Top 20 High School Persuasive Journal Prompts for Effective Writing Practice

Have you ever struggled to come up with a topic for an English essay or persuasive speech? Are you tired of writing about the same old topics everyone else is doing? Look no further because high school persuasive journal prompts are here to give your creativity a boost!

Persuasive writing is a skill that will serve you well beyond high school. It teaches you to effectively communicate your ideas and opinions, and to be able to support them with facts and evidence. Using prompts to get your ideas flowing can be a great way to challenge yourself and explore new perspectives.

Not only will these prompts help improve your writing skills, but they can also be used for class discussions and debates. They cover a range of topics from social issues to personal experiences, allowing for a diverse range of voices to be heard. So grab your notebook and pen and get ready to unleash your inner writer with these persuasive journal prompts.

Persuasive Prompts About Current Events

Current events can provide an excellent opportunity for high school students to develop their critical thinking skills and express their opinions through persuasive writing. Here are 15 persuasive prompts about current events that can inspire and challenge students:

  • Should college athletes be paid for their performance?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Should the United States have open borders?
  • Should the sale of tobacco products be banned?
  • Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
  • Should companies be required to disclose their climate change impact?
  • Should social media platforms be responsible for content posted by their users?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should there be a universal basic income?
  • Should the United States government provide reparations for slavery?
  • Should the United States switch to a single-payer healthcare system?
  • Should teachers be armed in schools?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised?
  • Should marijuana be legalized nationwide?

Encourage your high school students to research and analyze these topics thoroughly, using reliable sources and logical arguments to support their position. They can also consider potential counterarguments and address them in their writing. Writing persuasively about current events can help your high school students become more informed, engaged citizens who can use their voices to effect change in the world.

Remember, persuading someone of an idea takes logic, research, and a well-thought-out approach. Proper guidance from teachers, factual information, and intellectual curiosity can give students the tools they need to make a difference in their world.

Persuasive prompts about social issues

High school is a time in a student’s life where they begin to explore and form their own opinions on social issues. Persuasive prompts that touch on social issues can help students develop their critical thinking skills and encourage them to voice their opinions on important matters. Here are 15 persuasive prompts about social issues that high school students can explore:

  • Should schools provide free menstrual products for students?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should undocumented immigrants be granted a path to citizenship?
  • Should the minimum wage be increased?
  • Should social media platforms be responsible for moderating hate speech?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Should college tuition be free?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should hate crimes be considered a separate offense?
  • Should public schools be required to offer comprehensive sex education?
  • Should police officers be required to wear body cameras at all times?
  • Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem?
  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should corporations be held accountable for their role in climate change?
  • Should genetically modified foods be labeled?

These prompts prompt students to examine their opinions on hot button issues and develop well-reasoned arguments to support their positions. High schoolers have the open-mindedness and creativity to see issues from different perspectives. Writing about these issues solidifies their knowledge and works towards building an informed generation that supports and leads a better society. Teachers can help prompt critical thinking in a safe and structured way see how their students think of such issues, and take steps to help inform their students or solidify their personal viewpoints.

Persuasive prompts about social issues can also serve as a jumping-off point for larger class discussions or debates. Encouraging students to listen to and learn from their classmates’ views can help build empathy and understanding. In this way, persuasive prompts can also help to develop a stronger sense of community within a classroom and provide a legacy for building engaged future citizens with empowered character and well-formed ideas.

Persuasive prompts about education and schooling

Education plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s future, and it is essential to ensure that they receive the best quality education possible. Here are 15 persuasive journal prompts related to education and schooling that can help stimulate critical thinking and foster creativity in high school students.

  • Should students be required to take a foreign language in high school?
  • Should public school students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should physical education be a mandatory class in high school?
  • Should high schools offer vocational training or specialized programs?
  • Should students be allowed to bring their laptops or tablets to class?
  • Should schools have a dress code for teachers as well as students?
  • Should high schools offer more classes geared towards technology and computer science?
  • Should high school students be required to take classes on personal finance?
  • Should schools eliminate homework altogether?
  • Should teachers be held accountable for their students’ performance on standardized tests?
  • Should schools provide healthier lunch options for students?
  • Should schools schedule more field trips for students to enhance learning?
  • Should high school students be allowed to choose their own classes?
  • Should schools incorporate more art and music programs in their curriculum?
  • Should schools implement mindfulness and meditation practices to reduce stress?

