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argumentative speech topics college

112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

What’s covered:, how to pick an awesome persuasive speech topic, 112 engaging persuasive speech topics, tips for preparing your persuasive speech.

Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

When it comes time to select a topic for your persuasive speech, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options to choose from—or your brain may be drawing a completely blank slate. If you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect topic, don’t worry. We’re here to help!

In this post, we’re sharing how to choose the perfect persuasive speech topic and tips to prepare for your speech. Plus, you’ll find 112 persuasive speech topics that you can take directly from us or use as creative inspiration for your own ideas!

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

It’s much easier to write, research, and deliver a speech about a cause you care about. Even if it’s challenging to find a topic that completely sparks your interest, try to choose a topic that aligns with your passions.

However, keep in mind that not everyone has the same interests as you. Try to choose a general topic to grab the attention of the majority of your audience, but one that’s specific enough to keep them engaged.

For example, suppose you’re giving a persuasive speech about book censorship. In that case, it’s probably too niche to talk about why “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouldn’t be censored (even if it’s your favorite book), and it’s too broad to talk about media censorship in general.

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have you already heard a persuasive speech topic presented dozens of times? If so, it’s probably not an excellent choice for your speech—even if it’s an issue you’re incredibly passionate about.

Although polarizing topics like abortion and climate control are important to discuss, they aren’t great persuasive speech topics. Most people have already formed an opinion on these topics, which will either cause them to tune out or have a negative impression of your speech.

Instead, choose topics that are fresh, unique, and new. If your audience has never heard your idea presented before, they will be more open to your argument and engaged in your speech.

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

For a persuasive speech to be engaging, there must be a clear side of opposition. To help determine the arguability of your topic, ask yourself: “If I presented my viewpoint on this topic to a group of peers, would someone disagree with me?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve chosen a great topic!

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what it takes to choose a great persuasive speech topic, here are over one hundred options for you to choose from.

  • Should high school athletes get tested for steroids?
  • Should schools be required to have physical education courses?
  • Should sports grades in school depend on things like athletic ability?
  • What sport should be added to or removed from the Olympics?
  • Should college athletes be able to make money off of their merchandise?
  • Should sports teams be able to recruit young athletes without a college degree?
  • Should we consider video gamers as professional athletes?
  • Is cheerleading considered a sport?
  • Should parents allow their kids to play contact sports?
  • Should professional female athletes be paid the same as professional male athletes?
  • Should college be free at the undergraduate level?
  • Is the traditional college experience obsolete?
  • Should you choose a major based on your interests or your potential salary?
  • Should high school students have to meet a required number of service hours before graduating?
  • Should teachers earn more or less based on how their students perform on standardized tests?
  • Are private high schools more effective than public high schools?
  • Should there be a minimum number of attendance days required to graduate?
  • Are GPAs harmful or helpful?
  • Should schools be required to teach about standardized testing?
  • Should Greek Life be banned in the United States?
  • Should schools offer science classes explicitly about mental health?
  • Should students be able to bring their cell phones to school?
  • Should all public restrooms be all-gender?
  • Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
  • Should everyone be paid a living wage regardless of their employment status?
  • Should supremacist groups be able to hold public events?
  • Should guns be allowed in public places?
  • Should the national drinking age be lowered?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
  • Should the government be able to control the population?
  • Is the death penalty ethical?

Environment

  • Should stores charge customers for plastic bags?
  • Should breeding animals (dogs, cats, etc.) be illegal?
  • Is it okay to have exotic animals as pets?
  • Should people be fined for not recycling?
  • Should compost bins become mandatory for restaurants?
  • Should electric vehicles have their own transportation infrastructure?
  • Would heavier fining policies reduce corporations’ emissions?
  • Should hunting be encouraged or illegal?
  • Should reusable diapers replace disposable diapers?

Science & Technology

  • Is paper media more reliable than digital news sources?
  • Should automated/self-driving cars be legalized?
  • Should schools be required to provide laptops to all students?
  • Should software companies be able to have pre-downloaded programs and applications on devices?
  • Should drones be allowed in military warfare?
  • Should scientists invest more or less money into cancer research?
  • Should cloning be illegal?
  • Should societies colonize other planets?
  • Should there be legal oversight over the development of technology?

Social Media

  • Should there be an age limit on social media?
  • Should cyberbullying have the same repercussions as in-person bullying?
  • Are online relationships as valuable as in-person relationships?
  • Does “cancel culture” have a positive or negative impact on societies?
  • Are social media platforms reliable information or news sources?
  • Should social media be censored?
  • Does social media create an unrealistic standard of beauty?
  • Is regular social media usage damaging to real-life interactions?
  • Is social media distorting democracy?
  • How many branches of government should there be?
  • Who is the best/worst president of all time?
  • How long should judges serve in the U.S. Supreme Court?
  • Should a more significant portion of the U.S. budget be contributed towards education?
  • Should the government invest in rapid transcontinental transportation infrastructure?
  • Should airport screening be more or less stringent?
  • Should the electoral college be dismantled?
  • Should the U.S. have open borders?
  • Should the government spend more or less money on space exploration?
  • Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
  • Should nuns and priests become genderless roles?
  • Should schools and other public buildings have prayer rooms?
  • Should animal sacrifice be legal if it occurs in a religious context?
  • Should countries be allowed to impose a national religion on their citizens?
  • Should the church be separated from the state?
  • Does freedom of religion positively or negatively affect societies?

Parenting & Family

  • Is it better to have children at a younger or older age?
  • Is it better for children to go to daycare or stay home with their parents?
  • Does birth order affect personality?
  • Should parents or the school system teach their kids about sex?
  • Are family traditions important?
  • Should parents smoke or drink around young children?
  • Should “spanking” children be illegal?
  • Should parents use swear words in front of their children?
  • Should parents allow their children to play violent video games?

Entertainment

  • Should all actors be paid the same regardless of gender or ethnicity?
  • Should all award shows be based on popular vote?
  • Who should be responsible for paying taxes on prize money, the game show staff or the contestants?
  • Should movies and television shows have ethnicity and gender quotas?
  • Should newspapers and magazines move to a completely online format?
  • Should streaming services like Netflix and Hulu be free for students?
  • Is the movie rating system still effective?
  • Should celebrities have more privacy rights?

Arts & Humanities

  • Are libraries becoming obsolete?
  • Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
  • Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
  • Is it ethical for museums to keep indigenous artifacts?
  • Should digital designs be considered an art form? 
  • Should abstract art be considered an art form?
  • Is music therapy effective?
  • Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?
  • Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
  • Should euthanasia be allowed in hospitals and other clinical settings?
  • Should the government support and implement universal healthcare?
  • Would obesity rates lower if the government intervened to make healthy foods more affordable?
  • Should teenagers be given access to birth control pills without parental consent?
  • Should food allergies be considered a disease?
  • Should health insurance cover homeopathic medicine?
  • Is using painkillers healthy?
  • Should genetically modified foods be banned?
  • Should there be a tax on unhealthy foods?
  • Should tobacco products be banned from the country?
  • Should the birth control pill be free for everyone?

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can  use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original persuasive speech ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Do Your Research

A great persuasive speech is supported with plenty of well-researched facts and evidence. So before you begin the writing process, research both sides of the topic you’re presenting in-depth to gain a well-rounded perspective of the topic.

Understand Your Audience

It’s critical to understand your audience to deliver a great persuasive speech. After all, you are trying to convince them that your viewpoint is correct. Before writing your speech, consider the facts and information that your audience may already know, and think about the beliefs and concerns they may have about your topic. Then, address these concerns in your speech, and be mindful to include fresh, new information.

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, have someone read it to check for areas of strength and improvement. You can use CollegeVine’s free essay review tool to get feedback on your speech from a peer!

Practice Makes Perfect

After completing your final draft, the key to success is to practice. Present your speech out loud in front of a mirror, your family, friends, and basically, anyone who will listen. Not only will the feedback of others help you to make your speech better, but you’ll become more confident in your presentation skills and may even be able to commit your speech to memory.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to write a powerful, unique persuasive speech. With the perfect topic, plenty of practice, and a boost of self-confidence, we know you’ll impress your audience with a remarkable speech!

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argumentative speech topics college

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

  • Introduction
  • Supporting body paragraphs
  • Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

  • Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
  • Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
  • Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
  • Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
  • Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
  • Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
  • Do the transitions flow smoothly?
  • Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
  • Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

  • Read your work aloud to yourself.
  • Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
  • Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
  • Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
  • Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
  • Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
  • Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
  • Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
  • Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
  • Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
  • Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
  • Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
  • Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
  • Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
  • Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
  • Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
  • Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
  • Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
  • Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

  • Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
  • Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
  • To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
  • Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
  • Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
  • Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
  • What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
  • Should schools push to abolish homework?
  • Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
  • Should universities do away with Greek life?
  • Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
  • Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
  • Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
  • Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
  • Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
  • Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
  • Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
  • Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
  • Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
  • Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
  • Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
  • Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
  • Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
  • Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
  • Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
  • Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
  • Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
  • Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
  • Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
  • Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
  • Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
  • Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
  • Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
  • Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
  • Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
  • Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
  • Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
  • Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
  • Should women be allowed into special forces units?
  • Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
  • Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
  • Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
  • Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
  • Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
  • Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
  • In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
  • Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
  • Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
  • Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
  • Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
  • Should organ donation be mandatory?
  • Is cloning animals ethical?
  • Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
  • Is surrogacy ethical?
  • Should birth control require a prescription?
  • Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
  • Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
  • Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
  • Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
  • Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
  • Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
  • Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
  • Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
  • Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
  • Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
  • Should the United States ban TikTok?
  • Is social media harmful to children?
  • Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

  • Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
  • Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
  • Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
  • Should the government regulate religious practices?
  • Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
  • Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
  • Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
  • Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
  • Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
  • Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
  • Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
  • Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
  • Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
  • Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
  • Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

  • Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
  • Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
  • Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
  • Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
  • Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
  • What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
  • Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
  • Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
  • Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
  • Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
  • Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

  • Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
  • How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
  • Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
  • Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
  • Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
  • Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
  • Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
  • Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
  • Should sports teams be divided by gender?
  • Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
  • Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
  • Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
  • Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
  • Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
  • Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
  • Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
  • Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
  • Does computing harm the environment?
  • Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
  • Are electric cars really better for the environment?
  • Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
  • Should private jets be banned?
  • Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
  • Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
  • Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
  • Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
  • Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
  • Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
  • Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
  • Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
  • Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
  • Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
  • Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
  • Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
  • Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
  • Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
  • Should tipping practices be phased out?
  • Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
  • Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
  • Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

  • 125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
  • 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 7 Best Places to Study
  • Guide to the IB Extended Essay
  • How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
  • AP Lit Reading List
  • How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
  • 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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Public Speaking Resources

Argumentative Speech Topics and ideas: A Complete Guide

An argumentative speech is a persuasive speech. Here, speakers try to encourage audiences to alter their views on a controversial issue.

Though they are alike in some manner, persuasive and argumentative speech contains different goals.

A persuasive speech focuses on sharing a perspective and asking the public to think it over. An argumentative speech aims to alter the viewpoint already detained by the audience.

This type of speech is challenging. So, the speaker should pick up the topic that he is confident at and come up with a strong argument.

When you are involved in debates with family or friends, you obviously tend to win or lose. The way you argue shows your capability to compel facts and concepts in support of a topic.

While losing an argument, chances are you only used the standpoint supporting your situation. In a perfect argumentative speech, there should be a strong claim and the points to support it.

For an argumentative speech, find a concrete and controversial argument to use as your foundation. These speeches generally focus on the topics discussed at the moment by society. Most of the topics of argumentative speech are derivative of political discussion.

This is most commonly noticed in the media. The selected topic might be social, religious, ethical, or political by nature. The public must be confident to revise their long-held values. They might ask to change detained convictions relevant to the recent evidence.

In fact, picking up a topic that is debatable is important to develop good speech. The topic should not include something which is already demonstrated or verified.

Instead, it should be logical enough to convince the audience. The speaker should come up with a strong opinion to make his speech realistic to the audience.

To be able to argue in a reasonable and logical way is a fine life skill. It helps to stand up for what you think is correct and let others give attention to your viewpoints.

For instance, if the topic includes “eating egg and milk affects your healthiness”. You evaluate the opponent and create your own topic like “Eating egg and milk does not affect your health”. Yet, you have to give strong points to support your answer.

Table of Contents

Terms to Present Argumentative Speech

Claims of fact, claims of value, claims of policy, 1. pick up debatable topic, 2. take a strong standpoint, 3. give some supportable arguments, 4. refute alternate positions, tips for delivering an argumentative speech:, 1. look for your topic, 2. recognize your standpoint, 3. carry out the research, 4. know who your opposition is, 5. know the facts, 6. choose the topic of your interest, list of argumentative speech topic, argumentative speech topics about economy, argumentative speech topics about science, argumentative speech topics about environment, argumentative speech topics about family, argumentative speech topics about technology, argumentative speech topics about health, argumentative speech topics about history, argumentative speech topics about politics, argumentative speech topics about religion, argumentative speech topics about sports, argumentative speech topics about relationships, argumentative speech topics about law, argumentative speech topics about life, argumentative speech topics about ethics,  conclusion.

These are some terms that help you to present an ideal argumentative speech:

  • Claim – This is the main term that you should focus on. Try to give a strong standpoint. Support on the point, position, and the issue you are talking about. Do not forget the main purpose of the speech.
  • Grounds – Grounds are the key information or the facts that you use to make your point more powerful and reliable. Make sure that the details you give are an appropriate reason for your claims in the initial place.

Argumentative Speech is based on:

It starts with the reality relevant to the evidence. For an instance, you drink too much alcohol and do not exercise. Then, you will surely put up the weight. If you control your drinks, then you can maintain the weight.

Claims of value include the belief something is correct or incorrect, good or bad. For an instance, punishing children is wrong. It does not improve the habits of your children.

Here you can also state “Punishing children is right”. They will think properly before doing anything wrong

Claims of the policy are taken from the course of action. For an instance, you should be able to vote through a driving license. There is a precise rule for the policy. It is realistic and superior compared to the current system.

Every child should learn different languages in school. It is vital to introduce teachers to the value of beginning foreign language experience.

While initiating the argumentative speech, get ready with strong arguments. You desire to give an influential impact right in front. Also, you might wish to leave a good impression on the audience hearing your speech.

Stay away from personal attacks. If you make the argument too boring, there will be a higher chance of losing your audience.

Besides, argumentative speech needs a powerful viewpoint on the topic that you are delivering. Remember, the goal is not to win your audience but to win the argument. You have to stand on your own point with an appropriate reason.

Essential components of an Argumentative speech:

The main goal of an argumentative essay is to influence others in your opinions. Generally, an argumentative speech addresses an audience with opposite opinions on a specific subject.

Here are four essential elements to focus on when developing an argumentative essay:

While picking up a topic, you should select the topic with more than a single side. For an instance, there is no way to discuss the topic of human smell with the nose. It is familiar fact that has no other strong points to discuss against.

While preparing for an argumentative speech, take a strong standpoint. Try to stick with the stance. This makes your speech powerful. Make sure you do not confuse the audience with any irrelevant points.

A good argument needs to have reasonable and convincing evidence. Better support your statement with information, figures, examples, and some relevant opinions. Also, argumentative speech does not contain unproven opinions. Make sure you research and present the argument that is a relevant argument.

At the end of a strong argumentative speech, you have to refute alternate positions. By dealing with the opponent, make some powerful arguments. Try to work on some common and stronger viewpoints.

  • Look for a concrete and controversial argument to use as your base.
  • Arrange your points properly. Arranging the points can be helpful while planning your thoughts and presenting them
  • Give most of your time for research. Better research on your topics along with the topics which your opposition is likely to pick up.

How to develop an effective Argumentative Speech?

After picking up a fine controversial topic, you should work on some powerful points. Those points must make your speech influential. Start developing an outline that translates into better argumentative speech.

These are some points to consider while working on an argumentative speech:

From absorption to health, you can find many types of topics that you feel comfortable presenting.

At first, think about the topic that you are supporting. Are you supporting abortion or speaking against it? Most of the speaker loves to speak against abortion but should be confident to speak on the topic.

Better verify and try to prove the facts using some examples or supportive words. This makes your speech more powerful and interesting. Consider determining whether you are attempting to take the topic.  

You can definitely find the people who have worked for or else against the topic that you picked up earlier.

For this, you have to carry out the research well. But, this does not mean you have to copy from them. Just take your idea and use them in a better way. This helps to know what step you should take to move forward to make a good flow of the argument.

Each argumentative speech contains both for and against the side. The best probable approach that you can use is to know your opponent. Knowing how your opponent thinks and the points they use makes you easy to perform.

An argumentative speech might be weak if you do not provide any facts. For a good outcome, you need facts supporting your argument on the controversial topic. If you ignore this you might be in a problem while presenting the speech.

Be sure, you know and give the facts, and make your points strong. These facts reduce your risk of looking unprepared and unprofessional.

You cannot give a better outcome without passion. To present superior argumentative speech, you should have an interest in the topic. Better select the topic of your interest. This helps you to work and perform better. If you do not trust yourself and your topic, no one will as well.

Deciding on an arguable topic is essential to developing an effective argumentative speech. Better do not pick up the topic which needs great logic for convincing the audience.

You should have an extreme desire in the topic with a deep opinion on the subject. If he cannot fulfill these criteria, he might not provide influencing arguments.

Argumentative Speech Topics and ideas

Find here the List of Argumentative Speech Topics. They are great for developing arguments for debates, persuasive speech, and argumentation.

