Strong examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests (with breakdowns)

Before you can write a strong response, you need to understand the kind of prompts you’ll see. Most standardized tests give you a short scenario and then ask you to take a side. Here are several realistic prompts followed by examples of how a high‑scoring persuasive essay might look.

You’ll notice that the best examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests all share a few traits:

• A clear, direct opinion in the first paragraph
• Two or three focused reasons
• Specific, concrete support (facts, data, or personal/observed examples)
• A short, confident conclusion that reinforces the main point

Let’s walk through multiple prompts and sample responses, then we’ll pull out patterns you can reuse.

Example of a persuasive essay #1: Cell phones in the classroom

Prompt:

Some schools allow students to use cell phones in class for learning activities, while others ban phones entirely. Write an essay arguing whether schools should allow cell phones in the classroom.

Sample introduction:

Schools should allow cell phones in the classroom because, when used correctly, they are powerful learning tools. Instead of pretending phones don’t exist, teachers can show students how to use them responsibly for research, collaboration, and organization. Banning phones might sound like the easy answer, but it ignores both modern technology and the way students actually live and learn.

Why this works:

The opinion is clear in the first sentence. The writer gives two reasons right away: phones as learning tools and phones as part of real life. This is exactly what scorers look for in strong examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests.

Sample body paragraph:

First, phones give students instant access to information. In science class, for example, students can use reliable websites like the National Institutes of Health (nih.gov) to check facts about diseases or nutrition instead of waiting for a computer. When students learn to evaluate sources and compare information, they become more independent thinkers. If schools ban phones, they lose a chance to teach digital skills that students will need in college and future jobs.

Sample conclusion:

Instead of fighting a losing battle against cell phones, schools should teach students how to use them wisely. Allowing phones for research, organization, and communication prepares students for the connected world they already live in.

This is one of the best examples of how to stay focused on a position, support it with a specific source, and tie the argument back to real life.

Example of a persuasive essay #2: Longer school days

Prompt:

Some districts are considering a longer school day to improve learning. Do you agree or disagree with extending the school day by one hour? Write an essay to convince your school board of your position.

Sample introduction:

Extending the school day by an hour sounds like it would improve learning, but in reality it may do the opposite. Students are already exhausted by the time the final bell rings. Adding another hour would increase stress, reduce time for sleep and exercise, and make it harder for many students to participate in jobs or family responsibilities.

Key moves in this intro:

• Direct answer to the question (the writer disagrees)
• Three clear reasons that can each become a body paragraph

Sample body paragraph with data:

One reason to reject a longer school day is that students need enough sleep to learn effectively. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), most middle and high school students do not get the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep per night. If schools keep students later, homework and activities will also shift later, pushing bedtime back even more. Tired students are more likely to struggle with focus, behavior, and mental health. A healthier schedule would protect sleep, not cut into it.

This paragraph shows how real examples and credible sources make an argument stronger—something scorers reward on many standardized tests.

Example of a persuasive essay #3: Should homework be limited?

Prompt:

Many parents and teachers debate how much homework students should have. Write an essay arguing whether schools should limit homework to a set amount each night.

Sample introduction:

Schools should limit homework because more work does not always mean more learning. When students spend hours each night on assignments, they often rush, copy, or simply give up. A reasonable homework limit would encourage students to focus, keep stress under control, and protect time for reading, hobbies, and family.

Sample body paragraph with research:

Research suggests that too much homework may not improve achievement, especially for younger students. Education researcher Harris Cooper, summarized by Duke University (duke.edu), found that homework has less impact in elementary school and that more is not always better in higher grades. If schools set a clear limit—such as 10 minutes per grade level—teachers would be forced to assign only the most meaningful work. Students would learn to manage their time and still have space in their lives for sleep, sports, and personal interests.

This is a strong example of using a study and then explaining what it means in everyday terms.

Example of a persuasive essay #4: Social media and teens

Prompt:

Some people argue that social media is harmful to teenagers and should be limited by schools. Others say social media helps teens connect and learn. Write an essay arguing your position.

Sample introduction:

Social media can be risky for teenagers, but banning it in schools will not solve the problem. Instead, schools should teach students how to use social media in healthy, informed ways. When adults avoid the topic, students are left to figure it out alone. By talking openly about privacy, mental health, and online kindness, schools can turn social media from a hidden danger into a chance to practice real‑world responsibility.

Sample body paragraph with a health angle:

Many adults worry that social media harms teen mental health, and they are right to be concerned. The Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org) notes that heavy social media use can increase anxiety and depression for some teens. However, avoiding the subject at school does not make these risks disappear. A better approach is to teach students to set time limits, unfollow harmful accounts, and recognize when online activity is affecting their mood. Lessons like these prepare students to protect their mental health long after they leave the classroom.

This is one of the best examples of how to acknowledge the other side while still defending your own position.

Example of a persuasive essay #5: Standardized tests themselves

Prompt:

Some educators argue that standardized tests are overused and should not play a large role in student grades or school funding. Others believe these tests provide important information. Write an essay arguing how much weight standardized tests should have.

Sample introduction:

Standardized tests can provide useful information, but they should not play a major role in student grades or school funding. A single test on a single day cannot measure creativity, curiosity, or persistence—all qualities that matter in school and life. When too much depends on test scores, schools feel pressure to “teach to the test” instead of helping students become well‑rounded learners.

