Question

What topic have you chosen for your persuasive speech, and why does it matter to you? (Your topic must be school appropriate and something you are passionate about.)

Answer 1

I chose to argue that our high school should move to a later start time (for example, beginning classes at 8:30–9:00 AM instead of 7:30).

Why it matters to me:
- I’ve seen classmates (and I’ve been guilty of it too) struggle to stay awake, concentrate, and do homework because we don’t get enough sleep. That affects grades, mood, and safety.
- Research shows teenagers’ biological clocks shift later during adolescence, so earlier start times force students to wake up before they’re naturally ready. Later starts are linked to better sleep, higher test scores, lower absenteeism, fewer depressive symptoms, and fewer car crashes among teen drivers.
- I care because small school policy changes can make a big, practical difference in students’ health and learning. I want our school to support student well-being and academic success, not work against it.

In the speech I’ll present scientific studies, local data (attendance/grades/accident rates, if available), address common concerns (bus schedules, after-school activities), and propose feasible steps for implementation.