These persuasive prompts can help students understand different aspects of education and schooling and develop critical thinking skills. By encouraging students to think about and express their opinions, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their future and the world around them.

Remember, education is not just about obtaining knowledge but also about fostering creativity, developing critical thinking skills, and building character. These persuasive prompts can help you do just that!

Persuasive prompts about technology

As technology continues to advance, it’s no surprise that it’s become an increasingly popular topic for high school persuasive journal prompts. Discussing technology can touch on social, educational, and ethical aspects. By writing persuasive essays about technology, students can explore the positive or negative effects tech has on our daily lives, how to use it responsibly, or consider the potential impact of future technological developments.

  • Has Apple’s new AirPods and wireless earbuds made wired earbuds outdated?
  • Should social media or other internet platforms be regulated?
  • Is virtual reality the future of gaming?
  • Should all high schools require students to take a coding class?
  • Is technology making us more productive or lazier?
  • Does technology or social media diminish our ability to write and communicate effectively?
  • Should minors be allowed to create social media profiles without parental consent?
  • Does using tech improve or harm mental health?
  • Should more schools adopt the use of tablets instead of textbooks?
  • Are dating apps and websites effective for forming long-lasting relationships?
  • Do smartwatches have any real practicality or are they just an expensive accessory?
  • Should people unplug or take a break from technology for a certain amount of time each day?
  • Is it ethical to allow robots and AI to take over low-skill jobs, such as factory work?
  • Should tech companies be allowed to stockpile advanced tech? Or should progress be shared across the globe at a reasonable cost?
  • Does technology promote equality by giving everyone access to mass amounts of information, or does it increase the gap between those who have access and those who don’t?

These are just a few examples. As students write, they should think about the effects of technology from current social, economic, and political perspectives. They can choose to support or refute an argument while reflecting on their personal experiences and debating the pros and cons Technology has become a dominant factor in everyday life, and prompts on this subject offers opportunities to consider the impact so that individuals can use it mindfully and effectively in a rapidly expanding digital world.

As a teacher, make sure to encourage students to consider multiple points of view and use factual evidence to support their arguments. These prompts can further ensure they develop critical thinking, writing, and persuasive skills while keeping up with current trends and ever-changing technological advancements.

Persuasive Prompts about Environmental Issues

Environmental issues are crucial to address as they directly affect our planet’s health and sustainability. As high school students, it’s important to start thinking about our planet’s future and how we can make a difference. Here are 15 persuasive prompts about environmental issues to get your students thinking critically:

  • Why should we ban single-use plastic water bottles in schools?
  • Should there be stricter laws on plastic waste disposal?
  • Why is deforestation harming our planet, and what should be done to stop it?
  • Why are bees essential to our environment, and what steps can we take to save them?
  • Should there be higher taxes on corporations that contribute to air pollution?
  • Why is it essential to recycle, and what are the positive impacts it has on our environment?
  • How can we reduce our carbon footprint, and what are the benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle?
  • Should we switch to alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power?
  • Why are ocean conservation efforts crucial, and what can we do to protect marine life?
  • Should more bike lanes be installed in cities to encourage environmentally friendly transportation?
  • Why is it important to preserve natural habitats, and what are the negative impacts of not doing so?
  • Should there be stronger laws on littering and illegal dumping?
  • Why is water conservation important, and what can we do to reduce our water usage?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture?
  • How can we reduce food waste, and what are the benefits of doing so?

These prompts are designed to get high school students thinking critically about the importance of environmental issues and encouraging them to take action to promote sustainability.

Encourage your students to research and gather evidence to support their arguments. By developing persuasive writing skills, students can become advocates for our planet and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Persuasive prompts about mental health

The topic of mental health is incredibly important, especially to high school students who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Here are 15 persuasive journal prompts to spark discussions and encourage students to reflect on their own mental health:

  • Do you think schools should require mental health check-ups for students?
  • How can we break the stigma surrounding mental health in society?
  • Should schools offer counseling services for students?
  • What can we do to improve mental health education in schools?
  • What are some ways to reduce bullying and its effects on mental health?
  • Should students be allowed to take mental health days off from school?
  • Why is it important to prioritize self-care and mental health?
  • What can parents do to support their child’s mental health?
  • What role does social media play in mental health, and what can we do to address its negative effects?
  • Do you think society needs to change its attitude towards mental health issues?
  • What can we do to combat stress and anxiety during exam season?
  • Should companies be required to offer mental health support to their employees?
  • What can we do to support friends or family members with mental health issues?
  • Should mental health be openly discussed in schools and workplaces?
  • How can we promote positive mental health habits?

