Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I have to write a persuasive speech essay for my English class. I was hoping to pick a topic related to college admissions, maybe something about standardized testing or extracurriculars? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!
Hi there! It's great that you're looking to write a persuasive speech essay on a topic related to college admissions. There are definitely a few interesting areas you could explore in the realm of standardized testing and extracurriculars. Here are three topic ideas to get you started:
1. The elimination of standardized testing in college admissions: You could argue for or against the importance of standardized tests (SAT/ACT) in the college admissions process. If you're arguing against their use, you could focus on potential biases in the exams, the pressure they place on students, and how they may not be as predictive of college success as other factors such as GPA. On the other side, if you're arguing in favor of standardized testing, you could discuss how they provide a consistent, quantifiable measure for comparing applicants, demonstrate college readiness, and offer an objective measure for merit scholarships.
2. The importance of extracurricular involvement for college applicants: You could craft a persuasive speech around the idea that having meaningful, in-depth involvement in a few extracurricular activities is more important than being involved in a large number of activities. You could explain how deep engagement in activities helps students develop valuable skills, discover their passions, and stand out in the college admissions process. Additionally, you could mention that colleges often prefer students who have a "spike" (a highly developed specialty) rather than being well-rounded in various areas.
3. The impact of socioeconomic background on access to extracurricular activities: For this topic, you could address the barriers some students face in participating in various extracurriculars due to their socioeconomic background. You might discuss the financial strain of club fees, private coaching, or expensive equipment and how this creates unequal opportunities for students from lower-income families. You could then propose potential solutions to level the playing field. For example, advocate for schools or communities to implement more accessible, low-cost extracurricular programs or emphasize the need for colleges to consider socioeconomic context when evaluating applicants' extracurricular engagement.
Remember to research your chosen topic thoroughly and support your arguments with strong evidence. Good luck with your persuasive speech essay!
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