.

Characteristics and availability of e-learning technology in the teaching and learning process are supported and needed in the business process of higher education. The factor of the recipient environment, namely the universities and stakeholders, provides an opportunity to use e-learning, even though not all universities use it 100 % or as a substitute of the conventional learning process. The management of an organization and higher education also support the use of technology, even though the level of implementation is not the same for each university.

Organizational factors are used to analyze the connection of Web 2.0 technology with formal and informal structures of environments/user groups or organizations at large. The teaching and learning process contains a relationship between the teacher and the students. Building non-formal relationships outside the teaching and learning process will be useful for formal relationships.

The size of the group/community or the organization and the communication process that is carried out with the use of Web 2.0 technology will be more open, even though formal and non-formal boundaries are uncertain. Organizational problems and weaknesses, such as communication between teachers and students, are accommodated in e-learning media. The chat feature is expected to provide a medium of communication to ask questions directly without having to meet face to face.

This study presented a concept of persuasive intervention that can be adjusted and modified in various types of information technology with the concept of Web 2.0. The context, the scope, and objectives of persuasion are the initial aspects of the development of that can be specified into an intervention model. The concept of user involvement in Web 2.0 is the main impetus for the proposed intervention model. The emerging persuaders are developed from the persuadee involved in a system.

The targeted behavioral changes are important to be defined at the beginning of the intervention. The used persuasion strategy is a strategy that is carried out directly by the participants but later replaced by the persuader in the system. The system is more stable in carrying out persuasion on its users because it does not have an emotional or human connection. The developed system does not sort features based on personal and user position but can be used by all users at any level.

This study utilized a technology used in educational organizations but with Web 2.0 features and concepts. Other studies have introduced the Web 2.0 technology as a medium of intervention but they have not provided strategic direction for the application of certain behaviors (Anderson, 2012 ). Target behavior was defined before determining the strategy to be used. Persuasion strategies in the learning environment were then derived from the persuasive context as in Fig.  7 .

figure 7

The required persuasive features strategy

Conclusions

Behavioral changes that are defined at the beginning of the persuasion process are carried out specifically to observe the changes. The varied students’ environment requires different methods or features of persuasion. Behavioral changes observed with the use of e-learning with persuasion features show that not all behaviors change in a positive direction. This result can also occur in the human to human persuasion, but with the system, the method of persuasion can be easily changed. It is different from the conventional persuasion by technology or computers, where the features of persuasion are always consistent in influencing the users even though the user (persuadee) rejects it. Consistency is one advantage of persuasive technology.

The universal use of Web 2.0 technology brings a very diverse set of features; hence, the persuadee may not realize it. In Web 2.0 technology, the persuader is the Web 2.0 users or a person who’s been a part of the persuadee group. Involvement in collaborating and sharing within a connected environment that is anywhere and anytime is interesting to be observed. The use in a formal environment or group and organization will be blurred with the use in non-formal environments.

Admiraal, W., & Lockhorst, D. (2009). E-learning in small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe: Attitudes towards technology, learning and training. International Small Business Journal , 27 (6), 743–767. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242609344244 .

Article   Google Scholar  

Anderson, I. J. R. (2012). Web 2.0 tools as interventions for training and performance improvement . Capella University https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2518933 .

Batsila, M., Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., & Ioannidis, G. (2015). Factors that influence the application of web 2.0 based techniques for instructional purposes–a case study. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning , 10 (4), 15–21 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Charilaos_Tsihouridis/publication/283879719_Factors_that_Influence_the_Application_of_Web_20_Based_Techniques_for_Instructional_Purposes_-_A_Case_Study/links/59065a54aca272116d332fe8/Factors-that-Influence-the-Application-of-Web-20-Based-Techniques-for-Instructional-Purposes-A-Case-Study.pdf .

Chua, F. F., & Tay, E. S. (2012). Developing virtual learning environment 2.0 using web services approach. In Advanced learning technologies (ICALT) international conference on IEEE, 12th , (pp. 230–234). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICALT.2012.37 .