Argumentative Speech Topics about Education

  • Mobile phones should be banned in schools for both students and teachers.
  • Exams should be abolished.
  • Exam scores do not reflect student performance.
  • Mandatory dress code.
  • Studying of foreign languages should begin from kindergarten age.
  • College students should have freedom to choose their own courses.
  • Sex education should be required in all schools.
  • Benefits of attending a single-sex school.
  • Essays do not demonstrate student’s knowledge on a topic.
  • Home education should only be allowed for medical reasons.
  • Education should be free to anyone.
  • Teachers should have mandatory re-training every 5 years.
  • Testing and choice are undermining education.
  • Grades are not important.
  • Bilingual education.
  • CPR and first aid techniques should be a mandatory course.
  • State colleges should be free to attend.
  • Teachers should wear uniforms or obey a dress code.
  • Why educational computer games should be used in school
  • Music education should be placed back into schools
  • Student Debts
  • Do colleges put too much stock in standardized test scores?
  • Price of Education and textbooks
  • Popular literature is not as valuable as classical literature.
  • Smoking and drinking on campus
  • Workers should get four weeks paid vacation each year.
  • The illegal immigrant workforce is good for the economy.
  • Christmas is just a way for businesses to increase sales.
  • Rich people should have tax breaks.
  • Decreasing wealth tax is good for the economy.
  • Salaries of actors, professional athletes and CEOs should be regulated and capped.
  • Government aid for students should be based purely on academic performance.
  • Taxes should be imposed on unhealthy foods to combat obesity.
  • Paying the waiter hourly rate below minimum wage is unfair.
  • Mortgage Crisis
  • Consumer Debt
  • Outsourcing jobs to foreign countries
  • Equal pay for equal work
  • Fuel Prices
  • How nuclear power shaped the 21st century in electrical generation.
  • Space exploration is a waste of money.
  • Genetic Research is destroying humanity.
  • NASA space landing on the moon was a hoax.
  • Media’s effect on teen suicide.
  • Stem cell research and the guidelines that control it.
  • Hunting is good for the environment.
  • Food shortage / world hunger.
  • Crimes against the environment should be tougher.
  • Vegetarianism is an ecologically thoughtful lifestyle.
  • Destruction of the world’s forest is justified by a human need for land and food.
  • Racing industry should be forced to use environmentally-friendly fuel.
  • Working from home is good for the environment.
  • Genetically modified food should be the answer to the world’s hunger problem.
  • The government should support and subsidize alternative energy sources.
  • Alternative Energy and Hybrid Vehicles can help save our planet.
  • Nuclear power is better than solar power.
  • Future of recycling.
  • Advantages of recycling water.
  • Alternative Fuels.
  • Every family with children filing for divorce must go through a mandatory ‘cooling off’ period.
  • Couples should be banned from adopting overseas.
  • Future parents should take parenting classes and pass tests before having a child.
  • Physical punishment is good practice for raising children.
  • Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  • Violent video games and toys should not be allowed.
  • Technology is making people less creative.
  • Human beings are becoming slaves of modern technology.
  • Does technology limit creativity?
  • Technology makes us lose most of our traditions and culture.
  • New technologies create new problems.
  • Positive effects of technology on society.
  • Modern technology has increased material wealth but not happiness.
  • Social Networking Sites had an impact on changing us for the worse.
  • Internet censorship is unnecessary.
  • Whether the internet has made research easier and more convenient.
  •  Life was better when technology was less and more simple.
  • Online friends are more effective than real friends.
  • Internet Privacy.
  • Torrents and internet pirating.
  • Social networks are killing sincere relationships.
  • Organ donation should be mandatory.
  • Health risks of smoking are exaggerated.
  • Vaccinations should be compulsory.
  • Veganism is an unhealthy way to raise kids.
  • Breast-feeding is one of the most important things a mother can give to a child.
  • Terminally ill patients should be allowed to use heroin.
  • Knowing your ancestry is important for health.
  • All farmers should go organic.
  • Lapses in food safety as a result of a complex interplay of factors.
  • Music Therapy.
  • The need of teen depression prevention.
  • Drug addiction is a sickness.
  • Running is unhealthy.
  • Fast food, soda, chips and other unhealthy food should be heavily taxed.
  • Bread is bad for your health.
  • Child obesity.
  • Any products that are believed to cause cancer should have a  warning label.
  • The only difference between normal and organic food is the cost.
  • Dangers of herbal remedies.
  • Smoking a pipe is more harmful than smoking cigarettes.
  • Denying health insurance on a basis of a pre-existing condition is against human rights.
  • Athletes who are caught using steroids should be banned from the professional sport for life.
  • Stretching before and after exercise is overrated.
  • A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat.
  • Eating meat and dairy is bad for your body.
  • GMOs are bad for health and should be avoided at any cost.
  • Why slavery was good for society back in the 1800s.
  • Adolf Hitler was a great leader.
  • Slavery and its effects on global economic developments.
  • Why Reagan’s “War on Drugs” had negative effects.
  • Many Caribbean people do not understand their heritage and history.
  • Famous people (actors, athletes) should not be allowed to become politicians.
  • The War in Iraq was justified.
  • Invading other countries, as long as for good cause, is justified.
  • Illegal immigrants should get an asylum.
  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • Why should we trust Official Statistics?
  • War as an instrument of foreign policy.
  • Voting should be compulsory for all citizens.
  • Compulsory military service is good for society and the country.
  • Voting age should be lowered.
  • Terrorism is a major issue in the world because innocent people are affected.
  • The assassination can never be justified.
  • Why electronic voting is not effective.
  • Downsides of multiculturalism
  • Can racial profiling be useful?
  • Churches should be required to pay taxes.
  • Racialist blames are often used as a great excuse to shut down dialogue.
  • The world would be a more peaceful place without religions.
  • Life after death.
  • Evolution vs. Creationism.
  • There should be no religion in schools.
  • Islamic Fundamentalism.
  • Religion is a force for evil.
  • Students should learn about world religions in public schools.
  • Jehovah witnesses.
  • Why hockey should allow fights.
  • Not all great sportsmen can be good coaches. 
  • For athletes: Discipline is more important than talent.
  • Female athletes train better with female coaches.
  • Chess is not a sport.
  • Should players’ jerseys display ads?
  • Should there be a set age range for basketball players?
  • Can gambling be legalized as a professional sport?
  • Spousal Abuse.
  • Polygamy creates healthy relationships.
  • Gender equality is a myth.
  • Having sex with a prostitute is not cheating.
  • Does age matter in relationships? What age is appropriate for dating?
  • Men should be forced to take paternity leave from work.
  • Gender does not affect learning.
  • Guns should be made illegal.
  • Minors should be tried for murder at any age.
  • Social Security and Medical Reform are non-negotiable ways out of the debt crisis.
  • Gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples.
  • Plastic surgery should be illegal for anyone under 18.
  • Identity Theft.
  • Ban on smoking in public places is undemocratic.
  • Euthanasia should be legalized.
  • Prostitution should be legalized.
  • The taboo on recreational drugs is unjustified.
  •  Driving speed limits should be lifted in areas with low accident risk.
  • DUI offenders should give up their driver license for a year.
  • Laws to protect the victims of domestic abuse should be enforced.
  • Making drugs illegal creates an environment for crime and violence.
  • Fast Food advertisements and promotions should be banned.
  • Retirement should be made compulsory at the age of 60.
  • Cell phones and driving.
  • Billboards should not be allowed on interstate highways.
  • Acceptance of all types of people.
  • Today’s world is a dangerous place to live in.
  • People don’t enjoy what they have. They constantly seek for more.
  • Benefits of having friends.
  • Modern offices should have facilities for an afternoon nap.
  • Would you rather be lucky, rich, or intelligent?
  • Reality television makes people stupid and should be regulated.
  • Has television become out-dated?
  • Watching television makes people smarter.
  • Banning some books and movies can help society.
  • Assisted Suicide.
  • Genetic Research.
  • Is human cloning ethical?
  • The Ethics of Capital Punishment.
  • Euthanasia is not morally acceptable.
  • Abortion is inhumane and murder.
  • Abortions should be legal in cases of rape and incest.
  • DNA experiments on human embryos are unethical and should not be allowed.
  • Torture is an acceptable measure to prevent terrorism.
  • Wearing fur is unethical.
  • Cultural treasures should be returned to their countries of origin.
  • Do animals have rights? Using animals for scientific research is inhumane.
  • Spaying and neutering pets should be mandatory.
  • Zoos, aquariums, and circus violate animal rights and should be shut down.
  • Should scientists bring back extinct species through cloning?
  • Hunting is unethical and should not be allowed.
  • Doctors are better than Lawyers Are beauty pageants exploitative?
  • Feminism is bad for society.
  • The Miss America pageant is sexist.

The above-mentioned topics and tips for argumentative speech should help you prepare and deliver an argumentative speech. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please let me know in the comment below.

227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]

argumentative speech topics college

Ever wondered what a persuasive essay is? Are you struggling to differentiate it from an argumentative one? Do you think it’s impossible to find original persuasive speech topics for college students?

If you have answered yes to any question, you’ve come to the right place. Our team can help you!

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing that convinces readers to accept the author’s position and agree with their ideas. Through clear arguments and examples, the writer demonstrates the legitimacy of their point of view.

Below, we have provided a list of the most interesting and unique college persuasive essay topics. So, don’t waste any more of your time searching for the right title. Use our ideas and create an outstanding persuasive essay!

  • 👉 How to Choose?
  • ✨ Best Speech Topics
  • 🎓 Ideas on Education
  • 📜 Topics on History
  • ⚖ Ideas on Politics
  • 👍 Topics on Sociology
  • 💰 Ideas on Economics
  • 🚌 Transportation
  • 🌿 Environment
  • ⚙ Technology
  • 🌍 Traveling
  • ✌ Lifestyle
  • 🏫 Teenagers
  • 📚 Literature
  • 🖐 25 More Topics

👉 How to Choose a Persuasive Essay Topic for College?

The main secret of the successful persuasive essay is a compelling topic. Therefore, when choosing the right persuasive topic, follow these few simple pieces of advice:

  • Re-read the assignment . The task that you’ve received from your tutor can be of great assistance. You just have to read it correctly. Unfortunately, college students tend to underestimate the power of the question. Don’t make this mistake. Read your assignment carefully because it can provide clues on the topic to look for.
  • Brainstorm ideas. Before writing any paper, college students have to research. It will ensure the argumentative part of the persuasive essay. To understand what to examine, have an ideation session, and consider a variety of ideas. Picking the most appropriate one, you’ll see where to start your research. Try to find as many topics as you can. Free college essays collection is a good place to check out as a part of your session. You’ll be able to see what topics are already covered, and what you can expand upon. It will make your investigation and writing processes easier!
  • Don’t pick an idea if it’s too broad . You may think that in this case, you’ll have plenty of things to argue about. Well, maybe a bit too many. In your essay, you should cover an entire topic so that it sounds convincing. When the idea is too broad, you can’t fit every argument in one paper. So, specify your title. For instance, you want to persuade your readers to stay healthy. Then don’t investigate all the aspects of maintaining health. Focus on one specific issue. For example, explore the positive influence of sport on the general health condition of a human being.
  • Ensure that you have credible sources. In some colleges, even the smallest essays may require a list of references. Thus, make sure you have materials to research and later list as your sources. Remember: Good persuasive paper topics for college have to offer a wide variety of sources to investigate. So, if you are not confident in your materials, better change the title. It will prevent you from a lack of evidence to support your arguments.
  • Choose a topic of personal interest. We’re not compelling you to write something that you enjoy when it contradicts the assignment. But try to select an idea that doesn’t bore you from reading it out loud. It is always more pleasurable to write on a topic you are passionate about. Don’t miss your chance to make turn your essay writing process into an exciting activity.
  • Select something you have an opinion about, but open to debate. Your tutors can disagree with your position. Nevertheless, it is not a reason to give up. It’s the right time to show your critical thinking skills. State your position clearly and provide convincing arguments to support it. Show your readers that you can change your position if you see some compelling data. It can give you some extra credit. The best persuasion topics for college create an environment for debates and discussions.
  • Be unique! In colleges, the amount of papers done daily is enormous. Don’t make your professors read about the importance of waste sorting, for example, yet again. The topic of environmental protection is undoubtedly extremely significant. However: It is way too overused. The professors are tired of reading essays on the same issues again and again. Surprise them and stand out.

Finding an original topic for a persuasive essay is tricky.

✨ 12 Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • How important is mental health?
  • Is online school more effective?
  • Are GMO products good?
  • Is social media dangerous?
  • What’s wrong with the education system?
  • Does recycling work?
  • Is veganism bad for the environment?
  • Should foreign policy be feminist?
  • Is marriage an obsolete institution?
  • Can protests and demonstrations bring change?
  • Can alternative medicine actually work?
  • Is modern advertising unethical?

🔑 Essential College Persuasive Essay Topics

We bet, every college student at least once had an assignment to write a persuasive essay. Haven’t you had yet? The best is yet to come! Thus, you have to be prepared to face all the challenges of a persuasive essay composing.

Searching for interesting persuasive essay topics is a complicated issue. However, you don’t have to worry about it. Our team of experts gathered the most popular and effective ideas in one place.

Don’t stress out about the topic:

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics for college students. We divided our ideas into sections so that you can find the most appropriate one. So, you can easily navigate throughout our page for a more effective search.

🎓 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Education

  • An educational system should encourage creativity .
  • Student diversity should be present in a school classroom .
  • Why should college students care about their mental and physical health?
  • Why should we stop girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system?
  • Why should computer science programs be taught in colleges and universities?
  • Why should parents take part in their children’s education?

Parents should participate in their children's studying for numerous reasons.

  • Why reading performance of students with learning disabilities should be improved?
  • Studying abroad results in better education.
  • Homework does not help in the learning process.
  • The costs of higher education should be reduced.
  • A grade does not show a student’s knowledge.
  • The Internet overuse blocks the mental development of a modern teenager.
  • Education should not depend on technologies.
  • Essay writing develops the critical thinking skills of students.
  • Foreign language learning should be mandatory in school . Conduct research on how foreign languages influence children and teenagers. What are the positive sides of such education? Then, persuade your readers that foreign languages are essential in the school core curriculum.
  • Art classes should be a priority in middle school . Elaborate on the importance of the development of the sense of art for children and teenagers. Why should art classes be higher in the list of priorities than technical or science courses? How can the right perception of art help pupils in future life?
  • The core curriculum of the high school should not be too broad. Why do we have to narrow down our focus in high school? Explain how teenagers will benefit from studying particular subjects instead of getting general knowledge. Convince your readers about the importance of focusing on a specific field in high school.
  • A gap year before entering the university is beneficial. Give persuading evidence why students should take a gap year. What are the advantages? Make your readers debate whether a gap year is worth considering. Finally, convince them that it is worth it.
  • Mobile phones should not be allowed in school. State your position regarding the usage of smartphones during the learning process. What adverse ramifications do the mobile phones have on the academic results of pupils? Persuade your readers to prohibit phone usage in school.
  • Traditional education is more effective than remote learning . How the benefits of the conventional way of learning outweigh the advantages of remote education? Compare the aspects of remote learning for different age groups: 1st grade age, 6th grade age, and a college student.

📜 College Persuasive Essay Topics on History

  • The American Revolution was a turning point in USA history.
  • The year 1763 is crucial in US history.
  • The media played a crucial role in promoting the Vietnam War .
  • We shouldn’t underestimate the significance of African-American social reform.
  • Technological advancement of the 17th century was a new era in world history.
  • Without Enlightenment and Romantic Age , the European culture wouldn’t be so progressive nowadays.

Enlightenment took over the period of the 17th and 18th centuries.

  • People should’ve stopped the propaganda of Adolf Hitler and Jim Jones before the intensive development.
  • The historical influence of Abraham Lincoln should become a role model for modern political figures.
  • Americans should have abolished slavery in the United States way earlier.
  • The four voyages by Christopher Columbus are crucial in the progress of world history.
  • Cultural exchanges in the medieval period significantly impacted the civilizations.
  • Protestant reformation was the most influential Christian movement.
  • Japanese women in the Middle Ages should have been more powerful.
  • The world war should never happen again.
  • The age of exploration . Who are the key figures? How did they impact world history formation? Convince your readers of the importance of the age of exploration.
  • The Mayan calendar system did not predict the end of the world . Investigate the Mayan calendar system. What is your explanation of the fact that the calendar system ended in the year 2012? Persuade your readers that the suggestions about the end of the world in 2012 are false.
  • Racial discrimination in America violated human rights to a great extend . Give a brief overview of racial discrimination in the USA. Persuade the readers to perceive racial discrimination as an act of human rights violation.
  • Apollo 11 – the first spaceflight that landed people on the Moon . Discuss the importance of this event. Convince your readers about the significance of the Moon exploration.
  • History studying should become the top priority for students. The knowledge of history may help to prevent mistakes from the past. So, persuade your readers to explore historical events.
  • Holocaust should not be justified and denied . What are the horrible consequences of holocaust tragedy? Analyze an opinion regarding the denial of the holocaust. Persuade the readers not to support this idea.

⚖ College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Politics

  • Civil rights of black Americans should not be limited.
  • Migration should not be restricted because it has certain benefits to modern countries .
  • In the battle of socialism vs. democracy , the second one should win.

Why is socialism becoming so popular in democratic states?

  • Nationalism in international relations should be accepted.
  • E-government should become transparent and accountable for the citizens .
  • Celebrities should stay aside from political activities.
  • The laws for each state of America should become common.
  • A voting system should be transparent.
  • Ordinary people should not be allowed to own guns.
  • The federal tax return process should become more manageable.
  • Individual rights versus the common good . Express your position regarding the issue. What do you support: individual rights or common good? Persuade the readers to follow your ideas.
  • Gay marriage should be allowed . If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments. Exclude harsh comments and offensive language from the narrative.
  • The death penalty cannot be justified . Why do you think so? Give clear arguments to support your opinion. If you believe that the death penalty is justifiable, prove your position.
  • Electronic voting in the United States should not be banned . Present the positive sides of this way of voting and convince the readers in your rightness. Don’t you agree with this opinion? Then, provide counterarguments.
  • Abortion should be legal . Provide clear arguments to express your position. Or provide counterarguments to contradict the idea of abortion legalization.

👍 College Persuasive Essay Topics on Sociology

  • Community services should be provided for mentally disabled people .
  • Equality and diversity are the main social issues .
  • Interpersonal communication skills are crucial in modern society.
  • Gender inequalities in the 21st century should be overcome .
  • Should the Canadian government legalize prostitution?
  • Max Weber’s rationality theory should be accepted by society .
  • China should take specific steps to overcome the overpopulation problem .
  • Gender stereotypes in a family should be dismantled.

Present studies aim to fill a gap in the literature on gender role attitudes and family dynamics.

  • Abusive relationships in a family should not be hidden.
  • Implementing more tough punishments on the lawbreakers should reduce the crime rates of the USA.
  • Does family promote or limit mobility? Choose one side of the issue and provide clear arguments to support your ideas.
  • Divorce has negative effects on children . Do you agree with this statement? Convince the readers to accept your point of view by stating your position clearly and powerfully.
  • Birth control should be monitored on a governmental level. Express your opinion regarding birth control in modern society. Conduct a study on the cultural, religious, and political aspects of the birth control issue.
  • Is there the right age to get married? Decide if there are any age suggestions to create a family or no? Support your choice with bright ideas and appropriate examples.
  • To resolve the conflict, we need to know the nature of the conflict . Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Provide strong arguments to make people believe in your point of view. How do you think psychology works while resolving the conflict?

💰 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Economics

  • Competing theories are the core of economic development.
  • We have to consider John Locke’s and Karl Marx’s economic ideas nowadays.
  • Demand and supply correlation in the market matters a lot.
  • Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” concept can improve modern economics .
  • If we want to stabilize the economy, we have to implement the monetary policy .
  • Should big banks be broken up?
  • We should consider the relationship between money supply and inflation while preventing the high level of inflation.
  • We shouldn’t take the Keynesian explanation of the recession too seriously.
  • Industrialization plays a significant role in economic development.
  • Small business owners should receive financial support during the period of crisis.

As an example or evidence for this persuasive topic, talk about the COVID-19 crisis.

  • The governments should reduce monopoly power.
  • The role of understanding the goals of human resource management in the context of human capital theory . Explain the significance of effective HR management for a business flourishing. Persuade your readers to invest enough resources in human capital.
  • Exchange regimes have a significant impact on macroeconomic performance . Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide well-developed arguments to prove your point of view. Persuade your readers to accept your position.
  • Consumer behavior is different in every country. If you agree, develop this idea by providing strong arguments. If you don’t, state your position. Either way, support your arguments with supporting evidence. Make your readers follow your opinion.
  • The understanding of the basic concepts of economics is essential for every person . Explain how the knowledge of economics can help people to manage their money wisely. How to survive during the crisis? How to lead a business successfully, etc. Persuade your readers to study the basics of economics.

