#1. Some educators believe that students should be required to take physical education classes throughout high school. Others argue that PE should be optional, allowing students more time for academic courses or other interests. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether physical education should be required or optional in high school. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#2. There is ongoing debate about whether high schools should implement mandatory community service requirements for graduation. Some people believe community service teaches responsibility and civic engagement. Others argue that forced volunteering diminishes its value and adds unnecessary pressure to students. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether high schools should require community service for graduation. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#3. Some people believe that social media platforms have a positive impact on young people by facilitating connection and self-expression. Others argue that social media harms mental health and promotes superficial relationships. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether social media’s impact on young people is primarily positive or negative. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#4. There is debate about whether high school students should be allowed to use smartphones during the school day. Some educators believe phones are valuable learning tools and necessary for safety. Others argue that phones distract from learning and should be banned during school hours. Write an essay in which you take a position on smartphone use in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#5. Some people believe that students learn better with traditional textbooks than with digital devices and online materials. Others argue that digital learning tools are more engaging and prepare students for modern technology use. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should prioritize traditional textbooks or digital learning materials. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#6. There is ongoing debate about whether high schools should start later in the morning to accommodate teenagers’ sleep needs. Some researchers argue that later start times improve student health and academic performance. Others believe that changing schedules creates logistical problems for families and extracurricular activities. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether high schools should adopt later start times. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#7. Some educators believe that homework is essential for reinforcing classroom learning and building discipline. Others argue that excessive homework causes stress and reduces time for family, exercise, and creative pursuits. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether current homework levels in high schools are appropriate or should be reduced. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#8. There is debate about whether students should be required to take fine arts classes such as music, drama, or visual art. Some people believe arts education develops creativity and critical thinking essential for all students. Others argue that arts should be elective to allow more focus on core academic subjects. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether fine arts should be required or optional in high school. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#9. Some people believe that high school students benefit from having part-time jobs because they learn responsibility and money management. Others argue that part-time work interferes with academic success and limits participation in school activities. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether part-time employment is beneficial or detrimental for high school students. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#10. There is ongoing debate about standardized testing in education. Some people believe standardized tests provide objective measures of student achievement and school effectiveness. Others argue that these tests create stress, limit creative teaching, and don’t accurately measure learning. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether standardized testing is a valuable educational tool or should be reduced or eliminated. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#11. Some educators believe that competitive grading and class rankings motivate students to excel academically. Others argue that competition creates unhealthy stress and that schools should adopt pass/fail or narrative evaluation systems instead. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether traditional letter grades and rankings should be maintained or replaced with alternative assessment methods. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#12. There is debate about whether high schools should offer more career and technical education programs alongside traditional college-prep courses. Some people believe vocational training provides valuable skills and career paths for all students. Others argue that emphasis on technical education might discourage students from pursuing four-year degrees. Write an essay in which you take a position on expanding career and technical education in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#13. Some people believe that schools should teach financial literacy as a required course covering budgeting, investing, and credit management. Others argue that math and economics courses already cover necessary concepts and that adding requirements overloads student schedules. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether financial literacy should be a required high school course. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#14. There is ongoing debate about whether college education should be free for all students, funded by taxpayers. Some people believe free college would increase opportunity and reduce inequality. Others argue that taxpayer-funded college is economically unfeasible and devalues degrees. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether college should be tuition-free. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#15. Some people believe that schools should ban junk food and sugary drinks from cafeterias to promote student health. Others argue that students should have freedom to make their own food choices and that schools shouldn’t act as dietary enforcers. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should restrict unhealthy food options. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#16. There is debate about whether high schools should eliminate tracking systems that place students in different academic levels for the same subjects. Some educators believe mixed-ability classrooms promote equity and raise overall achievement. Others argue that tracking allows teachers to better meet diverse student needs. Write an essay in which you take a position on ability grouping and academic tracking in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#17. Some people believe that schools should incorporate more project-based and hands-on learning instead of traditional lectures and tests. Others argue that direct instruction and conventional testing remain the most effective and efficient teaching methods. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should shift toward project-based learning or maintain traditional instructional approaches. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#18. There is ongoing debate about whether high school students should be required to learn a foreign language. Some educators believe language learning develops cognitive skills and cultural awareness essential in a globalized world. Others argue that language requirements are impractical when students won’t retain or use the language. Write an essay in which you take a position on mandatory foreign language education in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#19. Some people believe that artificial intelligence and automation will eliminate many jobs, so schools should focus on teaching uniquely human skills like creativity and emotional intelligence. Others argue that schools should emphasize STEM education to prepare students for technology careers. