SOL Writing Prompts

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Prompt #1

Some say that the journey is more important than the destination. They argue that people find more joy and satisfaction in working towards 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:

- adaptability (focus on journey=adapt to newer goals)

- appreciation of moment (like journey more than end)

- personal growth

- life lessons learned

Disagree:
- lack of closure (efforts in vain if goal is incomplete)

counterclaim: experiences and growth can bring more value than end goal

Prompt #2

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.

Pros:
- skill development (teamwork, communication which are not taught in school)
- community engagement (gives civic responsibility and social awareness)
- social welfare benefits (more volunteers for organizations)

Cons:
- unmotivated because it is required

counterclaim: it can still inspire volunteerism & ignite passion for volunteerism for those who might not’ve otherwise participated

Prompt #3

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.

Against:
- economic impact (teens can’t drive to jobs)

- schedule changes (parents may not have time to drive teens)

For:
- increased safety

counterclaim: inexperience is a more influential factor in accidents than age

Prompt #4

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.

Agree:
- every person decides how to react to situations with the values they uphold
- responsibility (would be difficult to hold people responsible for our actions if we are products of environment)
- growth mindset
Disagree:
- environmental influences (culture, social)

counterclaim: reflection and self-awareness allows us to choose what traits to adopt/reject

Prompt #5

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.

Pros:
- prevent procrastination
- promotes learning/growth
- maximize productivity
Cons:
- burnout

counterclaim: can be mitigated by taking breaks or doing less intense activities

Prompt #6

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.

Pros:
- enhanced resilience (cope with challenges and setbacks)
- better relationships (attract others, creating networks, more people want to work with you)

- increased productivity
Cons:
- underestimate risk and potential problem

counterclaim: use strategic planning and seeking diverse perspectives (an optimistic investor can diversify portfolio to manage risk)

Prompt #7

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.

Pros:
- first impressions are efficient when making quick judgements
- shows instinctive reactions rather than thought-out ones
Cons:
- misjudgment (people can change)

counterclaim: despite potential inaccuracy, first impressions leave a lasting impression and serve as an anchor for judgments

Prompt #8

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

Pros:
- self-fulfillment (be unhappy when not true-self)
- innovation (entrepreneurs)
- authenticity (being yourself builds trust)
Cons:
- social rejection

counterclaim: history remembers figures such as Rosa Parks not for their rejection, but for their courage to stand out

Prompt #9

Author Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already 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.

Pros:
- foster innovation
- encourage learning

- mistakes would be easily looked over
- builds resilience (by facing challenges, learn how to bounce back)
Cons:
- risk of failure

counterclaim: taking risks is what brings us to success, failure is not the end of the journey and it lets you learn

Prompt #10

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:
- self-discovery (stepping out of comfort zone can find identity)
- develop empathy
- increased happiness from helping
Disagree:
- self-neglect of identity

counterclaim: fulfillment derived from helping others can contribute to identity

Prompt #11

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.

Accomplish anything:
- potential realization (most people underestimate themselves)
- promotes innovation (eg. wright brothers airplanes)
- encourages improvement
Realistic
- risk of failure

counterclaim: failure allows you to learn from mistakes, it is not the end of the journey

Prompt #12

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:
- potential realization (most people underestimate themselves)
- mistakes wouldn’t be found
- encourages improvement
Disagree:
- risk of failure

counterclaim: the improvement along the way can also serve as a success and failure is not the end of the journey

Prompt #13

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.

Good:
- improved health
- kids will learn about the importance of nutrients
- not as many kids having diabetes
Bad:
- reduced satisfaction, causing kids not to eat

counterclaim: tastes can change over time and students can be involved in the menu planning process

Prompt #14

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.

Agree:
- learn (embrace failure=encourage risk-taking and learn from mistakes)
- by not trying, you fail already
- build resilience

- lose opportunities when not trying
Disagree:
- discouragement from failure

counterclaim: failure is a temporary setback rather than permanent/end of journey

Prompt #15

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.

Cons:
- doesn’t benefit students who are interested in a non-arts career
- may prevent students from getting into classes aligned with their goals due to the class being mandatory

- inefficient allocation of funds on a school program that aren’t essential

Pros:

- boosts creativity which is valuable for any career

counterclaim: some argue the structure of school programs stifle individual expression, limiting creative exploration

Prompt #16

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.

Alone-
- students may group with friends and get distracted from doing work, no distractions when working alone

- unequal participation

- takes longer to agree on one thing

- varied working styles

With a group-
- divided workload
Cons:
- some people will not do their own work, leading to a lower grade for others even if they did their work

Prompt #17

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.

