Argument and persuasion date back to the ancient Greeks.
An effective argumentative-persuasive paper relies on selecting a topic that will facilitate the process and hold the interest of the audience or reader. The successful selection of a topic for an argumentative-persuasive paper depends upon three aspects: the audience or reader, kairos (timeliness) and the issue (point of disagreement).
Audience or Reader
Keep your target audience in mind when choosing a topic.
When choosing an argumentative-persuasive paper topic, it is important to keep the target audience in mind. It would serve no purpose to write a paper arguing for shorter school days to high school students, nor would it be productive to try and persuade the football team that basketball is a superior sport. The topic should have broad appeal and interest, but do not choose a topic that the audience has already taken a firm stance on.
Kairos (Timeliness)
Is the topic of choice relevant right now?
Kairos, Greek for "right or proper time," plays an important role in choosing an effective argument-persuasive paper topic. It makes little sense to argue for a particular outcome for an already decided election. Some topics, such as government spending and educational requirements, are essentially timeless. The local news is an excellent place to find topics that are both timely and appeal to a local audience. Here you might find information on municipal bond elections or school budget cuts.
Issue
A good topic will have strong arguments both for and against it.
An argumentative-persuasive topic must have an issue. An issue is a point of clash or disagreement between opposing sides. You will have to choose a side and present the best case possible for choosing that side. If an issue is one-sided, there is no argument to be had, nor is there room for persuasion. You cannot effectively argue facts or generally accepted principles.
Sample Topics Explained
Traffic laws often have a strong point of clash and make a great topic.
A current municipal or school bond election is always a great topic. It has broad appeal to a local audience, it is timely (before the election takes place) and there is almost always a point of disagreement. "Fighting a Speeding Ticket" makes for a fun and interesting argumentative-persuasive paper topic. Most drivers have received speeding violations, and as long as people are driving, speeding violations will be a timely topic. The point of disagreement arises when you ask, "Should I fight the ticket, or should I pay the fine?" A strong argument can be made for either decision.
More Argumentative-Persuasive Paper Topics
Bottled water is a popular beverage, but is it better than tap water?
Are age restrictions on driver's licenses necessary?
Does the U.S. Government have the right to sanction targeted assassinations on terrorist leaders?
Should school cafeterias offer only healthy meals, or should students have a choice in what they eat at school.
Is a high school diploma enough or do students today need to go on to college?
Should shoppers use paper, plastic or cloth grocery bags?
Which is better, bottled or tap water?
Tags: argumentative-persuasive paper, paper topic, point disagreement, appeal local, appeal local audience