100+ Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics to Challenge Your Thinking

Looking for a persuasive essay topic that will spark debate and inspire critical thinking? Check out our list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics for thought-provoking ideas.

Persuasive essays are an important tool for students to develop critical thinking and communication skills. When writing a persuasive essay, it is essential to choose a topic that is not only relevant but also controversial. Controversial topics often lead to lively debates and discussions, which can challenge our assumptions and help us see issues from different perspectives.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics to help students find the perfect topic for their next assignment. From hot-button political issues to ethical dilemmas, these topics are sure to spark debate and inspire critical thinking.

So, whether you’re a high school student or a college student, read on for our list of,

100+ Controversial Persuasive Essay Topics.

• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes?
• Should prostitution be legalized?
• Should animal testing be banned?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Should the United States switch to a single-payer healthcare system?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Should affirmative action be abolished?
• Should standardized testing be eliminated?
• Should the United States adopt a flat tax system?
• Should the Electoral College be abolished?
• Should the United States have universal background checks for gun ownership?
• Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
• Should parents be allowed to choose their child’s gender?
• Should school prayer be allowed?
• Should the United States have a national minimum wage?
• Should the government regulate social media?
• Should the United States have free college tuition?
• Should the United States have stricter immigration policies?
• Should the United States have mandatory military service?
• Should the government regulate the size of sugary drinks?
• Should private prisons be abolished?
• Should the United States have a carbon tax?
• Should the United States have a universal basic income?
• Should the government provide free internet access?
• Should the United States have term limits for Congress?
• Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
• Should the United States withdraw from the United Nations?
• Should the government regulate the sale of energy drinks?
• Should the United States increase its military spending?
• Should schools ban junk food?
• Should the government regulate the sale of tobacco products?
• Should the United States adopt a gun buyback program?
• Should parents be required to vaccinate their children?
• Should the United States adopt a national healthcare system?
• Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
• Should the United States have a space program?
• Should the government regulate the sale of sugary snacks?
• Should the United States have a mandatory voting law?
• Should the government regulate the sale of alcohol?
• Should the United States have a mandatory retirement age?
• Should schools have metal detectors?
• Should the government regulate the sale of firearms?
• Should the United States have a national ID card system?
• Should schools have armed security guards?
• Should the government regulate the sale of prescription drugs?
• Should the United States adopt a merit-based immigration system?
• Should schools have mandatory drug testing for students?
• Should the government regulate the sale of e-cigarettes?
• Should the United States adopt a national bike-sharing program?
• Should schools have mandatory sex education classes?
• Should governments ban single-use plastics?
• Is veganism the only ethical way to eat?
• Should animal testing be allowed for medical purposes?
• Is it ethical to genetically modify crops?
• Should there be stricter gun control laws?
• Is capital punishment effective in deterring crime?
• Should prisoners have the right to vote?
• Is censorship in art and media necessary?
• Should children be allowed to undergo gender reassignment therapy?
• Should the government provide free healthcare for all?
• Is there a place for affirmative action in hiring and education?
• Should schools teach creationism alongside evolution?
• Should parents be allowed to homeschool their children without regulation?
• Is cultural appropriation ever acceptable?
• Should hate speech be protected under free speech laws?
• Is prostitution a victimless crime?
• Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
• Should college athletes be paid for their performance?
• Is online privacy a basic human right?
• Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
• Is the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports ethical?
• Should the government regulate the use of social media?
• Is surveillance necessary for national security?
• Should there be limits on the number of children a couple can have?
• Should nuclear weapons be banned worldwide?
• Should the government regulate the sale and consumption of sugary drinks?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should parents have the right to choose the gender of their baby through genetic engineering?
• Should the United States switch to a single-payer healthcare system?
• Should zoos be banned for animal rights concerns?
• Should recreational marijuana use be legalized?
• Should the government fund space exploration?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Should individuals be allowed to own exotic pets?
• Should hate groups be allowed to gather and protest?
• Should there be a limit on CEO pay?
• Should polygamy be legalized?
• Should the use of plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes be banned?
• Should the government regulate the fast food industry?
• Should assisted reproductive technologies be available to all?
• Should there be a limit on the number of hours worked per week?
• Should there be a global ban on animal testing for cosmetic products?
• Should vaccinations be mandatory?
• Should the sale of alcohol be banned?
• Should S education be mandatory in schools?
• Should the government fund renewable energy sources?
• Should the use of drones be regulated by the government?
• Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence?
• Should beauty pageants be banned?
• Should free speech be restricted on college campuses?
• Should public schools have a dress code?
• Should the government regulate the use of social media algorithms?
• Should there be a limit on how much money individuals can donate to political campaigns?
• Should the drinking age be lowered to 18?
• Should Confederate monuments be removed?
• Should the government provide free college education for all?
• Should the United States switch to a four-day workweek?
• Should professional athletes be required to stand for the national anthem?
• Should animal agriculture be banned for environmental concerns?
• Should there be a tax on sugary drinks?
• Should the government regulate the use of drones for commercial purposes?
• Should the use of fur in fashion be banned?
• Should there be a ban on single-use plastics?
• Should the United States switch to a system of ranked-choice voting?
• Should the government provide universal basic income?
• Should the use of public transportation be free?

In conclusion, persuasive essays are an effective way to communicate ideas and influence others’ opinions. Writing a persuasive essay requires choosing the right topic that interests you, and you feel passionate about. Hopefully, this list of 100+ controversial persuasive essay topics has inspired you to select a topic that is thought-provoking, interesting, and engaging. Remember, when writing a persuasive essay, it’s essential to do thorough research, present both sides of the argument, and provide evidence to support your position. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start writing your persuasive essay on a controversial topic!