💡 Interesting College Persuasive Essay Topics

Are you already impressed with a diversity of topics our team collected for you? But don’t think that’s all we have to offer for you. Since our mission is to help you, we have more persuasive essay ideas for college to share.

Below, you can find more fascinating ideas for your assignments. For your convenience, we divided persuasive essay topics for college into several sections. Investigate our ideas and don’t hesitate to use them.

🚌 Transportation Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Planes should newer take off if weather conditions are inappropriate .
  • Never drive a car if you are under the alcohol or drug effect .
  • Hybrid cars are environmentally friendly, so they should become the future of the transportation industry .
  • Why should people study driving?
  • The usage of alternative energy resources should reshape the global transportation infrastructure .
  • The governments should invest enough money in public transport advancement .
  • Cars usage should be regulated .
  • A school bus should be checked at least once a month to ensure the safety of pupils.
  • The reserves of petroleum should be replenished to provide a proper transportation industry operation.
  • The shipping of essential goods during the state of emergency (quarantine, dangerous natural conditions, etc.) should be free.
  • We should use public transport instead of private cars to save the environment.
  • Hybrid engine vs. standard engine . Examine the positive and negative aspects of both of them. Which one would you prefer? Persuade your readers to support your opinion by giving clear arguments.
  • Information technology influences the logistics industry to a great extent . Provide appropriate examples of the IT impact on logistics. Convince your readers of the importance of your opinion.
  • The role of transportation in the development of tourism . Prove your audience that transportation progress has a direct impact on tourism opportunities.

Transportation plays a vital role in tourism.

  • We have to reduce the use of crude oil in the transportation industry . What are the possible adverse ramifications of such oil usage? Persuade your readers to limit applying this type of fuel. If you don’t agree with the idea, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

🌿 Environmental Persuasive Essay Topics

  • The government should control the overpopulation to prevent consequences for the environment .
  • Human activity should be limited to preserve biodiversity .
  • We have to examine an ecologically sustainable approach .
  • Alternative energy sources are essential for saving the planet .
  • We should try our best to live a zero-waste lifestyle .
  • Saving endangered species must be a top priority issue for environmental organizations.
  • Solar energy can save the environment.
  • Hunting sports should be banned because they harm biodiversity.
  • The conservation of global resources is necessary for maintaining the lifecycle of the planet.
  • Waste sorting should be mandatory all around the world.
  • Stopping deforestation will prevent the loss of natural habitat for animals.
  • Tourism negatively affects wildlife. Comment no the negative consequences of traveling on nature. If you believe that tourism does not harm wildlife, provide counterarguments to claim your position.
  • Farming has to be wise. Explain how intensive farming damages nature. Convince your readers about the importance of following the farming rules. They can help to prevent intensive farming’s adverse ramifications.
  • The Prime Days on Amazon should be banned . Explain how the incredibly low prices on items during the Prime Days result in extremely high costs for the environment. Persuade your readers to resist the desire to buy unnecessary goods from Amazon.
  • Without rainforests, our planet will suffocate . Prove the significance of the preservation of the rainforests for the environment.

Tropical forests are responsible for around 34 percent of photosynthesis occurring on land.

⚙ Technology Persuasive Essay Ideas

  • Globalization influences computer technologies to a great extent .
  • The government should implement Internet censorship .
  • Cloud computing is an innovative era in computer science .
  • Cyberbullying should be controlled to prevent a negative influence on youth .
  • Dependency on computers is a considerable threat to human well-being .
  • Data and information security should be a top concern of every internet user .
  • Investing money in developing information technology systems is profitable for companies.
  • The internet blocks the development of human intelligence.
  • To prevent the development of serious illnesses, we should use genetic technology.
  • Technological advancement should focus on the improvement of the health sector.
  • We have to use technology wisely to make people smarter.
  • A scientific revolution started the technological advancement. Convince your readers about the importance of the scientific revolution in technological development. If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion, providing counterarguments.
  • E-books or audiobooks will never replace paper books. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? State your position clearly and make your readers accept it.
  • Nowadays, society is too dependent on computer technologies . Comment on its negative and positive sides in the life of modern people. Persuade the readers not to overuse technology in everyday life.
  • Technology and science complement each other. Provide clear arguments to prove this idea or counterarguments to disprove it.

😃 Easy College Persuasive Topics

Do you think that persuasive essays have to cover only serious or global issues? Do you feel as if you have to be overwhelmed with the complexity of the subject? You are mistaken. A paper won’t become less successful if it explores even everyday life topics.

That’s why:

We prepared the next section of the article for you. Here you can find simple persuasive essay ideas for college students. Select a fascinating topic and compose an outstanding essay.

🎶 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Music

  • Music has a significant impact on culture .
  • Music preferences depend on personality type .
  • Music can influence our behavior .

Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity, and our perception of the world.

  • Songs with lyrics that promote violent behavior should be banned.
  • A musician is not just a job; it is a vocation.
  • Medical workers should investigate the positive effect of music on mental illnesses’ treatment.
  • Music can be helpful in the learning process.
  • Good song lyrics can inspire people . Provide a sample of inspiring verses. How can it motivate listeners? Persuade the readers to pay attention to the song lyrics while listening to music.
  • A guitar is always a good idea for friendly gatherings . Prove to your readers that several songs played on a guitar can create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
  • Rap reflects violence. This is a generally accepted opinion. Do you agree or disagree with it? Prove your point of view by providing well-developed arguments.

🌍 Persuasive Topics for College on Traveling

  • While traveling, health and safety issues should be a top priority .
  • Tourism should be sustainable .
  • A trip to India will make you see the world from the other side.
  • Summer will become more memorable and fascinating if you travel.
  • Traveling broadens people’s minds.
  • Traveling with family or friends is an essential part of a happy life.
  • Spending a holiday on a trip is always more pleasurable than in front of a TV or computer.
  • Every person should visit Europe at least once in life. Explain why Europe is a must-see destination for every tourist.
  • People should travel as much as they want. Persuade people not to resist the desire to explore new places by listing the advantages of traveling.
  • Traveling is affordable for everyone. Persuade people to visit various countries, even with a limited budget.

Give some useful tips to persuade your reader to travel more.

✌ Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Lifestyle

  • Parents should be responsible for their children’s obesity .
  • Proper nutrition and positive behavior prevent cancer .
  • A healthy lifestyle prevents aging .
  • Weight management programs and hypnotherapy are useful in maintaining good shape and a healthy organism .
  • An active way of life should replace a sedentary lifestyle to prevent heart diseases.
  • You should plan your weight loss process wisely.
  • Well-balanced nutrition is a way to a healthy and beautiful body.
  • Regular yoga and fitness will help you to maintain mental and physical wellness.
  • Regular physical activities and enough sleep can help students to study better.
  • Media influences the development of eating disorders . Explain the mechanisms media’s effect on eating disorders. Persuade your readers to pay enough attention to the information on social media.

📺 Persuasive Topics for College about Media

  • The role of mass media in modern society shouldn’t be underestimated .
  • Media affects the way people look at society .

Dr. Pamela Rutledge says about the media's influence on society.

  • TV shows have a negative influence on children .
  • Parents should control the effects of mass media advertising on teenagers .
  • Professional psychologists should review every cartoon before being released on television.
  • The information on the internet should be filtered to avoid the spreading of fake news.
  • Censorship is a must-have for modern television.
  • Old cartoons are more insightful than modern ones. Compare and contrast old and new animated films. Prove the usefulness of old ones. Convince the audience to make their children familiar with old cartoons.
  • Social media develops an inferiority complex among teenagers . How pictures of luxurious life in social networking sites influence adolescents’ self-esteem? Persuade the readers to filter the information seen in social media.
  • Mass media in the 1950s was more ethical than contemporary mass media. Analyze the ethical issues that are present in modern media. Why is following the ethical rules while sharing the information through the mass media vital?

🏫 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College on Teens

  • Both abstinence and sex education should be taught in high schools .
  • Professional psychologists or psychiatrists should treat anxiety disorders in children and adolescents .
  • Cheating in schools should be strictly punished.
  • Understanding teen depression is a crucial step in overcoming it.
  • The federal government should enact anti-bullying laws .
  • Bullying in school should be the main issue to deal with for the headteacher.
  • The teenage period requires constant monitoring of children’s behavior by parents and teachers.
  • Parents should have access to teenagers’ academic results.
  • The mental health of teens is precarious. Convince the readers to monitor and maintain adolescents’ mental health.
  • Parents should control social media usage by teenagers. Why should parents monitor the social networking accounts of their children? Explain why it is useful to teach teens how to behave on social media.

Persuade the parents to keep track of kids’ social networking activity.

📚 Persuasive Topics for College on Literature

  • Literature studying should be mandatory in schools.
  • Literature teaches us how to live a worthy life.
  • Robin Hood should become an example to follow.
  • You have to read some books several times throughout life to get the idea.
  • Lyric poetry may help in dealing with inner conflicts.
  • William Shakespeare is an outstanding figure of English literature that should always be appreciated.
  • Every person should have one book that will always remain their favorite one.
  • The theme of Romeo and Juliet will always remain relatable. Support this idea by providing compelling arguments and examples from the play. If you don’t agree with the statement, present clear counterarguments to prove your point of view.
  • The parents should read fairy tales to their children from early childhood. Persuade your audience to make their kids familiar with the fairy tales. Explain the importance of positive aspects of this genre of literature.
  • Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde are connected. Describe Oscar Wilde’s background. Analyze how the author reflected his personality in the character of Dorian Gray. Convince your readers to accept your point of view. Propose examples from the book and the author’s biography.

🖐 25 More Topics to Persuade College Students

Here you can find a pleasant bonus from our team—25 more ideas to write about. You can use them not only for essays but also as persuasive speech topics for college.

So, take the benefit of our list of topics. Show an outstanding academic performance in the college.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Family

  • A happy relationship should be based on trust and honesty.
  • In small and big families, parents should treat their children equally.
  • After giving birth, motherhood should become the primary concern of a woman’s life.
  • Parents should be the most significant support for their kids when they are sad, confused, or lost in life.
  • Children should take their retired parents to their home instead of the nursing home.

Support your position by providing strong arguments.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Health

  • Physical activity is an effective way to prevent heart diseases.
  • People should quit smoking .
  • Mental health is not less important than physical health.
  • Well-balanced nutrition is key to a healthy body.
  • Taking care of general wellness should be everyone’s primary concern.

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 . What is the working principle of a capsule, pill, syrup, etc.? Prove that the inappropriate application will not have an appropriate effect.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Sports

  • Visiting a gym is extremely useful for our health .
  • Physical education should be mandatory in high school.
  • Extreme sports are only for professional athletes.
  • The governments should invest enough money in the development of sports schools.
  • Football is not only for boys. Women can create a successful football team, as well.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Religion

  • Discrimination by religion or culture should not be acceptable in modern society.
  • Every person should have a right to choose a god or goddess to worship.
  • The representatives of different religions should be tolerant of each other.
  • The attitude towards wealth in Christianity differs from the perception of wealth in Islam.
  • Any other religious representatives should not criticize the central beliefs of Judaism .

Select a persuasive topic on a touchy subject with care.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope the information was useful to you. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share the article with other students.

🔗 References

  • Persuasive Essays, Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Persuasive Essay Outline: HCC Learning Web, Houston Community College
  • Choosing a Topic for Your College Essay: Essay Writing Center, International Student
  • Choosing College Essay Topics: Accepted
  • 35 College Essay Prompts and Topics: Kayla Rutledge, SignUpGenius
  • How to Write a College Essay: Kelly Mae Ross, Devon Haynie, and Josh Moody for U.S. News
  • How To Answer the 2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts: College Essay Advisors
  • Writing a Political Science Essay: Charles King, Georgetown University
  • Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue: Frederic Beaudry, ThoughtCo
  • Evidence: The Writing Center, the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill
  • Introducing Quotations and Paraphrases: UNSW Current Students
  • How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan
  • Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students: Saul McLeod, Simply Psychology
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Writing Guides, Ultius
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 310 persuasive speech topics for college

 60 education topics, 50 mental health....

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Can you engage, inform, and persuade?  Can you do all three at once?

That’s what a good persuasive speech does. It challenges an audience’s thinking or position on a topic or an issue, asks them to pause, and consider changing their minds.

There are 310 great persuasive speech topics for college students and/or their teachers here. 

  • 50  Mental health persuasive speech topics
  • 60 Education persuasive speech ideas  
  • 50 Family themed persuasive speech topics
  • 50 Friends persuasive speech topic suggestions
  • 50  Animals/Pets themed persuasive topics
  • 50 Society persuasive topic ideas

Plus, how to prepare a speech for a set time allowance and more about choosing a good topic and writing a great persuasive speech.

Label: 310 persuasive speech topics for college

Each of them could make an excellent speech. Whether any of them do, or not, depends on a number of factors. The two main ones are you, and your audience.

What makes a persuasive speech topic good or interesting? (A very quick overview)

 A subject is right for you if:

  • it is about something you are genuinely interested in or passionate about, and
  • it is something you know your audience will relate to and it would be interesting, or beneficial, for them to know about.   

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 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

Label: 50 mental health persuasive speech topics

  • that academic pressure causes anxiety and depression in college students
  • that increased use of social media heightens anxiety about physical appearance
  • that poverty and homelessness are often root causes of poor mental health
  • that addictive behaviors are not a sign of poor character
  • that binge drinking can mask depression
  • that typical adolescent angst and teenage depression are not the same
  • that self-harming is a cry for help
  • that living in green cities improves mental health
  • that seeking out positive news stories makes a difference
  • that limiting the consumption of unfiltered social media helps mental well being
  • that learning to objectively scale experiences helps keep them in perspective
  • that understanding family patterns of behaviour is useful for understanding ourselves
  • that being mentally unwell is not proof of incurable insanity
  • that building resilience will guard against becoming mentally unwell
  • that depression and anxiety, like flu, can be contagious
  • that mental health is improved by some form of consistent exercise
  • that everybody needs people who love and understand them
  • that doing kind things for other people improves mental health
  • that monitoring and changing how we habitually talk to ourselves can improve personal mental health
  • that forgiving ourselves, in the same way we would a friend, for minor transgressions is healthy
  • that loneliness contributes to mental health issues
  • that genetic inheritance influences our mental health
  • that eating healthily improves mental health
  • that chronic bullying is a sign of poor mental health
  • that the desire to fit in, to be the same as everyone else, is a sign of insecurity
  • that mental strength is built by being eager to learn new things
  • that mental strength is built by accepting responsibility for our thoughts and actions
  • that mental strength is built by being willing to make mistakes and to be OK about that
  • that mental strength is built by learning not to measure self-worth by comparing ourselves to others and by being OK about who we are
  • that mental strength is built through being genuinely pleased for the success of others
  • that we protect our mental health by knowing when and how to withdraw from situations and people that are not good for us
  • that good mental health is supported by managing our own expectations of ourselves realistically
  • that good mental health is something that has to be worked on everyday
  • that good mental health requires us knowing our own strengths and weaknesses
  • that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ model for good mental health because we are individuals
  • that we have more mental health issues today, because we are more willing to openly discuss them than previous generations
  • that asking for help when you know you need it is a sign of good mental health
  • that learning to be happily alone is good for mental health
  • that learning to set challenging realistic goals and working towards achieving them helps to build and sustain good mental health
  • that being genuinely grateful for the good in our lives helps sustain robust mental health
  • that re-framing problems as challenges or opportunities helps develop mental resilience
  • that keeping a journal promotes good mental health
  • that children need appropriate guidance and discipline to develop good mental health
  • that the foundation for good mental health in adults is built in childhood
  • that our primary influencers (parents, family, teachers, friends...) shape our mental health
  • that mental and physical health are inseparable
  • that mental health issues in children are not necessarily their parents fault
  • that mental health in many sectors of our communities has been severely tested by the pandemic
  • that mental health issues highlighted by the pandemic have forced us to think more creatively about how we meet them
  • that we are often stronger mentally than we think we are     

 60 education persuasive speech topics

Label: 60 education persuasive speech topics

  • that education should be free and freely available to whomever wants it
  • that education systems should be free of bias
  • that all children should have equal educational opportunities
  • that any form of educational segregation (gender, racial, economic, religious...) should be unlawful
  • that education is power
  • that the control of a country’s education system should not be in the hands of politicians or a political party
  • that a vocational education is more useful
  • that the principal role of education is to teach individuals to be stable, strong members of society
  • that a good education is one that teaches a person to take responsibility for themselves financially
  • that there is no time in our lives when we are finished being educated
  • that schools squash creativity and initiative
  • that going to school and being educated are two different things
  • that we learn more outside of a classroom than inside it
  • that lack of formal education is the cause of societal unrest
  • that our current school systems only really work for children from stable backgrounds
  • that one good caring teacher can make all the difference
  • that a teacher has the potential to influence their students’ lives enormously
  • that being a teacher is a privileged position
  • that teachers should be acknowledged and highly valued
  • that the criteria for entering teacher training should be more discriminating
  • that teacher training should be longer and more rigorous
  • that teachers should be tested every five years in order to renew their license to teach
  • that practical education is better than theoretical
  • that the school leaving age should not be raised
  • that the most important lessons at school happen in the playground
  • that enrolling a child in any form of educational institution should be optional
  • that parents should have the right to decide what classes their child attends
  • that homeschooling does not hinder a child in any way
  • that homeschooling is better for a child’s mental health
  • that homeschooling is an option only economically advantaged parents can offer their children
  • that parents who decide to homeschool their children need to feel OK about spending large chunks of time with them
  • that psychological screening should be used to decide what school a student goes to
  • that our grading systems fail to motivate students who struggle
  • that separating a grade given for a piece of schoolwork from one’s self-esteem, or person, is difficult
  • that grading is a frequently misunderstood, misapplied, inexact science
  • that face to face real time learning is more effective than online learning
  • that streaming (grouping students in classes according to their intellectual ability) should be banned
  • that the principal function of education is to teach people to think rationally and creatively
  • that failing at school is never the fault of the student
  • that accelerate classes are elitist
  • that the drive to get more students into higher education is misplaced
  • that school uniforms should be compulsory
  • that all children should have access to extra tuition as it is needed
  • that an education system based on grades and examinations only benefits a small percentage of the children it is supposed to serve
  • that online learning centers like the Kahn Academy   democratize education
  • that teachers should receive financial rewards based on the success of their students
  • that financial literacy should be given similar teaching time as reading and writing
  • that socio-economic factors indicate the likelihood of future educational success
  • that intellectual ability develops best in a safe secure stress-free environment
  • that girls perform better academically in all girl schools
  • that single-sex schooling slows the growth of appropriate social skills
  • that children less than 10 years old should not given graded tests and ranked according to their scores
  • that active community service should be part a school’s curriculum
  • that meditation techniques should be taught in all schools
  • that homework teaches time management and self discipline
  • that developing imagination and creativity is equally important as developing stable work habits and good numeracy and literacy skills
  • that smaller class sizes make it more likely a student will thrive
  • that entrepreneurial skills should be encouraged and taught in schools
  • that all high school students should be assigned or have access to a mentor
  • that weapons of any sort should be banned from school campuses  

