Writing Prompts SOL

Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing." Do we accomplish more if we are always doing something, or does inactivity also serve a purpose? Take a position on this question. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

ACCOMPLISH MORE WHEN DOING THINGS: -get more done during the day -people stay busy and do not get bored -people get things done quicker -constant progress is ensured INACTIVITY SERVES A PURPOSE: -time to relax -collect thoughts and ideas -if focusing on multiple tasks, one will never finish THESIS: Inactivity also serves a purpose because it allows time to rest, time to collect thoughts and ideas, and time to focus on only one thing.

Some people believe that students should be required to take a music, a drama, or an art class. Should students be required to take a class in the arts, or should such classes be electives? Take a position on this issue. Use reasons and specific examples to support your position.

AGREE: -broaden interests -teach more than academics -give students whose strength is not academics, a chance to shine DISAGREE: -students are not interested in them should not have to do them -will do poorly if forced to do it -students should focus on what they like THESIS: Students should not be required to take a music, a drama, or an art class because some students are just not interested, students will do poorly if they do not like it , and students will excel more in classes they like.

Author Ralph Waldo wrote, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Do you agree with Emerson's statement about individuality? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

AGREE: -can be comfortable with yourself -never be boring -diversity is important DISAGREE: -unity -creates security -no room for change THESIS: Ralph Waldo's quote is correct because life will never be boring, diversity is important, and people can be comfortable with themselves.

Philosopher, physician, and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing." Is setting a good example by your own behavior the best way to influence other people, or are there better ways to influence others? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

AGREE: -easy for people to follow -follow the same examples -better behavior -actions are what people see DISAGREE: -teaches different lessons -learn from failure -diversity is important THESIS: There are better ways to influence people other than through behaviors like teaching, learning from failure, and diversity.

The great artist Michelangelo once said, "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." Do you agree or disagree with Michelangelo's statement? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with details and specific examples.

AGREE: -experience more opportunities -setting higher goals makes you work harder -gives people a challenge DISAGREE: -succeeding gives confidence -less likely to fail -sometimes things are just too hard THESIS: Setting high goals and not achieving them is better because people should expect more from themselves, setting higher goals makes people work harder, and if the higher goals are achieved people will gain confidence.

It has been said that a positive attitude is the key to success in life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement about the importance of attitude? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

AGREE: -gives people motivation -less likely to give up -makes people feel better -situation can be made better DISAGREE: -people need more than positivity -requires hard work too -attitudes can easily be changes THESIS: A positive attitude is the key to success because it gives people motivation, makes people feel better, and positivity is needed in life.

Some school districts offer programs that allow high school students to graduate in three years instead of the traditional four years. Most students who follow this plan must take courses during the summers or in the evenings or may not be able to take elective courses. Is it a good idea for students to finish high school in three years and enter college or the work force one year early? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

AGREE: -makes students look better -get into a good job faster -head start on life DISAGREE: -no time to finish required classes -would not graduate with friends -not ready and are irrespsonsible THESIS: Students should be able to finish high school a year early because it gives them a head start on life, they can get a good job faster, and it looks good to be so young and graduate.

Author Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have mastered, you will never grow." Based on your experiences, do you agree or disagree with Emerson's statement? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

AGREE: -new experiences -if people fail, learn from those mistakes -become better at what is mastered DISAGREE: -not know what can be achieved -will not excel in a certain skill -people will give up easier THESIS: Ralph Waldo's statement is true because people will experience new things, people will learn from their mistakes, and people will be able to perfect a skill.

Many people enjoy the freedom of using cell phones wherever they go. Some people argue, however, that cell phone use should be limited because it may disturb others. Should people be allowed to use cell phones in places like stores, restaurants, and movie theaters, or should cell phone use in such places be banned? Take a position on this question. Use reasons and specific examples to support your views.

AGREE: -people pay for a movie, so they should be able to watch it in peace -people should be more social -cell phones are a distraction DISAGREE: -people pay for a phone so they should use it as they please -people in stores don't pay attention to phones -contact people in emergencies with a cell phone THESIS: People should be allowed to use their phones whenever they want because they pay for them, they are not a distraction because most people do not notice, and cell phones can be useful in an emergency.

Some people say that with dedication, persistence, and time, people can accomplish any goal. Others say that people are limited in what they can accomplish and need to be realistic when setting goals. Take a position on this issue. Use specific reasons and examples to support your ideas.

AGREE: -practice makes progress -people will push themselves -meet deadlines DISAGREE: -some people have disabilities -some work ethics are worse than others -discouraged if fail THESIS: People should be realistic when setting their goals because some people have disabilities, some people have weaker work ethics, and some people have a low self-esteem.

Civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi wrote, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Do you agree or disagree with Gandhi's statement about the importance of helping others as a way of discovering more about yourself? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

AGREE: -shows true character -become humble -be more grateful -independent DISAGREE: -focus on self -some people do not wish to help others -other ways to learn THESIS: It is important to help others as a way of discovering more about who people really are because it shows true character, it helps humble people, and it makes people be more grateful.

