SAT Essay Prompt

ESSAY PROMPTS
SAT
Year
Month
A) Identity / Self-Determination / Decisions & Opinion
1. Here are two false assumptions about experts. One is that they see more clearly
and think more intelligently than ordinary citizens. Sometimes they do,
sometimes not. The other false assumption is that these experts have the same
interests as ordinary citizens and hold the same values. In fact, the important
decisions of society are within the capability of ordinary citizens. Not only can
ordinary people make their own decisions without the help of experts, but they
ought to.

Should people make more decisions on their own and rely less on the advice of
experts? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this
issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your
reading, studies, experience, or observations.

2014 January
2. There is something good to be said for holding firm opinions, whether in politics,
art, business, or daily life. A person who is deeply committed to a certain position
on a film, a political candidate, or an idea may have thought long and hard before
reaching that position. But too often such opinions are not based on careful
thought and may be so rigidly held that those who express them do not consider
other viewpoints or positions.

Are firmly held opinions reasonable? Plan and write an essay in which you develop
your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and
examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

2012 Dec
3. We all know idealistspeople who have goals that are noble but often impractical.
We also know realistspeople who limit their goals to achievements that they are
likely to accomplish and who only make plans that are practical and manageable.
While it is true that practical people often accomplish their individual goals,
humanity as a whole has more to gain from the idealistic dreamers.

Do idealists contribute more to the world than realists do? Plan and write an
essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position
with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or
observations.

2011 Dec
4. All communities and groups have reliable rules of right and wrong in the form of
laws, values, and social standards. It is therefore generally assumed that most
people know the difference between right and wrong and that they usually know
the right thing to do. This view is simplistic, however. People often find
themselves in complex situations for which no rule provides adequate guidance
and the right course of action is unclear.

Is it often difficult for people to determine what is the right thing to do? Plan
and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support
your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies,
experience, or observations

2011 Nov
5. idealistic people, people who pursue great ideas in hopes of changing the world,
often have ambitious plans that are difficult or even impossible to carry out.
These people can claim few solid accomplishments. In contrast, practical people
concentrate on workable ideas and goals, even though these may not meet an
idealist's high standards. Their approach is likely to be more valuable than the
approach of idealistic people.

Is an idealistic approach less valuable than a practical approach? Plan and write
an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your
position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies,
experience, or observations.

2011 January
6. People make decisions all the time. Some of these decisions may seem to be minor
and inconsequentialwhether to read a book or to not attend a meetingwhile
others are obviously more important. But even though the important decisions are
likely to have equally important consequences, people should not treat casually or
overlook the small decisions. The so-called small decisions have the greatest
impact on our lives.

Do small decisions often have major consequences? Plan and write an essay in
which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with
reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or
observations.

2010 March
7. People are often criticized for working out their own ideas before learning all
that others have discovered about a problem or subject. But those people are
right; it is possible to know too much, especially at first. The time for thorough
inquiry and extensive research is later, after you have made your own discoveries
and come to your own conclusions.

Is it better for people to work out their own ideas on a problem or issue before
learning how others have approached it? Plan and write an essay in which you
develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and

2009 Dec
8. People usually assume that the quality of a decision is directly related to the time
and effort that went into making it. We believe that we are always better off
gathering as much information as possible and then spending as much time as
possible analyzing that information. But there are times when making a quick
judgment is the best thing to do. Decisions made quickly can be as good as
decisions made slowly and cautiously.

Are decisions made quickly just as good as decisions made slowly and carefully?
Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue.
Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading,
studies, experience, or observations.

2008 Oct
9. When someone has the same ideas or views as most people do, we tend to believe
that the person is reasonable and correct. Often, however, views that are
considered reasonable or commonsensical are anything but sensible. Many widely
held views regarding current events, science, education, arts and literature, and
2008 June
many other topics ultimately prove to be wrong. The fact that an idea or view is
widespreadheld by many peopledoes not make it right.

Are widely held views often wrong, or are such views more likely to be correct?

10. The first problem for all of us is not to learn but to unlearn. We hold on to ideas
that were accepted in the past, and we are afraid to give them up.
Preconceptions about what is right or wrong, true or false, good or bad are
embedded so deeply in our thinking that we honestly may not know that they are
there. Whether it's women's role in society or the role of our country in the
world, the old assumptions just don't work anymore.

Do people need to "unlearn," or reject, many of their assumptions and ideas? Plan

2007 Dec
11. Our determination to pursue truth by setting up a fight between two sides leads
us to believe that every issue has two sidesno more, no less. If we know both
sides of an issue, all of the relevant information will emerge, and the best case
will be made for each side. But this process does not always lead to the truth.
Often the truth is somewhere in the complex middle, not the oversimplified
extremes.

