Unbelievable things

Describe a time when you witnessed something unbelievable.

Lifes test

We are tested in many ways throughout our lives. Tell about a time

when you were tested.

Bullies

Elementary and secondary schools around the country are
beginning to actively address the problem of bullies. In your
opinion, is bullying an issue that should be addressed by schools or
left to parents? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
position.

Lessons Learned

We learn many lessons from many different sources throughout

our lives. Tell about a time you learned something that you can’t

learn from any book.

Homework help? or homework cheating?

Students who don’t want to do their homework can find dozens of

sites on the Internet that offer essays for sale. Do you think this is a

legitimate business, or should these enterprises be shut down? Use

specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Take a chance

Describe a time when you enjoyed something you thought you

would not like

Overcoming obstacles

How people handle a problem often reveals a lot about their

character. Describe a time you encountered a difficult problem and

how you solved it.

Knowledge

It has often been said "Ignorance is bliss" or "What you don't know won't hurt you". Do you agree with these statements? Why or why not?

Perseverance

Over the weekend President Obama attempted 22 basketball shots making only two. He tossed up more bricks than a mason. However, his dogged determination was remarkable because he never gave up. He didn't make an outside shot until his 22nd shot. Describe a time when you or someone else didn't accept failure. Provide as much detail about the situation as possible.

Higher Standards

Some people believe that students aren’t learning enough in high

school. Should school standards be higher? Explain your answer

using specific reasons and examples.

Design your own child

Many science fiction stories deal with the possibility of being able

to “design” our children by choosing the specific physical and

personality traits we would like them to have. Do you think this is

a good idea? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples

to support your position.

Pride in school work

During our time on this blog, I have noticed that several students are willing to post their thoughts without proofreading. I wonder if it is because they don't care or unaware. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions or advice for your fellow students that could motivate them to take pride in what they post on this blog or any work they submit?

Mortal or to be immortal

If someone discovered a formula that would enable us to live

forever, would that be a blessing or a curse? Use specific reasons

and examples to support your answer.

Professional athletes and their salaries

Today’s top professional athletes often have salaries and

bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars. Do you think these

athletes deserve such high compensation? Why or why not?

Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples.

To tattoo or bodypierce OR not. . .

A friend is considering either a tattoo or a body piercing.

Think about whether or not tattoos and/or piercings are a good 

idea and why. Write to convince your friend of your opinion 

on tattoos and piercings.

Best Movie

What is your all-time favorite movie and why? Persuade readers to watch this film

Straight to college or . . .

Some people go right on to college after high school; others take a

year or more off to work or travel. Which do you think is the

better choice? State your position and support it with specific

reasons and examples.

Country life vs. City life

Some people prefer to live in the quiet of the country; others

prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. Which do you think is the

better choice? State your position and support it with specific

reasons and examples.

Violence on TV

On today’s talk shows, guests and audience members often argue

heatedly with each other, and on more than one occasion, guests

and audience members have been hurt. Do today’s talk shows go

too far? Explain your answer with reasons and examples.

Online vs. In person

Many of us spend hours in front of our computers and communicate more by e-mail or instant-messaging

than in person. Some people believe that this is good because it helps shy people communicate more openly with others. Others believe that computer communication prevents us from developing interpersonal skills

 and limits our ability to have meaningful relationships with others. How do you feel about this issue? Use

specific reasons and examples to support your position.

The possibilities of invisibilty

If you were invisible where would you go and what would you do?

Large families vs. Small families

A few decades ago, many families had half a dozen or more

children. Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to have

only one or two children. Are smaller families better than larger

ones? Why or why not? State your position and support it with

specific reasons and examples.

Is it cool for schools to search students for drugs?

As part of the “war on drugs” and in reaction to an increase in

school violence, many schools across the nation now conduct

targeted searches of student lockers and backpacks. Although the

Supreme Court has ruled that public school officials have the right

to search students’ persons and property when they have

reasonable cause to suspect weapons or drugs, many people feel

this is a gross violation of students’ right to privacy. Others feel

that since school officials are responsible for the well-being of

students while they are in the building, they have the right to

search for drugs or weapons at any time. How do you feel about

this issue? State your position and explain your reasons with

specific examples.

Community Collaborative Charter School what brings you here?

Today's students have several choices when it comes to their education. Most choose the school closest to their home. However, some seek Charter schools that fill a specific niche such as the Performing and Fine Arts Academy in Natomas.  Then you have Independent Study schools like CCCS. Take a little time to explain why you chose to attend CCCS. Then discuss what you like about our school and share some ways we can make it a better school.

Shall animals be subject to experiments?

Medical researchers, cosmetic companies, and others often perform experiments on animals. Many people feel that experimentation on animals is wrong and should be stopped immediately because animals do feel pain, and there are other alternatives. How do you feel? State your position and explain your reasons