It has been said that first impressions are almost impossible to change. Based on your experiences, do you agree or disagree with this statement? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

AGREE: -shows what type of person people are -first think someone notices and thinks about you -only meet someone for the first time once DISAGREE: -depends on mood of person -depends on surroundings -type of people being talked to makes a difference THESIS: First impressions are impossible to change because people can't go back in time, it is the first thing people remember, and it shows what kind of person people are.

Imagine your school cafeteria plans to change to a new, healthier school lunch menu, which would eliminate some of the students' favorite cafeteria foods. Take a position on this issue and write to convince your principal whether this change to the school menu is a good idea or a bad idea. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

AGREE: -students will be healthier -meet number of calories needed -influence healthy choices at home DISAGREE: -favorite foods are taken away -students would rebel -drives up costs THESIS: School cafeterias should implement healthier lunch menus because students will be healthier, students will meet the number of calories needed, and students will be more likely to choose healthy foods at home.

Research has shown that teenagers experience a change in their internal sleep clocks so that waking up early and going to sleep early are difficult. Should high school classes begin later in the day and end later in the day to accommodate students' natural sleep clocks? Consider some of the benefits and disadvantages to starting school later in the day. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

AGREE: -students will be more rested -students will be more focused -natural sleep clock will be accommodated DISAGREE: -have time for after school things -already used to the time and schedule -parents can't be late to work to take kids to school THESIS: High school classes should not start and end later in the day because students would not have time or after school activities, students are already used to the schedule, and they may not have a ride to school.

Some say that the journey is more important than the destination. They argue that people find more joy and satisfaction in working toward a goal than in achieving it. Others say that it is the destination that gives meaning to the journey. They argue that the process of working toward a goal would be meaningless without its achievement. Take a position on this issue. Use reasons and specific examples to support your ideas.

AGREE: -teaches people about themselves -builds character -new experiences DISAGREE: -gives confidence -hard work pays off -no journey without a destination in the first place THESIS: The journey is more important than the destination because it gives people new experiences, builds character, and makes the destination feel better when accomplished.

Many people feel that American society is too competitive. Does competition lead to better products and results, or does it lead to a focus on winning at all costs? Is fierce competition a good idea or bad idea? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

COMPETITION IS GOOD: -makes people work hard to win or reach their goal -teaches people that everything is not just given to them -in order to win, people will make better products and end results will be better COMPETITIION IS BAD: -people will lie and cheat to win -can make people become selfish -create arguments and turn people against each other THESIS: Fierce competition is a good idea because it makes people work harder, it teaches people that things are not just handed to them, and it will ensure end results of work are better.

The British naturalist and politician John Lubbock wrote, "Your character will be what you yourself choose to make it." Do we choose our own character traits, or is our character formed by influences beyond our control? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

INFLUENCED: -parents, family, and friend influence -way people are raised are influenced -social media and tv influences CONTROLLED: -people make their own decisions -people are unique -people decide what they want THESIS: Our character is formed by influences because advertisements, family and friends, and how people are raised all play a part in influencing character.

It has been said, "Failure is not the worst thing in the world. The very worst is not to try." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Take a position on this issue. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion

FAILURE IS THE WORST: -disappointed when fail -people may give up -may not get another chance when fail NOT TRYING IS THE WORST: -never know if you could succeed -may be succesful -can try again and learn from mistakes THESIS: The very worst is not to try because people may not know what could've been if they do not try, people get the opportunity to try again, and people can learn from their mistakes.

Because of safety concerns, many states have increased the age at which teens can begin to drive. Your state legislature is considering raising the minimum driving age from 16 to 18. Do you think the minimum driving age should be raised? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

FOR RAISING AGE: -reduce accidents -drivers are immature at 16 -people are smarter and adults at 18 AGAINST RAISING AGE: -driving early will gain experience -helpful and convenient for teens -teaches responsibility -been set for so long, no need to change now THESIS: The state should not raise the driving age because starting young gives more experience, responsibility is taught, and driving young can be helpful.

To conserve energy and resources, some businesses have adopted a four-day work week, with each day consisting of ten hours. Should your school follow this model by extending the school day two hours? After considering the benefits and disadvantages to a four-day school week, take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

FOR: -Learn more and do more in one day -3 day weekend -more summer break AGAINST: -takes away from after school activities -getting home later from extracurriculars(less hw time) -less time with family and friends THESIS: Our school should not adopt a four-day school week with two more hours per day because it would take away from after school activities, it would make students get home later, and there would be less time for family and friends.

Some schools use cell phones in the classroom for educational purposes. Think about the effects of allowing students to have and use cell phones in classrooms. Take a position on this issue. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

FOR: -used for educational purposes -iPads and laptops are not always available -helpful apps like calculators and dictionary -review games can be played AGAINST: -lose focus in class -test scores are brought down -not everyone has a cell phone -able to cheat in class THESIS: Allowing phones in the classroom is a good idea because they can be used for educational apps, they are convenient, and they can be used for fast research.

