1. Persuasive Research Essay Topic Ideas Part I 1. Think about groups of which you are a member – think in terms of your age, interests, ethnicity, gender, etc.) 2. Brainstorm a list of the different groups of which you are a member.

2. Part II 1. Choose four of your groups. 2. For each of these groups, list some ideas about what sets this group apart from others. What do you have to do, be, etc. to be a part of this group? What are the rules of membership? What do you do in these groups? What’s the purpose of these groups?

3. Part III For three of the groups, list reasons why you are a part of this group. Why do you do all the things you have to do to be a part of this group?

4. Part IV 1. For the three groups you listed reasons for why you are part of those groups (part III), list any concerns, issues, or problems you have with being a member of this group.

5. Part V What do you think are some of the most important issues in American culture facing teenagers today? List as many issues as you can think of – A-Z

6. Persuasive Research Essay Topic Options Reality TV War/ViolenceCell Phones TabloidsLicenseIM Name brandsCarsMultitasking TextingParents RelationshipAuthority MP3/I-podMinors having sexPlastic Surgery Body imageYoutubeTanning Booths Drugs/AlcoholClimate ChangeCelebrities TechnologyMaterialismDivorce High School EducationMTVSports scandals Suicide and DepressionPolitical PartiesVideo Games Facebook/Social MediaGangsIraq Afghanistan Policies/LawsThe RecessionMovies AdvertisementsUnions Fast Food Peer PressureStandardized Testing Female President/LeadersStress

7. Directions: 1. Choose 2-3 topics from the list above 2. In your writing section, brainstorm SPECIFIC/FOCUSED ways that these issues/topics influence or affect you individually. Be sure to create a list of as many ways as possible.

8. Directions: Now, choose TWO topics/issues/ideas from yesterday’s brainstorming or today’s brainstorming. On a separate sheet of paper, write two sentences (or more) for each question. Do this for each of your two possible topics. 1. I already know that… 2. I want to find out who… 3. I want to find out what… 4. I want to find out where… (specific problem started, etc.) 5. I want to find out when… 6. I want to find out why… 7. I want to find out how… 8. My personal response to this topic is…