50 family themed persuasive speech topics

Label: 50 family persuasive speech topics

  • that what makes a person a valued family member is not necessarily a blood tie
  • that being one of many children in a family is an advantage
  • that being part of a close multi-generational family has advantages for everyone
  • that only children have more expected of them than children who have siblings
  • that the eldest child in a family carries more responsibility than their siblings
  • that the youngest child in the family is the most spoilt
  • that the middle child in a family has the least favoured position
  • that the order of the birth of siblings has a major impact on their psychological development
  • that older parents are better equipped financially and emotionally to parent well
  • that consciously choosing to have a child makes a positive difference to how a child is parented
  • that it is better to be a loved child in a poor family than an unloved child in a wealthy one
  • that parents should not compare their children
  • that children should obey their parents
  • that a child should not have everything they ask for
  • that children should have regular age-appropriate household tasks to do
  • that children have a right to privacy
  • that children need to know they are loved and supported no matter what happens
  • that parents should not bicker or fight in front of children
  • that a child should never be disciplined by hitting
  • that a parent needs to behave like a parent, not a friend, or a child
  • that parental favouritism damages children
  • that boys and girls should be treated equally
  • that parents should attend classes on parenting before being permitted to have a child
  • that babies and small children are better off at home with their mothers
  • that designer children should be illegal
  • that a woman should have the right to terminate a pregnancy
  • that being a dad is not the same as being a father
  • that parents divorcing causes significant issues for their children
  • that home should always be a safe place
  • that parents are responsible for how their children behave
  • that a child will follow the pattern set by the adults around them
  • that a teenage mother should be fully supported to look after her child and develop herself
  • that taking a child into custody should be the very last resort
  • that divorced parents should always talk respectfully about each other in front of their children
  • that combining families when parents remarry should be handled with great care
  • that children should never witness their parents fighting over them
  • that children should never be played off against each other
  • that parents set behavioral boundaries to keep their children safe
  • that publicly shaming a child is cruel
  • that parents do not always know best
  • that a child has the right to expect that their parents take good care of them
  • that children are never better than each other only different
  • that the demands of family life and work need to be better balanced
  • that children should not be made to kiss or hug people they do not want to
  • that parents should make time to talk with and listened to their children
  • that becoming an adopted relative: grandparent, aunt or uncle is a great way to enrich a child’s life
  • that solo parents need non-judgmental practical support to help raise their children
  • that baby sitters need to be old enough to be responsible as well as known to children before they are left with them
  • that there is no such thing as a bad child
  • that a bullied child needs compassionate support and understanding

50 persuasive speech topic ideas about friends

Label: 50 friends persuasive speech topics

  • that we all need a little help from our friends
  • that everybody needs at least one best friend
  • that a person’s life is influenced by childhood friends
  • that we are defined by those who we are friends with
  • that “liking” media posts is a form of friendship
  • that a true friend is someone who knows your fears, vulnerabilities and weaknesses and loves you just the same
  • that a friend is someone you know you can depend on
  • that the most important relationship a person will ever have is an enduring friendship
  • that true friendship transcends boundaries and overcomes obstacles
  • that we need to be taught how to sustain healthy friendships
  • that a friend helps a person keep themselves in check
  • that a friend is someone we will accept the truth from
  • that a real friend is not possessive about you
  • that in a real friendship the amount of giving and taking are balanced
  • that a real friend encourages the best in you, not the worst
  • that mutual trust is the foundation of a good friendship
  • that a friend is someone who has your best interests at heart
  • that a friend does not gossip cruelly behind your back
  • that a friend is someone you enjoy being with
  • that a friend is someone who doesn’t make you feel anxious about saying or doing the wrong thing
  • that boys are better at being friends than girls are
  • that making new friends as we get older is harder
  • that being a loyal friend does not mean agreeing with everything a friend says or does
  • that getting help to break away from toxic friendships is a healthy thing to do
  • that listening is vitally important in a friendship
  • that a true friend will prioritize and rearrange their schedule in order to be with you
  • that we need a variety of different types of people as good friends
  • that to be a good friend we need to respect boundaries and beliefs
  • that we can disagree with a friend and remain friends
  • that being a friend does not mean accepting poor behavior towards yourself or others you care about
  • that we achieve and become our best selves through the support and love of friends
  • that learning to be a good friend is an essential life skill
  • that friendships can come and go and that’s OK
  • that a good friend will never publicly humiliate you
  • that behaving in certain ways in order to attract or impress friends will not really work
  • that a friend is someone who likes you for who you are, not for what you have, look like or do
  • that apologizing sincerely for your part in a misunderstanding or falling out between friends is essential for the friendship to survive
  • that learning to leave a friendship with grace when it no longer works is a valuable skill to have
  • that men often have mates but few friends
  • that our mental health improves when we have loving caring friends
  • that a real friend is someone you can be away from for years and then resume a deep connection very quickly
  • that there are degrees, and different types, of friendship and all of them are valuable
  • that there can be no such thing as a platonic friendship between a man and a woman
  • that having an imaginary friend as a small child is normal
  • that a true friendship between an older person and a child is something to be encouraged
  • that building genuine friendships with open hearts and minds breaks down prejudice
  • that parents should intervene in their children’s friendships if they see them making poor choices or compromising themselves
  • that there is a fine line between discussing a friend’s problems because you are concerned about them and discussing them because you find them amusing or good for shock value
  • that comparison and competition between friends is inevitable
  • that friendship is one of life’s essentials  

50 society themed persuasive speech ideas

Label: 50 society persuasive speech topics

  • that to fit into the society you live in you must conform
  • that society does not tolerate difference
  • that society reflects the attitudes of the people who live in it
  • that we can not live outside society
  • that the influence of society is totally pervasive
  • that change is the enemy of society
  • that in a capitalist society there will always be winners and losers
  • that there is no such thing as an ideal society
  • that social and economic inequality will force change in society
  • that ruling a society through fear and/or force will never create stability
  • that a society that maintains a rigid class structure is bound to fail
  • that those in charge of society should act in the interests of all its members
  • that the problems a society faces are of its own making
  • that the controls a society puts in place are for the benefit of its members
  • that there will always be some people who have, and some people who do not
  • that the most damaging rules of a society are its unwritten ones
  • that virtual society is replacing older forms of society
  • that the knowledge society is breaking down barriers
  • that western society is losing its influence
  • that high society sustains itself by living off the efforts of those below it
  • that modern society is neither better or worse, just different
  • that an equal society is a worthy aspiration
  • that a progressive society absorbs change for the good of its members
  • that crime is a threat to society
  • that how a society treats its most vulnerable members is a measure of how much it cares
  • that a wealthy society is built on much more than money
  • that a self-made man or woman will always be a hero in a capitalist society
  • that if corporations paid their fair share of taxes, our societies would benefit hugely
  • that compulsory citizenship classes would make us better members of society
  • that a healthy society values the contributions of its members equally
  • that a civilized society is a fiction
  • that the role of education is to enable people to take their places productively in society
  • that the rules of a society are made by the most powerful to keep the weak in their place
  • that, in theory, a socialist society is classless
  • that communism and socialism are not the same thing
  • that a democratic society is protected by every adult who is eligible to vote doing so
  • that what makes a member of society good depends on the society you belong to
  • that a society that can not tolerate criticism is inherently weak
  • that the members of a society often use social sanctions to keep in each other in line
  • than an authoritarian society rules through fear
  • that constant oppression will eventually cause an uprising of people looking to change the society they live in
  • that those who lead societies need to be fully aware of the enormous responsibilities they carry on behalf of the people they serve
  • that modern media escalates the problems we have in society
  • that changes in what society considers to be moral, and normal, sexual behavior is inevitable
  • that we do not immediately go straight to hell if we challenge society’s traditionally held views on abortion
  • that a society that has to imprison or kill its dissenting members in order to keep control is immoral
  • that society provides form and meaning in our lives
  • that living in society’s rat race is inescapable
  • that changes in any society only come about through the willingness of some its members to speak out and act
  • that true heroes are people who know the potential risks of challenging those in power in the societies in which they live and do it anyway   

50 persuasive speech topics about animals

Label: 50 animal persuasive speech topics

  • that pet euthanasia is humane
  • that feeding naturally carnivorous animals a vegetarian diet is wrong
  • that giving a pet to a child to care for teaches responsibility
  • that dogs resemble their owners
  • that battery farming should be banned for health reasons
  • that battery farming should be banned for ethical reasons
  • that keeping dangerous animals as pets should be banned
  • that zoos should be regularly audited to ensure they are meeting the needs of the animals they house
  • that hunting animals for sport is wrong
  • that anthropomorphizing animals is foolhardy
  • that taking an animal or bird from its natural habitat is cruel
  • that animal or bird breeding programs set up for monetary gain are wrong
  • that keeping a large four-legged pet in an apartment is wrong
  • that people need to prove they can look after a pet before they get one
  • that people with pets have better mental health
  • that understanding a pet is easier than understanding a person
  • that training an animal to do tricks to entertain is inhumane
  • that blood sports (cock fighting, dog fights, bear baiting, bull fights, fox hunting...) involving animals should be banned
  • that pets should be neutered or spayed
  • that all animals should be protected
  • that protecting endangered animals is sentimental hogwash
  • that the money spent on saving endangered habitats would be better spent on hospitals and schools
  • that animals are intelligent
  • that animals should not be eaten
  • that animals have rights
  • that keeping endangered animals in zoos ensures their survival
  • that animals can be farmed sustainably
  • that animal breeding programs based on what’s currently fashionable should be banned
  • that there are no ‘bad’ animals, only animals that have become bad as a result of how they have been treated by humans
  • that animals that become pests have a right to be treated humanely
  • that the practice branding animals with a branding iron should be stopped
  • that any form of testing of any substance on any animal should be banned
  • that inter-breeding species to create a hybrid animal is against the laws of nature and should be banned
  • that the companion animals in hospitals, schools and other institutions give meaning to people’s lives
  • that the companion animal programme should be fully supported by state or government funds
  • that the best service animal is a dog
  • that animals have individual personalities and habits, just like people.
  • that wearing clothing made from the skin, bone or any other part of an animal, requiring their death before it can be made, is unethical
  • that owning a dog and taking it for regular walks makes it easier to talk to strangers
  • that all dogs should be on a leash in public places
  • that some breeds of dogs do not make safe family pets
  • that the use of drugs to artificially boost an animal’s growth for meat, or milk production should be banned
  • that a person can only hunt in the wild if they have a license
  • that adopting an animal from a pet shelter is the best way to get a pet
  • that volunteering in an animal shelter is an antidote to depression
  • that pet owners who dress and adorn their animals to display their personal wealth or to create an impression are abusing their animals
  • that we should make a switch from farming cows for milk to goats because they are more environmentally friendly
  • that recycling plastic packaging would protect marine environments
  • that the process of natural selection guarantees the strongest and best adapted species
  • that vivisection (experimentation on live animals) for scientific purposes of any sort should be outlawed

How to prepare a speech for a set time allowance

Here's a three minute speech example to illustrate.

If you speak at an average rate (between 130 to 150 words per minute, a 3 minute speech has approximately 360 – 450 words .

To be effective, you’ll want to allocate your time (and word count) three ways: approximately 70% for the middle or body of your speech and 15% each for the opening and conclusion. The largest portion goes to the body as this is where you lay out your reasoning and evidence to support your topic.

Speaking to time takes practice: lots of it. The only way to accurately know how long your speech will take to deliver is to go through it out loud as if you were actually giving it and time it. This is critical if you're speaking in a competition or if you're being formally assessed. Going over time can result in penalties.

For the approximate number of words-per-minute (wpm) for speeches ranging from 1 minute to 10 minutes long please see: how many words per minute in a speech .

For more about speech rate

More about choosing a good persuasive speech topic and preparing a great speech

For a more in-depth discussion about choosing a good persuasive topic, and crafting a persuasive speech please see:

  • persuasive speech ideas  and read all the notes under the heading “What make a speech topic good?"
  • writing a persuasive speech . You’ll find notes covering:
  • setting a speech goal,
  • audience analysis,
  • evidence and empathy (the need for proof or evidence to back what you’re saying as well as showing you understand, or empathize with, the positions of those for and against your proposal),
  • balance and obstacles (to address points against your proposal, the obstacles, in a fair and balanced way),
  • varying structural patterns (ways to organize you material) and more

And click the link for hundreds more persuasive speech topic suggestions  ☺

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 50 great argumentative essay topics for any assignment.

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At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

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What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

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How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
  • Do GMOs help or harm people?
  • Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
  • Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
  • Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
  • Should self-driving cars be legal?
  • Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
  • Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
  • Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

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  • Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
  • Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
  • Should sports be segregated by gender?
  • Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
  • Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
  • Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
  • Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
  • Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
  • Should religion be taught in schools?
  • Should clergy be allowed to marry?
  • Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
  • Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
  • Should assisted suicide be legal?
  • Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
  • Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

  • Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
  • Should Puerto Rico become a state?
  • Should voter registration be automatic?
  • Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
  • Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
  • Should sex work be legalized?
  • Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
  • Should the death penalty be legal?
  • Should animal testing be allowed?
  • Should drug possession be decriminalized?

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  • Should unpaid internships be legal?
  • Should minimum wage be increased?
  • Should monopolies be allowed?
  • Is universal basic income a good idea?
  • Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
  • Are school uniforms a good idea?
  • Should PE affect a student’s grades?
  • Should college be free?
  • Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
  • Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

  • Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
  • Should books with objectionable words be banned?
  • Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
  • Is art education important?
  • Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

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How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

persuasive speech topics

Definition of the Persuasive Speech 

Before you explore various persuasive speech topics , let's take a quick look at the definition and learn what a persuasive speech is and how it can be identified in writing. As the title implies, a persuasive speech represents a type of speech that aims to persuade a person to believe in a certain concept or a notion. In some instances, a persuasive speech contains a call to action. A persuasive speech topic may deal with professional challenges, world events, and debates that can be political, commercial, legislative, or educational. Depending on what you study or research, the choices are basically unlimited! Therefore, let your inspiration run free, and ensure that you have at least one statement or argument that poses the ground for persuasion. Choose a certain idea, take a note about your take, and make it clear as you choose a competitive persuasive topic. 

How to Compose an Excellent Persuasive Speech? 

Regardless of what persuasive essay topics you may choose, specific structure rules will help you to achieve success and avoid confusion as you shape your ideas and make your speech inspiring and clear. Here are the main points to consider: 

  • Choose a topic that inspires you and reflects your research objectives. 
  • Narrow things down and do your best to define the goal of your speech. 
  • Study your target audience and check whether your persuasive speech addresses their concerns. 
  • Continue with the thesis statement representing your opinion or a certain notion. 
  • Create an outline for your speech with the hook sentence in the introduction. 
  • Provide facts from both sides of the debate. 
  • Include at least three pieces of evidence for your writing. 
  • Make a call to action in conclusion and repeat the main points. 
  • Edit your speech for repetitions and grammar mistakes. 
  • Proofread your speech aloud and check the readability factor twice. 

List of Persuasive Speech Topics 

Below is the list of 130 competitive persuasive speech essay topics you can use for brainstorming purposes as a speaker . Play with the wording of these persuasive speech examples , narrow things down, and choose the category that looks most suitable. 

Persuasive Speech Topics for College

Here are some persuasive speech topics college style that you will find helpful: 

  • College education should be made free or funded based on academic merits. 
  • The problems of college debt are artificial and can be resolved. 
  • The secret to college popularity: why fashion still matters in 2023? 
  • The colleges represent the best ground for social movements. 
  • Social media use among college students can benefit their studies. 
  • College safety should be increased, and the parties must have stricter control. 
  • American colleges are better than most European institutions regarding career chances. 
  • Hybrid form of learning is the future of college education. 
  • College bullying and the reasons why the cases of harassment are rarely reported. 
  • The best ways to overcome college depression and anxiety. 

Persuasive Speech About Art, Media, and Culture

Dealing with persuasive speech ideas , consider the field of art, media, and culture as one of the branches of science worth exploring. Here are some starting points worth checking: 

  • Modern metal music has roots in the blues and classical music creations. 
  • The older generation sometimes pays attention to the music we like. 
  • Why do college bands remain popular? 
  • The use of art exhibitions in colleges should be obligatory. 
  • The cultural aspect of baseball popularity’s decline in the United States. 
  • The wrong perception of wearing a hoodie: the cultural factor and misconceptions. 
  • The use of social media helps to keep people alert to environmental issues. 
  • Instagram influencers should not be considered journalists. 
  • Video game culture should be considered a separate cultural trend. 
  • Neuroscience and using artificial intelligence to write music will eliminate creativity. 

Persuasive Speech About the Economy and Work

Now, if you are majoring in Business Management, studying the Economy, or working in the Financial sector, the following persuasive speech ideas will be quite helpful in keeping you inspired as you overcome initial confusion: 

  • The concept of third-world countries is outdated and must be eliminated. 
  • Cryptocurrencies are damaging to the American economy. 
  • The phenomenon of economic wonder in Iceland is only possible because of the limited population. 
  • Economic education must be an obligatory part of each academic curriculum. 
  • Economic disparity in Afghanistan is caused by the current gender policies. 
  • Workflow issues can be eliminated with the help of LMS platforms. 
  • The challenges of employment in the United States during the pandemic could have been eliminated. 
  • Most social campaigns these days are driven by the funds provided. 
  • There is a man in the middle in every economic executive plan in business. 
  • What are the pros and cons of digital accounting systems, or why are pros speaking against them?

Persuasive Speech About Education

The problems encountered in education always remain a subject of heated debates as education poses a serious concern not among current learners and educators and everyone out there. Check these helpful topic ideas: 

  • ADHD is an overhyped problem and can be addressed with the help of stricter discipline. 
  • Dealing with PTSD and military veterans can be approached with the help of music education. 
  • AI-based tools will never replace the physical teacher in the classroom. 
  • Pandemic situation has shown us that virtual classrooms take away the sense of belonging. 
  • Smartboards as the solution for shy primary school students. 
  • The reasons why there is a negative bias concerning community colleges. 
  • Why should you choose a Christian college for your education? 
  • Handwriting is still an important skill that should not be ignored. 
  • The pros and cons of the Waldorf schools education system. 
  • Augmented Reality is a dangerous concept for middle schools. 
  • The benefits of gamification in the development of cognitive skills. 
  • The mechanisms that should be used for reporting teacher-student abuse. 
  • The problem of gun control in the classrooms: do teachers have a right to carry a gun? 
  • The racial prejudice in the business management schools in the USA: why it's still a problem.
  • Colleges in the United States should offer free mental coaching sessions. 
  • The reasons why every student should consider becoming an app developer. 
  • The subjects that should be added to a modern college education. 
  • The practice of exchange students leads to a lack of adjustability in the native country. 
  • Females represent better specialists in the cyber security field. 
  • The phenomenon of college athletes: why should they be treated just like anyone else? 