Should people choose one of two opposing sides of an issue, or is the truth usually
found "in the middle"? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of
view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from
your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

2007 Dec
12. A person does not simply "receive" his or her identity. Identity is much more
than the name or features one is born with. True identity is something people
must create for themselves by making choices that are significant and that
require a courageous commitment in the face of challenges. Identity means
having ideas and values that one lives by.
Is identity something people are born with or given, or is it something people
create for themselves? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2007 Oct
13. We do not take the time to determine right from wrong. Reflecting on the
difference between right and wrong is hard work. It is so much easier to follow
the crowd, going along with what is popular rather than risking the disapproval of
others by voicing an objection of any kind.

Is it always best to determine one's own views of right and wrong, or can we
benefit from following the crowd? Plan and write an essay in which you develop
2007 May
14. From the time people are very young, they are urged to get along with others, to
try to "fit in." Indeed, people are often rewarded for being agreeable and
obedient. But this approach is misguided because it promotes uniformity instead
of encouraging people to be unique and different. Differences among people give
each of us greater perspective and allow us to make better judgments.

Is it more valuable for people to fit in than to be unique and different? Plan and
write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your

2007 March
15. Sometimes it is necessary to challenge what people in authority claim to be true.
Although some respect for authority is, no doubt, necessary in order for any
group or organization to function, questioning the people in charge-even if they
are experts or leaders in their fields-makes us better thinkers. It forces all
concerned to defend old ideas and decisions and to consider new ones. Sometimes
it can even correct old errors in thought and put an end to wrong actions.

Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of
authority? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2006 Oct
16. It is rare to find an objective and independent viewpoint on style, literature,
politics, or any other matter. Many people's opinions are formed through their
associations with others. It is our nature to conform; conformity is a force that
few can successfully resist. We give in to the human instinct to go along with the
crowd and to have its approval.
Do we tend to accept the opinions of others instead of developing our own
independent ideas? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2006 June

Honesty / Sincerity

1. Most people tend to trust others too readily. To avoid being taken advantage of,
however, it is generally wise to be doubtful and suspicious of others' motives or
honesty. Many people would agree that if you find yourself doubting other
people's sincerity or questioning their intentions, your instincts are probably
correct. You are less likely to regret being cautious than being too trusting.

Is it wise to be suspicious of the motives or honesty of other people, even those
who appear to be trustworthy? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your
point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples
taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

2012 January
2. Most of us value sincerityopen, honest communication and behavior. We try
hard to be sincere with others, and we expect others to be just as open and
honest with us. Sincerity can be a problem, however, when by expressing our true
thoughts and feelings we might offend others. At such times, it is often better
2012 Nov
for us to pretend to agree with others rather than take the risk of provoking
feelings of anger or resentment.

Is it better for people to agree with others, even if doing so means being
insincere? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

3. Many people believe that being honest and honorable limits their options, their
opportunities, their very ability to succeed. Unfortunately, in today's me-first
culture, ethics may be the only thing people choose to live without! They believe
they have only two choices: (1) to win by doing whatever it takes, even if it is
wrong, or (2) to be ethical and therefore lose. Few people set out to be
dishonest, but nobody wants to lose.

Does being ethical make it hard to be successful? Plan and write an essay in which
you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning
and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

2009 March
4. Being loyalfaithful or dedicated to someone or somethingis not always easy.
People often have conflicting loyalties, and there are no guidelines that help them
decide to what or whom they should be loyal. Moreover, people are often loyal to
something bad. Still, loyalty is one of the essential attributes a person must have
and must demand of others.

Should people always be loyal? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2008 March
5. It is often the case that revealing the complete truth may bring trouble
discomfort, embarrassment, sadness, or even harmto oneself or to another
person. In these circumstances, it is better not to express our real thoughts and
feelings. Whether or not we should tell the truth, therefore, depends on the
circumstances.

Do circumstances determine whether or not we should tell the truth? Plan and

2007 May

Other Characteristic

1. People often focus on "the details," those seemingly minor features and elements
that often have major effects or consequences. Whether they are making
ordinary, everyday decisions, analyzing historical events, or enjoying the plot of a
novel, many people consider the details to be all-important. Others, however,
argue that paying attention to details distracts people from the big picture
perceiving an idea, goal, or plan in its entirety.

