persuasive essay ideas 5th grade

Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

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By fifth grade, students are developing basic fluency as writers. In order to hone their skills, fifth graders should practice supporting claims with factual information, conveying information clearly, and writing narratives in a logical order. The following fifth-grade writing prompts encourage students to develop their skills through topics that are meaningful to them.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on a student’s personal experience. They encourage students to use descriptive writing to reflect on their experiences, explain them in a logical manner, and draw conclusions from them.

• New Beginnings . This is your last year of elementary school. What are you most excited or most nervous about when you think of starting middle school ?
• Betwixt . Students in 5th grade are often referred to as “tweens,” meaning that they are between the young child and the teen years. What is the hardest thing about being a tween in today’s society?
• Besties . What is the best book you’ve ever read? What made it so special?
• Reflections . Do you remember your first-ever day of school ? Describe one vivid memory from that day.
• Bullies . Have you ever witnessed someone bullying another student? What happened and how did it make you feel?
• Man’s Best Friend . Do you share a bond with your dog or other pet? Describe your pet, and explain what makes your relationship unique.
• Families . A family isn’t always a mom, a dad, and their children. Write about the ways your family is the same as and different from other types of families and what makes your bonds so strong.
• Holiday Memories . Think about one of your favorite holiday-related memories. Write an essay describing it and tell why it is so unforgettable.
• Guilty . Think about a time you did something that made you feel guilty. Describe what happened.
• The Ultimate Field Trip . If you could choose anywhere in the world to go on a field trip , where would you choose and why?
• Family Game Night . Do you enjoy playing games with your family? Describe your favorite family game or activity.
• Tasty Treats . What is your favorite food? Describe it as if you were introducing it to someone who has never seen or tasted it.
• Someday . Have you thought about what you want to be when you grow up? Write an essay explaining why you think you’d like that career.

Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts

Persuasive essays are those written to convince another person to agree with the writer or take action. These persuasive essay prompts inspire 5th graders to share their passions with an audience.

• Pets Day . You’ve just gone to work with your parent for “bring your child to work day.” Write an essay convincing your school to have a “bring your pet to school” day.
• Yuck . What is your least-favorite cafeteria food? Give three compelling reasons why your school should quit serving it.
• Let’s Trade . Your friend’s lunches from home always look better than yours. Write an essay convincing your buddy that you should start swapping meals every day. Be sure to highlight the benefits of the food you bring!
• Home Alone . Write an essay convincing your parents that you are old enough and responsible enough to stay at home alone.
• Sunny Day . The weather outside is beautiful for the first time in weeks. Persuade your teacher not to assign any homework so that you’ll have time to go out to play.
• The Sequel . The long-awaited sequel to your favorite book or video game is now available. Convince your brother or sister to do your chores this week so that you have plenty of time for reading or gaming.
• Seating Chart . Because of your teacher’s seating chart, you’re not going to be able to sit next to your friend all year! Persuade your teacher to let students choose their seats.
• Birth Order . Are you an only child, the oldest sibling, the youngest, or the middle? What makes your birth order the best?
• The Ultimate Game . What is the best video game on the planet? Explain why it’s better than similar games.
• Life Lessons . What are the three most important lessons parents should teach their children and why?
• Test Time . Do you think standardized tests  are helpful or harmful? Explain your answer.
• Tunes . Some studies have shown that listening to music can help students concentrate. Should students be allowed to listen to music using headphones during independent work times at school? Persuade the reader of your answer.
• Catch-22 . You’re not a big fan of writing. Write an essay  convincing your teacher that you shouldn’t have to write any more essays this year.

Expository Essay Writing Prompts

Expository essays are often called how-to essays. They usually teach the reader something or provide facts about a particular topic.

• Let’s Play . Your family frequently attends community theater productions, but your friend has never seen one. Write an essay describing what he or she can expect during the evening.
• Band . You're graduating elementary school, and a younger student is taking your spot in the school band. Explain to him or her how to clean and care for your  musical instrument .
• Lessons Learned . Write an essay to a younger sibling explaining two or three key strategies for having a positive 5th-grade experience.
• Class Pet . You’ve cared for your class pet this week, but now it’s another classmate’s turn. Explain how to feed and care for the pet properly.
• Upgrade Ahead . You have an idea to improve your school. Explain it.
• Safety Zone . Explain three of the best steps kids can take to be safe online.
• Family Traditions . Does your family have any customs or traditions that might be unfamiliar to a classmate? Describe them.
• Pen Pal . Describe for your pen pal who lives in another state an animal native to your area, including its physical characteristics, behaviors, and any sounds that it makes.
• Creepy Crawlies . Compare and contrast two insects or animals that are similar, but have different characteristics such as a bumblebee and a yellow jacket or a horse and a mule. How are they alike and how are they different?
• Clean Up . Your class is going to spend a day cleaning up at a local park. You’ve done this with another group before, but some of your classmates haven’t. Explain the process.
• Action . Your favorite book was made into a movie. Compare and contrast the film and book versions.
• Team Players . Explain how contributing responsibly helps or how it hurts a group when someone doesn’t do his part.
• Tell and Show . Your class is having a “tell and show” day. You have to describe your item in as much detail as possible without naming it. Only when the class guesses or gives up can you show your item. Write out the description of your item.

Creative Writing Essay Prompts

Creative writing allows students to engage their imaginations and story-telling skills while also practicing vital writing skills such as sequence and description.