Mental Health Persuasive Speech Topics

Dealing with mental health subjects is quite complex. If you are majoring in Healthcare and Psychology, you must remember to be respectful and sensitive as you make your choice and portray a viewpoint : 

  • Why is depression often overlooked as a serious mental health problem? 
  • Social media addiction leads to negative body image issues and wrong perceptions. 
  • The phenomenon of bloggers creates a false impression of instant success. 
  • Childhood abuse recovery: why do the survivors often keep silent?
  • Schools and colleges in the United States must introduce strict mental health screening. 
  • The negative effect of violent media games on children. 
  • British medical ethics versus American perception of mental health. 
  • LGBT movement and dealing with mental health issues is a unique concept worth exploring. 
  • YouTube mental health courses as a free alternative to commercial offerings. 
  • Armed conflicts lead to prolonged mental health issues in the future. 

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

Business marketing and business management also represent a popular field of science for composing an excellent persuasive speech essay. Just take a look at these example ideas : 

  • Why is starting a business as a college student worth it in 2023? 
  • Digital marketing is always the problem of brand loyalty and switching. 
  • Social media and website localization: why should modern businesses implement the practice? 
  • Doing business in China: what are the cultural points worth considering? 
  • Why joining a free business course online will make you a better learner. 
  • The business aspect of the Black Lives Matter social movement. 
  • The male vs. female perception of a successful business in the IT sector. 
  • The use of virtual reality tools to study the target market: a fashion case study. 
  • British versus American understanding of corporate ethics. 
  • Politics have no place in the retail business. 

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

The medical and nursing students will find these persuasive speech ideas quite helpful and interesting : 

  • The problems of the NHS system in the United Kingdom.  
  • The pros and cons of the ObamaCare healthcare campaign. 
  • What are the best methods to overcome professional burnout for nursing personnel? 
  • The most common challenges of the ER nursing department: ethics vs. personal safety. 
  • The readiness for the future risks: analysis of the pandemic threats. 
  • Covid-19 has helped to make our world a safer place. 
  • Why should medical volunteering be developed in 2023?
  • Technology is not always helpful if it's not accessible in remote areas. 
  • Dealing with religious beliefs when offering medical help. 
  • The limitations when reporting suspected abuse: why the changes must be introduced? 

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

In case you want to choose something complex and scientific, these ten persuasive speech topic offerings will help to keep you inspired: 

  • Augmented Reality tools usage will help people with learning disabilities learn. 
  • The link between the vaccination risks and the cases of autism among children. 
  • The psychological aspect of using painkillers and the damage to the person's system. 
  • Exploration of nuclear Physics remains useless for most people today. 
  • The negative side of the Green Energy transformation. 
  • Politics should have no place in the scientific community. 
  • An ethical aspect of genetically modified foods is ignored because of the lower costs. 
  • The scientific benefits of uniting physically challenged students with healthy learners. 
  • The positive effect of blues music on the human brain: the cardio wave effect. 
  • Social media changes how communication takes things to another level. 

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

If you are a college athlete or majoring in the field of Sports Coaching and Recreational Medicine, you should consider checking these ten persuasive speech subjects that we have chosen for you: 

  • The best ways to manage stress when you become enrolled as a college athlete. 
  • Playing sports in college helps to eliminate depression and anxiety risks. 
  • College sports must be an obligatory part of the curriculum without grading. 
  • The history of college basketball in the United States helped to shape numerous subcultures. 
  • The social aspect of sports and communication among middle school and primary school learners. 
  • The use of sports to challenge substance abuse in the workplace. 
  • Why does politics have no place in sports, and why should athletes be allowed to compete? 
  • Tennis represents one of the best sports to help people maintain cardiovascular health. 
  • Why should playing golf be made more accessible for people with low income? 
  • Playing sports in college helps to address weight gain issues and improve a person's mood.

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

You can also approach the subject of family relations or talk about the values important to you. Check out these ten ideas below: 

  • The values of the methodist church in the United States and their perception of family.  
  • Stay Together For The Kids tour or how alternative rock bands contribute to family values. 
  • The perception of family times during the Victorian Era. 
  • Why is social media changing how children perceive their parents and grandparents? 
  • Resolution of family conflicts can be resolved with the help of mediation techniques. 
  • The psychology of domestic abuse in the Middle East: why are cultural points not likely to change? 
  • The practice of boarding schools in the United Kingdom and overcoming homesickness. 
  • The challenges of becoming independent when leaving home for college are overrated. 
  • Family problems or growing up in a broken home should not be considered a reason for stigmatization. 
  • The American Dream concept is still relevant for the majority of American families.

Persuasive Speech About Politics and Society

Dealing with politics and society may sound easy, yet it often asks you to narrow things down and provide data from both sides of the debate to keep your position clear. See how it's done in the ten political persuasive speech ideas below: 

  • The concept of the Cold War is more relevant for our times than ever. 
  • Celebrities should not become involved in political campaigns and stay true to the art.
  • Most American television networks are run by private funds and offer biased information. 
  • The phenomenon of West-Coast and East-Coast politics in the United States is artificial. 
  • Politics and church should not mix, and why religion should not become a part of the conflict.
  • Racial prejudice in the United States is rooted in wrong politics. 
  • The cultural perception of Canada by an average American is often incorrect. 
  • Marijuana use should be banned as a society cannot control it adequately. 
  • School students should be allowed to vote, starting at 13 years old. 
  • The use of political agendas in colleges should be banned.

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

Now, some students will seek something related to governmental studies or legislation as a way to create their persuasive speech essays. As a way to help you out, here are the subjects for speeches you can start with: 

  • The U.S. government should raise the age limit for the use of alcohol and tobacco. 
  • The controversies related to the military budget of the United States should be turned into a public discussion. 
  • The concept of political immunity and diplomacy should be eliminated as it takes responsibility away. 
  • The government should decrease immigration to the United States. 
  • Politicians should have an obligatory education related to Law and Political Sciences. 
  • Famous media personalities should approach the external politics of the United States. 
  • Governmental support and the problem of cheating with college scholarships. 
  • The problem of racial prejudice could be eliminated with the help of a different political agenda. 
  • The concept of luxury taxing should not be obligatory for celebrities if they participate in charity campaigns. 
  • The reasons why children should learn Political Science and government structure in school.

Discover Thousands of Free Essay Samples! 

Getting your persuasive speech done can be quite challenging, so we have created a list of new topics you may consider. Still, you should see the actual essay examples, which we are happy to offer! Depending on the subject you would like to explore in greater depth for your persuasive speech (or any other purpose!), you can always refer to our free database, where you can find amazing essays and topics.

Our website offers thousands of topics that keywords or subjects can check. These represent essays you can use for inspirational purposes as you compose your persuasive speech. If you are unsure about something , you can always get in touch with our team, and we shall happily direct you toward something that fits your academic objectives.

Read your grading rubric twice, or hit us up with your questions! You must be inspired by what you choose because it is the only way to persuade others. Make sure to clarify your point and convince your target audience that your thoughts and ideas are worth checking and following!

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

argumentative speech topics college

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

  • Is global climate change  caused by humans?
  • Is the death penalty effective?
  • Is our election process fair?
  • Is torture ever acceptable?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Are school uniforms beneficial?
  • Do we have a fair tax system?
  • Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Is cheating out of control?
  • Are we too dependent on computers?
  • Should animals be used for research?
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • Are cell phones dangerous?
  • Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
  • Do we have a throwaway society?
  • Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
  • Should companies market to children?
  • Should the government have a say in our diets?
  • Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  • Should members of Congress have term limits?
  • Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are CEOs paid too much?
  • Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
  • Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
  • Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
  • Should English be the official language of the United States?
  • Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
  • Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
  • Should everyone be required to recycle?
  • Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
  • Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
  • Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
  • Does boredom lead to trouble?
  • Should schools be in session year-round ?
  • Does religion cause war?
  • Should the government provide health care?
  • Should abortion be illegal?
  • Are girls too mean to each other?
  • Is homework harmful or helpful?
  • Is the cost of college too high?
  • Is college admission too competitive?
  • Should euthanasia be illegal?
  • Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
  • Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
  • Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
  • Is affirmative action fair?
  • Is public prayer okay in schools?
  • Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
  • Is greater gun control a good idea?
  • Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
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  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
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  • Topic In Composition and Speech
  • MBA Essay Tips
  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
  • High School Debate Topics
  • 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
  • 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, effective topics for a persuasive speech in college.

Got a speech class coming up in college and need to pick a solid topic for my persuasive speech. What are some college-related or high school-focused topics that'll keep my audience engaged and interested?

I'd be happy to suggest some engaging and college-related topics for your persuasive speech!

1. Mental health on college campuses: Discuss the importance of mental health support, resources, and awareness in college settings, and propose solutions for improving mental health services for students.

2. Financial aid packages and accessibility: Advocate for more transparency in financial aid offerings and argue for the need to make higher education more accessible to lower-income students.

3. Importance of internships and experiential learning: Present the benefits of internships or other experiential learning opportunities for college students in enhancing employability after graduation.

4. Reducing student loan debt: Propose methods for managing and alleviating the burden of student loan debt, such as income-based repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs.

5. The role of college athletics in academics: Debate the impact of college sports, including the allocation of funding and student-athletes' responsibilities in balancing academics and sports.

6. Open educational resources for college courses: Present the benefits of open educational resources (OER), like free, open-source textbooks, and advocate for their increased adoption by professors and universities.

7. Study abroad opportunities as a requirement: Argue for incorporating a study abroad experience as part of the graduation requirements to expose students to different cultures and perspectives.

8. Gap years before college: Discuss the advantages of taking a gap year before attending college, such as personal growth, career exploration, volunteer work, or internships.

Remember to choose a topic that you're passionate about, as it will make your speech more engaging and persuasive. Good luck with your speech class!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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  • Writing Tips

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

5-minute read

  • 13th January 2023

Some find writing a persuasive speech to be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to share your position on a topic you care about and to invite listeners to support (or at least appreciate) your way of thinking. You’ll benefit from a clear position, credible evidence, and careful consideration of your audience.

Your first step is to pick a topic. Whether you’re a teacher creating an assignment or a student deciding what to speak about, our list of 50 suggested persuasive speech topics and tips are a good starting place.

Choosing a Topic

●  It’s more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It’ll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone.

●  Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you’ve heard it all before, there’s a good chance your audience has, too. Pick something current and relevant to your listeners . If you go with a popular topic, try to approach it from a fresh angle.

●  Issues that contain multiple viewpoints are preferable to simplistic good/bad debates. Most reasonable people would agree that “bullying is bad.” But they might learn something new if you share recent research on bullying and offer different approaches to tackling it.

Let’s look at some interesting speech topics, categorized by subject.

Should free speech on the internet be restricted?

At what age should children have access to smartphones?

Does texting hinder interpersonal skills?

Should parents limit their children’s screen time?

Should laws prohibit using devices while driving?

Is there a link between device usage and decreased mental health?

Should the number of US Supreme Court Justices be increased?

Should voting be compulsory?

Should Election Day in the US change from Tuesday to the weekend?

Should the electoral college system be abolished?

Should election procedures be standardized in all states?

Should the Senate filibuster be abolished?

Should the death penalty be legal?

Should states be allowed to have different abortion laws?

Should the legal age to own an assault rifle be raised?

Should the US conduct a voluntary gun buyback program?

Are governments doing enough to address climate change?

Is student loan forgiveness fair?

Should the US invest in high-speed rail similar to those in Japan and Europe?

Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?

What is the greatest threat to international stability?

What can be done to prevent cyber threats?

Is the two-party political system of the US failing?

Should the US adopt a single-payer universal health care system?

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Should minimum wage be a factor in the cost of health care?

Is healthcare a human right?

Should access to abortion be required by healthcare providers?

Do school shooter drills damage students’ mental health?

Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?

Should employers offer incentives and bonuses to employees who bike or walk to work?

Do school uniforms offer any advantages?

Are school dress codes gender biased?

Are standardized test scores given too much importance in schools?

Do college entrance exams privilege those with higher socio-economic status?

Should teachers be allowed to keep firearms in their classrooms as protection against active shooters?

Should indigenous languages be taught in schools?

Should immigrants have access to free language classes?

Should books ever be banned in schools?

Should elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?

Should schools be cellphone free?

Should volunteering before graduation be compulsory?

Should school cafeterias serve more plant-based foods?

Should parents let their children play tackle football?

Should college sports teams receive less money?

Should there be more female priests or pastors of churches?

Should churches and other religious organizations pay taxes?

Should all priests be allowed to marry?

Should prayer be permitted in public schools?

On balance, does religion create more conflict or foster peace?

Should there be exceptions to the freedom to practice any religion?

Persuasion Isn’t All or Nothing

People often think persuasion means getting others to agree with you, but persuasion is more nuanced than that. You might persuade someone to go beyond sympathy and act. You might highlight the gray areas of a typically black and white debate.

When total agreement is out of reach, you can settle for agreement in part. Consider your audience thoughtfully when you decide on your goals and remember that you have options.

Step Up with Confidence

We hope these suggested persuasive speech topics have the wheels of your mind turning. Whether it’s for a speech or an argumentative essay , getting your ideas on paper and editing them is a necessary part of the process. Our editors are here to help you confidently put out your best work. Submit a free sample today .

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492 Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for College

18 January 2024

last updated

Nowadays, people know a lot about different aspects of human life because of speeches. Basically, many famous persons created speeches where they changed various societies in which they lived. In this case, these individuals used the power of words to persuade their people of what they believed was right. Moreover, others began to learn successful speeches to shape their knowledge and skills in influencing others. In turn, students write many papers where they analyze some topics or persuade their audience of what they think is right. However, not all of them can define actual themes because some people cannot accept all concepts. Thus, this article includes many ideas and examples of persuasive speech topics to help students to write good papers and convince their audiences.

Good Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Global Health
  • Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in Sports
  • Roles of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Healthcare
  • Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling
  • Social Media: Influencer on Youth or Mere Distraction?
  • Animal Rights: Testing on Animals for Scientific Research
  • Cryptocurrency: The Future of Financial Transactions?
  • Mandatory Voting: An Effective Solution for Low Voter Turnout
  • Reality Television: Impact on Society’s Perception of Normalcy
  • Unplugging: The Importance of Digital Detox
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Key to a Sustainable Future
  • GMOs: Are They Harmful or Helpful?
  • Veganism: Health Benefits and Ethical Considerations
  • Privacy Invasion: Dangers of Surveillance Technology
  • Procrastination: The Science Behind Why We Delay
  • Fast Food Culture: A Driving Factor of Obesity
  • Minimalism: A Better Way to Live?
  • Immigration Policies: Evaluating Their Impact on National Security
  • Nuclear Energy: Solution to the Energy Crisis or a Potential Disaster?
  • Body Positivity: An Antidote to Unrealistic Beauty Standards
  • Digital Divide: The Gap Between the Rich and the Poor in Technology Access

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Ethical Fashion: The Importance of Sustainable Clothing
  • Censorship in Media: A Necessary Evil or an Infringement on Freedom?
  • Self-Driving Cars: Are They Safe Enough?
  • Internet Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic
  • Consumerism: Its Impact on the Environment
  • Death Penalty: A Just Punishment or a Moral Dilemma?
  • Space Tourism: An Exciting Adventure or a Potential Disaster?
  • Organic Food: Is It Really Better?
  • Artificial Meat: The Future of Food?
  • Autonomous Weapons: A Threat to Human Life?
  • Mental Health: Breaking Down the Stigma
  • Euthanasia: An Ethical Choice or a Slippery Slope?
  • Adoption Rights for Same-Sex Couples: A Human Rights Issue
  • Gene Editing: A Step Toward Designer Babies?
  • Bullying: Implementing Effective Prevention Strategies
  • Multicultural Education: Its Importance in a Globalized World
  • Noise Pollution: An Overlooked Environmental Issue
  • Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Epidemic

Persuasive speech topics

Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Drones: Invasion of Privacy or Useful Technology?
  • Monolingualism: A Barrier to Global Communication
  • Vaccinations: Debunking Common Misconceptions
  • Junk Food Tax: A Solution to the Obesity Epidemic?
  • Human Cloning: Ethical Implications and Potential Benefits
  • Parenting Styles: Their Impact on Child Development
  • Artificial Intelligence: A Threat to Human Jobs?
  • Body Cameras for Police Officers: Enhancing Accountability or Invading Privacy?
  • Stereotypes in Media: Impact on Society’s Perception of Different Cultures
  • Music Therapy: A Valid Form of Treatment?
  • Ghost Hunting: Science or Superstition?
  • Microplastics: A Hidden Threat to Our Oceans?
  • Artificially Intelligent Robots: Future Companions or Overlords?
  • Alternative Medicine: A Complement or Threat to Conventional Medicine?
  • Homeschooling Versus Traditional Schooling: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • Voluntourism: A Noble Cause or a Form of Exploitation?
  • Nanotechnology: The Promise and Peril of Tiny Tech
  • Dark Tourism: Ethical Considerations and Impacts
  • Childhood Obesity: An Emerging Health Crisis
  • Cyberbullying: Strategies for Prevention and Response
  • Migration Crisis: Analyzing Global Responses
  • Wildlife Conservation: The Role of National Parks
  • Coral Reef Degradation: Addressing a Silent Crisis
  • Psychological Profiling: An Effective Crime Solving Tool?
  • Plant-Based Diets: A Healthier Lifestyle or a Passing Trend?
  • Overpopulation: A Root Cause of Global Challenges?
  • Remote Work: Is It Sustainable in the Long Run?
  • Fashion Industry: The Second Largest Polluter – Myth or Reality?
  • Geothermal Energy: An Underexplored Renewable Resource?
  • Deepfake Technology: A Threat to Truth and Trust?
  • Ageism: The Last Acceptable Prejudice?
  • Artificial Sweeteners: A Healthy Alternative or a Health Risk?
  • Drone Delivery: A Solution to Last Mile Delivery Challenge?
  • Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Professional Success?
  • Colonizing Mars: A Scientific Dream or a Real Possibility?
  • Intermittent Fasting: A Trend or a Healthy Lifestyle?
  • Social Entrepreneurship: A Solution to Global Challenges?

Persuasive Speech Topics for University Students

  • Balancing Part-Time Jobs With University Studies
  • Distance Learning: Pros and Cons in the University Setting
  • Campus Safety Measures: Evaluating Effectiveness
  • Impacts of COVID-19 on University Education and Future Prospects
  • Mental Health: The Importance of Campus Counseling Services
  • Impact on Student Development and Campus Culture
  • International Students: Challenges Faced in American Universities
  • Tuition Fees: Exploring the Student Loan Crisis
  • Gender Inequality in STEM Fields at Universities
  • Sports Scholarships: Merit or Influence?
  • Curriculum Design: Incorporating More Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Student Activism: Role in Shaping University Policies
  • Technology’s Role in Enhancing Educational Outcomes
  • Climate Change: Incorporating Sustainability in University Operations
  • Textbook Costs: Analyzing the Impact on Students
  • Food Insecurity among University Students: Causes and Solutions
  • Academic Pressure: Impact on Student Mental Health
  • Internships: Their Importance in University Education
  • Extracurricular Activities: Their Role in Personal Development
  • Plagiarism: Evaluating Anti-Plagiarism Software and Academic Integrity
  • Study Habits: Techniques for Enhancing Productivity in University

Unique Lists of 394 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

Political persuasive speech topics.