Is it a disadvantage to pay attention to details? Plan and write an essay in which
2013 March

Too many people do not consider their task or project complete or acceptable
until every detail has been done right. Fortunately, such people have not always
had their way, since nothing would ever be completed if we had to check every
detail before we could consider our work done. In fact, none of the world's
greatest accomplishments would have been made, because none of them is
perfect in every detail.

Do people put too much importance on getting every detail right on a project or
task? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2011 January
2. Discipline is a negative word for many people because it is associated with
rigorous training, strict rules, and strong self-control. But we fail to realize that
freedom comes only through discipline. Discipline compels us to sacrifice
immediate rewards and pleasures, but it also gives our lives structure and
prevents us from making costly mistakes. It keeps us from being subject to our
impulses and weaknesses and thus frees us to achieve our true goals.

Do people need discipline to achieve freedom? Plan and write an essay in which

2011 Oct
3. Whatever happened to good manners? Many books and articles have been written
about the lack of common courtesy and old-fashioned politeness in today's
society. From spoiled children acting out in restaurants to so-called experts
yelling at each other on cable news shows, people seem less concerned with good
manners and civilized behavior than ever before. On the other hand, if people
really want to change the world for the better, they have to risk being seen as
impolite or uncivil.

Is it sometimes necessary to be impolite? Plan and write an essay in which you

2009 March
4. We define "courage" too loosely. Real courage is conscious self-sacrifice, either
for the sake of others or to uphold a value. But we typically identify a single
aspect of couragedaring or honesty, for exampleas the entire virtue. We even
say it takes courage to differ from the mainstream in one's preferences in
fashion or music or to speak out about certain wrongs. Such acts, though
admirable, are not necessarily courageous.

Should we limit our use of the term "courage" to acts in which people risk their
own well-being for the sake of others or to uphold a value? Plan and write an
observations.

2009 March
5. It is wrong to think of ourselves as indispensable. We would love to think that
our contributions are essential, but we are mistaken if we think that any one
person has made the world what it is today. The contributions of individual people
are seldom as important or as necessary as we think they are.

Do we put too much value on the ideas or actions of individual people? Plan and

2006 Nov

B) Characteristics/Factors Determining Success/Achieving Goals

1. We place far too much emphasis on experience and achievement in our society.
We tend to judge people based on what they've done rather than on what they
can do. But looking only at someone's experience and achievements ignores how
that person may develop or what that person may become. We can only
determine peoples true worth by what they are capable of doing, not by what
they have already done.

Should people be judged by their potential rather than by their experience and
achievements? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on
this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your

2014 May
2. For many people, the traditional path to success involves graduating from high
school and college before working their way up in a particular profession.
However, many of societys most successful individuals taught themselves the
skills they needed to start their own businesses, invent new technologies, or
create works of art. For these individuals, the nontraditional path turned out to
be the path to success.

Are people who do not follow societys traditional paths to advancement more
likely to be successful than those who do? Plan and write an essay in which you

2014 January
3. Stories about the great achievements of others, from athletic championships to
scientific or artistic breakthroughs, often inspire people to make great
achievements of their own. Such stories, however, do not reflect the fact that
real progress is more often a gradual process consisting of many small
improvements than the direct result of a single great act. People would probably
achieve more if they were encouraged to aim for small accomplishments rather
than for great achievements.

Is it better to aim for small accomplishments instead of great achievements?

2012 Nov
4. Too often, people fail to solve problems because they focus only on the problems,
thinking that if they study a problem, it will eventually suggest its own solution.
Instead, they should remember their past successes and retrace their steps by
analyzing what they did or did not do in similar situations in the past. It is often
said that there is no formula for success, but if people would only focus on
repeating the specific actions that worked for them before, they would surely
succeed again.

Are people likely to succeed by repeating actions that worked for them in the
past? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2012 June
5. The word "uncompromising" is often used as a compliment, especially when it
describes someone who is completely dedicated to certain principles and values.
Uncompromising people have indeed recorded great achievements. But being
uncompromising is not always a virtue. People who are uncompromising tend not to
consider other people's views, seeing themselves as right and everyone else as
wrong. All in all, it is better to be flexible and make compromises.

Are people more likely to achieve their goals by being flexible or by refusing to
compromise? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2012 June
6. Learning and doing are their own rewards. No external rewards are required. Yet
when external rewards are introducedwhether attention and praise from
parents or prizes from teachersthese rewards exert a substantial influence.
Instead of reading books to find out about the world, kids will read to win prizes.
Kids will produce for rewards, but the quality of their activity and their interest
in it will be dramatically altered.