Pros:
- efficiency & convenience (online shopping faster than in-store)
- accessibility (some may not be able to go out)
- safety (reduces risk of virus transmission)
Cons:
- reduced social interaction

counterclaim: technology also provides platforms for new forms of socialization

Prompt #18

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.

cons:
- distracting
- used to cheat
pros:
- can be used for educational purposes

counterclaim: school-issued computers can serve the same purpose

Prompt #19

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.

cons:
- can get distracted easily
- students might not have internet access

- limited hands-on learning (arts, sports)
pros:
- reduce social anxiety

counterclaim: also limits social interaction, which prevents students from overcoming it

Prompt #20

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.

Cons:
- impacts extracurriculars
- disrupts work balance (teachers with children)
Pros:
- more learning opportunities

counterclaim: students can get burnout quicker after a longer day

Prompt #21

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.

Cons:
- interests may change
- market dynamics (job demands may change)
- will have interest in working
Pros:
- more focused education (students can choose what to develop during school for their chosen field)

counterclaim: specializing too early may prevent a student from changing career paths

Prompt #22

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.

Pros:
- allows students who know what they want to do t
- after school work opportunities
- money needs
Cons:
- limit amount of free time
- courses over the summer and at night
- no time for jobs or volunteering

Prompt #23

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.

Pros:
- health
- more sleep
- more focused
Cons:
- parents
- school activities
- teachers

Prompt #24

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.

Pros:
- students may struggle with time management
- students may be burnt out from many activities

- students may miss out on class due to many field trips
Cons:
- can enhance college applications

counterclaim: can also lead to a decline in academic performance if students are overwhelmed with extracurriculars

Prompt #25

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.

Pros:
- promote innovation
- consumer benefits (lower prices)
Cons:
- unethical practices to save money

counterclaim: regulations can be established to ensure fair play

Prompt #26

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.

Pros:
- credibility (people are more likely to follow someone who demonstrates the behaviors they advocate for)
- people already subconsciously imitate others
Cons:
- limited visibility (not many people are affected)

counterclaim: can create a ripple effect

Prompt #27

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.

Pros
- retain information over breaks
- decreased absences
- reduce burnout
Cons:
- less opportunity to work a summer job

counterclaim: holiday break jobs are available

Prompt #28

Some states have now made it illegal to drive while using a hand-held cell phone. Do you agree or disagree with this law? Why or why not? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

Pros:
- less distraction
- less accidents
Cons:
- emergency

counterclaim: laws provide exceptions for emergency calls

Prompt #29

Most public places, including schools, have installed video cameras for surveillance. Is the installation of surveillance cameras the best way to provide security, or is it a privacy violation that would not deliver what it promises? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

Pros:
- improve safety (prevent criminal activities)
- aid law enforcement
Cons:
- privacy violation

counterclaim: cameras are usually in places where individuals do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy

Prompt #30

Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said that "success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." Do you agree with Churchill's statement about the important role that failure plays in the pursuit of success? Take a position on this question. Use reasons and specific examples to support your ideas.

Pros:
- builds resilience (each setback strengthens determination)
- learn from mistakes
- failure can serve as motivation to succeed
Cons:
- failure can lead to discouragement

counterclaim: adopting a growth mindset allows failure to be seen as a way to learn

Prompt #31

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.

Pros:
- guidance is not need
- not having guidance helps people grow
- guidance makes people look weak
Cons:
- other people may know better than one person
- everybody needs to take advice
- without guidance out come may be worse

Prompt #32

Some schools require students to complete summer projects to assure they continue learning during their break. Should these summer projects be teacher-designed or student-designed? Take a position on this question. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

Pros:
- new ideas
- able to express an individual
- more control
Cons:
- no guidance
- no time for family
- may stay from school subject

Prompt #33

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.

Pros:
- praise can be a motivator
- positive reinforcement
Cons:
- students can feel satisfied with minimal effort

counterclaim: praise can be constructive, specific, and tied to the outcome rather than result

Prompt #34

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.

Pros:
- distract others
- make too much noise
- disrespect others
Cons:
- you could get lost
- someone could get injury
- someone might need them when they need help translate something

Prompt #35

A city council is debating the adoption of a 10 P.M. weekday curfew and a midnight weekend curfew for teenagers. If the curfew is adopted, teenagers on the streets after those hours would be breaking the law. Do curfews keep teenagers out of trouble, or do they unfairly interfere in young people's lives? Take a position on this question. Use reasons and specific examples to support your views.