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should prioritize human-centered skills or technical STEM education for the future workforce. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#20. There is debate about whether schools should monitor students’ social media accounts for safety concerns such as bullying, threats, or depression. Some people believe monitoring can prevent tragedies and protect students. Others argue that social media surveillance violates student privacy and trust. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should monitor student social media activity. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#21. Some educators believe that schools should teach coding and computer programming as a core subject starting in elementary school. Others argue that not all students need programming skills and that resources should focus on foundational literacy and numeracy. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether coding should be a required subject for all students. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#22. There is ongoing debate about whether high schools should limit or eliminate homework over weekends and school breaks. Some people believe students need uninterrupted rest time for mental health and family connection. Others argue that regular practice is necessary and that breaks offer opportunities for extended projects. Write an essay in which you take a position on assigning homework during weekends and breaks. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#23. Some people believe that parents should have access to real-time tracking of their high school students’ grades and assignments through online portals. Others argue that constant parental monitoring undermines student independence and creates excessive pressure. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether real-time grade portals benefit or harm high school students. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#24. There is debate about whether high schools should offer mental health days as excused absences, allowing students to take time off for stress and emotional well-being without penalty. Some people believe this policy normalizes mental health care and prevents burnout. Others argue that it encourages avoidance and students will abuse the system. Write an essay in which you take a position on allowing mental health days in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#25. Some people believe that high school dress codes are necessary to maintain a professional learning environment and reduce distractions. Others argue that dress codes are often discriminatory, particularly toward female students, and that they stifle self-expression. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether high schools should enforce dress codes. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#26. There is ongoing debate about whether students should be allowed to use laptops and tablets for note-taking in class. Some educators believe digital notes are more efficient and help students stay organized. Others argue that handwriting notes improves retention and reduces in-class distractions. Write an essay in which you take a position on digital versus handwritten note-taking in classrooms. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#27. Some people believe that high schools should require students to complete internships or job shadowing experiences to explore careers before graduation. Others argue that these requirements create logistical challenges and that students should focus on academics. Write an essay in which you take a position on mandatory career exploration programs in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#28. There is debate about whether college admissions should eliminate considering standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT. Some people believe test-optional policies increase equity and reduce stress. Others argue that standardized tests provide valuable data about academic preparedness. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether colleges should stop requiring standardized tests for admission. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#29. Some educators believe that schools should incorporate more outdoor education and nature-based learning experiences. Others argue that outdoor programs take time away from core academics and present safety and liability concerns. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should expand outdoor education opportunities. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#30. There is ongoing debate about whether high schools should eliminate class rankings and grade point average calculations. Some people believe rankings create unhealthy competition and stress. Others argue that class rank provides important information for college admissions and scholarship awards. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether schools should continue ranking students. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#31. Some people believe that schools should replace traditional textbooks and lectures with video lessons and online tutorials that students can watch at their own pace. Others argue that live instruction and teacher interaction are essential for effective learning. Write an essay in which you take a position on self-paced video learning versus traditional classroom instruction. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#32. There is debate about whether high schools should implement year-round schedules with shorter, more frequent breaks instead of long summer vacations. Some educators believe year-round schooling reduces learning loss and provides better work-life balance. Others argue that traditional schedules allow for valuable summer experiences and family time. Write an essay in which you take a position on year-round versus traditional school calendars. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#33. Some people believe that high schools should teach meditation, mindfulness, and stress-management techniques as part of the regular curriculum. Others argue that these practices are personal choices that shouldn’t be mandated by schools. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether mindfulness education should be integrated into high school curricula. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#34. There is ongoing debate about whether schools should eliminate valedictorian and salutatorian designations. Some people believe single student recognition creates unhealthy competition and doesn’t reflect collaborative learning values. Others argue that these honors appropriately recognize exceptional achievement and motivate students. Write an essay in which you take a position on valedictorian recognition in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#35. Some educators believe that schools should eliminate letter grades for elementary students and use narrative evaluations instead. Others argue that grades teach students about performance standards and prepare them for future academic expectations. Write an essay in which you take a position on grading systems for elementary school students. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#36. There is debate about whether high schools should offer controversial topics and current political issues as part of their curriculum. Some people believe schools should address real-world issues to develop critical thinking and civic engagement. Others argue that political topics create division and schools should remain neutral spaces. Write an essay in which you take a position on teaching controversial issues in high schools. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#37. Some people believe that high school students should be required to take personal finance courses that include lessons on taxes, loans, insurance, and investing. Others argue that these topics are too complex for teenagers and should be learned later or through family guidance. Write an essay in which you take a position on the appropriate age and setting for financial education. