examples of a persuasive speech ks2

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• Persuasive Writing Ks2 Worksheets And Resources

Persuasive writing KS2 – 10 of the best worksheets and resources

Help kids put together a convincing argument, whether it's in an essay, advert, debate or letter, with these lessons, ideas, activities and more for Key Stage 2 English lessons…

What is persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to do something or believe something. Adverts, reviews, leaflets and letters can all include persuasion.

Persuasive writing examples

Adverts   Have a break, have a Kit Kat.

A speech   ‘I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.’ Martin Luther King Jr

Persuasive argument   You should do your homework first, then you have all weekend to play and don’t have to worry about it.

Persuasive essay   Is it all right to boil a sentient creature alive just for our gustatory pleasure? David Foster Wallace ‘Consider the Lobster’

Persuasive writing techniques

Rhetoric/rhetorical questions   ‘Is the Pope Catholic?’

Opinion stated as fact   This is the greatest invention of the 21st-century!’

Hyperbole   ‘Gillette, the best a man can get.’

Emotive language   ‘I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or write, with moderation.’ William Lloyd Garrison

Emotional appeal   ‘For just £5 a month you can help her and others in her village access clean water that will save lives.’

Repetition   ‘…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.’ Abraham Lincoln

Rhyme   ‘If the gloves don’t fit, you must acquit’ Johnny Cochran

1 | Persuasive Writing KS2 – ‘Eating Insects’ Topic in 5 Lessons

This 43-page download contains plans and resources for a series of five lessons centred on a unique ‘writing for a purpose’ activity – convincing a teacher to eat insects!

The lessons in this pack aim to give children the opportunity to rehearse persuasive arguments and create a piece of persuasive writing via a series of distinct stages.

And don’t worry, you’re not just finding worms in the playground and gobbling them down.

Check out this resource here.

2 | KS2 persuasive writing model texts and worksheets – Text types

Support children in KS2 to develop their skills of persuasive writing with this persuasive language KS2 text types pack .

It features persuasive writing examples for KS2 – including a persuasive writing techniques KS2 checklist, a vocabulary bank, writing plan and two persuasive letter writing KS2 model texts.

3 | Persuasive writing model text resource packs

These writing units for UKS2 are built around an original persuasive writing model text on various topics.

In each two-week unit, pupils will look at the features of the persuasive writing and the devices used before creating their own version.

Click the links to give each one a look:

• Why buy this brick?
• Come to Darlington Academy
• Why should I visit Skara Brae?
• Visit Russia
• Visit Yorkshire
• Is your child fit and healthy?
• A greener tomorrow
• Visit Florida
• Is this the perfect trainer?

4 | Practise persuasive writing skills with Topical Tuesday

Each week, kids’ newspaper  The Week Junior  produces these Topical Tuesday resources which feature a current news story, with four accompanying reading and writing activities for KS2 students.

Each of these has a persuasive writing activity as one of its four tasks.

To see more about each of these persuasive writing topics, click these links:

• Why should students be at home during Covid-19?
• Write a persuasive advertisement, promoting your amazing new invention
• Write a letter protesting a supermarket opening in an open, natural space
• Write a persuasive argument for something you strongly believe in
• Write to the Prime Minister on how they should make the country a more-inclusive place
• Design and write a persuasive poster letting people know why you should be the President of the USA
• Write a persuasive letter to your MP about either protecting or changing the name of something in your region
• Write a job advertisement to persuade people to volunteer for a space mission
• Write a persuasive argument why someone you know should be made a knight or dame
• Write an advertising poster for a museum near you
• Write an advertisement for taking a holiday in your own house
• Write a promotional leaflet encouraging people to visit a new archaeological find
• Write a persuasive text arguing that people are assumed to consent to the transplant of their organs unless they have said otherwise
• Create an advert persuading aliens to visit Earth on holiday
• Create a persuasive advert convincing European beavers to help look after British rivers
• Write an informal, persuasive letter from nature to you, asking you to look after it
• Write to your MP as to why children should be allowed to vote
• Write a persuasive article proposing a famous person to be commemorated on a 50p coin

5 | Dr Seuss Green Eggs and Ham persuasive writing resource

Dr Seuss’ classic book  Green Eggs and Ham , featuring the famous Sam-I-Am, celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year.

While this is a Key Stage 1 resource, Year 3 children can still use this Dr Seuss-inspired teaching plan to play with words and the power of persuasion.

There are starter questions, three full activities and an extension activity.

6 | Pie Corbett’s Alex Rider persuasive writing lesson

Break out the gadgets and take your class undercover with Pie Corbett’s Alex Rider-themed look at persuasive writing.

Children can design and advertise their own spy gadgets with these examples and exercises.

Download it here.