  • Reexamining Gun Control Policies: A Matter of National Security
  • Universal Healthcare: A Fundamental Human Right?
  • Immigration Reforms: Balancing Humanity and National Interests
  • Climate Change: The Need for International Cooperation
  • Assessing the Electoral College: Is It Still Relevant?
  • Capital Punishment: An Ethical Dilemma
  • Lobbying Effects: Democracy or Plutocracy?
  • Media Influence on Politics: An Unavoidable Bias?
  • Mandatory Voting: A Path to True Democracy?
  • Cybersecurity Threats: Redefining National Security
  • Income Inequality: The Impact on Democracy
  • Affirmative Action Policies: Equality or Reverse Discrimination?
  • Decriminalization of Drugs: Evaluating Portugal’s Model
  • The Filibuster: Obstacle to Legislative Progress?
  • Big Tech Censorship: Freedom of Speech Under Siege?
  • Police Reform: Addressing Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement
  • Gentrification Impact: Urban Development or Social Injustice?
  • Term Limits for Congress: A Necessary Change?
  • Religious Freedom vs. Individual Rights: Striking a Balance

Persuasive Speech Topics on Policies

  • The Importance of Cybersecurity Policies in Protecting National Security
  • Green New Deal: A Necessary Response to Climate Change
  • Strengthening Gun Control Laws: Reducing Violence in America
  • Mandatory Vaccination: Balancing Public Health and Individual Rights
  • Education Reform: The Case for Nationwide Standardized Curriculum
  • Cannabis Legalization: Boosting Economic Growth and Reducing Crime
  • Immigration Policies: Balancing Humanitarian Concerns and National Security
  • Data Privacy Laws: Protecting Individual Rights in the Digital Age
  • Prison Reform: The Imperative of Ending Mass Incarceration
  • Infrastructure Investment: The Backbone of Economic Growth
  • Net Neutrality: Safeguarding Internet Freedom and Innovation
  • Mandatory Voting: A Solution to Low Voter Turnout
  • Renewable Energy Policies: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
  • Affordable Housing Laws: Combating the Homelessness Crisis
  • Campaign Finance Reform: Ensuring Fair and Free Elections
  • Trade Policies: Balancing Globalization and Domestic Job Protection
  • Food Security Policies: A Solution to Hunger and Malnutrition

Video Game Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Elevating Creativity Through Video Game Design
  • Violent Video Games: A Threat or a Misunderstanding?
  • Benefits of Strategy Games for Cognitive Development
  • Importance of Video Game Localization for Global Markets
  • Representation and Diversity in Video Game Characters
  • Escapism and Mental Health: The Role of Video Games
  • How Do Video Games Influence Real-World Skills?
  • Augmented Reality: Revolutionizing the Gaming Landscape
  • Role-Playing Games and Their Impact on Problem-Solving Skills
  • eSports: A Legitimate Sporting Discipline
  • Online Gaming: Fostering or Hindering Social Connections?
  • Loot Boxes: A Form of Gambling or Fair Game Mechanism?
  • The Artistry of Video Game Soundtracks
  • Video Games in Education: A New Approach to Learning
  • The Psychology Behind Addiction to Video Games
  • Impact of Mobile Gaming on the Traditional Gaming Industry
  • Preservation of Classic Video Games: Nostalgia or Cultural Heritage?
  • The Ethical Dilemmas of Artificial Intelligence in Video Games
  • Virtual Economies: The Financial Impact of In-Game Transactions

Persuasive Speech Topics for PowerPoint Presentations

  • Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy: A Sustainable Future
  • Animal Rights: A Call for More Humane Treatment
  • Climate Change: Our Responsibility Toward Future Generations
  • Mandatory Vaccination: The Key to Global Health
  • Artificial Intelligence: Evaluating Ethical Concerns
  • Social Media: The Impact on Mental Health
  • Cybersecurity: Why It Matters More Than Ever?
  • Gender Equality: Breaking Stereotypes in the 21st Century
  • Space Exploration: Investing in the Final Frontier
  • Plastic Pollution: Implementing Effective Solutions
  • Organic Farming: The Path to Healthier Living
  • Veganism: Benefits for Health and Environment
  • Electric Vehicles: Driving Toward a Greener Planet
  • Genetically Modified Foods: Boon or Bane?
  • Internet Censorship: Freedom Versus Safety
  • Telemedicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery
  • Childhood Obesity: The Role of School Lunch Programs

Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

  • Understanding the Impact of Social Media on Teenagers’ Mental Health
  • Combating the Stigma Associated With Mental Illness
  • Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace: A Necessary Change
  • Ensuring Equal Access to Mental Health Services for Marginalized Communities
  • Mental Health and Homelessness: Addressing the Connection
  • Substance Abuse as a Misguided Coping Mechanism for Mental Illness
  • The Critical Role of Early Intervention in Mental Health Disorders
  • Incorporating Mindfulness and Meditation in Mental Health Treatment
  • Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Focus on Mental Health Awareness
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Society’s Responsibility to Veterans
  • The Urgency for Improved Mental Health Services in Prisons
  • Depression in the Elderly: A Hidden Crisis
  • Bridging the Gap: Mental Health and Physical Health in Insurance Coverage
  • Mental Health Support for Refugees and Immigrants: A Global Responsibility
  • Encouraging Open Conversations About Mental Health in Families

Ethical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Addressing Wealth Inequality: An Ethical Imperative
  • The Moral Conundrum of Animal Testing in Medical Research
  • Justifying the Censorship of Hate Speech in a Free Society
  • Ethical Consumerism: A Powerful Tool for Change
  • The Duty to Provide Quality Education for All Children
  • Unmasking the Ethics of Facial Recognition Technology
  • Balancing Privacy Rights and National Security in the Digital Age
  • Should Companies Be Held Responsible for Environmental Damage?
  • Combatting Child Labor: A Global Responsibility
  • The Ethics of Genetically Modified Organisms: Balancing Progress and Potential Harm
  • Human Cloning: Navigating the Ethical Quagmire
  • Unveiling the Ethical Issues Surrounding Artificial Intelligence
  • Prison Reform: A Demand for Humane Treatment and Rehabilitation
  • The Case for Ethical Treatment of Immigrants: A Test of Humanity
  • Reassessing the Ethics of Capital Punishment in Modern Society
  • Mandatory Vaccinations: A Question of Public Health or Personal Freedom?
  • Weighing the Ethical Implications of Data Mining
  • The Morality of War: Are There Justifiable Reasons for Armed Conflict?

Persuasive Speech Topics With Multiple Perspectives

  • Evolution of Artificial Intelligence: A Blessing or a Curse?
  • Mandatory Military Service: A Matter of National Security or Infringement of Personal Liberty?
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Government Responsibility or Individual Accountability?
  • Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): A Solution for Food Scarcity or a Risk to Biodiversity?
  • Cryptocurrencies: Disruptive Innovations or Threat to Traditional Finance?
  • Space Exploration: Worthwhile Investment or Drain on Resources?
  • Immigrants’ Roles: Catalyst for Economic Growth or Job Competitors?
  • Education System: Emphasizing Academic Achievement or Fostering Personal Development?
  • Animal Testing in Medical Research: Necessity for Advancement or Unjustifiable Cruelty?
  • Social Media: Catalyst for Global Connectivity or Source of Misinformation?
  • Universal Basic Income: Pathway to Economic Equality or Disincentive to Work?
  • Death Penalty: Effective Deterrent or Violation of Human Rights?
  • Internet Censorship: Protection of Public Morality or Suppression of Freedom of Speech?
  • Vaccinations: Essential Public Health Tool or Personal Choice?
  • Child Labor: Unavoidable Consequence of Poverty or Unjustifiable Exploitation?
  • Surveillance Technology: Necessary for Security or Infringement of Privacy?
  • Human Cloning: Potential for Medical Breakthroughs or Ethical Nightmare?
  • Legalization of Drugs: A Solution to the War on Drugs or a Gateway to Increased Addiction?

Education Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Investing More in STEM Education: A Pathway to Our Future
  • The Importance of Financial Literacy in High Schools
  • Shifting Away From Standardized Testing: An Evaluation of Success Metrics
  • Holistic Education: Incorporating Emotional Intelligence in the Curriculum
  • Bilingual Education: An Essential Tool for Global Citizenship
  • Technology in Classrooms: A Catalyst for Modern Learning
  • Art Education: Why It Matters More Than Ever?
  • School Uniforms: Do They Enhance Equality or Suppress Individuality?
  • Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: A Comparative Analysis
  • The Impact of School Nutrition on Student Performance
  • Adopting Universal Pre-K: An Investment in Early Childhood Education
  • Mandating Physical Education: A Solution to Childhood Obesity
  • Inclusive Education: Embracing Diversity in the Classroom
  • Addressing Bullying: The School’s Responsibility
  • The Necessity of Music Education for Holistic Development
  • Private vs. Public Schools: Examining Equity in Education

Persuasive Speech Topics About Animals

  • Advancing Legislation for Animal Rights: A Moral Obligation
  • Banning Animal Testing: A Step Toward Ethical Science
  • The Dire Consequences of Habitat Destruction: Save Wildlife Now
  • Climate Change’s Impact on Biodiversity: A Threat to Survival
  • Ethical Treatment of Farm Animals: A Case for Humanity
  • Protecting Endangered Species: Our Responsibility
  • Animal Assisted Therapy: Unleashing the Healing Power of Pets
  • The Role of Animals in Environmental Education
  • Marine Life Conservation: A Critical Aspect of Ecosystem Health
  • The Perils of Exotic Pet Ownership: A Hidden Cruelty
  • Humane Alternatives to Animal Dissection in Education
  • Factory Farming: A Call for Compassionate Dietary Choices
  • Stray Animals: Why Sterilization Programs Matter?
  • The Plight of Circus Animals: Advocating for Change
  • Responsible Pet Ownership: An Essential Component of Animal Welfare
  • Urban Wildlife: Coexisting Peacefully With Our Animal Neighbors
  • Wildlife Trafficking: A Global Crisis Needing Immediate Action
  • The Importance of Pollinators: Why We Should Protect Bees?
  • Shark Finning: The Need to End This Brutal Practice

Business Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Implementing Sustainability Practices for Long-Term Business Profitability
  • Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Streamlining Business Operations
  • Enhancing Employee Engagement for Higher Productivity
  • Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the Corporate World
  • Advancing Globalization: Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses
  • Telecommuting: A Vital Component for Future Workplaces
  • Adopting Blockchain Technology for Enhanced Security in Business Transactions
  • Prioritizing Customer Experience in the Digital Age
  • Necessity of Ethical Leadership in Modern Corporations
  • Social Responsibility: An Essential Business Strategy for the 21st Century
  • Encouraging Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Economic Growth
  • Reinforcing Cybersecurity Measures in Today’s Digitally-Connected Businesses
  • Role of Effective Communication in Business Success
  • Leveraging Virtual Reality in the Retail Industry
  • Fostering Innovation and Creativity in a Competitive Business Environment
  • Cultivating Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Advantages of Mandatory Vaccinations for Public Health
  • Importance of Mental Health Coverage in Insurance Policies
  • Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Chronic Disease Prevention
  • Stem Cell Research: Ethical Implications and Potential Benefits
  • Pros and Cons of Telemedicine in the Digital Age
  • Challenges in Providing Healthcare to Underserved Communities
  • The Role of Diet in Preventing Lifestyle Diseases
  • Addressing Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Imperative
  • Ethical Considerations in Organ Donation and Transplantation
  • Genetic Testing: Empowering Prevention or Invading Privacy?
  • Mandatory Reporting of Medical Errors: A Necessity for Patient Safety
  • Aging Populations and the Increasing Demand for Geriatric Care
  • Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: A Public Health Perspective
  • Palliative Care: A Necessary Component of Healthcare Systems
  • End-of-Life Care: The Role of Advanced Directives and Living Wills
  • Universal Health Coverage: A Fundamental Human Right or an Unrealistic Goal?

Public Speaking Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Harnessing Renewable Energy: A Sustainable Future for Humanity
  • Reimagining Education: The Case for Online Learning
  • Protecting Our Oceans: The Imperative of Reducing Plastic Waste
  • Democracy and Media: The Importance of Press Freedom
  • Combatting Childhood Obesity: The Need for Healthier School Lunches
  • Artificial Intelligence: Evaluating Its Ethical Implications
  • Climate Change: The Urgency of International Cooperation
  • Mental Health: Prioritizing Well-Being in the Workplace
  • Cybersecurity: Securing Our Digital Future
  • Income Inequality: The Role of Progressive Taxation
  • Genetic Engineering: Balancing Progress with Ethical Concerns
  • Vaccinations: The Key to Global Health Security
  • Organ Donation: Advocating for Opt-Out Systems
  • Addressing the Challenges of Elder Care

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Why Aliens Would Struggle to Understand Humans?
  • Decoding the Language of Cats: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Chocolate as an Essential Food Group: The Sweet Proposal
  • The Hidden Benefits of Being Late: A Chronically Delayed Perspective
  • Convincing Society That Pajamas Are Acceptable Daywear
  • Interpreting Dreams: Do Flying Pigs Signify Prosperity?
  • Sasquatch Sightings: A Hairy Situation or a Furry Friend?
  • The Unexpected Joys of Misheard Song Lyrics
  • Debunking the Myth: Yes, Adults Can Still Enjoy Cartoons
  • Mismatched Socks: A Bold Fashion Trend or a Laundry Dilemma?
  • Caffeine Worship: Coffee Lovers vs. Tea Enthusiasts
  • The Art of Procrastination: Mastering the Unconventional Skill
  • Zombie Apocalypse Survival: Preparing for the Impossible
  • Perfecting the Art of Telling Dad Jokes
  • The Subtle Art of Being a Couch Potato: Celebrating Laziness
  • Pets Taking Over the World: A Furry Forecast
  • The Surprising Merits of Bad Handwriting
  • Taming the Wild: Becoming a Plant Parent

Scientific Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Harnessing Solar Energy: A Viable Solution for Global Energy Crisis
  • Genetically Modified Organisms: Boon or Bane to Modern Agriculture?
  • The Mars Mission: Evaluating the Feasibility and Implications of Human Settlement
  • Robotics in Healthcare: Evaluating Potential Risks and Rewards
  • Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe
  • Advances in Nanotechnology: Weighing Potential Dangers Against Benefits
  • Animal Testing in Scientific Research: Ethical Implications and Alternatives
  • Biometric Technology: Balancing Security and Privacy
  • Plastic Pollution: Developing Sustainable Solutions
  • The Ethics of Human Cloning: Should Science Push the Boundaries?
  • Telemedicine: Evaluating its Impact on Healthcare Accessibility
  • Fracking for Natural Gas: Assessing Environmental and Economic Consequences
  • Bioengineering: The Promise and Peril of Altering Nature
  • Rise of Superbugs: Addressing the Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance

Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Incorporating Technology in Refereeing Decisions: The Future of Sports?
  • Investing in Women’s Sports: A Socioeconomic Imperative
  • Mandatory Doping Tests for All Athletes: An Invasive Measure or Necessary Safeguard?
  • Youth Sports: Instilling Discipline or Promoting Competition?
  • Physical Education in Schools: A Necessity for Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
  • Violent Behavior in Sports: A Reflection of Society or an Isolated Issue?
  • Professional Athletes as Role Models: A Boon or a Burden?
  • The Ethics of Hunting as a Sport
  • The Sustainability Challenge in Mega Sporting Events
  • Combatting Racism and Discrimination in Sports
  • Athlete Activism: A Platform for Social Change or a Distraction From the Game?
  • Extreme Sports: A Test of Courage or Recklessness?
  • Are eSports Real Sports: Debunking the Myth
  • The Impact of Sports on Local Economies
  • Aging Athletes: Defying Time or Risking Health?
  • The Effect of Climate Change on Outdoor Sports
  • Sports Sponsorship: Beneficial Partnership or Commercial Exploitation?
  • The Paralympics: Promoting Inclusion or Encouraging Separation?

Environment Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Combatting Climate Change: The Urgent Need for Global Cooperation
  • The Dire Consequences of Deforestation: A Call to Preserve Our Forests
  • Renewable Energy: Harnessing the Power of Sun, Wind, and Water
  • Plastic Pollution: A Threat to Marine Ecosystems We Cannot Ignore
  • Greenhouse Gases and Their Impact: The Inescapable Truth
  • Biodiversity Loss: The Silent Extinction Happening Now
  • Endangered Species: Should We Prioritize Their Protection?
  • Urbanization and Its Impact on the Natural Environment
  • The Carbon Footprint: How Individual Actions Contribute to Global Warming?
  • The Ethical Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms on the Environment
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Without Harming Our Planet
  • Overpopulation: Assessing Its Environmental Consequences
  • Eco-Tourism: Can It Contribute to Conservation Efforts?
  • E-Waste: The Dark Side of Our Digital Age
  • Water Scarcity: The Impending Global Crisis We Must Address
  • The Role of Corporations in Environmental Conservation
  • Ocean Acidification: A Looming Disaster for Marine Life
  • Air Quality: The Silent Killer in Our Cities
  • The Ecological Impact of Meat Consumption: A Case for Plant-Based Diets

Family Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Strengthening Family Bonds: Cultivating Communication and Connection
  • Embracing Traditions: Preserving Family Values in the Modern World
  • Encouraging Family Fitness: Active Lifestyles for a Healthy Household
  • Fostering Emotional Intelligence: Nurturing Empathy and Understanding Within the Family
  • Supporting Work-Life Balance: Creating Harmonious Environments at Home
  • Prioritizing Mental Health: Strategies for Building Resilience in the Family
  • Celebrating Diversity: Embracing Differences and Promoting Inclusion Within the Family
  • Establishing Financial Literacy: Teaching Money Management Skills to Strengthen the Family’s Future
  • Promoting Healthy Eating Habits: Nourishing the Family for Optimal Well-being
  • Encouraging Environmental Consciousness: Sustainable Practices for a Greener Family Lifestyle
  • Balancing Technology Usage: Maintaining Healthy Screen Time Boundaries in the Family
  • Instilling a Love for Reading: Unlocking the Power of Books Within the Family
  • Inspiring Volunteerism: Making a Difference Together as a Family
  • Emphasizing the Importance of Education: Empowering Lifelong Learners in the Family
  • Cultivating Empathy: Promoting Kindness and Compassion Within the Family Setting
  • Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership: Caring for Animals as a Family Commitment
  • Promoting Conflict Resolution: Nurturing Effective Communication Skills in the Family
  • Advocating for Mental Health Awareness: Breaking Stigmas Within the Family and Beyond
  • Supporting Aging Parents: Creating a Supportive Network and Care Plan

Government Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Promoting Sustainable Energy Solutions for Economic Growth
  • Enhancing Access to Quality Education for All Citizens
  • Implementing Stricter Gun Control Measures to Ensure Public Safety
  • Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures to Protect National Infrastructure
  • Investing in Infrastructure Development for Improved Transportation Networks
  • Reforming Healthcare Systems to Provide Affordable and Comprehensive Coverage
  • Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Society
  • Enhancing Border Security for National Sovereignty and Public Safety
  • Strengthening International Diplomacy for Peaceful Resolutions
  • Addressing Income Inequality Through Progressive Economic Policies
  • Expanding Access to Affordable Housing for Vulnerable Populations
  • Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Economic Growth
  • Implementing Comprehensive Immigration Reforms for a Diverse Society
  • Safeguarding Online Privacy and Protecting Personal Data
  • Improving Mental Health Services for Enhanced Well-Being
  • Fostering Civic Engagement and Participation in Democratic Processes
  • Strengthening Disaster Preparedness and Response Systems for Public Safety
  • Persuasive Speech Topics on Arts and Culture

Music and Fashion Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The Impact of Music and Fashion on Self-Expression
  • Revolutionizing Style: How Music Influences Fashion Trends?
  • Amplifying Identity: The Power of Music and Fashion Collaboration
  • Uniting Cultures: Music and Fashion as Global Languages
  • Harmonizing Harmony: The Relationship Between Music and Fashion
  • Fashion’s Rhythm: How Music Sets the Tone for Runway Shows?
  • Trendsetters Unite: The Intersection of Music and Fashion Influencers
  • The Evolution of Style: Music’s Influence on Fashion Throughout History
  • Fashioning Melodies: How Music Inspires Clothing Designs
  • Harmonious Subcultures: Music and Fashion as Vehicles of Expression
  • Walking to the Beat: How Music Shapes Fashion Catwalks?
  • From Stage to Street: The Influence of Music on Everyday Fashion
  • The Art of Collaboration: Music and Fashion’s Synergy in Visual Productions
  • Music’s Fashion Statement: Reflecting Social Movements Through Style
  • Sensory Experiences: Exploring the Relationship Between Music, Fashion, and Emotions
  • Fashion Festivals: Celebrating the Fusion of Music and Style
  • Sustainable Sounds: How Music and Fashion Are Embracing Eco-Consciousness?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Cultural Studies

  • Should People Learn Classical Music From School?
  • Does Technology Mean a Culture?
  • Should Museums Be Sponsored by the Government?
  • The Relevance of Cultural Symbols in Contemporary Society
  • Are Muslims Following Their Religious Tradition While Working? 
  • Do All Countries Beed to Have National Programs on Cultural Identity?
  • Should Minorities Have Official Subcultures on the National Level?
  • Exploring the Connection Between Culture and Environmental Stewardship
  • Does People’s Sexual Identity Exceed Over Social Rights of Citizens?
  • The Controversy of Capital Punishment From a Cultural Perspective
  • Should Traditions Be Followed by Children?
  • Should Adults Care for Their Aging Parents?
  • Do Citizens Need to Celebrate the Day of Cultural Equity?
  • Should Love Change the World?