Chapter   Google Scholar  

Davis, I. (2005). Talis, web 2.0 and all that. Internet alchemy blog, 4 July 2005. http://blog.iandavis.com/2005/07/talis-web-2-0-and-all-that/ . Accessed 16 Apr 2018

Fogg, B. J. (2009). A behavior model for persuasive design. In International conference on persuasive technology, 4th , (p. 40). https://doi.org/10.1145/1541948.1541999 .

Foster, D., Lawson, S., Wardman, J., Blythe, M., & Linehan, C. (2012). Watts in it for me?: design implications for implementing effective energy interventions in organisations. In Conference on human factors in computing systems , (pp. 2357–2366). https://doi.org/10.1145/2207676.2208396 .

Gagliardi, D. (2013). Next generation entrepreneur: Innovation strategy through web 2.0 technologies in SMEs. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management , 25 , 891–904. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537325.2013.823151 .

Gavin, D., Baxter, J., Baxter, G. J., & Connolly, T. M. (2014). Implementing web 2.0 tools in organisations: Feasibility of a systematic approach. The Learning Organization , 21 (1), 6–25. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-08-2013-0042 .

Inamorato dos Santos, A., & Punie, Y. (2016). Opening up education: A support framework for higher education institutions . Seville: Joint Research Centre. https://doi.org/10.2791/293408 http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC101436/jrc101436.pdf .

Kim, H. J., & Kim, Y. (2016). Design of e-teaching portfolio system framework for e-tutor competency management. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology , 8 (1), 192–198. https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.8.1.2699 .

Kim, J. H. (2017). Smartphone-mediated communication vs. face-to-face interaction: Two routes to social support and problematic use of smartphone. Computers in Human Behavior , 67 (2017), 282–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.11.004 .

Mason, R., & Rennie, F. (2007). Using web 2.0 for learning in the community. The Internet and Higher Education , 10 (3), 196–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2007.06.003 .

Mitra, S., & Roy, S. (2016). Web 2.0 technologies and Indian IT service companies: An impact analysis. In Smart technologies for smart nations , (pp. 73–88). Verlag Singapur: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-585-3_6 .

Napitupulu, D. (2017). A conceptual model of e-government adoption in Indonesia. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology , 7 (4), 1471–1478. https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.7.4.2518 .

Newman, R., Chang, V. R., Walters, J., & Wills, G. B. (2016). Web 2.0 - the past and the future. International Journal of Information Management , 36 (4), 591–598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.03.010 .

Oinas-Kukkonen, H. (2013). A foundation for the study of behavior change support systems. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing . https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-012-0591-5 .

Oinas-Kukkonen, H., & Harjumaa, M. (2009). Persuasive systems design: Key issues, process model, and system features. Communications of the Association for Information Systems , 24 (1), 28. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.02428 .

Ritterband, L. M., Thorndike, F. P., Cox, D. J., Kovatchev, B. P., & Gonder- Frederick, L. A. (2009). A behavior change model for internet interventions. Annals of Behavioral Medicine , 38 , 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9133-4 .

Seely Brown, J., & Adler, R. P. (2008). Open education, the long tail, and learning 2.0. Educause Review , 43 (1), 16–20.

Google Scholar  

Shipps, B. (2013). Social networks, interactivity and satisfaction: Assessing socio-technical behavioral factors as an extension to technology acceptance. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research , 8 (1), 35–52. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-18762013000100004 .

Simoes, L., & Borges Gouveia, L. (2008). Web 2.0 and higher education: Pedagogical implications . Global University Network for Innovation https://upcommons.upc.edu/bitstream/handle/2099/5736/l2_pap_Simoes.pdf . Accessed 16 Apr 2018.

Sivarajah, U., Irani, Z., & Weerakkody, V. (2015). Evaluating the use and impact of web 2.0 technologies in local government. Government Information Quarterly , 32 (4), 473–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2015.06.004 .

Wang, M. (2011). Integrating organizational, social, and individual perspectives in web 2.0-based workplace e-learning. Information Systems Frontiers , 13 (2), 191–205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-009-9191-y .