Some people believe in praising a student's work to build self-esteem, even if the work is not the student's best effort. They believe that students must be self-confident in order to learn. Others believe that praise given for deficient work undermines learning by lowering standards. They believe that the source of true self-esteem is achievement. Does true self-esteem come from praise or does it come from achievement? Take a position on this issue. Use reasons and specific examples to support your ideas.

FROM PRAISE: -gives confidence -may take a while to achieve a goal -can praise the little things self-esteem can overall make the achievement better FROM ACHIEVEMENT: -think they can do minimum work all the time -only praise when needed/deserved -can stall progress and lose motivation THESIS: True self-esteem comes from praise because a good self-esteem can overall make the work better, some things may take a while to achieve, and the little things can be praised about medicare work.

People who value self-reliance define it as the need for each individual to follow his or her own instincts and ideas. Should people make their own decisions, or should they seek guidance from experts and authorities about life's important matters? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

OWN DECISIONS: -guidance is not always needed -helps people grow when make decisions on their own -guidance can make people work -person may give bad guidance SEEK GUIDANCE: -people may know more about a situation than you -everyone needs advice sometimes -people have different views and can help THESIS: People should make their own decisions because guidance can be bad, making decisions help people grow, and guidance would make people look weak.

Technology allows people to complete many tasks without having contact with others. People can check out books, shop, and play games without speaking to another person. Has the limitation of human contact due to the use of technology had positive or negative effects on people's lives? Take a position on this question. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

POSITIVE: -help disabled people -easier to do things -connect with people from far away NEGATIVE: -less social -people become lazy -dangerous and anonymous THESIS: Technology has had a positive effect on people's lives because it helps disabled people, it makes things easier to do, and it helps us connect with people far away.

Some schools offer distance learning as an option for students to attend classes from home by way of online or video conferencing. Do you think students would benefit from being able to attend classes from home? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

PROS: -convenient -more flexibility -teaches self discipline CONS: -easier to cheat -not as social -decrease in work ethic THESIS: Students would not benefit much from distance learning because it is easier to cheat, it makes students antisocial, and it would not benefit people with weak work ethic.

In some societies, students are expected to identify a career by the time they enter high school. Their courses of study in high school are selected to guide them toward a specific career. Do you think it is a good idea for students to commit to a career at a young age? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

PROS: -ready for work -specialized classes -less pressure when choosing a major CONS: -people can change their minds -don't get to experience more than one job or career -young teens do not know what they want their whole life to be like yet THESIS: Students should be expected to identify a career by the time they enter high school because they will be ready for work, they can have specialized classes, and they will be less stressed when choosing a major.

Many schools require students to participate in volunteer programs in their communities as a requirement for graduation. However, some people feel that requiring students to volunteer defeats the purpose of volunteering. Do you think students should be required to volunteer in their communities to receive their high school diplomas? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

REQUIRED: -students help out in the community -people will feel good about it -gain new experiences NOT REQUIRED: -students will not enjoy it if made to do it -whole point of volunteering is it to be voluntary -not sincere if it is required THESIS: Students should not be required to volunteer because it is not sincere, students will rebel, and it defeats the purpose of volunteering.

Many students become involved in extracurricular activities to enrich their educational experiences, and some even become involved in so many activities that they have little time to study or complete homework assignments. Should schools control student involvement in extracurricular activities, or should the decision regarding extracurricular involvement be left to students and their families? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

SCHOOL CONTROLLED: -help with time management -more educational activities -exposed to new interests STUDENT CONTROLLED: -freedom -will do well if they enjoy the activity -students have different abilities -students have different interests THESIS: Extracurricular activities should be left to the decision of students and families because students need freedom, they may have different abilities, and they may have different interests.

Most students enjoy summer vacation, but some educators feel that the summer break is too long and that students do not retain information as easily when they return in the fall. Some people argue that there should be year-round schools, where there would be a 3-4 week break in the summer, a longer winter break, and a week off in the spring and fall. Does this sound like a good idea to you? Why or why not? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

SUMMER: -longer break -vacation -sports YEAR LONG: -retain information -better grades -consistent routine THESIS: Year-round schools should be implemented because students will retain information, have a higher GPA, and keep a consistent routine.

Think about the benefits of working with a group or working alone. Which do you feel is more beneficial? Write to convince your teacher of your preference, either to work with a group or to work alone. Support your position with reasons and specific examples.

WORKING ALONE: -people share workload -everyone can give ideas -different skill sets -prepare for real work force WORKING WITH A GROUP: -don't worry about slackers -do not have to consult others on work -your work is your grade, no one else's -less distractions THESIS: Working with a group is beneficial because everyone will share the workload, everyone has different skills to contribute, and everyone can be prepared for the real work force.