7 | Features of persuasive writing worksheets

These worksheets are an excellent way to develop children’s understanding and use of persuasive writing in KS2. There are a number of activities that demonstrate different types of persuasive writing, along with a model text, examples of adverts, and writing challenges.

There are images to included to help inspire children’s writing, as well as sentences for the children to rewrite and improve upon.

It’s a great way to revise previous learning, and to experiment with new ideas.

Give it a look here.

8 |  The Day the Crayons Quit  KS1 book topic

Explore empathy, persuasive writing and understanding emotion in this activity-packed book topic from Sue Cowley, based on Drew Daywalt’s book.

Ignored, stereotyped and diminished, if the crayons in your classroom could talk, they might object to their treatment. Understanding why leads to great lesson activities, such as looking at emotion cards, getting creative with colours and dramatising feelings.

Find this book topic here.

9 | KS2 cohesive devices in persuasive writing pack

Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, sentences and paragraphs. As the name suggests, they add coherence to what we are saying.

This powerful KS2 grammar resources pack provides everything you need to teach a series of five lessons on cohesive devices in persuasive writing, culminating in an extended writing task where children can use their grammatical understanding in context.

10 | Hyperbole worksheets for KS2 persuasive writing

This worksheet is an excellent way for Key Stage 2 pupils to revise and practise recognising and using hyperboles – exaggerated statements used for effect, not meant to be taken literally.

Hyperbole can be used for comedic effect or persuasive reasons. It helps to emphasise your point by over-stressing the qualities involved.

This resource contains examples of hyperboles and five different challenges, which can be tackled during one lesson or spread over a number of teaching sessions.

Questions encourage creative responses as well as revision, and include interesting images to stimulate ideas.

Check out the BEST RESOURCE EVER here.

Check out our persuasive writing techniques resources for KS3/4.

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Persuasive writing in ks2.

Study the art of persuasion with our in-depth KS2 English blocks.

Children in KS2 love the opportunity to have their voices heard. In our persuasive writing blocks, children learn how to passionately defend their position across a range of issues, whilst also learning to think critically about the rhetorical devices people use to persuade and influence others.

Hamilton's English lesson planning includes differentiated activities for your class and beautifully designed worksheets and resources. In addition, our SPaG-focussed sessions include teaching PowerPoints that walk children through key SPaG concepts.

Persuasive Writing in Year 4

Save the Rainforests! Cherish rainforests, writing speeches, letters and articles persuading others to do so too, with Where the Forest Meets the Sea and The Vanishing Rainforest.

Animals in Captivity Explore issues around animals in captivity, reading texts including Zoo by Anthony Browne and Rainbow Bear by Michael Morpurgo. Examine features of persuasive texts and use these to write a persuasive article for a website.

Persuasion and Argument in Year 5

Argument and Debate School uniform, detentions, mobile phones or screen time - there’s always an argument! This block lays the groundwork for effective argument and persuasion, written and spoken. Learn how formal debates are structured and take part in a class debate.

Persuasion and Argument Explore persuasive letters, adverts, protest songs and speeches. Study the impact of modal verbs and cohesion through adverbs and conjunctions. Write and deliver persuasive speeches.

Narrative Poems Lewis Carroll's Walrus and the Carpenter and Hilaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales stimulate performance, debate, persuasive writing and poetry writing.

Revise Persuasive Writing in Year 6

Harry Potter Unit 7 Persuasive Texts Use extracts from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . Explore persuasive writing: advertisements for Wizard Wheezes; excuses for Fred/George; letters of persuasion for Buckbeak’s innocence. Revise: active/passive voice; adverbs of possibility, subordinate clauses.

Percy Jackson and Greek Myths Unit 7 Persuasion and Balanced Argument Write and perform a an advert for a mythical object using adverbs of possibility to persuade. Consider different viewpoints in order to develop a balanced argument. Write persuasively in response to a Greek myth using the SPaG covered in this unit (subordinate clauses, adverbs).

Explore our English blocks by selecting a year group. They allow you to tailor your teaching. Adjust the length of time you spend on a genre and what English objectives to focus on. Hamilton’s flexible blocks keep the teacher in control.

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Persuasive Writing

What is Persuasive Writing?

This is a wonderful resource to introduce your class to persuasive writing. The tutorial highlights the main features of persuasive writing and the different types used in the world around us.

Speaking and Listening Checklist

We all know that children should be given ownership of their learning. We give them checklists for writing and day to day activities, so why not give your children a checklist for Speaking and Presenting?

Download our Speaking and Presenting checklist to help your children develop their skills.

The Rule of Three

Everything sounds right when it comes in threes. If you want to deliver a persuasive argument and encourage people to buy into what you are saying, download our Rule of Three Activity and examples sheet.

Your children will look at a range of quotes and phrases and alternate their tone to reach their targeted audience.

Rule of Three - Activity Sheet

Challenge your children to research to find examples of the Rule of Three.