Widyasari, Y. D. L., Nugroho, L. E., & Permanasari, A. E. (2017). Persuasiveness web 2.0 in behavioral intention: A conceptual model. In International conference on sustainable information engineering and technology (SIET) , (pp. 117–122). https://doi.org/10.1109/SIET.2017.8304120 .

Widyasari, Y. D. L., Nugroho, L. E., & Permanasari, A. E. (2018). Technology web 2.0 as intervention media: Technology organization environment and socio-technical system perspective. In International conference on information technology and electrical engineering (ICITEE), 10th , (pp. 124–129). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICITEED.2018.8534744 .

Yadav, R., Tiruwa, A., & Suri, P. K. (2017). Internet based learning (IBL) in higher education: A literature review. Journal of International Education in Business , 10 (2), 102–129. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIEB-10-2016-0035 .

Yun, R., Scupelli, P., Aziz, A., & Loftness, V. (2013). Sustainability in the workplace: Nine intervention techniques for behavior change. In International conference on persuasive technology , (pp. 253–265). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37157-8_30 .

Zeng, S., Gonzalez, J., & Lobato, C. (2015). The effect of organizational learning and web 2.0 on innovation. Management Decision , 53 (9), 2060–2072. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-06-2014-0388 .

Download references

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all respondents who spent their time and Kemenristek Dikti who funded data collection.

Data collection is funded by Kemenristek Dikti as part of the doctoral program scholarship.

Availability of data and materials

The data used are the results of questionnaires on respondents. Complete data is attached to supplementary material.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Electrical and Information Technology Engineering Departement, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia

Yohana Dewi Lulu Widyasari, Lukito Edi Nugroho & Adhistya Erna Permanasari

Information Technology Departement, Politeknik Caltex Riau, Pekanbaru, 28261, Indonesia

Yohana Dewi Lulu Widyasari

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

This research is part of a dissertation research conducted by the first authors and other authors as promotor and co-promotor. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lukito Edi Nugroho .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Additional information

Article submitted to: International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Widyasari, Y.D.L., Nugroho, L.E. & Permanasari, A.E. Persuasive technology for enhanced learning behavior in higher education. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 16 , 15 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0142-5

Download citation

Received : 26 September 2018

Accepted : 21 March 2019

Published : 30 April 2019

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0142-5

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

  • Persuasive technology
  • Technology web 2.0
  • Intervention
  • Learning behavior

persuasive essay on higher education

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

Aaron Sorkin: How I Would Script This Moment for Biden and the Democrats

A standing microphone hangs over the president’s desk in the Oval Office. In the background are gold curtains and a Childe Hassam painting of American flags.

By Aaron Sorkin

Mr. Sorkin is a playwright and screenwriter.

Update: Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would not seek re-election.

The Paley Center for Media just opened an exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of “The West Wing,” the NBC series I wrote from 1999 to 2003. Some of the show’s story points have become outdated in the last quarter-century (the first five minutes of the first episode depended entirely on the audience being unfamiliar with the acronym POTUS), while others turned out to be — well, not prescient, but sadly coincidental.

Gunmen tried to shoot a character after an event with President Bartlet at the end of Season 1. And at the end of the second season, in an episode called “Two Cathedrals,” a serious illness that Bartlet had been concealing from the public had come to light, and the president, hobbled, faced the question of whether to run for re-election. “Yeah,” he said in the third season opener. “And I’m going to win.”

Which is exactly what President Biden has been signaling since the day after his bad night.

Because I needed the “West Wing” audience to find President Bartlet’s intransigence heroic, I didn’t really dramatize any downward pull that his illness was having on his re-election chances. And much more important, I didn’t dramatize any danger posed by Bartlet’s opponent winning.

But what if the show had gone another way?

What if, as a result of Bartlet revealing his illness, polling showed him losing to his likely opponent? And what if that opponent, rather than being simply unexceptional, had been a dump truck of ignorance and bad intentions? What if Bartlet’s opponent had been a dangerous imbecile with an observable psychiatric disorder who related to his supporters on a fourth-grade level and treated the law as something for suckers and poor people? And was a hero to white supremacists?