It’s important for high school students to recognize the value of taking care of their mental health. By reflecting on these prompts and discussing them in a safe and supportive environment, students can begin to prioritize their own mental health and develop the skills to support others who may be struggling.

Remember, if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to a trusted adult or mental health professional for help.

Persuasive prompts about personal growth and development

Personal growth and development are significant aspects of every individual’s life, and students in high school are at a critical stage where they begin to explore their identity and what they aspire to become in the future. Persuasive journal prompts about personal growth and development can help students reflect on their experiences, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set goals that align with their values. Here are 15 persuasive journal prompts about personal growth and development that high school students can use to enhance their self-awareness and develop their potential.

  • Write about a challenge you have faced that helped you grow as a person.
  • Describe a moment when you overcame a fear and how it made you feel.
  • What is your biggest strength? How can you use it to benefit others?
  • Think about what motivates you and how you can use it to achieve your goals.
  • Identify a skill you want to improve and how you plan to develop it.
  • Explain how you have changed over the past year and what you have learned.
  • What is one thing that you would like to change about yourself and why?
  • Describe how you manage your time and which strategies work best for you.
  • Identify a project or activity that you are passionate about and explain why it is important to you.
  • Discuss how you handle stress and what coping mechanisms you use.
  • Write about a meaningful experience that has shaped your values or beliefs.
  • Think about a difficult decision you had to make and how you came up with your choice.
  • Describe how you handle conflicts and what you have learned from them.
  • What is one thing you want to accomplish by the end of this school year and why is it important to you?
  • Explain how you can use your talents to improve your community.

These persuasive journal prompts about personal growth and development can help high school students reflect on their personal experiences, values, and goals. By writing about these topics, students can become more self-aware, develop their potential, and enhance their communication and writing skills. The ability to reflect on oneself is a crucial skill that will benefit students in all areas of their life both now and in the future. Through journaling, students can gain insight into their own minds and make connections between their thoughts and actions.

By using these prompts in the classroom or individually, students can engage in meaningful and productive self-reflection, and develop a greater sense of confidence in their abilities to achieve their goals and handle various life challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions about High School Persuasive Journal Prompts

1. What is a persuasive journal prompt?

A persuasive journal prompt is a topic or statement that encourages you to share your opinion and provide reasons to back it up. The goal is to help you develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills.

2. How can I come up with ideas for persuasive journal prompts?

Think about issues that matter to you or that you have strong opinions about. Look for topics in the news or in your community that raise controversial or thought-provoking questions.

3. What are the benefits of practicing persuasive writing?

Persuasive writing helps you learn how to structure an argument, use evidence to support your claims, and anticipate and address counterarguments. It also helps you build confidence in your ability to express your ideas effectively.

4. Can I write a persuasive journal entry without taking a stance on the issue?

While it is possible to write a persuasive journal entry that explores different perspectives on an issue without taking a firm stance, the purpose of the exercise is to develop your ability to take a clear position and support it with evidence.

5. How can I make my persuasive writing more engaging?

Use vivid language, storytelling techniques, and rhetorical devices like metaphors, analogies, and rhetorical questions to capture your readers’ attention and make your arguments more compelling.

6. What should I do if I don’t feel strongly about any of the suggested topics?

Choose a topic that you have some interest in or that you think might challenge you to think more deeply about an issue. Even if you don’t have a strong opinion, you can still practice persuasive writing by exploring different perspectives and trying to make a case for each one.

7. How can I get feedback on my persuasive journal entries?

Ask your teacher, a tutor, or a peer to read your entry and provide constructive feedback. Look for areas where you could clarify your argument, strengthen your evidence, or address opposing viewpoints.

Closing: Thanks for Joining Us!

We hope this guide has been helpful in demystifying high school persuasive journal prompts. Remember, the more you practice persuasive writing, the better you’ll get at it. So keep writing, exploring different topics and perspectives, and honing your skills. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll visit us again soon for more tips and insights on becoming a better writer!