Download our activity sheet to see the different areas to look.

Rule of Three - Company Slogan Examples

In this resource we have highlighted 14 company slogans that have used the Rule of Three to advertising purposes.

Click the image to download.

Repetition and Breathless Sentences

Repetition and breathless sentences are used as tools to deliver impact in speeches and presentations. Repetitive language reiterates the main points and drills home the core message. It gives the spoken words importance, significance and power.

Check out our Activity and Examples pages to help your children develop this speaking and presenting tool.

Trying to persuade others is an art. To master the technique you need to learn a variety of tips.

You don’t need to show both sides of the argument, you present your ideas and viewpoint on a topic. For instance, say you had to persuade a group of people to buy a particular car. You could mention the beautiful looks, performance, interior and the low price for such a fantastic car.

The details you choose to write about are important, as you want the people to purchase your car. You must convince the group of people using persuasive language and words. Sales people persuade for their bread and butter.

One thing you wouldn’t write about is your competitors. Avoid even putting other cars into the question. Putting down other brands won’t make yours sound better. You don’t persuade like this. You must focus on your product/brand alone. Below are a few key tips to remember when writing to persuade.

Be confident and passionate  – If you are writing about how great your brand of cupcakes are, keep repeating the idea. Convince yourself how good the cupcakes are – they might even be a healthy alternative to conventional cakes, and because this cupcake is backed by many health specialists it makes it much more unique and special. Once you have convinced yourself, it’s much easier to convince others. So next you need to remember to…

Keep the focus on Positivity  – When we venture into a car showroom and we are approached by a salesperson, we all know we are going to get a persuasive sales pitch. It’s important to understand that these pitches vary. An ineffective sales pitch will focus on other makes and models and run them into the ground.  An effective sales pitch will keep the focus and attention on their cars and brand. After all, the costumer has visited this showroom to find out about your cars – not your competitors.

Remember:   It’s always better to hear how good your idea is rather than how bad other people’s are. So write about the things that show your ideas in the best light.

Be pushy  – If you appear unsure to your audience, or if you can’t make your fundamental ideas stand out, then you aren’t really persuading as much as you ought to be. Below is The Persuaders’ Toolkit; it explains a variety of strategies to improve your persuasive game. Now, you may not want to be a sales person but many of the skills can be used in different situations.

The Persuader’s Toolkit

Repeat yourself  – don’t worry about saying the same thing again and again – people forget. Repeating yourself and constantly reinforcing your ideas will drill in into your audience and help them remember the key points. Even when you think your audience might remember, you can always repeat yourself another time. Ensure you don’t make the repetition your only persuasive tool other things must be included. Keep reading…

Be personal  – using words such as “we” or “I” always sounds a lot more convincing. We all know that, don’t we?

Use questions  – why would you use questions when writing to persuade? Well, questions provoke thought and encourage people to ponder what you are writing. They also get your readers involved in what you are writing and they will begin to take a viewpoint on the subject you’re writing about.

Use feelings to push ideas  – Feelings and emotions are built into us all and appealing to these can boost chances of persuading others. Persuasive words are fantastic ammunition. In seconds, they can make your friends laugh, or your teacher angry, so why not use them properly to persuade your readers?
For instance, don’t just write “the pressure of doing school work”, because there is no real feeling there. Instead, how about: “the endless trauma, the desperation and the mindless suffering that school work inflicts on students”.

To find out more about teaching persuasive writing or other areas of english visit:

How to Persuade

This is a great range of video clips and resources on how to persuade and writing persuasively.

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100+ Excellent Topics for A Stellar Persuasive Speech

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Speech?

The Ingredients of an Effective Topic

Ideas & Inspiration: 100+ Topics

Your Next Steps, Step-by-step

This comprehensive blog post serves as a vital resource for anyone looking to craft an impactful persuasive speech. It provides an extensive list of over 100 compelling topics tailored for a wide range of interests and academic fields. Additionally, it offers advanced guidance on selecting the perfect topic, structuring your arguments effectively, and employing persuasive techniques that captivate and convince your audience. Whether you're an academic achiever or an aspiring public speaker, this guide equips you with the insights to deliver a stellar persuasive speech.

Before You Pick the Perfect Topic...

If you’re struggling to find a strong topic for a persuasive speech , you’ll find 100+ ideas for subjects and topics below. Use one that grabs you, or simply find inspiration to get unstuck and come up with a topic about something you and your audience will find interesting.

To help you think about the big picture — your larger essay — we also review what makes a truly effective persuasive speech, all the ingredients of an effective topic, and how to pick the best topic for your circumstances.