We’d have had Bartlet drop out of the race and endorse whoever had the best chance of beating the guy.

The problem in the real world is that there isn’t a Democrat who is polling significantly better than Mr. Biden. And quitting, as heroic as it may be in this case, doesn’t really put a lump in our throats.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

IMAGES

  1. Persuasive Essay

    persuasive essay on higher education

  2. 50 Free Persuasive Essay Examples (+BEST Topics) ᐅ TemplateLab

    persuasive essay on higher education

  3. 50 Free Persuasive Essay Examples (+BEST Topics) ᐅ TemplateLab

    persuasive essay on higher education

  4. Persuasive Essay Example High School

    persuasive essay on higher education

  5. Persuasive/Higher Education Essay Example

    persuasive essay on higher education

  6. 50 Free Persuasive Essay Examples (+BEST Topics) ᐅ TemplateLab

    persuasive essay on higher education

VIDEO

  1. PERSUASIVE ESSAY Part7 Outline

  2. Persuasive Essay

  3. Chapter 6 Section 10: Persuasive Essay

  4. Week 5: Persuasive Essay Writing

  5. Persuasive Essay (Ultimate Redemption JCTC)

  6. persuasive essay /argumentativ essay تالته ثانوي

COMMENTS

  1. 227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]

    College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine. Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only. Drug prices should be set ethically. Herbal medications are the safest. Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy. Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential.

  2. 187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024]

    187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024] by IvyPanda®. 17 min. 52,307. Persuasive essay writing is a popular assignment for students in high school and college alike. This is not surprising. After all, it is a basic of the learning process.

  3. Should College Education Be Free: Persuasive Paper

    This essay aims to provide a persuasive argument in favor of making college education free, considering its potential benefits and the societal implications of such a move. ... Why Should Everyone Go To College Essay. Higher education has become an essential part of society in the modern world. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive ...

  4. 113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment

    List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics. Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you'll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, "should fracking be legal?" you'd decide whether you believe fracking should ...

  5. Is College Worth It: The Benefits of College Education

    Get original essay. On average college graduates have a more stable life than high school graduates. Studies show that the income is greater and that college graduates live a healthier life, and their children are more productive at school. College is worth it because of the opportunities in place when you go to college.

  6. 50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

    In this post, we'll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. We'll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you're a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

  7. Think Outside the Box: 200 Inspiring Persuasive Essay Topics

    Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics below to get started. 1. Unique Persuasive Essay Topics for Students. 2. Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics from Different Fields. 3. Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics. 4. Fun Persuasive Essay Topics.

  8. 120+ Good Persuasive Essay Topics From Easy to Unique

    If you need to prove your point in a persuasive essay, you'll need to start with a great prompt. Check out these ideas for easy, challenging, and unique persuasive prompts in different categories. ... Persuasive Essay Topics About Education. Writing about issues in one's school is less complex than writing about the educational system as a ...

  9. Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays

    This very detailed table can be simplified. Most academic persuasive essays include the following basic elements: Introduction that explains why the situation is important and presents your argument (aka the claim or thesis). Support/Body. Reasons the thesis is correct or at least reasonable.

  10. 8.7: Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays

    In a persuasive essay, most of the support is dedicated to reasoning and evidence (more on that below). However, depending on what your claim does, a careful writer may dedicate the beginning (or other parts of the essay body) to defining key terms. ... Notice how Ana Mari Cauce opens her essay on free speech in higher education, ...

  11. Should College Be Free?

    Even after California recently expanded free tuition opportunities, enrollment at its community colleges fell by nearly 15 percent in 2021 from a year earlier. The push for tuition-free higher ...

  12. Persuasive Essay: Why is Education Important in Our Society?

    Persuasive point 1. The biggest selling point for education in our society is the fact that it helps people learn "how" to learn. It is not about the knowledge they accumulate, it is the way a child is taught how to "learn" things. A child may come away from school not knowing a lot of the course, but if that child has been taught how ...

