Many topics can form the basis for a compelling persuasive essay.
A persuasive or argumentative essay uses facts to try to convince the reader to agree with author's opinions. Methods of persuasion include establishing facts to support the argument, forming and stating strong conclusions, and persuading the reader that those conclusions are in legitimate, based on the facts given. Many controversial topics would make for an interesting essay.
Assisted Suicide
A thesis statement for this topic could be either that terminally ill people have the right to control their own death or that physician-assisted suicide should be illegal. Include actual cases in which assisted suicide or opposition to assisted suicide played an important part in people's lives. Cite different scenarios that may sway the reader toward your opinion. The case of an elderly person may have a different effect on the reader than the case of someone suffering from an extremely painful condition.
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage is a hotly debated topic that often causes rifts within a community. Those who oppose same-sex marriage argue that allowing gay and lesbian persons to marry undermines the sacredness of marriage. Supporters of same-sex marriage argue that denying gay and lesbian persons the right to marry violates their rights and that the benefits of marriage should be available to everyone. Many cases can be used as examples to support either side of this issue in an essay.
Gun Control
An essay could either support gun control by saying stricter laws should govern who can own a gun, in order to save lives, or argue that everyone should have the freedom to own a gun. Topics to explore include setting an age limit for gun ownership, whether gun laws are enforceable and exploring the idea that gun control will reduce the incidence of crime.
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