Here's what's most essential as you consider your topic choices:

• pick a topic that has the right scope, one aligned with your larger assignment
• be sure the topic is one you're interested in researching, has meaning and relevance for your audience, and has the right level of complexity — both for your audience and for your level of speech writing prowess
• remember your topic should align with themes and subjects related to your circumstances and the speech requirements

Finally, once you’ve picked your topic, and even if you know all the basics — which I’m guessing you do if you’re following posts from Crimson Education — you might still benefit from other advice in today's post, such as numerous speech writing tips and strategies designed to save you time and stress and improve the odds your final speech will exceed expectations.

Here's what you'll find:

• What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech
• The Ingredients of an Effective Topic, and Tips for Picking Your Topic
• 100+ Topic Suggestions
• How to Develop a Stellar Persuasive Speech — Step-by-Step!

Still feeling a bit hesitant or stuck?

Don’t worry. Once you've picked a really interesting and effective topic and start your research, you'll quickly become a subject-matter expert, regaining both motivation and confidence for all the remaining steps.

What Makes a Truly Remarkable Persuasive Speech?

A good persuasive speech will grab the audience’s attention, help them connect with the speaker (that’s you), and guide their reasoning process — giving the speech the power to persuade your audience why your point of view is logical and compelling, and also superior to the opposing viewpoints.

The 6 Most Essential Ingredients

• A strong introduction that gets the audience engaged and provides context about the subject and topic, what’s at stake (why it matters), and what issues or concerns tend to be front and center
• A clear thesis in the form of a specific point of view, opinion, or argument
• An orderly progression of ideas and arguments, each argument or subtopic supported by logic and evidence
• An anticipation of opposing viewpoints and arguments (the counterarguments to your opinion)
• Your responses or ‘rebuttals’ to the opposing viewpoints , answering the anticipated objections and adding additional support for your point of view or thesis
• A conclusion that highlights the most powerful persuasive elements in your speech and reminds listeners what's at stake, including, if suitable, a call to action

The Historical Roots of Persuasive Speech

Did you know that persuasive speech assignments may be testing your mastery of concepts that go back as far as ancient Greece?

The emergence of democracy in ancient Greece (the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.) created a space for the rule of law and political governance informed by the will of the people — making persuasive speech an essential element of social life.

From courtroom trials to political campaigns and democratic assemblies, persuasive speech emerged in 5th-century Athens as an essential tool of democracy.  Soon the brightest philosophers of the day became concerned with the principles of "rhetoric" — the study of orderly and effective persuasive speaking.

Now, thousands of years later, little has changed in Western democracies: "constructing and defending compelling arguments remains an essential skill in many settings" (Harvard U, Rhetoric ). In short, the principles of deliberation, free speech, and consensus building we use for governance, in school, extracurricular activities , at work, and sometimes our day-to-day life, still rely on persuasive speech.

In every free society individuals are continuously attempting to change the thoughts and/or actions of others. It is a fundamental concept of a free society.

- persuasive speaking, by r. t. oliver, ph.d..

How The Rhetorical Triangle Can Turbo-charge Your Speech

The 5th-century B.C. Athenian philosopher Aristotle argued that your ability to persuade is based on how well your speech appeals to the audience in three different areas: logos, ethos, and pathos, sometimes referred to as the three points of the rhetorical triangle .

From observation and reflection Aristotle understood that humans are thinking animals (logos), social and moral animals (ethos), and emotional animals (pathos) — such that appealing to all three of these pillars of human understanding and action were essential parts of an effective persuasive speech .

1. Logos — Using clear, logical, and evidence-based reasoning and argumentation to add persuasive power to your speech.

For obvious reasons, audiences will typically expect strong arguments supported by evidence and clear reasoning and logic, all elements that are often prominent on grading rubrics for persuasive speeches.

Maybe you're thinking of speeches you've heard that utterly lacked logic and evidence? It's a reminder that persuasion as such is ultimately about points of view and not always about facts. Even without logic, a speaker can persuade, through effective uses of ethos and pathos , for example. In other instances social phenomena may underlie a lack of logic and evidence, such as "group think," for example , when people are swayed or swept up by a common point of view about an issue, instead of thinking critically about it.

2. Ethos — The component of persuasive speaking that spotlights the appeal, authority, credentials, and moral standing of the speaker .

Have you ever agreed with a speaker simply because you liked the person speaking, or rejected an argument because you disliked a speaker, responding to who the speaker is more than to their arguments? That may not be very logical, but it is very natural for us humans.

Aristotle understood this, that persuasion relies not solely on logical thinking but on relational factors too, including how much we trust a speaker, how much we believe in the integrity of their motives, and the knowledge and expertise they possess (or are perceived to possess).

Take law courts, for example. One common strategy lawyers use to undermine the force of witness testimony is to “discredit” or “taint” the witness , to undermine jurors' confidence in the veracity and motives of the witness. That's using ethos, rather than logic and facts, to impact an audience (the jury).

Likewise, when an audience has a high regard for the speaker's reputation, authority, and credibility, the more convincing that person's arguments are likely to be.