• Magic Lamp . You’ve just found a magic lamp. What happens when you rub it?
• Say Cheese . You are given an exceptional camera. Everything you take a picture of becomes yours, but you can only take three pictures. Tell a story about the photos you take.
• Invisible Man . One morning, you glance in the mirror and realize that you don’t have a reflection. You’ve become invisible! Write a story about your day.
• Gone to the Dogs . Write a story from your pet’s point of view.
• All Hail the King . Imagine that you discover an uncharted land that you claim as a new country. And, you’re the ruler! Describe your country, its people, and your newfound position of power.
• Part of the Story . One night, you doze off after reading the latest book in your favorite series. When you wake, you discover that you’re in the story! Write about your adventures.
• Before or After . Imagine that you live either 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future. What is your life like?
• Dr. Doolittle . You’re walking through a pet store when you discover that you can talk to the animals. What happens next?
• Meet and Greet . Imagine that you can meet anyone you’re studying in school right now from famous scientists to historical figures to the characters in the class read-aloud . Write a story about your meeting with that person.
• Switcheroo . If you could switch lives with anyone in your school, who would it be? Write about your day in the life of that person.
• Holiday Loop . Imagine you get to relive your favorite holiday every day. What’s that like?
• Tall Tales . Tall tales are possibly true stories that contain highly exaggerated actions or events. Create a tall tale about something that happened in your family.
• Teacher's Pet . Imagine that your teacher is actually your parent. Describe a day in class.
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Upper Elementary Teaching Blog

Engaging Persuasive Writing Prompts (Free Download)

Persuasive writing is one of my favorite writing genres to teach. The students get so excited about the different topics and love debating and supporting their arguments and claims. On this post, I will share some of my students’ favorite persuasive writing prompts with a free download of a printable list and task card version of the writing prompts.

Student-Approved Persuasive Writing Prompts

The list below (available as a free download at the end of this post) contains a variety of engaging persuasive writing prompts and topics that students will enjoy researching, debating, and writing about.

As you will see, the writing topics are varied as our students are often varied in their interests. However, these topics are ones that most students enjoy debating and writing about. Some lend themselves to research-based persuasive writing and some are more opinion-based.

• Should children be paid for good grades?
• Should fidget spinners be allowed in classrooms?
• Are professional athletes overpaid?
• Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms?
• Is bottled water or tap water better?
• Do children need strict bedtimes?
• Should we resurrect extinct species via cloning?
• Should schools be year round?
• Should students have homework?
• Should students be required to wear uniforms?
• Should students be required to learn cursive?
• Should girls and boys play competitive sports against each other?
• Should Columbus Day be removed as a holiday?
• Are white lies okay?
• Are zoos beneficial or harmful for animals?
• Should animal testing be banned?
• Should school lunches be free for all students?
• Should we move to driverless cars in the near future?
• Should screen time be limited for children?
• Should we keep the penny as a unit of currency?
• Should all forms of sugar be eliminated from school lunch options?
• Should pets be allowed in school?
• Are reusable or recyclable bottles better?
• Should textbooks be replaced with tablets in schools?
• Should schools have sports?
• Should school buses be discontinued?
• Do classrooms have too much unneeded technology?
• Should schools be funded with taxpayer money?
• Should children be paid for chores?
• Should schools have extended or multiple recesses?
• Should school weeks be shorter?
• Should animals be illegal to have in circuses?
• Do video game sports count as actual sports?
• Should chocolate milk be served in school cafeterias?
• Should junk food and candy be banned in schools?
• Is graffiti an expression of art or vandalism?
• Should gum be allowed in classrooms?
• If you find $100, is it yours to keep?
• Should schools have dress codes?
• Are earbuds or headphones better for children?
• If you find a historical treasure, does it belong to you?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Should schools or classrooms be separated by gender?
• Should students be able to choose their seats?
• Should people be allowed to go barefoot anywhere they want?
• Should students get paid for attending school?
• Should skateboarding be banned in public places?
• Is space exploration worth the money we spend on it?

About the Digital Writing Prompts

The persuasive writing prompts are also available in Google Slides. In this ready-to-assign version, students can scroll through the prompts and respond to the ones they choose in text boxes on each slide.

Using the Persuasive Prompts

Here are some ideas for using these persuasive writing prompts in your classroom:

• Use the list format as a teacher-guide when choosing engaging persuasive writing topics for your students.
• Use the prompts at a writing center or station.
• Allow students to choose from the list topics that interest them.
• Use the writing prompts as early finisher options… Need more early finisher ideas? Click here.
• Use these in conjunction with research. Allow the students to choose a topic (or assign a topic) with two clear sides to debate, have them research facts and information to support both sides of the debate, then have them choose the one to write about, bringing in facts from their research to support their opinion or claim.

Download the Persuasive Writing Prompts

Click the animated image below and then enter your email address in the pop-up. You’ll be able to download the resource immediately and it will also be sent to your inbox.

More Helpful Writing Articles and Resources

How I Teach Writing in 5th Grade

Types of Writing Lessons

How to Get Students Excited about Writing

Creating Writing Portfolios (Free Forms)

Writing Choice Boards 

Seasonal Writing Prompts Product

Outdoor Writing Prompts and Activities

Share the Knowledge!

Reader interactions.

January 29, 2019 at 2:35 pm

Thank you so much!