  13. PDF A Guide To Persuasive Writing

    persuasive essay in which you take the opposite point of view from the persuasive essay introduction above. Universities across the country, according to a Guardian report, are preparing to axe thousands of teaching jobs, close campuses and drop courses to cope with government funding cuts amounting to at least £950 million over the next

  14. Persuasive Essay Topics

    In conclusion, this article has presented a diverse array of persuasive essay topics, spanning from pressing social issues to the ethical implications of AI and beyond. It highlights the importance of engaging in critical discourse, fostering empathy, and advocating for positive change in our ever-evolving world.

  15. Persuasive Essay Guide: How to Write a Persuasive Essay

    Secured with SSL. The last time you wrote a persuasive essay may have been in high school or college, but the skill of writing a strong persuasive argument is always a useful one to have. Persuasive writing begins with a writer forming their own opinion on a topic, which they then attempt to convince their reader of this opinion by walking them ...

  16. Persuasive Essay On Higher Education

    Persuasive Essay On Higher Education. 813 Words4 Pages. Being a fourth year student, college lies at my doorstep, sometimes I also begin to question myself, "Why do I have to go to college?". The answer is that, more than ever, attending college provides opportunities for graduates which are not as widespread to those who have not received ...

  17. Persuasive Essay On Higher Education

    Persuasive Essay On Higher Education. Higher education is the greatest tool that can benefit a society, granted that universities can bring a sense of personal accomplishment and general knowledge. It is the Federal government's job to reflect on other educational systems, for instance Germany's higher education, and create an intuition that ...

  18. 100 Persuasive Essay Topics

    Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports. School should take place in the evenings. Country life is better than city life. City life is better than country life. We can change the world. Skateboard helmets should be mandatory. We should provide food for the poor. Children should be paid for doing chores.

  19. Persuasive Essay About Going To College

    Persuasive Essay About Going To College; Persuasive Essay About Going To College. 784 Words 4 Pages. ... These people aren't willing to risk this which is preventing them to see the value of a higher education. I see college as acquiring the opportunity to have a higher earning wage, enhance our skills, and having better career choices and ...

  20. PDF Higher Folio: Persuasive Essay Writing

    Task 1: Talk to friends and family and come up with 3 possible topics you could research and write about. Write down your 3 possible topics. It is unrealistic to take a wide topic and say: 'My essay is on Scottish Independence'. You must narrow your focus and have a clear argument based around your topic.

  21. Persuasive technology for enhanced learning behavior in higher education

    Obtaining quality learning behavior requires constant improvement. The development of learning methods often unsupported changes in the behavior of participants. This condition causes reluctance to use new learning methods by some users. Meanwhile, technological developments, especially Web 2.0, have the ability to change the way people communicate and interact. This study used the features ...

  22. Opinion

    Part of the wish fulfillment of "The West Wing" was that oratory can be persuasive. So Barack Obama could come forth at the Democratic convention next month in Chicago and remind us, once ...

  23. Persuasive Essay On School Start Time

    (CA Education Code). The California Department of Education has written rules on everything, including the number of days and minutes that students have to spend in school. The …show more content… However, there are reasons to allow the start time of the school day to remain as it is, and there are reasons to change that to a different time.

  24. Persuasive Essay Topics In Nursing Education

    Persuasive Essay Topics In Nursing Education. 1019 Words 5 Pages. In the world of esthetic work it is always important to stay ahead of the game and continue your education. The beauty industry is constantly changing and evolving. Just within the past 20 years trends have almost flipped; thin brows to thick brows, blue eye shadow to neutral tones.

  25. Health Care Persuasive Essay

    If all citizens are entitled to the right of an education, why not the same with health care? The United States require all citizens to have health insurance, but many citizens still lack insurance including many children, and pregnant women. Sweden requires citizens to pay higher taxes, to help other citizens such as pregnant women.

  26. Persuasive Essay On Drivers Education

    Persuasive Essay On Drivers Education. 228 Words 1 Pages. It is my belief that speed limits do not prevent nor decrease accidents. Driver's education courses should be mandatory, but even that is not really the key. Driving while using common sense is the only way to prevent accidents. In the United States alone over 37,000 people die in road ...