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#38. There is ongoing debate about whether schools should eliminate homework for elementary school students. Some researchers argue that homework provides no academic benefit for young children and reduces family time and play. Others believe homework builds responsibility and reinforces classroom learning even at young ages. Write an essay in which you take a position on homework for elementary students. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#39. Some people believe that college athletes should be paid salaries beyond their scholarships because they generate revenue for their schools. Others argue that scholarships are sufficient compensation and that paying athletes would undermine amateur athletics and create inequality among sports. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether college athletes should receive payment beyond scholarships. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#40. There is debate about whether employers should be allowed to view applicants’ social media profiles during the hiring process. Some people believe social media provides valuable insight into character and professionalism. Others argue that reviewing social media invades privacy and introduces bias into hiring decisions. Write an essay in which you take a position on employers accessing social media during hiring. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#41. Some people believe that companies should allow employees to work from home permanently to improve work-life balance and reduce commuting. Others argue that in-person work is essential for collaboration, productivity, and company culture. Write an essay in which you take a position on remote work versus in-office work as the better model for most employees. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#42. There is ongoing debate about whether governments should regulate social media companies to prevent misinformation and harmful content. Some people believe regulation is necessary to protect democracy and public safety. Others argue that regulation threatens free speech and that companies should self-regulate. Write an essay in which you take a position on government regulation of social media content. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#43. Some people believe that cities should ban single-use plastic bags and containers to reduce environmental waste. Others argue that these bans inconvenience consumers and hurt small businesses without significantly helping the environment. Write an essay in which you take a position on banning single-use plastics. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#44. There is debate about whether restaurants should be required to post calorie counts on menus. Some people believe nutrition information helps consumers make healthier choices. Others argue that calorie posting is ineffective, triggers disordered eating, and creates burdens for small businesses. Write an essay in which you take a position on mandatory calorie disclosure in restaurants. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#45. Some people believe that voting should be mandatory for all eligible citizens, with fines for those who don’t participate. Others argue that mandatory voting violates individual freedom and that people should have the right not to vote. Write an essay in which you take a position on compulsory voting. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#46. There is ongoing debate about whether public libraries should eliminate late fees for overdue materials. Some librarians believe removing fines increases access and equity, particularly for low-income families. Others argue that fines are necessary to ensure materials are returned promptly for other patrons. Write an essay in which you take a position on library late fees. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#47. Some people believe that parents should strictly limit their children’s screen time on devices like phones, tablets, and computers. Others argue that technology is essential for modern life and that children need exposure to develop digital literacy. Write an essay in which you take a position on limiting children’s screen time. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#48. There is debate about whether historic monuments and statues of controversial figures should be removed from public spaces. Some people believe removal is necessary to avoid honoring individuals with racist or harmful legacies. Others argue that removing monuments erases history and that context and education are better approaches. Write an essay in which you take a position on removing controversial monuments. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#49. Some people believe that national parks should increase entrance fees significantly to reduce overcrowding and fund conservation efforts. Others argue that higher fees make nature less accessible to low-income families and that public lands should remain affordable for all. Write an essay in which you take a position on raising national park fees. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#50. There is ongoing debate about whether genetic engineering should be used to prevent inherited diseases in human embryos. Some scientists believe gene editing offers hope for eliminating serious genetic conditions. Others argue that modifying human DNA raises ethical concerns and could lead to dangerous applications. Write an essay in which you take a position on using genetic engineering for disease prevention. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#51. Some people believe that professional athletes and entertainers are paid excessively compared to teachers, scientists, and other essential workers. Others argue that salaries should be determined by market demand and that entertainers deserve their earnings. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether athlete and entertainer salaries are justified. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#52. There is debate about whether artificial intelligence should be used in criminal justice for decisions like bail, sentencing, and parole. Some people believe AI can reduce human bias and improve consistency. Others argue that AI systems perpetuate existing biases and lack the judgment necessary for justice decisions. Write an essay in which you take a position on using AI in criminal justice. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#53. Some people believe that individuals have a moral obligation to reduce their carbon footprint through lifestyle changes like driving less, eating less meat, and consuming fewer products. Others argue that individual action is insignificant and that only government regulation and corporate change can address climate issues. Write an essay in which you take a position on whether individual lifestyle changes are important for addressing climate change. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#54. There is ongoing debate about whether neighborhoods should have the right to block construction of homeless shelters or affordable housing. Some people believe communities should control local development to preserve property values and neighborhood character. Others argue that exclusionary practices perpetuate inequality and that housing is a regional responsibility. Write an essay in which you take a position on community control over shelter and affordable housing placement. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
#55. Some people believe that organ donation should be an opt-out system where everyone is automatically a donor unless they explicitly decline. Others argue that organ donation must remain an opt-in choice to respect bodily autonomy and personal beliefs. Write an essay in which you take a position on opt-out versus opt-in organ donation systems. Support your position with reasoning and examples.