April 21, 2021 at 1:56 pm

May 25, 2021 at 9:56 am

this helped me im actually a student doing an essay

June 16, 2021 at 7:20 pm

I love Number 22 Which is should pets be allowed in schools i say yes because sometimes i have anxiety and also i want some one to talk to but i have noone such as, Friends and class mates

November 11, 2021 at 3:05 pm

suck you dad pussy bitch bum bitch

November 11, 2021 at 3:10 pm

jk love u mama

November 11, 2021 at 3:06 pm

November 18, 2022 at 5:55 pm

Thank you so much for this! My kids have been having a hard time coming up with really original ideas of their own. This is saving my writing lessons!

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Welcome Friends!

I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students.

55 Opinion Writing Prompts For 5th Graders

I believe that libraries should be open twenty-four hours a day. Keeping libraries open would give people who work odd hours the opportunity to use the services offered. It also gives unhoused individuals somewhere to go when the weather is bad at night. In addition…

Learning to form an opinion and supporting it is an important part of your education.

It makes you a stronger writer  and  it teaches you how to properly research things that are important to you.

Check out our list of prompts below, and get ready to write!

Using This Guide

There is no right or wrong way to use this guide. As long as you’re practicing the skills you’ve learned in school, you’re already on the right track. But if you need some ideas to help you get started, try one of these ideas:

• Scroll through the list and pick the first prompt that jumps out at you.
• Add today’s month and date, and use that number.
• Ask your teacher which topic they think you would be most interested in.

Pick a Prompt and Go!

• Which subject is the most important for students to learn? Why?
• Is it better to take risks or to be careful?
• Do you think sports should be segregated by gender? Why or why not?
• Is it important for kids to know about current events?
• Do you think school lunches should be healthier?
• Should students be allowed at parent-teacher conferences?
• Do you think students should be required to learn cursive? Why or why not?
• Should students be allowed to choose their teacher?
• Why do you think your favorite professional sports is team the best?
• Should Black history be taught more than just one month out of the year?
• Do you think 5th graders need cell phones?
• Would you rather wear a uniform to school, or casual clothes? Why?
• Should students have several short breaks throughout the day, or one long break?
• Are cell phones the biggest distraction in class? If not, what is?
• Do you think homework should be mandatory?
• Write a persuasive essay to your principal asking for a later start time.
• Would it be better to start and end school one hour earlier, or one hour later?
• Should students be required to read classic literature?
• Which type of pet is the best?
• Should students be allowed to pick where they sit in class?
• Should schools grade on a pass/fail basis or keep the A-F scale?
• Would you rather be the very best at one thing, or “just okay” at a bunch of things?
• You just caught your best friend cheating on a test. Do you tell the teacher? Why or why not?
• Should competitive gaming be considered a sport?
• Should students be paid for going to school? If so, what should they be paid for, and how much?
• Should schools teach more LGBT+ history?
• Do schools do enough to prevent bullying?
• What is the best video game ever made? Why?
• Should kids get to choose their own bedtime?
• In your opinion, is virtual school more or less beneficial than in-person learning?
• Is it important to try new things?
• Should students be required to take PE?
• Are mental health days important for students?
• Does your city do enough to help the environment?
• Do you prefer sweet or salty treats?
• Would you rather be too hot or too cold?
• Do you think aliens are real?
• Should students be required to take an art or music class? Why?
• What is the best board game ever made? Why?
• Is it important for everyone to learn at least one foreign language?
• Is cold pizza a tasty breakfast?
• Who is the better hero: Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
• Are 5th graders responsible enough to babysit?
• What is the best book ever, and why?
• Should etiquette be taught in schools?
• Is your city a good place to live?
• Should students be allowed to be more involved in school politics?
• Do grades really matter? Why or why not?
• What do you think is the hardest job in the world?
• Should kids be allowed more screen time?
• Are schools inclusive and accessible enough? What more could they do?
• Who is the best Marvel hero? Why?
• Should the voting age be lowered? If so, to what age?
• Is social media harmful to preteens and teens?
• Which season is the best? Why?

Looking For More?

If you’re looking for more prompts, activities, and homework resources, we’ve got you covered.

And if you’re looking for something specific but can’t find it, let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Persuasive Writing Examples and Prompts for Kids

Is your student stepping into the world of persuasive writing? 

As a parent, it’s fun to watch your child learn the art of forming and supporting an argument. 

(Plus, it’s a significant step toward critical thinking.)

If they need extra help, here are a few persuasive writing examples for kids along with 20 writing prompts to make it fun!

Why Persuasive Writing Is Important for Elementary Writers

Teaching persuasive writing is important because it’s a fundamental step in helping your child think critically. 

By arguing a topic, your student will need to examine both sides, which is an essential component of critical thinking. Persuasive writing also inspires formation of opinion and sharing that opinion effectively.

Students as young as elementary-school age can learn to write persuasively. In fact, we’ll share some quick examples of persuasive essays for kids below. 

First, let’s discuss the structure of a “mini” persuasive essay. 

(If you have an older student, read our step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive essay .)

A Simplified Structure for Persuasive Writing 

Of course, expectations and writing guidelines become more involved for older students, but elementary-aged students should keep it simple. 

The basic features of persuasive writing can be broken down into 5 steps:

• Topic sentence
• Opening argument 1
• Concluding statement

A topic sentence introduces the argument and clearly expresses the writer’s viewpoint. For a younger child, this is simply a straightforward statement that clearly expresses “this is my opinion.”

The next three steps list “pros” that support their topic statement. Each argument should be distinctly stated. 

Again, for an elementary-aged student, arguments can be brief and can simply be a list of reasons. 

The concluding statement wraps up by summarizing the arguments and restating the opinion. 

If this method of persuasive writing sounds complicated at first, rest assured, it’s not. 

