Go to my Teachers Pay Teachers store for a FREE list of persuasive topics, grades 6-8
Middle Schoolers are increasingly capable and interested in opinion or persuasive writing. Here are some tips for choosing topics that
- resonate with students
- produce high quality essays
- teach the analytic and critical thinking skills you want to foster
- Always tie the writing assignment to some kind of research. Students should never be given a topic where they simply opine (or maybe rant?). Why not? Obviously it might be motivating for students to write about something they feel strongly about. The problem is that such a topic (such as, “Should we have our cell phones in school?”) WITHOUT ANY RESEARCH does not teach the careful analysis and calm, clear reasoning that you want to see in persuasive writing.
- Choose topics that clearly have more than one side. A topic like, “Should the United States have entered World War II?” seems silly, considering Pearl Harbor and the spreading facism in Europe. How would a student argue the negative side? A better WW II topic might be “Should the United States have used atomic bombs on Japan?” If YOU can think of several arguments for both sides of a question, then it’s probably a good persuasive writing prompt.
- While you might make the first persuasive assignment or two based on a current issue (that students research), such as school uniforms or the value of homework, move quickly into writing prompts connected to your studies in social studies or science. That way, you’ll get more “bang for the buck”. Students will sharpen their writing skills, and also more deeply process the academic information they are learning.
- Weigh the benefits and detriments to having students write to political figures. It’s important that students understand how our system of government works, but too many of those writing assignments can lead to a certain blustery arrogance. It just doesn’t seem appropriate or respectful for twelve year olds to be using language like “insist” or ‘“demand” with their congress people. You know your students. Use your professional judgement.
- Consider the cultural and political climate of the school where you teach. Will a topic draw objections from parents? (Ex.: Should Christopher Columbas be considered a hero or a villain?) Is it a worthwhile enough topic for you to field phone calls and emails of protest? I’m not suggesting that you avoid controversial topics. I am suggesting that you be prepared to explain your teaching objectives to parents.
- Students shouldn’t be forced to take an either-or position. Allow students to explore an issue and come to the conclusion, if they choose, that both sides have something to offer.
- Finally, keep in mind the educational goals of a persuasive writing project:
- diligent research and note-taking
- critical thinking that appreciates the complexity of an issue
- clear, reasoned writing.