Sample body paragraph with specific examples:

When schools are judged mainly by test scores, they often cut back on art, music, and physical education to spend more time on tested subjects. Yet these classes help students develop creativity, teamwork, and healthy habits. For example, a student who struggles in math might discover confidence and leadership in band or on the soccer field. If test scores decide funding, schools may feel forced to drop these opportunities. Tests should inform teaching, not control it.

This is a clear example of connecting policy (how tests are used) to real student experiences.

Example of a persuasive essay #6: Year‑round school

Prompt:

Some districts are considering year‑round school with shorter, more frequent breaks instead of a long summer vacation. Do you support or oppose this change? Write an essay to persuade your school board.

Sample introduction:

Year‑round school with shorter breaks would benefit many students. Long summer vacations can lead to learning loss, especially in reading and math. By spreading breaks throughout the year, schools can reduce that loss, give families more flexible vacation options, and provide a more balanced schedule for both students and teachers.

Sample body paragraph with a mix of logic and example:

Studies have shown that students often forget skills over long breaks, especially in math. Teachers then spend weeks reviewing old material instead of moving forward. Shorter, more frequent breaks would still give students time to rest but would reduce the amount they forget. For instance, a three‑week break in October is long enough for families to travel or relax, but not long enough for students to lose months of progress. This schedule could be especially helpful for students who do not have access to camps, tutoring, or travel during the summer.

Again, notice how this example of a persuasive essay explains the problem, then shows how the proposed change would help real students.

What all strong examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests have in common

Looking across these examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests, you can start to see a pattern you can copy on test day.

Clear structure

Most high‑scoring essays follow a simple structure:

• An introduction with a direct opinion and 2–3 reasons
• Two or three body paragraphs, each focused on one reason
• A short conclusion that restates the opinion and looks ahead

You don’t need fancy transitions or advanced vocabulary. Scorers care more about clarity and organization than about sounding impressive.

Specific support

Notice how the best examples include:

• References to research or organizations (CDC, NIH, universities)
• Everyday situations readers can picture (homework at midnight, long school days, phones in science class)
• Small, concrete details (10 minutes per grade level, 8–10 hours of sleep)

When you write your own essay, try to include at least one specific fact, study, or real‑world example in each body paragraph. It doesn’t have to be perfect data; it just needs to be believable and explained.

Acknowledging the other side

Some of the strongest examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests briefly mention the opposing view:

• Yes, social media can be harmful, but banning it in school is not the answer.
• Yes, tests provide information, but they should not control funding.

You don’t have to write a long counterargument. Even one or two sentences showing you understand the other side and then explaining why you still disagree can raise your score.

How to practice using these real examples

It’s one thing to read the best examples; it’s another to turn them into your own writing habits. Here’s a simple practice routine:

Start by picking one example of a persuasive essay above and rewriting just the introduction in your own words, keeping the same structure: clear opinion plus two or three reasons. Then, choose a different prompt and write one body paragraph that uses a specific study, statistic, or real‑life situation. Finally, time yourself for 25 minutes and write a full essay using the same pattern.

If you want prompts that feel similar to standardized tests, you can browse released items from state education departments or testing organizations. Many state education sites and university writing centers share sample prompts and graded responses, which are some of the best examples you can study. Look for .gov or .edu sites when you search, since those are more likely to be reliable.

As you practice, ask yourself:

• Did I state my opinion clearly in the first paragraph?
• Does each body paragraph focus on one main reason?
• Did I use at least one specific example or fact in each paragraph?
• Did I write a short conclusion that reinforces my position?

Over time, these moves will feel automatic, and you’ll be able to produce your own strong examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests even under pressure.

FAQ about examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests

Q: Where can I find more real examples of persuasive essays from standardized tests?
Many state education departments publish released test items and scored student essays. For instance, some U.S. states post writing samples with score explanations on their official .gov education sites. University writing centers, such as those at large public universities, also share student samples and commentary.

Q: What is one simple example of a persuasive essay structure I can memorize?
Think of your essay as a short argument: first paragraph (opinion + 2–3 reasons), middle paragraphs (one reason per paragraph with specific support), final paragraph (remind the reader of your opinion and why it matters). Almost all strong examples of persuasive essays for standardized tests follow this basic pattern.

Q: Do I have to use statistics or can my examples be personal?
You do not need perfect statistics to earn a high score. Many high‑scoring essays use personal or observed experiences as support: a tired class after a long day, a student juggling homework and a job, or a friend affected by social media. The key is to make your examples detailed and believable.

Q: How long should my persuasive essay be on a standardized test?
Most testing programs care more about quality than exact length, but very short essays usually lack detail. Aim for several solid paragraphs that fill at least most of the lined pages you’re given. If you use the patterns from the best examples—clear structure, focused reasons, and specific support—you’ll naturally write enough.

Q: Is it okay to disagree with what I think the test makers believe?
Yes. Scorers are trained to evaluate how well you argue, not which side you choose. Many real examples of high‑scoring essays take less popular positions but defend them clearly and logically. Choose the side you can support most easily in the moment.