Let’s look at how you can easily reinforce this structure for your students, along with some examples.

Homeschool Mom Tip: Use a “Persuasive Text Structure” Poster

One effective method of teaching and reinforcing the persuasive writing model is by using a “persuasive structure” chart or poster. 

A visual representation of the steps involved in persuasive writing is important for a few reasons:

• Some students learn best visually. It helps them understand and remember the method when they see it laid out in front of them.
• Graphic illustrations of the different components allow students to take in one piece at a time and avoid overwhelm. 
• Hanging the poster where your children do their schoolwork makes it easy for them to reference the structure while they’re writing. 
• Knowing the poster is nearby in case they get stuck helps make writing a calmer process.

One other tip I recommend is breaking up essay-style writing with creative writing assignments. ( Try these one-sentence writing prompts! ).

Kid-Friendly Persuasive Writing Examples

Along with tools like a poster, providing simple examples of persuasive writing is another helpful way to teach this new concept. 

Here are a few examples of elementary-level persuasive paragraph examples that will give both you and your student an idea of what to expect. 

Example 1: A Persuasive Argument About Cats

Cats are the best pets. They can be left alone all day without getting mad. Cats don’t bark, so they are not noisy like dogs. You don’t have to let cats go outside to use the bathroom. As you can see, cats are less work and easier to take care of than dogs.

Example 2: A Persuasive Argument About Meal Choices

French fries should be served with every meal. First, French fries are delicious. Second, French fries are made of potatoes, which are vegetables, and they can air-fried without oil. Also, French fries don’t cost a lot of money. Because they are tasty, cheap, and can be cooked in a healthy way, French fries a perfect side dish to every meal.

Example 3: A Persuasive Argument Against Littering

You should never litter because it is wrong. Littering pollutes the Earth. Littering is throwing trash around outside, which looks ugly. Littering can also make you sick if it has germs on it. Littering is wrong because it makes the world a dirty, unsanitary place to live.

20 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Kids 

When you provide a step-by-step structure and supply examples of what is expected, you set your student up for writing success.

The final step in teaching persuasive writing to kids effectively is to present them with an antidote to the dreaded blank page. 

To assist you with that, we’ve come up with 20 persuasive writing topics for your students to make it easier for them to get them started on their persuasive essays. 

If they can’t come up with their own topics, one of these prompts should spark their interest. 

These ideas for persuasive essays cover a wide variety of topics, so there should be something for everyone. 

Plus, since persuasive writing is closely related to debate, you can also use these prompts as persuasive debate topics for kids :

• I deserve to be paid for my chores.
• Hamsters are the best type of pet. 
• Everyone should eat a salad daily. 
• Board games help you learn.
• Kids need free time to relax and play.
• You should always obey speed limits.
• Every family should have a dog.
• Dinner should always end with dessert.
• Homeschool students should get “snow days” as well. 
• Kids should choose where the family spends summer vacation.
• I am old enough for a later bedtime.
• All students should learn a second language.
• School should only be 4 days per week.
• Soda is bad for you.
• I am responsible enough to learn how to cook.
• My cat should be allowed to sleep on my bed.
• Kids should be allowed to vote in their local elections at age 16.
• I am old enough to babysit and be paid.
• You should always wear a seatbelt in the car.
• Pizza is a healthy food.

I hope these persuasive texts and prompts for kids are helpful to you! 

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to provide a few persuasive paragraph examples for your students to gain inspiration (and eliminate overwhelm).

If your student is entering 6th grade or above , we have a complete course that teaches students to write skillfully, think critically, and speak clearly as they explore the history of ideas! As a bonus in these dark days, Philosophy Adventure also teaches students to discern truth from error:

will your children recognize truth?

About the author.

Jordan Mitchell

25 Persuasive Essay Prompts and Topics

by Sue Weems | 0 comments

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Have you been assigned a persuasive essay and need a topic? We've got you! Take a look at these persuasive essay prompts and get your essay started today!

Persuasive essays can be challenging for several reasons, but the first problem is choosing the right topic.

You want a topic that is both engaging and controversial enough to elicit a strong response. A topic that's too broad may lead to a lack of focus, while one that's too narrow might not provide enough material to argue convincingly.

So choose a topic and then make sure you take a position that is debatable AND right-sized.

Is my topic debatable?

If I choose the topic violent video games, my first question might be is this debatable?

The truth is that it isn't debatable YET. I have to take a position on it. I have to pick a perspective to argue. So let's look at three position statements:

Violent video games are bad.

Violent video games exist.

Violent video games are controversial.

Out of these three, which one takes a debatable position?

“Violent video games are bad” is the only one that takes a position. The other two statements are facts.

Once you choose your topic, make sure you take a debatable stance on it.

Is my topic the right size?

Now that we know we've chosen a debatable statement, we have to make sure it's not too broad. First, look at the parts of the statement to see how each important word or phrase would be defined.

In our statement “Violent video games are bad,” we need to be more specific to narrow the scope of our paper. This position is too broad (and depending on research, may even be incorrect).

What are we categorizing as violent? Which games? And more importantly, what do we mean by “bad”? And because video games require.a player, who are the players impacted?

Once we do some research about specific types of games for specific player age groups, then we'll have a much better position statement that is right-sized: not too broad and not too narrow,.

So depending on my research, I might make my position more specific and stronger with something like:

Parents need to monitor their children's exposure to violent shooter games to minimize the negative effects of both screen time and violence.

Notice how this statement takes a position: parents need to limit exposure for two reasons: screen time and violence. Is it right-size? The paper will need to show evidence that children's exposure to screens and violence has long term effects, and argue why parents are the ones to address it.