Suggestions for enhancing appeals to ethos in your speech:

• Share a transformative journey where you shifted from an opposing perspective to your current stance due to overwhelming evidence. This approach can demonstrate your capacity for logic and open-mindedness, helping your audience see you as very rational and impartial, potentially strengthening your credibility.
• Incorporate the viewpoints and expertise of respected authorities to bolster your arguments. Referencing reliable sources and experts boosts your credibility by showing you've grounded your arguments in established facts, perspectives, and ideas.
• Foster a connection with your audience. For example, rather than overwhelming them with complex reasoning to showcase your intelligence, strive to comprehend and reflect their perceptions and potential biases regarding your topic. This should make your audience more receptive to your logic and perspectives as your speech progresses.
• Employ personal anecdotes or lived experiences that unveil a deeper layer of understanding and wisdom. This personal touch not only humanizes you, the speaker, but makes your arguments more relatable and persuasive.

Depending on circumstances, you may think of additional ways to bolster your credibility and trustworthiness — enhancing your standing in the eyes of the audience in order to elevate the persuasive impact of your speech!

3. Pathos — This means injecting your speech with some powerful appeals to listeners' feelings and emotions , in addition to using logic and reason.

For example, if your speech entails persuading voters to increase foreign aide to combat world hunger, you wouldn’t just want to cite cold statistics. Painting a picture of ways malnutrition is affecting real individuals is likely to have a strong impact on listeners' emotions, appealing to their innate capacity for compassion towards others and helping them more deeply appreciate the urgency of the subject . This approach impacts listeners' emotions and highlights an urgent and universal moral imperative that adds conviction to your point of view.

In most academic settings, you'll be expected to present a speech with a strong line of evidence-based, logical reasoning, often making appeals to logos prominent in persuasive speeches in school settings. That said, by injecting and balancing appeals to logos, ethos, and pathos, based on what's most suitable for your topic, assignment, and approach, you'll add a significant measure of mastery to your persuasive writing method.

A Consistent Style and Tone

What style, voice, and tone best suit your personality, the occasion, the listeners, and your subject?

• Consider adopting a straightforward, clear, and succinct style , reminiscent of a newspaper editorial or a no-nonsense argument in a voter guide. This approach works well for topics and settings requiring direct communication with clear insights and persuasive arguments free from subjectivity and unnecessary analysis and complexity.
• For topics, interests, or assignments that naturally entail wading through broader philosophical and ethical debates — like debating justifications for euthanasia or arguments against the death penalty — a more introspective, contemplative voice may be expected . This style allows for a deeper exploration of moral dimensions and the broader implications of the issue at hand or the underlying logical principles involved.
• If your inclination is towards something more unconventional, employing humor and wit could be a chance to take the road less traveled! Whether through irony or parody, for example, by showcasing a humorous topic from the outset, such as "why dog people outshine cat people," or cleverly presenting weaker arguments to underscore your point, this strategy, while offbeat, can captivate and entertain , making your speech stand out in a large class setting. Just be sure to balance the creativity with a clear demonstration of your persuasive speech skills and consider checking in with your teacher about possibilities and expectations beforehand.

With a broader understanding of what goes into a great persuasive speech, you’re better equipped for the important step of picking the topic that will guide your speech.

Picking Your Topic — Questions to Ask

Does it interest you.

Conveying passion for a topic is infectious, adding power to your speech. The more interested and invested you are in your subject and topic, the more likely you are to make your speech the best it can be.

Will the topic interest your audience?

Understanding your audience's values, interests, and views will help you make immediate connections with their own thought processes and attitudes. Try to pick a topic that will get your listeners to perk up and move to the edge of their seats.

Is the topic or point of view fresh and engaging?

Choosing a topic that's novel, contemporary, or presents a unique angle on a familiar issue should help you captivate your audience's attention. You also want the topic to be something that matters to your audience with a point of view that challenges their thinking, so you're not just "preaching to the choir."

Are there any "triggers" or otherwise "sensitive" or "inappropriate" themes?

You might not think there’s not any problem with a topic such as Should we build a wall to keep immigrants out of the country? Or, Should same sex marriage be legal? That said, topics that delve into identity politics or areas that are so controversial that they elicit anger or hostility rather than dialogue and debate may lead to emotional hurt and harm, even if not intended. If you have any doubts, check in with your teacher or a school counselor before settling on your topic!

Finding Subjects and Topics on Your Own

Before you jump ahead and grab a ready-made topic from the list below, remember that a quick brainstorming or online search could be your preferred method to find the best, most interesting topic for your audience, setting, and individual interests or class requirements. For example, an internet search with keywords such as “biggest problems or biggest issues in the world today” will quickly uncover a host of themes and subjects that are both timely and controversial.

