W1) Last year, the United States government held a hearing on UFOs. Three former military officials told Congress that they believe the government knows much more about UFOs than it is telling the public. Lawmakers noted that UFO sightings raise national security questions. Some lawmakers believe that the public has a right to know about UFOs; however, some politicians believe that the information should remain secret. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.
W2) Many students feel trapped in high school and cannot wait to get out into the "real world". Others long for the freedom and ease of childhood. Imagine you had access to a time remote that you could use to either fast-forward or rewind your life only one time. Would you go forwards or backwards? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.
W3) A new sport is quickly becoming popular on the internet. Slap fighting is a game with two opponents. The rules are simple. One player stands still and lets the other slap them in the face as hard as they can without trying to block the strike. After being slapped, the opponent returns the favor and slaps the other in the face. The last player standing wins. Some people see this as a legitimate sport; as a test of strength and endurance. Others view it as an unathletic recipe for brain damage. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.
W4) More and more people are seen wearing pajamas in public. Many people think it is lazy and disrespectful to leave the house in sleeping clothes. Pajamas enthusiasts argue that what they wear is no one else's business, and that they have a right to be comfortable. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with
W5) Food is delicious, but sometimes, eating can be inconvenient. Buying groceries, preparing meals, and cleaning dishes takes a lot of work. Many people resort to fast, unhealthy foods just to save time. Imagine if there were food pills you could take to satisfy your daily nutritional needs. They would replace all your daily meals, but would taste like nothing. Would you sacrifice gourmet meals to have more time for other activities? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.
W6) Tune in to youtube and you will be sure to find channels dedicated to children playing with toys or making funny videos. These videos can earn creators money through advertisements, and some families can make a great living by posting videos of their child's activities. Some people see these child performers as entrepreneurs, while others see them as exploited child laborers who are having their childhood monetized by their parents. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.
W7) There is a massive, hairy spider making a gigantic web on Mr. Henn's back deck. Mr. Henn has let the spider be for 2 weeks, and encourages his 3 year-old son to observe the creature up close. Mrs. Cameron, however, thinks Mr. Henn should kill the ugly creature in order to save the Henn child from certain death by spider bite. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.
W8) If you drive around the neighborhoods of Virginia Beach long enough, you will be stopped by a gaggle of geese putting across the road without concern for passing vehicles. The geese have become quite a nuisance for residents, but the city has an idea for a solution. The government is considering hiring local hunters to kill the geese. The meat would be processed and served as meals at local homeless shelters. Advocates see this proposal as a way to reduce the geese population and provide healthy meals for the less fortunate. Animal rights activists see this as inhumane, and some believe it is disrespectful to feed the homeless the flesh of neighborhood pests. Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.