Yes, this is narrow enough to tackle in an essay.

As you consider how to build a strong argument that includes a combination of solid reasoning, credible evidence, and emotional appeal, make sure your position statement on your topic is the right size to persuade your audience.

Need help writing your persuasive essay? Take a look at our guide on How to Write a Persuasive Essay here . 

Persuasive Essay Prompts

I'd like to throw out some topics and then give two or three prompts for each that would be debatable and right-sized for an essay. See which ones resonate with you.

College Education

• When does the cost of a college education necessary to
• How can college education be made more affordable, especially for lower income students?

Cell phones

• How dangerous are cell phones while driving and what can be done to help drivers be more responsible?
• What is the most positive benefit of cell phone use and how can users make sure the benefit outweighs any risks or harm?
• How might we reimagine the school day to better meet the needs of students?
• What one change needs to be made during the elementary school day to reduce bullying incidents?

College athletes

• Should college athletes be paid? Why or why not?
• What protections or education should college athletes have to protect their physical, mental, academic, and fiscal wellness?

Wild animals

• Should people be allowed to own wild animals? Why or why not?
• When should the government or other organizations be allowed to disrupt a wild animal's habitat?

Health care

• Is health care a right for all citizens?
• How could health care be reimagined to more fully embrace prevention and wellness?
• Should schools ban junk food sales in the cafeteria or campus?
• Should junk food be taxed at a higher rate to raise money to combat the health issues it can cause?

Standardized testing

• Should standardized testing be abolished in high schools?
• How should standardized tests be used to evaluate student and teacher progress?
• How heavily weighted should standardized test scores be in the college admissions process?

Some other popular persuasive topics

These topics are mainstays of persuasive essays, but they usually require more intensive research. As you read about the topic from a variety of sources, let your research help you choose a perspective or viewpoint.

These are just topics–remember that you will still have to choose a position and make it right-sized based on your research.

• exotic animals
• death penalty
• minimum wage and living wage
• school uniforms
• animal testing
• genetic engineering
• nuclear power

The Best Persuasive Essay Topics

You can use any one of the above twenty-five topics and write a terrific essay, but the best persuasive essay topic will be one you care deeply about.

Don't overlook the activities, ideas, and issues that are around you every day.

Do you love a specific genre of music? What do people within that community love to argue about? That might be a good persuasive essay topic.

Do you hate the latest updates to your favorite video game? You could write a persuasive essay about the reasons they aren't working and what developers should do instead.

Do you listen to certain podcasts or watch specific tv shows on repeat? What problems, controversies, or disagreements do people discuss about your favorites?

By far, the best persuasive essays I've read are on topics that students are passionate about. When you take the time to develop a topic and position using research and your own interests and passions, the essay will be stronger!

What other persuasive topics do you find most compelling? What tips do you have for choosing a good topic? Share in the comments .

Set the timer for 15 minutes . Choose one of these ideas and write as much of the essay as you can in one sitting. When you're finished, share your start in the Pro Practice Workshop for feedback from the community. And if you share, please be sure to comment on a few stories by other writers.

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

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Award-winning instructor and writer of 20+ years, book coach, and editor. Sue Weems specializes in working with Children's, Memoir, Middle Grade, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, and Thriller books. Sound like a good fit for you?

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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages, including controversial subjects and some that are just for fun.

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Science and history argumentative essay topics, life and ethics argumentative essay topics, social justice and civics argumentative essay topics, more argumentative essay topics, what’s the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays.

These two types of essays are similar, but there are some subtle and important differences .

• Author’s purpose: In an argumentative essay, your job is to simply convince the reader that the point of view you’re presenting is valid, even if it doesn’t change their mind. Persuasive essays seek to sway the reader to adopt your point of view over any others.
• Method: Argumentative essays rely heavily on well-researched facts and logical assertions. In a persuasive essay, the writer may use a blend of emotion and facts to win over the reader.
• Audience: Persuasive essays require a specific audience, since the writer must acknowledge and attempt to overcome their potential objections. The writer of an argumentative essay is simply making a statement, so knowing their audience is less important.
• Viewpoint: A persuasive essay writer should believe their point of view is the only correct one, and try to persuade the reader to agree. Argumentative essays acknowledge other points of view, but use reason and logic to argue that the writer’s point of view is best.

Persuasive and argumentative essay topics often overlap. The difference is in how the writer approaches the topic. When you assign one of the topics below as an argumentative essay, remind students to use research, reason, and logic to make a strong but dispassionate argument.

• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Are computers making teachers obsolete?
• Students who fail a test should be given a chance to take it again.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

• It’s important to spend tax dollars exploring space, instead of on other things.
• Is there life on other planets?
• Who was the best/worst American president?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
• Is animal cloning ethical?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
• Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

• Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
• Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
• Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
• Was life really better “back in the day”?
• Choose a foreign conflict (e.g., Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States was justified in getting involved.
• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• The best country in the world is …
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Is it better to be vegetarian/vegan than to eat meat?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
• Playing violent video games is bad for kids and teens.
• Parents should track their kids using their cell phones.
• Are paper books better than e-books?
• All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
• All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
• Is conflict necessary for change?
• Is war ever justified?
• A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

• Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
• Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
• Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes) instead of banning them?
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?
• School-age children should be allowed to vote.
• We should/should not abolish the electoral college.
• Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
• Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

• Does segregation still exist in the United States?
• We should/should not continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
• Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
• Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?
• Is the American justice system inherently racist?
• Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
• Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.
• Is video gaming a sport?
• Are beauty pageants sexist?
• Should kids get participation trophies for sports?
• Are stereotypes ever right?
• Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
• All teenagers should have part-time jobs.
• Should kids have limits on screen time?
• Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don’t like something?

• Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
• Is graffiti an act of vandalism or an art form?
• Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

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50 Best Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids: Inspire & Persuade

10 Math and Logic Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids

10 english language arts persuasive essay topics for kids, 10 science and technology persuasive essay topics for kids, 10 animals and nature persuasive essay topics for kids, 10 school and education persuasive essay topics for kids.

Persuasive writing is a way to share what you think about something in a way that convinces others to think the same. For young learners, learning how to write persuasively is very important. It helps them learn to talk about their beliefs and understand why others might think differently. This skill is not just about writing; it’s about thinking carefully and sharing ideas in the best way possible. This blog is  about “best persuasive essay topics for kids .”

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We will share fun persuasive essay topics for kids to write about. These topics will help kids practice convincing others with their words, improving communication, and thinking about different ideas. This blog will cover topics about family, school, animals, food, and even subjects like math and reading .

In this section, we dive into persuasive writing topics that show why numbers and shapes are not just school subjects but exciting parts of our everyday lives. These topics prompt kids to think about how math helps us solve problems, understand the world, and have fun.

1. Why Learning Math is Fun.

Encourage kids to explore how math is a game of numbers and logic, showing them that solving math problems can be as exciting as unraveling mysteries.

2. The Importance of Learning to Count Money.

Motivate children to understand the value of money by teaching them how counting coins and bills is key to buying their favorite toys and saving for the future.

3. Shapes are Everywhere: Why We Need to Learn About Them.

Inspire kids to discover shapes in their environment, highlighting how recognizing different shapes is crucial for creativity and practical problem-solving.

4. The Best Math Game for Kids.

Urge kids to engage with math games , demonstrating how these games can turn complex arithmetic into fun and interactive challenges.

5. Why We Should Learn About Time.

Encourage children to learn reading clocks, emphasizing how understanding time management can make daily activities more fun and organized.

6. Finding Patterns in Math.

Prompt kids to look for patterns , showing them that recognizing patterns can help solve problems faster and more efficiently.

7. The Magic of Multiplication.

Motivate kids to master multiplication , explaining how it speeds up counting and opens up a world of mathematical possibilities.

8. Why Fractions are Important.

Inspire children to dive into fractions , illustrating how fractions are part of everyday life, from dividing a pizza to measuring ingredients for a recipe.

9. Solving Puzzles with Algebra.

Urge kids to see algebra as a tool for solving puzzles , showing them that understanding variables and equations can be like cracking secret codes.

10. The Adventure of Geometry.

Encourage kids to embark on the adventure of geometry , pointing out how shapes and angles are integral to building everything from paper airplanes to skyscrapers.

In this section, we explore persuasive writing prompts on ELA . Kids get to see how words can paint pictures, tell stories, and convince others about what we think and feel.

1. The Joy of Reading Every Day.

Encourage kids to discuss the adventures books can take on, showing that reading every day can unlock new worlds.

2. Why Writing Stories is Important.

Motivate children to express their imagination through writing, highlighting how creating stories helps share their unique view of the world.

3. The Best Book for Kids.

Invite kids to argue about what makes a book the best read for children, encouraging them to explore different genres and authors.

4. Handwriting vs. Typing: Which is Better?

Urge kids to debate the benefits of handwriting over typing, focusing on how each method contributes to learning and memory.

5. The Power of Poetry in Expressing Feelings.

Inspire children to use poetry to express their emotions, showing how rhythm and rhyme can make feelings more powerful.

6. Learning New Words: Why It Matters.

Encourage kids to explore the importance of vocabulary, explaining how new words can help them express ideas more clearly.

7. Listening to Stories vs. Reading Them.

Motivate children to compare listening to audiobooks with reading text, discussing the different experiences each provides.

8. The Importance of Spelling Correctly.

Prompt kids to understand how spelling contributes to effective communication and why it’s important to learn it well.

9. Why Everyone Should Keep a Diary.

Inspire kids to see the value in keeping a diary, highlighting how it helps with self-expression and keeps memories alive.

10. Creating Your Comic Book.

Urge children to combine art and story by creating comic books, showing how this storytelling can bring ideas to life.

In this section, we dive into persuasive writing ideas that help kids explore how discoveries and innovations shape our world. This part of the blog encourages young learners to think about the role of science and tech in daily life, from our gadgets to how we understand the universe. 

1. The Importance of Recycling Electronics.

Encourage kids to argue why recycling old gadgets is crucial for protecting our planet, showing the impact of technology on the environment.

2. Why Space Exploration is Valuable.

Motivate children to explore the benefits of studying outer space, from inspiring new technologies to understanding our place in the universe.

3. The Role of Robots in Our Future.

Invite kids to debate whether robots will make life better or if they pose challenges, encouraging a look at both sides of technological advancement.

4. Renewable Energy: The Way Forward.

Urge kids to discuss the importance of using renewable energy sources, highlighting how they can help combat climate change.

5. The Impact of Video Games on Kids.

Inspire children to argue about the effects of video games , considering both educational benefits and the need for moderation.

6. Should Animals be Used in Research?

Encourage kids to consider the ethical implications of using animals in scientific experiments, promoting empathy and understanding.

7. The Benefits of Learning to Code.

Motivate kids to see coding as an essential skill for the future, showing how it can help solve problems and create new opportunities.