Search Results for Keyword Phrase Contemporary World Problems and Issues

• Water contamination
• Human rights violation
• Global health issues
• Global poverty
• Children's poor access to healthcare, education and safety
• Access to food and hunger
• Anti-corruption and transparency
• Arms control and nonproliferation
• Climate and environment
• Climate crisis
• Combating and crime
• Countering terrorism
• Cyber issues
• Economic prosperity and trade policy
• Technology and privacy

A General List vs. Time & Place Factors

Where you live and what’s timely for you and your audience is going to depend on your circumstances. Finding a “hot topic” in your specific time and place could be an effective way to get listeners' attention and address an issue that feels highly relevant.

• Is there a big policy decision that’s a hot topic at your school?
• Is there a ballot initiative your community will vote on soon that your audience has strong opinions about?
• Is there a current events issue in your local news headlines that offers a compelling persuasive speech topic?
• What’s before congress these days, or before the Supreme Court, or the United Nations — this week (any great topics there for your speech)?

More Inspiration: 100+ Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for High School

If you haven’t already navigated your way to an interesting persuasive speech topic, use the list below for even more ideas and inspiration!

You can go from top to bottom, or you can jump the line and look for the themes that most interest you, such as Art and Culture or Recreation and Tourism.

Art and Culture

1. Is digital art really art?

2. Street art: vandalism or cultural expression?

3. Is there a place for censorship in the music industry?

4. Do museums promote culture or appropriate culture?

5. Should other countries have a minister of culture or similar government office, as they do in France?

6. Can schools, or art teachers, define good art vs. bad art? Should they?

7. Censorship in art: when is it justified or necessary?

8. Does creative freedom take precedence over cultural appropriation?

9. The impact of digital platforms on the consumption of art and the value of art.

10. Is there a role for public policy and public funding in arts and culture?

1. The pros and cons of minimum wage laws and policies.

2. Cryptocurrency: the future of finance or a scam?

3. Is student loan debt relief good policy?

4. Gender wage gap: are the concerns justified or unjustified?

5. Sustainable development: Is there a way to sustain economic growth and without an environmental catastrophe?

6. The role of small businesses in the economy, do they promote prosperity or undermine efficiencies?

7. Globalization: economic boon or bane?

8. Is consumerism in the general interest or a threat to the planet?

9. The economic effects of climate change, should they be paid now or later?

10. Universal Basic Income: a solution to poverty or a disincentive to work?

1. The case for and against school uniforms.

2. Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in school board elections?

3. The impact of technology on education.

4. Should college education be free?

5. The importance of teaching financial literacy in schools: promoting independent living or consumerism?

6. Should parents have the right to home school children against their will?

7. Is the grading system improving learning?

8. Is mandatory attendance a good policy for high school?

9. Addressing the mental health crisis in schools: is it an individual problem or a social one?

10. Arts education: valuable or a waste of time?

Environmental Issues

1. The urgency of addressing climate change and what to do about it.

2. Plastic pollution: are more stringent government regulations, policies, and laws the answer?

3. Should the government subsidize clean energy technologies and solutions?

4. The importance of water conservation, but whose responsible?

5. Should there be a global environmental tax? On what?

6. Should environmental costs be factored into everyday economic activity?

7. The impact of fast fashion on the environment.

8. The necessity of protecting endangered species.

9. Deforestation: Who's impacted? Who should have power (or not) to stop it?

10. Are electric cars truly better for the environment?

1. The changing dynamics of the modern family.

2. The role of the state in protecting children from parents and guardians.

3. Should adoption records be open or sealed?

4. How can employers, or employment laws, support healthy families?

5. Is there an age when euthanasia should become universally legal and accessible?

6. How to balance parental rights with child welfare.

7. Is your child's gender something they're born with, or something they should be free to choose?

8. The responsibilities of women vs. men in addressing an unplanned pregnancy.

9. Should parents restrict children's use of technology? What is too lax vs. what is too restrictive?

10. Balancing discipline and love in parenting.

Health, Nutrition, & Fitness

1. Should junk food advertising be regulated?

2. The dangers of fad diets: free market vs. consumer protection.

3. Should junk food be banned in schools?

4. Nutrition: are schools failing to teach it?

5. Should students be graded on their fitness and nutrition levels and habits?

6. Should sports programs be replaced by fitness education?

7. E-cigarettes: should they be regulated or not?

8. The obesity epidemic: a problem of individual responsibility, genetics, or social policy?

9. Are agricultural subsidies good for health and the environment?

10. Should teens have more options for balancing school attendance and individual sleep needs and preferences?

Media, Social Media, and Entertainment

1. The effects of social media on teenagers.

2. Should there be regulations on influencer marketing?

3. The impact of video games on behavior.

4. Fake news: Its impact and how to combat it.

5. The role of media in shaping public opinion.

6. Privacy concerns with social media platforms.

7. The influence of celebrities on youth culture: is there a role for rewards and consequences to impact celebrities public behaviors?