Is it wrong or harmful to motivate people to learn or achieve something by
offering them rewards? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point
of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken
from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

2012 January
7. People assume that every accomplishmenteach step in what we call progress
will lead to the solution to a problem and will help them reach the goal of
understanding themselves and the world around them. In reality, however, each
new answer provokes additional questions and each fresh discovery uncovers
further complications. Every accomplishment leads to further problems, added
responsibilities, more complications, and new challenges.

Does every achievement bring with it new challenges? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2011 June
8. Many people think that success is impossible without help and support from
others. They believe that even the strongest and most successful leaders need
2011 May
advisers to define their goals, and followers to carry out their plans. Real
success, however, cannot be claimed by those who need others to solve their
problems and help them confront obstacles. Only those whose accomplishments
are truly their own can claim to be successful.

Is real success achieved only by people who accomplish goals and solve problems
on their own? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

9. An business, the term "personal brand" describes how companies define
themselves and differentiate their products from those of other companies.
People, too, are often advised to develop a kind of personal brand or styleto
make themselves stand out from other people by developing unique
characteristics. Nowadays, people who want to be successful in school, at work,
or in their personal relationships must emphasize their differences from their
peers in the same way that companies emphasize their differences from their
competitors.

Do people succeed by emphasizing their differences from other people? Plan and
experience, or observations

2010 March
10 Some people ruin their chances of achieving success or refrain from attaining a
goal because they have learned that success is selfish. But they should not feel
guilty about trying to achieve their own goals. People who act on their inner
desirestheir greatest wishes and ambitionsonly make their own and other
people's lives better and are more likely to benefit society. Imagine how much
better the world would be if everyone could be happy and fulfilled.

Do society and other people benefit when individuals pursue their own goals? Plan

2009 Nov
11. No matter how much people try and how much they believe in themselves,
everyone encounters situations in which it is impossible to succeed. People are
often advised, "Never give up," but sometimes, when it seems as though success
will not be achieved, they should stop trying, learn from the experience, and move
on.

Is it better for people to stop trying when they feel certain they will not
succeed? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2009 Nov
12. Most people underestimate their own abilities. They tend to remember their
failures more vividly than their successes, and for this reason they have
unrealistically low expectations about what they are capable of. Those individuals
who distinguish themselves through great accomplishments are usually no more
2009 January
talented than the average person: they simply set higher standards for
themselves, since they have higher expectations about what they can do.

Do highly accomplished people achieve more than others mainly because they
expect more of themselves? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

13. The biggest difference between people who succeed at any difficult undertaking
and those who do not is not ability but persistence. Many extremely talented
people give up when obstacles arise. After all, who wants to face failure? It is
often said about highly successful people that they are just ordinary individuals
who kept on trying, who did not give up.

Is persistence more important than ability in determining a person's success?

2008 Dec
14. Often we see people who persist in trying to achieve a particular goal, even when
all the evidence indicates that they will be unlikely to achieve it. When they
succeed, we consider them courageous for having overcome impossible obstacles.
But when they fail, we think of them as headstrong, foolhardy, and bent on self-
destruction. To many people, great effort is only worthwhile when it results in
success.

Is the effort involved in pursuing any goal valuable, even if the goal is not
reached? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2008 January
15. From talent contests to the Olympics to the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, we
constantly seek to reward those who are "number one." This emphasis on
recognizing the winner creates the impression that other competitors, despite
working hard and well, have lost. In many cases, however, the difference between
the winner and the losers is slight. The wrong person may even be selected as the
winner. Awards and prizes merely distract us from valuable qualities possessed
by others besides the winners.

Do people place too much emphasis on winning? Plan and write an essay in which

2008 May
16. All people who have achieved greatness in something knew what they excelled at.
These people identified the skills that made them specialgood judgment, or
courage, or a special artistic or literary talentand focused on developing these
skills. Yet most people achieve superiority in nothing because they fail to identify
and develop their greatest attribute.

Do people achieve greatness only by finding out what they are especially good at
and developing that attribute above all else? Plan and write an essay in which you
2007 Oct

17. It is easy to imagine that events and experiences in our lives will be perfect, but
no matter how good something turns out to be, it can never live up to our
expectations. Reality never matches our imaginations. For that reason, we should
make sure our plans and goals are modest and attainable. We are much better off
when reality surpasses our expectations and something turns out better than we
thought it would.

Is it best to have low expectations and to set goals we are sure of achieving?

2007 March
18. "No one is perfect." There are few among us who would disagree with this
familiar statement. Certain that perfection is an impossible goal, many people
willingly accept flaws and shortcomings in themselves and others. Yet such
behavior leads to failure. People can only succeed if they try to achieve
perfection in everything they do.

Can people achieve success only if they aim to be perfect? Plan and write an
observations.