8. How Technology Can Help in Education.

Invite children to discuss how tablets, computers, and interactive software can enhance learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

9. The Importance of Internet Safety.

Urge kids to explore the significance of being safe online, teaching them about privacy and responsible internet use.

10. Inventions That Changed the World.

Inspire kids to research and write about inventions significantly impacting human life, encouraging appreciation for innovation.

In this section, we explore easy persuasive essay topics about animals and nature. These topics will encourage kids to think and write about the natural world, the creatures that inhabit it, and how humans interact with it. 

1. Why We Should Protect Endangered Animals.

Encourage kids to argue the importance of saving animals at risk of extinction, highlighting how each creature plays a role in our world.

2. The Benefits of Having a School Garden.

Motivate children to explore the advantages of growing plants at school, from learning about biology to having fresh snacks.

3. Should People Keep Wild Animals as Pets?

Invite kids to discuss why wild animals should live in natural habitats instead of in people’s homes.

4. The Importance of Bees in Our Ecosystem.

Urge kids to write about why bees are vital for pollination and what would happen if we didn’t have them around.

5. Why We Need More Trees in Our Cities.

Inspire children to advocate for planting more trees in urban areas, explaining how trees improve air quality and provide shade.

6. Recycling: A Responsibility for Everyone.

Encourage kids to persuade others that recycling is essential for keeping our planet clean and reducing waste.

7. The Impact of Plastic on Ocean Life.

Motivate kids to explore the effects of plastic pollution on marine creatures and how reducing plastic use can make a difference.

8. Why Everyone Should Spend Time Outdoors.

Invite children to argue the benefits of outdoor play and exploration for health and happiness.

9. The Role of Zoos in Conservation.

Urge kids to consider how modern zoos protect endangered species and educate the public.

10. How to Make Your Home More Wildlife-Friendly.

Inspire kids to develop ideas for making gardens and outdoor spaces welcoming for birds, insects, and small mammals.

In this section, we dive into easy topics about school and education. These persuasive essay topics are designed to get kids thinking and writing about their learning experiences, the school environment, and how education shapes their world. 

1. Why Reading Should Be a Part of Every Day in School.

Encourage kids to argue for daily reading time, highlighting how it can open up new worlds and improve language skills.

2. The Benefits of Group Projects.

Motivate children to explore the advantages of working in groups, such as learning teamwork and sharing ideas.

3. Longer Recess for Better Learning.

Invite kids to persuade others that longer recess can lead to better concentration in class and more fun.

4. Should Homework Be Optional?

Urge kids to debate the necessity of homework, considering both its benefits for learning and the importance of free time.

5. The Importance of Art and Music in School.

Inspire children to argue for more art and music classes, explaining how creativity complements traditional subjects.

6. Why Field Trips Are Essential.

Encourage kids to write about the value of field trips in education, showing how real-world experiences enrich classroom learning.

7. School Uniforms: Good or Bad?

Motivate kids to take a stand on school uniforms, discussing how uniforms affect school spirit and individuality.

8. The Role of Technology in the Classroom.

Invite children to consider how tablets and computers can enhance or distract from learning.

9. Why Every School Should Have a Library.

Urge kids to argue the importance of having a well-stocked library at school, from encouraging reading to supporting research.

10. The Need for More Physical Education.

Inspire kids to advocate for more PE classes, emphasizing the importance of physical health alongside mental learning.

7 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay for Kids

Writing a persuasive essay can be fun to share your ideas and convince others to see things your way. Here are some simple tips to help you write a great persuasive essay:

• Pick something you feel strongly about. It’s easier to persuade others if you really believe in what you’re saying.
• Think about who will read your essay. What do they care about? Knowing this can help you make your argument more convincing.
• Begin your essay with a sentence that makes people want to read more. You could ask a question, share a fun fact, or say something surprising.
• Explain why you think your idea is right. Share facts, stories, or examples that support your opinion.
• It’s fair to talk about what people who disagree with you might say. Then, gently explain why you still think you’re right.
• Use simple words and short sentences. This makes it easier for everyone to understand your ideas.
• Finish your essay by reminding people why your idea is important. Leave them with something to think about.

We’ve explored a lot of fun and important topics for young writers to think about and write about. From the wonders of math and the adventures in books to caring for our planet and making school better, these persuasive essay topics are a great way for kids to share their ideas and learn how to convince others. Remember, your voice is powerful, so start writing and show the world what you think!

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55 Rare Topics For Persuasive Essays

Table of Contents

A persuasive essay is a type of writing where your primary purpose is to convince the reader that your opinion is correct.

It can be applied to a wide variety of disciplines; in fact, persuasive writing can be used in any writing format, be it a college persuasive essay, an article, a promotional copy or a personal letter.

As you will see from our presentation, the choice of persuasive essay topics largely depends on the format of writing – as well as the writer’s maturity.

One thing remains unchanged, though, and it is the educational value of this type of essay.

It helps students build a set of strong skills, such as the capacity of forming and grounding one’s opinion, engage in debates and provide logical reasoning supporting their stance.

Persuasive essay topics: where to start?

When you are tasked with writing a persuasive essay, and if you have a free choice of the subject, we insist that you should pick a topic that you are well-versed in, and preferably passionate about.

In the very least, this should be something you can relate to. If you have a specific topic to write on, make sure you carry out elaborate research to make strong and informed points.