Persuasive Speech Topics on Economics

  • Should Ordinary Workers Pay Taxes?
  • Should Capitalism Exist in Society?
  • Are Countries Involved in Trade Wars?
  • Fast Fashion: Unraveling the Environmental Costs of Disposable Clothing
  • Should Parents Pay for the Education of Their Children?
  • Are Technology Employees Getting Higher Salaries Compared to Regular Workers?
  • Should the Economy Be Free?
  • Integrating Green Energy Solutions for Sustainable Business Operations
  • Are House Prices High?
  • Teachers’ Salaries: Reflecting the Value of Educators in Society
  • Should Giant Companies Pay to Recycle Their Waste?
  • Are Prisoners Citizens Who Must Participate in the Economic Development of the Country?
  • Should Public Transport Be Free Due to Electricity Technology?

Religion Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Do Parents Define the Religious Identity of Their Children?
  • Should Religions Be Raxed?
  • Should Christianity Be Superior to Other Religions?
  • Are Humans Conflicting Because of Their Beliefs?
  • Should Religions Change Due to New Tendencies?
  • The Significance of Prayer in Daily Life
  • Understanding the Purpose of Existence
  • Examining the Moral Dilemmas of Euthanasia
  • Unveiling the Truth About Near-Death Experiences
  • Analyzing the Role of Faith in Overcoming Adversity
  • The Importance of Religious Tolerance in a Diverse Society
  • Uniting Science and Religion: Bridging the Gap
  • The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Wounds and Restoring Relationships
  • Embracing Spirituality: Enhancing Mental Health and Well-Being
  • Respecting the Sanctity of Life: Debating Abortion Ethics
  • The Role of Religion in Shaping Historical Events
  • Investigating the Impact of Religious Education in Schools
  • Reevaluating the Gender Roles in Religious Institutions
  • Analyzing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Organized Religion in Modern Life
  • Should Countries Highlight the Dominant Religion in Modern Times?
  • Do Politics and Religion Work Together to Provide a Better Future for Citizens?
  • Should Harmful Traditions Be Eliminated in All Religions Due to Human Rights?
  • Should Different Religions Shape Each Other to Create a Single Religion for All People on Earth?

Social Media Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Enhancing Online Privacy: Taking Control of Your Digital Footprint
  • Harnessing Social Media for Social Change: Activism in the Digital Age
  • The Power of Influencers: Shaping Consumer Behavior in the Digital Era
  • Balancing Online and Offline Life: Finding Harmony in the Digital Age
  • Promoting Digital Literacy: Navigating the Complexities of Social Media
  • Social Media and Body Image: Fostering Self-Acceptance and Positive Influences
  • Tackling Cyberbullying: Creating Safer Online Spaces
  • The Dark Side of Social Media: Combatting Online Hate Speech
  • Utilizing Social Media for Entrepreneurship: Leveraging Opportunities
  • The Influence of Social Media on News Consumption: The Era of Citizen Journalism
  • Empowering Communities Through Online Collaboration: Crowdsourcing for Change
  • Building a Personal Brand: Crafting an Authentic Online Presence
  • The Rise of Micro-Influencers: Redefining Marketing Strategies
  • The Ethics of Social Media Algorithms: Ensuring Fairness and Transparency
  • Online Dating in the Digital Age: Navigating Love and Relationships
  • Social Media and Environmental Activism: Mobilizing for a Sustainable Future

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas

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Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

argumentative speech topics

Argumentative speeches generally concern topics which are currently being debated by society , current controversial issues . These topics are often derived from political debates and issues which are commonly seen in the media. The chosen topic may be political, religious, social, or ethical in nature. The audience should be challenged to re-examine their long-held values, and will be asked to alter deeply held convictions based on new evidence or viewpoints on the issue.

Obviously, selecting a topic that is debatable is key to creating an effective speech. The topic should not be something which is generally already proven, or would require an enormous leap of faith or logic in order to convince the audience. The speaker should already possess a strong interest and have a deeply-held opinion on the subject, or else his arguments will probably not come across as believable to the audience.

Topics below are not our personal opinion, they are just samples of a topic. You can flip them to create a different topic. For example, if the topic is “Eating meat and dairy is bad for your body” and you believe the opposite, just make your topic “Eating meat and dairy is good for your body”.

Our list is updated often; huge thank you to all of you who send us topic ideas. Do you have an idea? Use “Send us your idea” form, and we will publish it. And don’t forget to take a look at our extensive list of argumentative essay topics for topics more suited to the written word.

List of Argumentative Speech Topics

Constitutional issues, environment, food and drink, international politics, relationships.

  • How poor accounting methods cause businesses to lose money.

See this page for a full list of  Speech Topics for Business .

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  • Does the government have the right to tax its citizens?
  • Torture is an acceptable measure to prevent terrorism.
  • Banning some books and movies can help society.
  • Guns should be made illegal.
  • The legal drinking age should be changed to 18 for hard liquor and spirits, and to 16 for beer and wine.
  • Should the government be able to access cell phone data?
  • Paying waiters a hourly rate below minimum wage is unfair.
  • Illegal immigrants are good for the economy.
  • Decreasing the wealth tax is good for the economy.
  • What caused the recession in the USA?
  • Rich people should have tax breaks.
  • Should students sometimes teach the class about a subject they are an expert on?
  • Should schools offer sign language in addition to foreign languages?
  • Any student caught cheating on an examination should be automatically dismissed from college.
  • Should there be a dress code to prevent students from wearing revealing clothes?
  • Government aid for students should be based purely on academic performance.
  • Mobiles phones should be banned in schools for both students and teachers.
  • How No Child Left Behind has not been implemented correctly.
  • Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten.
  • College students should have the freedom to choose their own courses.
  • Should schools have single sex education?

See this page for a full list of Education Argumentative Speech Topics .

  • How the USA can use renewable energy, and what role oil companies can play.
  • How renewable energy technologies became economically and politically viable in the late 1990s.
  • Destruction of the world’s forest is justified by human need for land and food.
  • The racing industry should be forced to use environmentally-friendly fuel.
  • The government should support and subsidize alternative energy sources.
  • Alternative energy and hybrid vehicles can help save our planet.
  • Penalties for crimes against the environment should be tougher.
  • Vegetarianism is an ecologically thoughtful lifestyle.
  • Has marine engineering increased pollution?
  • Working from home is good for the environment.
  • Rainforest logging should be banned.
  • Hunting is good for the environment.
  • The advantages of recycling water.

See this page for a full list of Environmental Argumentative Speech Topics .

  • Should celebrities be held to a higher moral standard since they are often viewed as role models by children and teens?
  • Convicted prisoners should not have better living conditions than those not in prison.
  • Clothing and other items produced using child labor should not be imported and sold in the USA.
  • Denying health insurance because of pre-existing conditions violates human rights.
  • Using animals for scientific research is inhumane.
  • DNA experiments on human embryos are unethical and should not be allowed.
  • Zoos, aquariums, and circuses violate animal rights and should be shut down.
  • Are beauty pageants exploitive?
  • Should scientists bring back extinct species through cloning?
  • People should not be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets.
  • Should there be world population control?
  • Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.
  • Hunting is unethical and should not be allowed.
  • Everyone in the world should have civil rights!
  • Do you agree that honesty is the best policy?
  • Assassination can never be justified.
  • The sale of human organs should be legal.
  • Euthanasia is not morally acceptable.
  • Euthanasia should be legalized.
  • Is human cloning ethical?
  • Wearing fur is unethical.
  • We shouldn’t eat meat.
  • Every family with children filing for divorce must go through a mandatory ‘cooling off’ period.
  • Adoptive parents should be legally bound to allow biological parents access to their children.
  • Should babies younger than one get their ears pierced?
  • Those who want children should take parenting classes and pass tests before having a child.
  • Both parents should assume equal responsibility in raising a child.
  • Strict parenting raises strong-hearted, resilient kids.
  • Why both parents should be a part of their child’s life.
  • Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Why children should be respected.
  • Should we have to pay to adopt a child?
  • Teenagers should have more freedom than younger kids.
  • Should kids under 13 be allowed on social media sites?
  • Should children get to choose their living environment at age 13?
  • Should parents be held responsible for actions of their children?

See this page for a full list of Family Argumentative Speech Topics . We also have a page with Speech Topics for Kids .

  • The only difference between normal and organic food is the cost.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topic Ideas On Food, Drink, and Cooking .

  • Why veterans should have more government support.
  • Should the president have served in the military?
  • Is the American criminal justice system racist?
  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • Women make better presidents.
  • Is our election process fair?
  • Tap water is safer than bottled water in countries where the quality of tap water is regulated.
  • Breastfeeding is one of the most important things a mother can do for a child.
  • Should children born with birth defects have surgery?
  • Lapses in food safety result from a complex interplay of factors.
  • Should fast food restaurants stop adding chemicals to their food?
  • Taxes should be imposed on unhealthy foods to combat obesity.
  • GMOs are bad for health and should be avoided at any cost.
  • Advertising of prescription drugs should not be allowed.
  • Fast food advertisements and promotions should be banned.
  • Terminally ill patients should be allowed to use heroin.
  • Why people should smile when they’re happy, and pretend they are happy when feeling sad.
  • Our identity is shaped by how others view us.
  • The benefits of having friends.

See this page for a full list of  Argumentative Speech Topics on Health and Fitness . We also have a page with Medical Topics and Psychology topics.

  • Was Mao Zedong a great leader?
  • Adolf Hitler was a great leader.
  • The negative effects of Ronald Reagan’s “War on Drugs.”

See this page for a full list of History Speech Topics .

  • Is inequality in South Africa a suitable topic to use for public speaking?
  • Should the world become one nation and have a council for leadership?
  • The war in Iraq was justified.
  • Terrorism is a major issue in the world because innocent people are affected.
  • Cultural treasures should be returned to their countries of origin.
  • Invading other countries, as long as for a good cause, is justified.
  • The New Zealand flag should not be changed.
  • War is an instrument of foreign policy.
  • Driving speed limits should be lifted in areas with a low accident risk.
  • People who use file-sharing sites to download content illegally should be found and prosecuted.
  • Should the government give tax exemptions to those who drive electric or hybrid vehicles?
  • Elderly drivers should be required to take a driving test each year after a certain age.
  • Should colleges be allowed to use affirmative action to create a more diverse campus?
  • Garbage disposal should not be free to encourage recycling (example: Switzerland).
  • Salaries of actors, professional athletes and CEOs should be regulated and capped.
  • Any products that are believed to cause cancer should have a warning label.
  • Fast food, soda, chips and other unhealthy food should be heavily taxed.
  • Making drugs illegal creates an environment for crime and violence.
  • Should it be harder to get a divorce?
  • Should the death penalty exist?
  • Laws to protect the victims of domestic abuse should be enforced.
  • Pitbulls and other aggressive dog breeds should not be allowed.
  • Gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples.
  • Should the EPA make it illegal to modify your car for racing?
  • DUI offenders should lose their license for a year.
  • Should you have to take a training class to purchase fireworks?
  • Workers should get four weeks paid vacation each year.
  • Plastic surgery should be illegal for anyone under 18.
  • Retirement should be made compulsory at the age of 60.
  • Abortions should be legal in cases of rape and incest.
  • The cost of prescription drugs should be regulated.
  • Couples should be banned from adopting overseas.
  • Banning smoking in public places is undemocratic.
  • Spaying and neutering pets should be mandatory.
  • Minors should be tried for murder at any age.
  • Voting should be compulsory for all citizens.
  • Illegal immigrants should receive asylum.
  • Organ donation should be mandatory.
  • Vaccinations should be compulsory.
  • Prostitution should be legalized.
  • Should abortion be made illegal?
  • The smoking age should be lowered.
  • The voting age should be lowered.
  • Why smoking should be banned.
  • Talking on the phone while driving should be banned.
  • There should be equal pay for equal work.
  • Does Shakespeare romanticize youth suicide in the tragic play Romeo and Juliet?
  • Edgar Allen Poe’s career as an author benefitted from his difficult, grief-filled life.
  • Popular literature is not as valuable as classical literature.
  • Why books are better than their movies.
  • Reality television makes people stupid and should be regulated.
  • Does media violence lead to behavioral problems?
  • TV cop shows are too intense for children.
  • Watching television makes people smarter.
  • Are kids having too much screen time?
  • Is watching TV good or bad for children?
  • Has the television become obsolete?
  • Reality TV is not reality.
  • Vulgar scenes in films should be reduced.
  • Can anyone play an instrument with the right materials and instruction?
  • The beneficial physiological effects of music.
  • Americans should not get involved in conflicts that don’t concern the national interest.
  • Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid reform are non-negotiable ways out of the debt crisis.
  • Famous people (actors, athletes) should not be allowed to become politicians.
  • Is the government doing justice to the taxpayers?
  • Does age matter in relationships?
  • Social networks are killing sincere relationships.
  • Polygamy creates healthy relationships.
  • If nothing happens without a cause, then the big bang must have been caused by God.
  • Why it is better to have many religions.
  • Banning burkhas or other religious clothing is against human rights.
  • The world would be more peaceful without religions.
  • Churches should be required to pay taxes.
  • Are there any alternatives to evolution?
  • Religion is a force for evil.

See this page for a full list of  Topics on Religion and Spirituality .

  • Mobile phones shouldn’t be allowed at school.
  • There is no place for religion in school.
  • Technology is a distraction.
  • Homework should be scrapped.
  • High Schools need armed guards.
  • Test scores reflect how good the teacher is.
  • Refrain from dating in high school.
  • Student ID cards should have tracking devices.
  • Random drug tests need to be done in high schools.
  • Teachers should also be graded.

See this page for a full list of  School Speech Topics  (Elementary, Middle School, High School).

  • Genetically modified food should be the answer to the world’s hunger problem.
  • Is Mars the next planet for human habitation?
  • The NASA moon landing was a hoax.
  • Space exploration is a waste of money.

See this page for a full list of  Science Speech Topics .

  • Permits should not be needed to build small, permanent structures in the city of Baldwin.
  • Technological progress signifies the decline of human moral, spiritual, and traditional values.
  • Men and women face unequal pressure to change their bodies to look good.
  • Sexual immorality in our society is a result of the influence of foreign films.
  • People are not satisfied with what they have.
  • Compulsory military service is good for society and the country.
  • Christmas is just a way for businesses to increase sales.
  • Billboards should not be allowed on interstate highways.
  • Men should be forced to take paternity leave from work.
  • Violent video games and toys should not be allowed.

See this page for a full list of Argumentative Society Speech Topics .

  • Athletes caught using steroids should be banned from professional sports for life.
  • Why cheerleading should be part of the Olympics.
  • Why hockey should allow fights.
  • Is marching band a sport?
  • Is cheerleading a sport?
  • Sports should be obligatory at school.

See this page for a full list of  Sports Speech Topics .

  • Students should not have to learn cursive because technology is making it irrelevant.
  • Social media has changed us for the worse.
  • Modern technology has increased material wealth but not happiness.
  • Has the internet made research easier and more convenient?
  • How nuclear power shaped 21st century electrical generation.
  • Technology makes us lose most of our traditions and culture.
  • Life was better when technology was more simple.
  • Human beings are becoming slaves of modern technology.
  • Is the internet a good or a bad thing?
  • Technology is making people less creative.
  • The positive effects of technology on society.
  • Are phones essential?
  • Nuclear power is better than solar power.
  • New technologies create problems.
  • The impact of technology on society.
  • How electronics affect our body.
  • The pros and cons of Facebook.
  • The pros and cons of plastic.
  • Are children smarter or more socialized because of the internet?
  • Modern offices should have facilities for an afternoon nap.
  • Should tattoos be in the workplace?

