Persuasive essays are distinctive in the fact that not only must the author state her opinion, but must also convince other people to agree with her opinion. This is done by using facts and providing evidence derived from research. Topics for educators can include school and community-related issues that affect education, as well as personal topics.
School-related topics can relate to teachers or students, dealing with policies that affect everyone in the learning community. For example, one such topic could be whether elementary students should be allowed to carry cell phones in class. Other good school-related topics include whether students should be required to pass a basic skills test in order to graduate from high school, and whether school uniforms should be mandatory.
Many issues face the community, either locally or nationally, and it is important to incorporate the latest concerns and topics when developing persuasive topics. For example, the legalization of recreational drugs is a controversial issue, as is illegal immigration. Other hot button topics are whether or not states should recognize gay marriage, or if health care should be provided to all U.S. citizens.
These are topics that not only affect the school or community, but might also affect someone on a personal level. Personal topics certainly do give people a chance to passionately voice their opinions; however, essay writers must also back up their opinions with strong facts. An example of a personal topic is cyber-bullying, and whether or not students who cyber-bully others should be suspended from school. Other topics that relate to personal issues are gender-based, such as: should girls be allowed to play traditional boys' sports? Religion is another personal topic, and could include topics such as whether prayer should be allowed in schools.