The structure of a persuasive essay could be roughly outlined as follows:

• Think of a topic you can argue for or against.
• Write up 5-6 arguments that will convince the reader that your opinion is right.
• Read a professional persuasive essay and see how it is written to be inspired and mimic the layout!
• The entire persuasive essay is going to be built around the thesis, therefore it is of paramount importance to write it in a concise and clear way.

The secret behind the thesis

A persuasive essay should begin with a thesis, where the reader is immediately told what your article is about. In the thesis, you explain your position on the question you have chosen to rewrite.

It is the main purpose of your entire essay, and you will devote the whole text to convincing the reader that you are right.

To awaken the reader’s interest, you can write your thesis as an exclamation or question that you repeat or answer at the end of your article.

Supporting arguments for your thesis

Now you have explained your position, you should prove that you are right! You do this by listing your arguments, or reasons why you think you are doing.

Arguments can be divided into two main groups:

(1) Emotional arguments – based on your own feelings and thoughts. Feeling arguments are very personal and strong. The aim of the emotional argument is to awaken the reader’s feelings. In other words, the reader should preferably start crying out of your emotional argument…

(2) Factual arguments – based on pure facts. The factual arguments are objective, clear and at the same time very convincing to the reader, especially if you can refer to where you got your facts from. To convince the reader in the best way, your essay must include both emotional and factual arguments. The emotional argument causes your opinion to sound passionate, while the factual arguments give concrete reasons why you feel like you are doing to the reader.

To convince the reader in the best way, use both types of arguments!

An argument in response to counter-argument

A really good debater doesn’t just think of themselves, but also of his opponents! You do this by taking counter-arguments, or reasons why you should not think that you do yourself.

This makes your persuasive essay look very thought out, which also makes it more reliable. The purpose of including opponents’ opinions, for you as an author, is to clearly show that they are not correct.

In order to succeed in this, you must choose the opponent’s best argument and disassemble it and defeat it using your own arguments.

The golden rule states that factual arguments must be answered with factual arguments, and in the same way, an emotional argument must be answered with an emotional argument.

How to craft a persuasive essay conclusion?

In the end, the reader should get an overview. Summarize the most important and above all, repeat your strongest argument! The last part of your discussion article should contain a convincing answer to your thesis. Sometimes it can be effective to reason about the consequences if you do not do what you think.

The purpose of this is to give the argument a proper final clamp and convince the reader once and for all. The best effect is achieved by ending strongly and confidently; for that reason, you need to think about being brief.

Just as with the number of arguments you have in the article, the conclusion becomes more powerful if it is short and clear.

Persuasive essay topics for kids

• Books are better than TV.
• Zoos are prisons for animals.
• School attendance should be optional.
• Home assignments should be banned.
• Is there life on Mars?

Persuasive essay topics middle school

• Education is impossible without teachers.
• Should computers replace teachers?
• Do we need a school uniform?
• Is reading a new trend or a thing of the past?
• Mobile phones should be used at school.

Persuasive essay topics for high school

• Death penalty should be banned. Do you agree?
• Why should your parents let you attend the concert of your favorite music band?
• Why should teachers allow pupils to choose their seat place?
• Video games help childhood development.
• Convince your parents to buy you a mobile phone. Support your request with good arguments.

Persuasive essay topics 5th grade

• E-books in a not too distant future can change our way to read. Do you agree?
• Imagine having to convince your parents to buy you the scooter. Write your thesis in an argumentative text, remember to insert the possible objections of the teachers and come to a conclusion.
• Electronic mail compared to the traditional one. Which one is better?
• Parents should give children more freedom. True or false?
• Curfews are a good practice for children to abide by.

Persuasive speech topics for college

• Transgenic foods: are you for or against?
• Are you in favor or against hunting? Express your opinion with appropriate arguments.
• Human cloning: are you in favor or against it?
• The Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun in his book “Racism explained to my daughter” says: “A child is not born a racist”. Do you agree with this statement?
• History teaches us to predict the future.

Persuasive speech topics for college students

• Alcoholism: a disease or a vice?
• Citizenship income should be adopted by every state.
• The G20 countries, to save the planet from global warming, must adopt more ambitious global CO2 emission reduction targets than those of the Paris Accords.
• The abolition of homework, a measure recently introduced in France, should be adopted by every school system to combat early school drop-outs.
• Caloric and fat-rich foods, commonly called junk food, should be taxed more than “healthy foods”.

Interesting persuasive essay topics

• Love and age difference.
• The friendship between man and woman: a myth or reality?
• Is having friends such a necessity?
• Is having a pet waste of resources?
• Can love last forever?

Easy persuasive essay topics

• A countryside or urban life?
• Social networks have improved our lifestyle.
• Working is needed for being happy.
• All sorts of lotteries should be made illegal.
• Is it possible to be a success by only playing it fair?

Funny persuasive essay topics

• Should cats or dogs rule the world?
• Your Zodiac sign determines your personality.
• Santa’s policies are largely discriminating.
• Socials favor stalking tendencies.
• YouTube makes you a superstar overnight.

Controversial persuasive essay topics

• Ethnic adoptions: pro or con?
• Pharmaceutical industries are disrupting our lives.
• Abortion should be legal around the world.
• Animal testing should be made illegal.
• Genetic cloning is not ethical.
• Capital punishment pros and cons.
• Euthanasia should be legalized.
• Immigration laws should be made stricter.

Best persuasive essay topics

• Kids should be brought up in a stricter manner.
• Works of art should be returned to their respective countries of origin.
• The young only think about money. Do you agree?
• A real vacation is when one doesn’t do anything.
• Friends count as much as a family.

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