8. Digital detox: pros and cons.

9. Media portrayal of women and its societal impact.

10. Censorship in media: necessary or oppressive?

Politics and Society

1. The importance and limits of voting in a democracy.

2. Gun control laws: balancing safety and liberty.

3. The impact of immigration: universal human rights vs. national sovereignty.

4. The death penalty: justice vs. ethics?

5. The legalization of marijuana: the right policy?

6. The right to protest vs. public order.

7. Affirmative action: whose definition of "fairness" do we use?

8. The future of healthcare in America: market solutions or a public option?

9. Climate change policy: National vs. global approaches.

10. The role of the United Nations in today's world.

Recreation & Tourism

1. The benefits of outdoor recreation.

2. Sustainable tourism: protecting nature while promoting travel.

3. The impact of tourism on local cultures.

4. The future of space tourism.

5. The effects of recreational activities on mental health.

6. The importance of historical preservation in tourism.

7. Adventure tourism: reasonable or unreasonable risks vs. rewards proposition?

8. The effects of over-tourism on popular destinations and local communities.

9. Is eco-tourism the right way to promote environmental sustainability?

10. Does international tourism help or harm indigenous peoples, cultures, and communities?

1. Do the ethical downside of genetic engineering outweigh the potential benefits?

2. The potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in society.

3. Climate change denial: is it fully within the bounds of free speech?

4. Competing views of vaccine policies and individual rights in pandemics and other health emergencies.

5. Space exploration: is it worth the investment?

6. The use of affirmative action to diversify STEM education and workforce.

7. The impact of technology on job displacement and future employment: is a universal income the right answer?

8. Do renewable energy technologies offer a feasible substitute for eliminating fossil fuels?

9. Ocean pollution: is more government regulation the answer?

10. Protecting biodiversity vs. the right to economic prosperity.

Sports and School Athletics

1. The emphasis on athletic programs in high schools: is the hype benefiting students?

2. Should college athletes be compensated?

3. Do teamwork and group activities help or hinder academic and athletic development?

4. Should schools should require more physical education or less?

5. Should there be more emphasis on non-competitive formats in high school and college athletics?

6. The influence of professional athletes as role models: good or bad?

7. Doping in sports: are athletic programs teaching the wrong values?

8. The benefits and risks of contact sports in high schools athletics.

9. Should there be absolute gender equality in school athletics?

10. What should the educational goal of school athletics be?

These topics span a broad spectrum of interests and concerns — look for one that matters to you and your audience, is likely to prompt insightful dialogue or debate, and is challenging enough to put your individual persuasive speech skills to the test!

1. Use Diligent Research to Make a Watertight Argument

To go from just any persuasive speech to a truly riveting one, you’ll want to dig around until you find compelling and authoritative research . Even if you're already knowledgeable about your topic, applying yourself with patience and perseverance at this early stage will usually pay off, allowing you to uncover some real gems when it comes to compelling facts and expert perspectives.

What to look for:

• Facts, statistics, and surveys
• An expert analysis of a policy or issue
• Quotes from compelling experts, from books, editorials, or speeches
• Anecdotal evidence in the form of isolated events or personal experiences that don’t have much statistical significance but can illustrate or capture something powerful that supports your point of view, or add emotional appeal
• Graphs, tables, and charts

Riveting research will better position you to hit some home runs when you put together your speech. And remember, research is primarily to build a strong logical argument ( logos ), but citing and spotlighting reputable sources will also lend your speech greater persuasive credibility ( ethos ), just as experiential perspectives can add appeals to emotion ( pathos ).

Define Your Thesis

Clearly articulate your stance on the topic. This thesis statement will guide the structure of your speech and inform your audience of your central argument.

I like to create a "working thesis" as a planning tool, something that encapsulates and maps my point of view and essential supporting arguments, and as a way to uncover gaps in my reasoning or evidence early on. Later, it also gives me a ready guide for writing my outline.

Essential Elements of a ‘working thesis’ for a persuasive speech:

• The subject (including how you'll frame the context for your topic and speech)
• Your main point of view
• List of principal arguments
• The most important counterarguments
• Key rebuttals to the counterarguments

As you can see, this kind of "working thesis" gives you a bird's eye view of your thesis along with all the key components of your speech and the reasoning you’ll deploy.

Marshaling Your Evidence

As you delve into researching your chosen topic, such as "Why space exploration is not worth the investment," you'll accumulate evidence, including data, anecdotes, expert opinions, and more. This evidence is vital for adding depth, credibility, and persuasion to your speech. You also need to strategically align the evidence with each of your supporting arguments , ensuring that each claim you make is substantiated.

You can use a simple table format to visually map out how you want to align your subtopics and evidence.