Pros:
- safety
- crime
- time
Cons:
- job
- sneak out
- school activities

Prompt #36

Some people say that most teenagers are careless and do not think about the consequences of their actions. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Take a position on this question. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

Cons:
- impulsive
- susceptible to peer pressure
- not fully developed brain
Pros:
- risk-taking ability

counterclaim: teenagers may underestimate potential risk

Prompt #37

It has been said that actions speak louder than words. Based on your experiences, do you agree or disagree with this saying? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

Pros:
- clarity (words can be ambiguous/misleading)
- actions build trust (tangible evidence)
- lasting impact
Cons:
- actions can be misinterpreted at times

counterclaim: effective communication is a combination of both

Prompt #38

In his book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum lists these simple lessons: put things back where you found them, play and work some every day, hold hands and stick together. Do you agree or disagree that these lessons apply to life today? Or is life too complicated for such simplicity? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples

Pros:
- can still be applicable to everyday life

- more intentional, fulfilling life
Cons:
- life is too complex and requires knowledge beyond kindergarten lessons

counterclaim: the principles of cooperation, respect, and balance are universally applicable

Prompt #39

Many occupations have dress codes for employees. Write to convince business leaders that dress codes should or should not be required. Support your position with reasons and specific examples.

Pros:
- looks professional
- appropriate clothes
- first impression
Cons:
- employees should be comfortable
- too relaxed
- unprofessional

Prompt #40

Some educators argue that every child in school should have access to computers. Others believe that too much importance is placed on computers and that they may actually interfere with the learning process. In your opinion, how important are computers in the classroom? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

Pros:
- document online
- work easily shared w/group
- no way to lose papers
Cons:
- distraction
- computers could not work
- use your brain

Prompt #41

Many cities have issues with air pollution and traffic jams because there are too many cars on the roads. Some people feel that cities should restrict the use of cars and require people to walk, bike, or use public transportation, such as buses or trains. Do you think this proposal is a good idea? Why or why not? Take a position on the issue. Support your response with reasons and examples.

Pros:
- saves the economy
- less pollution
- many people don't have a car
Cons:
- people pay for their pay
- cost money for transportation and people have to wait.
- could miss the stop

Prompt #42

Some schools do not use a typical grading system focused on homework, quizzes, and tests. Instead, students are given a long-term assignment and must produce a project and oral presentation to show what they have learned. Do you believe this grading system is a more effective way for a teacher to evaluate student learning than traditional grades? Take a position on this issue. Support your
response with reasons and examples.

Typical Grading System:
- show how a person grows
Long-term assignment:
- remember important things longer
- takes their time
- student would put their hard work in

Prompt #43

Most employers are looking for specific characteristics in a potential employee. For example, they look for someone who is responsible and hard-working, and often they look for a person who has experience. Write to persuade a future employer that, even though you may not have experience in the type of work you seek, you are a good candidate to hire. Use reasons and specific examples to
support your response.

No experience:
- hard working, reliable (straight A, had classes on this topic)

- open availability (no tardies in school, have a schedule, good at time management)

counterclaim: lack of experience

counter-counterclaim: blank-slate, ready to be molded into company’s methods, eager to learn

Prompt #44

Many schools have partnerships with companies that allow students to explore certain occupations through internships and shadowing opportunities to discover whether they are interested in pursuing that type of employment. Write to convince a manager of a business to select you to visit and learn about the work that interests you.

- future investment

- eager to learn

- bring unique and different perspective to company

counterclaim: lack of experience

- allows to me gain experience necessary to contribute in the future

Prompt #45

Consider the type of job that would best suit you. It might be a job working outdoors or in an office, or somewhere else. Write to convince an employer that you possess the qualities required to do well at the job that most interests you. Use specific examples to support your reasons.

Convince an employer:
- thrive in team collaboration
- problem-solving skills
counterclaim:

indecisiveness/lack of consistency

counter-counterclaim: adaptability

Prompt #46

Many believe that in democratic societies a free education is each citizen's right. Others see education as a privilege, one that must be earned. In the United States, should education be considered a right or a privilege? Take a position on this question. Support your response with
reasons and specific examples.

Right:
- students would get educated
- have a good job
- won't waste time
Privilege:
- students wouldn't be force
- money wouldn't go to waste
- children can start doing what they want

Prompt #47

Companies market products to children, especially through television commercials shown with children's programming. Designed to appeal to children, these advertisements promote products like toys and snack foods. Should companies be permitted to market to children, or should children be protected from the influence of advertising? Take a position on this issue. Use reasons and specific examples to support your ideas.

Market to children:
- more customer service
Protect Children from market:
- products could be bad for kids
- bad influence
- people could lie