AU Scholar’s Fair Persuasive Options

2 MIN. READ 

Anderson University is excited to host the AU Scholar’s Fair for prospective high school students. This is an opportunity for high school students to present samples of their academic work and compete for recognition and scholarships.

Example Persuasive Topics

Please do NOT use one of these topics. These are NOT suggested topics. Please choose a topic that is of interest to you. These topics are just to model the kind of topics that are appropriate for this event. 

Social Issues

1. Should Social Media Platforms Regulate Content to Prevent Misinformation? Persuade your audience on whether social media platforms should have stricter content moderation policies to combat fake news.
2. The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health Present evidence on whether social media has a predominantly negative or positive impact on the mental health of teenagers.
3. Is Bullying a Product of Poor School Environment or Personal Behavior? Present evidence on whether bullying is more influenced by school systems or individual behavior.

Environmental Issues

1. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned in All Stores? Argue the environmental benefits or drawbacks of banning plastic bags in favor of more sustainable alternatives.
2. The Benefits of Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels Persuade the audience on why renewable energy should replace fossil fuels as the primary source of energy.
3. Should the Government Implement Stricter Laws on Deforestation? Persuade your audience on the need for stricter regulations on deforestation to protect ecosystems.
4. The Benefits of Switching to a Plant-Based Diet for the Environment Argue the environmental advantages of reducing meat consumption or switching to a plant-based diet.

Education & School

1. The Importance of Teaching Financial Literacy Argue for or against whether financial literacy should be a mandatory subject in high school curriculums to prepare students for real-world money management.
2. Should Technology Replace Traditional Textbooks? Argue for or against replacing physical textbooks with digital devices like tablets or eBooks.

Technology & Media

1. The Dangers of Relying on Artificial Intelligence in Daily Life Persuade the audience on the potential risks and challenges of AI becoming too integrated into society.
2. Video Games: Do They Improve or Harm Cognitive Skills? Argue whether video games have positive or negative effects on cognitive development and mental health.
3. Should Online Learning Become the Standard Educational Model? Persuade the audience on the merits or drawbacks of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning.

Ethical & Moral Issues

1. Should Animal Testing Be Banned for Scientific Research? Persuade your audience whether animal testing should be banned or allowed for medical and scientific purposes.
2. The Ethics of Cloning: Should It Be Legal? Persuade the audience whether human cloning should be allowed or restricted based on ethical considerations.
3. Is It Ethical to Modify Human Genes? Persuade the audience on whether genetic engineering and gene editing should be allowed for humans.

Health & Lifestyle

1. The Dangers of Vaping: Should It Be Banned for Teens? Persuade your audience on the health risks of vaping and argue whether stricter regulations should be imposed.
2. Should Vaccinations Be Mandatory for All Citizens? Argue whether vaccinations should be mandatory to protect public health or if it should be a personal choice.
3. Is Fast Food to Blame for the Obesity Epidemic? Argue whether fast food is the primary cause of rising obesity rates or if other factors are more significant.

Government & Politics

1. Should Voting Be Mandatory in National Elections? Persuade your audience whether making voting compulsory would improve democratic participation.
2. Should the Government Increase Taxes on the Wealthy? Argue whether higher taxes on the wealthy should be implemented to reduce economic inequality.
3. Should the U.S. Adopt Universal Healthcare? Argue for or against the implementation of a universal healthcare system in the United States.

Sports & Entertainment

1. Should College Athletes Be Paid? Persuade the audience whether college athletes should receive compensation for their participation in sports.
2. Is Esports a Legitimate Sport? Argue whether competitive video gaming (Esports) should be considered a legitimate sport alongside traditional athletics.
3. The Benefits of Youth Participation in Sports Argue why participating in sports is essential for the physical, emotional, and social development of young people.
4. Should Extreme Sports Be Banned? Persuade your audience whether extreme sports, such as skydiving or bungee jumping, should be banned due to safety risks.

Art and Literature

1. Required reading for high school English courses: Persuade your audience that To Kill a Mockingbird addresses issues of race and justice in a way that it is still culturally relevant.
2. The artistic value of Taylor Swift’s music: Argue for the artistic or cultural merits of the literary and musical elements of Swift’s original songs.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.