Here's an example using the topic Why space exploration is not worth the investment .

This table is just for illustration, and doesn't use real data and opinions, but you can see how organizing your evidence ahead of time can help you logically present and support your arguments and subtopics . It can also help you spot gaps, in case you need to do additional research, and gives you a head start on the next step: outlining your speech!

Make an Outline

Begin with a structured outline to ensure your speech flows logically from one point to the next. Your outline should include:

• introduction elements
• key subtopics and the relevant arguments and evidence, examples, anecdotes, or citations, all in sequential order
• key wording for any important or challenging transitions from one line of thought to the next, or from one subtopic to the next
• a section for responding to opposing arguments and viewpoints, with the specific rebuttals, all in sequential order
• key points for your conclusion

Drafting Body Paragraphs, Your Introduction & Conclusion

Now you're making your first rough attempts of turning the key content of your speech into phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. So, this is a could point to refocus on the tone, style, and voice you want to use, and how to use it consistently.

Pro Tip: Write your introduction and conclusion after drafting all of your body paragraphs, because you these two sections to really capture the essence of the larger speech.

Introduction : Start with a strong hook—this could be a startling statistic, a compelling quote, or a relatable and captivating (or entertaining) anecdote— then briefly preview your main points to set the stage for your argument.

Conclusion : Reinforce your thesis with concise references to the the primary evidence you presented. End with a powerful closing statement that reminds your audience of why this topic is important. As suitable, you can also call your audience to action or leave them with something significant to ponder on their own.

Balancing Pathos, Logos, Ethos

Ensure a harmonious balance among logos (logical appeal), ethos (establishing your credibility and using evidence from credible sources and quotes or perspectives from credible authorities), and pathos (emotional appeal).

Checklist for Balancing Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

Here's a rubric, adapted from a real university writing rubric for persuasive speeches, that can help you elevate appeals to logos , ethos , and pathos in your speech.

• Is the thesis clear and specific?
• Is the thesis supported by strong reasons and credible evidence?
• Is the argument logical and well organized?
• What are the speaker’s qualifications?
• How has the speaker connected him/herself to the topic being discussed?
• Does the speaker demonstrate respect for multiple viewpoints, and respond to them with thoughtful arguments?
• Are sources credible?
• Are tone, style, and word choice appropriate for the audience/purpose?
• Is the speech polished and written with care?
• Are vivid examples, details and images used to engage the listeners' emotions and imagination?
• Does the writer appeal to the values and beliefs of the listeners by using examples the audience can relate to or cares about?

Revise & Polish

Review your speech and revise for clarity, flow, sentence structure, and word choice.

Remember to use a voice and style consistent with making a speech, with the topic and subject matter, and the specific circumstances for your speech.

Remove any jargon or unnecessary details that might distract from your message.

Sharpen your arguments, making sure they are clear, concise, and compelling.

Practice the Delivery

Dedicate ample time to practicing what it will be like giving your speech. Focus on mastering the tone, pace, and volume of your delivery. If you have time limits on the speech, be sure to time your delivery as well, and make any needed adjustments. Consider body language, eye contact, and gestures, as these non-verbal cues can significantly impact your speech's effectiveness.

The more comfortable and familiar you are with your speech, the more confidently you'll present it.

Also, being nervous, for lots of people, is normal. Practice will help; with better command of your speech you'll feel more confident. Also, practicing your delivery with a friend who can listen and give you some feedback is good way to catch helpful adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Finding a topic you like and one that your audience will be interested in is a critical foundation for an effective persuasive speech. It will also help you stay motivated and get more out of the experience!

Just remember that investing in some extra research, some thoughtful organization, anticipating counterarguments, and artfully weaving in ethos and pathos alongside a strong line of evidence-based arguments ( logos ) will help you elevate your speech and your learning experience.

With the insights we've just shared, you're more than ready to turn what is often a rote class exercise into something far more artful. In addition, your effort will help prepare you for college — for debating, editorial writing, legal argumentation, public policy advocacy, public speaking, and even running for ASB President!

If you're interested in taking on the challenge of more advanced research and persuasive writing, or even projects that involve scholarly publication, be sure to reach out to a Crimson Education Advisor for information on ways to get connected to advanced online courses and any number of cool capstone and research projects that will also connect you to networks of motivated young scholars and top-notch research and writing mentors.

About the Author

Keith Nickolaus

Keith Nickolaus is a former educator with a passion for languages, literature, and lifelong learning. After obtaining a B.A. from UC Santa Cruz and exploring university life in Paris, Keith earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and then worked for 16 years in K12 education before setting up shop as a freelance writer.

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Persuasive Writing Example and Features List KS2

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

26 April 2019

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Fun example of good and bad persuasive writing about how teachers need free chocolate in school in order to work better. Includes comprehensive features list that can be used as success criteria.

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