List of Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Dieting makes people fat.
  • Romantic love is a poor basis for marriage.
  • The war on terror has contributed to the growing abuse of human rights.
  • High school graduates should take a year off before entering college.
  • All citizens should be required by law to vote.
  • All forms of government welfare should be abolished.
  • Americans should have more holidays and longer vacation.
  • Participating in team sports helps to develop good character.
  • The production and sale of cigarettes should be made illegal.
  • People have become overly dependent on technology.
  • Censorship is sometimes justified.
  • Privacy is not the most important right.
  • Drunk drivers should be imprisoned on the first offence.
  • The lost art of letter-writing deserves to be revived.
  • Government and military personnel should have the right to strike.
  • Most study-abroad programs should be renamed “party abroad”: they are a waste of time and money.
  • The continuing decline of CD sales along with the rapid growth of music downloads signals a new era of innovation in popular music.
  • College students should have complete freedom to choose their own courses.
  • The solution to the impending crisis in Social Security is the immediate elimination of this anachronistic government program.
  • The primary mission of colleges and universities should be preparing students for the workforce.
  • Financial incentives should be offered to high school students who perform well on standardizing tests.
  • All students in high school and college should be required to take at least two years of a foreign language.
  • College students in the U.S. should be offered financial incentives to graduate in three years rather than four.
  • College athletes should be exempted from regular class-attendance policies.
  • To encourage healthy eating, higher taxes should be imposed on soft drinks and junk food.
  • Students should not be required to take physical education courses.
  • To conserve fuel and save lives, the 55 miles-per-hour national speed limit should be restored.
  • All citizens under the age of 21 should be required to pass a driving education course before receiving a license to drive.
  • Freshmen should not be required to purchase a meal plan from the college.
  • Zoos are internment camps for animals and should be shut down.
  • University students should not be penalized for illegally downloading music, movies, or other protected content.
  • Government financial aid for students should be based solely on merit.
  • Nontraditional students should be exempted from regular class-attendance policies.
  • At the end of each term, student evaluations of faculty should be posted online.
  • A student organization should be formed to rescue and care for the feral cats on campus.
  • People who contribute to Social Security should have the right to choose how their money is invested.
  • Professional baseball players convicted of using performance-enhancing drugs should not be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame.
  • Any citizen who does not have a criminal record should be permitted to carry a concealed weapon.
  • Is global climate change man-made?
  • Do colleges put too much stock in standardized test scores?
  • Is torture ever acceptable?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Is a lottery a good idea?
  • Do we have a fair taxation system?
  • Is cheating out of control?
  • Are parents clueless about child predators on the Internet?
  • Are cell phones dangerous?
  • Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
  • Are test scores a good indication of a school’s competency?
  • Do we have a throw-away society?
  • Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
  • Should companies market to children?
  • Should the government have a say in our diets?
  • Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  • Does access to condoms lead to irresponsible, dangerous, or bad behavior?
  • Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are CEOs paid too much?
  • Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
  • Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  • Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
  • When should parents let teens make their own decisions?
  • Should the military be allowed to recruit at high schools?
  • Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
  • What age is appropriate for dating?
  • Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
  • Does boredom lead to trouble?
  • Does participation in sports keep teens out of trouble?
  • Is competition good?
  • Does religion cause war?
  • Should the government provide health care?
  • Should girls ask boys out?
  • Is fashion important?
  • Are girls too mean to each other?
  • Is homework harmful or helpful?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
  • Is college admission too competitive?
  • There is no such thing as a superfood!
  • American football is better than rugby.
  • Abused children grow up to be abusers
  • Women priests have further weakened the influence of the church today
  • Britain should exit the EU and concentrate on its special relationship with America
  • Most asylum seekers are simply seeking a better life
  • Who was the better wartime Prime Minister – Churchill or Thatcher?
  • Insurance is a waste of money
  • North Korea postulates but will never go to war
  • Lady Gaga is a better role model than Madonna
  • Celebrities adopting multi-racial kids is merely another cog in their publicity wheel
  • Sororities do nothing to enhance the cause of womanhood
  • All phobias can be cured
  • America is seen as a safe haven for victims of persecution from all over the world
  • There are more benefits to working in a small company than a large one
  • Men do not understand the term “fashionista”
  • Scottish independence would be a good thing for the UK
  • Seeds are not a health food. They are bird food.
  • Government spying on personal communication is an infringement of civil liberty
  • Payday loans are the worst financial product ever
  • What is the point of massive R&D projects like the Hadron Collider and space exploration when people are starving?
  • All immigrants to English speaking countries should pass a test before being allowed rights to settle and be re-tested after 10 years.
  • Only the supermarkets win in price wars
  • The Burkha is a lasting symbol that Islam is divisive
  • Space travel should be a rich man’s plaything and government funds diverted to things that matter
  • Pipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking
  • Politicians don’t have a “calling” – it is merely a well paid job
  • Ireland would be no better if it were one country
  • Global warming is just a phase in the planet’s life cycle
  • Cigarettes will never be banned completely because Governments couldn’t work without the income they generate
  • Beauty pageants are exploitative
  • Condoms should be dispensed free in high schools
  • Professional athletes are paid too much
  • Most schools fail at adequate sex education
  • Aids is the forgotten disease now that it affects mainly African countries
  • Legalizing some drugs will not combat the scourge
  • The legal limit of 21 encourages underage drinking
  • Video games do not cause violent behavior: Violence comes from values
  • Should creationism be taught in schools
  • High school is not competitive enough and does not encourage high standards of achievement in everyone
  • CEOS of public service industries are paid too much
  • Britain should adopt a new voting system
  • In a society that calls for equality, men should receive a decent period of paternity leave
  • Torture has a place in the fight against terrorism
  • Many parents have no idea of what their child is doing on the computer
  • Standardized test scores are not the best indication of a student’s aptitude for a certain course.
  • Should we have a national high school exam?
  • Is Private school tuition (elementary, high school or college) really worth it?
  • Does state wide testing like TAKS/STAAR test in Texas really increase student knowledge?
  • Should colleges abolish reliance on SAT and ACT scores in admissions?
  • How should our school system in America be reformed?
  • Should America adopt an educational system more like Europe?
  • What causes students to graduate high school without basic skills?
  • How do American students compare with students from other countries?
  • What Role should technology play in Education?
  • What is the value of a liberal arts education?
  • Should students be required to take foreign language courses (or any other type of specific course)?
  • Does adding school days really improve learning?
  • Should schools continue to spend money on fine arts?
  • How should students whose first language is not English be taught in public schools?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Does smoking help make acquaintances?
  • Should students add their teachers as friends on Facebook?
  • Is the first impression of a person always right?
  • Are conflicts necessary for healthy relationships?
  • Should lecture attendance be optional?
  • Is business ethics an obsolete concept?
  • Should companies try to copy what their competitors do?
  • Can businesses learn from their customers’ complaints?
  • Should all energy drinks be banned?
  • Is China a new superpower?
  • Should employees be allowed to use social media sites at work?
  • Should companies send ‘happy birthday’ messages to clients?
  • Would Shakespeare’s plays be more interesting if shortened?
  • Should internet slang, like ‘LOL’ and ‘IMHO’ be included in dictionaries?
  • Does the English language need to be simpler?
  • Should kids be allowed to draw on walls?
  • Do modern schools depend too much on technology?
  • Do online students have better chances to cheat?
  • Should hospitals use placebo treatments?
  • Do innovations really make us lazier?
  • Can college athletes be smart?
  • Should students have profiles on all major social networks?
  • Should people abandon cash and use plastic cards only?
  • Should countries have ‘1 car per family’ policies?
  • Should we preserve old buildings as historical monuments?
  • Are some TV ads objects of art?
  • Is music in shopping malls harmful to employees’ wellbeing?
  • Can listening to favorite music heal?
  • Should journalists who distort the truth to make the news more sensational be punished?
  • Should all TV channels have censorship?
  • Do SOPA and PIPA make pirates more skilful?
  • Is negative PR the secret behind Justin Bieber’s success?
  • Should Wikipedia give diplomas to their most faithful readers?
  • Can diamonds be girls’ best friends?
  • Is the way to a man’s heart through his stomach?
  • Should couples live together before marriage?
  • Should parents tell their kids stories about birds and bees?
  • Can virtual reality be dangerous for kids?
  • Can we call any war ‘a peacemaking operation’?
  • Is too much political correctness making communication more confusing?
  • Are early marriages more likely to end in divorces?
  • Do elderly people receive better care in retirement homes than with family members?
  • Should hyperactive kids receive treatment?
  • Should mind reading during poker games be banned?
  • Should parents pass tests before homeschooling their kids?
  • Should parents lie to their kids about Santa Claus?
  • Does Beavis and Butthead  have a negative impact on youth?
  • Is it fair to use the results of standardized tests to define schools’ budgets?
  • Are optimism and success infectious?
  • Is the Bermuda triangle a creation of our imagination?
  • Advertising: Information Or Manipulation?
  • Should Affirmative Action Be Abolished?
  • Should Minors Be Executed For Murder?
  • Should Parents Be Held Responsible For Their Minor’s Crimes?
  • Should Gay Clubs Be Allowed In High Schools?
  • Should High School Education Be Mandatory?
  • Should Affirmative Action be abolished?
  • Should schools place more emphasis on disciplining?
  • To what extent has the traditional male role changed in the last 20 years?
  • Dieting Does Not Help People Lose Weight
  • Is gender equality a myth or a sustainable reality?
  • Should divorce be harder to obtain?
  • Should marijuana be legalized in the United States?
  • Should the legalization of marijuana be a state law or left up to the federal government to enforce?
  • Are colleges and schools just for either all girls or all boys fair or are they sexist?
  • Should corporal punishment be used to punish children?
  • Should the US drinking age be lowered or raised from age 21?
  • How young is too young to have your own cellphone?
  • Should immigrants to the US be required to learn English before being granted citizenship?
  • Should those applying for Welfare be drug tested?
  • Are fast food chains killing people?
  • Should those receiving government assistance have a limit on the number of children they can receive help for?
  • Should news reporters be required to share their sources with viewers?
  • What role, if any, should the federal government take in dealing with the problem of homelessness?
  • Should women also be required to sign up for the draft at age 18 in the US?
  • Should those younger than 13 be allowed to have a Facebook or Myspace (or other social networking account)?
  • Should public school teachers be randomly drug tested as a condition for employment?
  • Is year-round school a good idea or bad?
  • Should gay couples be allowed to adopt children?
  • Should the families of organ donors be compensated for their loved one’s donation?
  • Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living.
  • Are famous people treated unfairly by the media? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?
  • Are women better parents than men?
  • Are zoos necessary for education?
  • Children learn best by observing the behavior of adults and copying it.
  • Children should never be educated at home by their parents.
  • Computers can translate all kinds of languages well. Do our children need to learn more languages in the future?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of giving international aid to poor countries.
  • Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties?
  • Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?
  • Does foreign aid helps donor countries more than the recipients?
  • Does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries?
  • Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country.
  • The destruction of the world’s forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows.
  • A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat.
  • If children behave badly, should their parents accept responsibility and also be punished?
  • In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?
  • Should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?
  • In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie?
  • Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?
  • News editors should decide what to broadcast on TV and what to print in newspapers.
  • Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should they promote education first?
  • Should money be spent on space exploration?
  • Should retirement be compulsory at 65 years of age?
  • Should rich countries forgive all debts for poor countries?
  • Should rich countries pay more for environmental damage?
  • Should sports classes be dropped in secondary school so students can concentrate on academic subjects?
  • Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption of heroin be applied to tobacco?
  • To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment?
  • To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?
  • What are factors which are related to academic success in high-school students?
  • What should a government do for a country to become successful?
  • Free meals should be provided in every school.
  • Citizens should be taxed a percentage to send towards medical research.
  • All motor vehicles should be pushed towards electric power.
  • Prisoners should be used in the workforce.
  • Dieting does more harm than good.
  • Chivalry has no place in modern society.
  • Sexism is still a major problem in the workplace.
  • Government welfare is an excuse for laziness.
  • Capitalism is another name for evil.
  • National security is an excuse for war.
  • 9/11 was an excuse for continuous war.
  • Privacy is a luxury not a right.
  • The age of consent should be raised.
  • The federal government should control the laws of each state.
  • Average workplace hours are too long.
  • Oppressive regimes shouldn’t be given any monetary aid.
  • The death penalty should be reintroduced.
  • All people should be allowed to strike.
  • The music industry needs to get with the times.
  • A college education needs to be about preparing for the world of work.
  • There are too many degree options in colleges.
  • All citizens should speak a second language.
  • People should be encouraged to holiday abroad.
  • Restrictions on fuel consumption need to be implemented.
  • People should be encouraged to start their own businesses.
  • All citizens should dedicate an hour a week to community service.
  • Cheating on an examination should be a criminal offense.
  • Pornography should be illegal.
  • Brothels should be legalised.
  • All states should gain equal representation in elections.
  • Presidential elections should be held every five years.
  • The restriction on consecutive presidential terms should be removed.
  • Financial aid shouldn’t be given to people with a criminal record.
  • People should have a bigger say in how the country is run.
  • The military needs to see major cuts.
  • An emphasis on sport in college should be removed.
  • Social Security Numbers should be abolished.
  • Elderly people shouldn’t drive.
  • The rich should pay more tax.
  • Tax avoidance should be clamped down upon.
  • Essays are not an accurate reflection of a student’s ability.
  • There are too many people in the U.S.
  • Immigration caps should be tightened.
  • Should people be able to choose to have health care or not?
  • Are we too dependent on foreign oil?
  • Is the education policy ‘No Child Left behind’ working?
  • The media affects young children’s minds
  • Does the ‘old boy network’ still exist?
  • Should prostitution be legalized?
  • Divorced parents should always share custody of their children
  • Social media is ruining relationships
  • Convicted prisoners have a better life in prison than out
  • Society and laws are too lenient on Child Sex offenders
  • Should racial profiling be legal?
  • Are Americans sexual prudes?
  • Is euthanasia inhumane?
  • Is Michael Jordan the best basketball player of all time?
  • Should people have to take a test to become parents?
  • Italians are healthier because they drink red wine
  • Are humans solely responsible for GlobalWarming?
  • Cheating helps children learn.
  • Are vampires real or only in the novels characters?
  • File-sharing programs on the Internet should/ not be banned.
  • What is the relationship between illegal immigration and crime
  • People who download from file sharing websites should be prosecuted.
  • Rich people should be allowed to pay off their crimes.
  • Corruption in society is an unstoppable force.
  • Doctors should learn about religion before practicing.
  • Rationing of fuel is a good idea.
  • Sodomy isn’t a sin.
  • Political figures are out of touch with society.
  • Public figures should be struck off if they break the law.
  • All men and women should complete a year of civil service.
  • Community service isn’t a punishment.

509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics

243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics

7 thoughts on “613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas”

can money buy happiness?

I like this page

I think you’re ideas are from the far left, the “topics” you have are just so one sided im yawning just reading them. COME ON!

Most of these “topics” you list aren’t original. I’ve heard these be argued on the news and in class many times before. Only about 10 of these topics even peaked my interest.

Stand up for what is right even if you stand alone

how does one have a pet?

Only 7 of these actually had me thinking. Some aren’t even original. I’ve seen the ‘Should the death penalty exist’ on almost every single site I’ve tried before this.

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    How to Practice and Deliver a Persuasive Speech. Talk to yourself in the mirror, record yourself, and/or hold a practice speech for family or friends. If you'll be using visual cues, a slide deck, or notecards, practice incorporating them seamlessly into your speech. You should practice until your speech feels very familiar, at least 5-10 ...

  3. 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

    April 3, 2024. The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law, international ...

  4. 183 Argumentative Speech Topics & ideas: A Complete Guide

    Make sure you research and present the argument that is a relevant argument. 4. Refute alternate positions. At the end of a strong argumentative speech, you have to refute alternate positions. By dealing with the opponent, make some powerful arguments. Try to work on some common and stronger viewpoints.

  5. 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.

  6. 110 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics to Impress Your Audience

    Add emotional connections with your audience. Make your argument more powerful by appealing to your audience's sense of nostalgia and common beliefs. Another tactic (which marketers use all the time) is to appeal to your listeners' fears and rely on their instincts for self-preservation. Address counterarguments.

  7. Persuasive speech topics for college: 310 of the very best ideas ☺

    It challenges an audience's thinking or position on a topic or an issue, asks them to pause, and consider changing their minds. There are 310 great persuasive speech topics for college students and/or their teachers here. 50 Mental health persuasive speech topics. 60 Education persuasive speech ideas.

  8. 105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project

    105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech. Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e.

  9. 166 Argumentative Essay Topics to Give You Inspiration

    166 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (Organized in Sections) Interesting and Controversial. Education. For Kids. Political. Religion. History. Immigration, Racism, and Native American Issues. Science and Research.

  10. 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students

    100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students. ThoughtCo. There is a small but important difference between planning a persuasive speech and writing a persuasive essay. First, if you are planning a persuasive speech, you should think about a topic that can engage your audience. For this reason, you may want to consider a few topics before settling ...

  11. 50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment

    Imagine that you're trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor: You should raise my allowance because I want you to. You should raise my allowance because I've been taking on more chores without complaining.

  12. 212 Speech Topics For College Students [Persuasive, Informative

    You can distillate many college persuasive speech topics out of this topic for public speaking. Map out the food gap between developing and rich countries; the trends over time and how the United Nations Millenium Goal policy could cut poverty rates. The labor force population explained. The employed, unemployed and self-employed put into the ...

  13. 434 Good Persuasive Speech Topics

    10 Easy and Simple Persuasive Speech Topics. Below follow topics that should be easy enough to persuade your audience without going into too much research. There are some which can be used as 'tongue in cheek' topics such as 'The paparazzi are the real stalkers' and 'People need to visit the dentist more often'.

  14. 165 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

    1 Best persuasive speech essay topics in December 2023. 2 Persuasive speech topics on business. 3 Medical topics for persuasive speech. 4 Suggestions on animal rights topics for a persuasive speech. 5 Health care speech topics. 6 College level persuasive speech topics on economics. 7 List of persuasive speech topics for college students on law.

  15. 130 Inspiring Persuasive Speech Topics For Students

    List of Persuasive Speech Topics Below is the list of 130 competitive persuasive speech essay topics you can use for brainstorming purposes as a speaker. Play with the wording of these persuasive speech examples, narrow things down, and choose the category that looks most suitable. Persuasive Speech Topics for College

  16. 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...

  17. The Best Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024

    College Life The Best Persuasive Speech Topics for 2024 - The Ultimate Student Guide. Giving speeches can be incredibly intimidating, no matter if it's for school, a job, or a conference. We've got you covered! Here are the top persuasive speech topics for college students.

  18. 50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics

    50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas ...

  19. Effective topics for a persuasive speech in college

    I'd be happy to suggest some engaging and college-related topics for your persuasive speech! 1. Mental health on college campuses: Discuss the importance of mental health support, resources, and awareness in college settings, and propose solutions for improving mental health services for students. 2. Financial aid packages and accessibility: Advocate for more transparency in financial aid ...

  20. 80 Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

    This is our list of 80 good persuasive speech topics for college students. They should be enough for you to choose the topic which is the most suitable, or to come up with your own persuasive speech topic. Make your arguments strong and prove your viewpoints. May your voice be loud and your will be strong. College students looking for relevant ...

  21. 50 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

    Choosing a Topic. It's more enjoyable to research and write a speech about a topic that genuinely holds your interest. It'll make for better delivery, too. Passion is contagious! On the other hand, boredom and a lack of enthusiasm come through easily in vocal tone. Avoid tired, overdone issues. If you've heard it all before, there's a ...

  22. 492 Persuasive Speech Topics & Ideas for College

    Environment Persuasive Speech Topics. Combatting Climate Change: The Urgent Need for Global Cooperation. The Dire Consequences of Deforestation: A Call to Preserve Our Forests. Renewable Energy: Harnessing the Power of Sun, Wind, and Water. Plastic Pollution: A Threat to Marine Ecosystems We Cannot Ignore.

  23. 613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas

    All men and women should complete a year of civil service. Community service isn't a punishment. 282 Argumentative Speech Topics and Ideas: social issues, media, technology, ethics, religion, education, health, sport, constitution, environment, literature, politics and more.