Persuasive Writing PromptsThesis Statement Practice

Many people believe that televisionviolence has a negative effecton society because it promotes

violence. Do you agree or disagree?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.

According to some people, elderly driversshould be required to reapply for theirdriving licenses because with age comesdiminished vision, hearing, and reaction

time. How do you feel about this issue? Explain

what you think should be done and why.

Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.

Medical researchers, cosmetic companies,and others often performexperiments on animals. Many people feelthat experimentation on animals is wrongand should be stopped immediatelybecause animals do feel pain, and there areother alternatives.

How do you feel? State your position and explain your reasons.

In order to save money, your principal is thinking about canceling all field trips for the remainder of the year.

How could you persuade him or her to allow students to continue attending field trips.

Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.

Since the cloning of the sheep Dolly, there has been muchdebate over whether or not human beings should be cloned.Many people feel this is a violation of the natural order ofthings and that all research in the area of human cloningshould be banned. Others feel that this is a naturalprogression of science and human evolution and thatresearch in the area of human cloning should bea priority.

How do you feel about this issue?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Many parents give children a weekly ormonthly allowance regardless of theirbehavior because they believe an allowanceteaches children to be financiallyresponsible. Other parents only givechildren an allowance as a reward forcompleting chores or when they havebehaved properly.

Explain what you think parents should do andwhy.

In many countries, citizens are required to

serve in the military for a year or more. Do

you believe the United States shouldinstitute a similar practice? Why or

whynot?

Use specific reasons and examples tosupport your answer.

Many of us spend hours in front of our computers andcommunicate more by e-mail or instant-messaging than inperson.Some people believe that this is good because it helps shypeople communicate more openly with others. Othersbelieve that computer communication prevents us fromdeveloping interpersonal skills and limits our ability to havemeaningful relationships with others.

How do you feel about this issue?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Some companies offer a paternity leavethat allows fathers to stay home with

theirnewborns for several weeks while stillearning partial pay and benefits.

Do you think this is a good policy? Whyor why not?

Explain your answer.

A few decades ago, many families had halfa dozen or more children. Nowadays, moreand more families are choosing to haveonly one or two children.

Are smaller families better than largerones? Why or why not?

State your position and support it withspecific reasons and examples.