2006 Nov
19. While some people promote competition as the only way to achieve success,
others emphasize the power of cooperation. Intense rivalry at work or play or
engaging in competition involving ideas or skills may indeed drive people either to
avoid failure or to achieve important victories. In a complex world, however,
cooperation is much more likely to produce significant, lasting accomplishments.
Do people achieve more success by cooperation than by competition? Plan and

2006 Oct

C) Losing/Value of Hardship

1. Many people believe that our behavior should be consistent, that we should
always be ourselves. They feel that we should not act one way with some people
and another way with others. But is this right? Should our behavior always be
consistent, or should we behave differently in different situations? Isn't
behaving differently according to the people we are with or the situation we are
in simply a matter of politeness and common sense?

Should people change their behavior depending on what situation they are in? Plan

2013 January
2. Both in society and in our own lives, today's problems are serious and require
serious solutions. Increasingly, however, people are taught to laugh at things that
aren't usually funny and to cope with difficult situations by using humor. They
are even advised to surround themselves with funny people. There is strong
evidence that laughter can actually improve health and help fight disease.

Is using humor the best way to approach difficult situations and problems? Plan

2009 Nov
3. Winning feels forever fabulous. But you can learn more from losing than from
winning. Losing prepares you for setback and tragedy more than winning ever can.
Moreover, loss invites reflection and a change of strategies. In the process of
recovering from your losses, you learn how to avoid them the next time.

Do people learn more from losing than from winning? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2008 March
4. It is not true that prosperity is better for people than adversity. When people
are thriving and content, they seldom feel the need to look for ways to improve
themselves or their situation. Hardship, on the other hand, forces people to
closely examineand possibly changetheir own lives and even the lives of
others. Misfortune rather than prosperity helps people to gain a greater
understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Do people truly benefit from hardship and misfortune? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2007 June
5. We don't really learn anything properly until there is a problem, until we make a
mistake, until something fails to go as we had hoped. When everything is working
well, with no problems or failures, what incentive do we have to try something
new? We are only motivated to learn when we experience difficulties.

Does true learning only occur when we experience difficulties? Plan and write an
observations.

2006 Oct

Mistake

1. We live in a world that values action over thought. The idea of taking time to
reflect and think things through is out of favor. Our most popular movies and
novels focus on action, not reflection, and our most admired public figures are
praised for what they do, not for what they think. While there is something to
be said for taking action instinctively and without hesitation, the fact is that
people put too much emphasis on action.

Is it a mistake to value action over thought? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 May
2. Mistakes we have made in the past are supposed to make us wiser, stronger, and
better able to deal with the future. This approach suggests that we should
continue to focus on our mistakes, that we should remember them, no matter how
painful or embarrassing to us they may be. But nothing is to be gained by
concerning ourselves with old mistakes. We should forget them as soon as
possible.

Is it best to forget about past mistakes as soon as possible? Plan and write an
observations.

2012 March
3. We are often encouraged to stop worrying about making mistakes and advised not
to dwell on those we have already made. But without analyzing mistakes
decisions and actions that made a project fail, for instancehow can anyone be
successful? Besides, there are some well-known mistakes others have made that
seem worth studying carefully. Perhaps these mistakes could have been
prevented if those responsible had been more concerned about making mistakes
in the first place.

Do people have to pay attention to mistakes in order to make progress? Plan and

4 Although most of us do not like being criticized, it is said that we can always
benefit from being told what we are doing wrong. We may lose a valuable learning
opportunity if we do not listen to the criticisms expressed by others. Yet
criticism, even when honest and well-intended, can be more harmful than helpful.
We have more to gain by ignoring or shielding ourselves from the criticisms of
others.

Are people better off if they do not listen to criticism? Plan and write an essay
in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with
observations.

2011 Oct
5. Is a temporary or partial solution to a problem better than no solution at all?
Many people would say so. All that humanity can hope to accomplish is to find
workable solutions to the serious problems of the world. Others would argue,
however, that the world's serious problems are, in fact, caused by the so-called
solutions. These solutions are creating problems more serious than the problems
they are addressing.

Do temporary or otherwise imperfect solutions to problems only create more
serious problems? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view
on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your

2010 Dec
6. Some people believe that making mistakes is unacceptable, that whatever is done
must be done error free. However, research has found that perfectionists tend
to be less successful than nonperfectionists because they spend too much time
trying to be perfect. Even when they do some things wrong, nonperfectionists
often achieve more of their goals than perfectionists do.

Would it be better if people were more accepting of mistakes? Plan and write an
observations.

2010 Nov
7. The discovery that someone we admire has done something wrong is always
disappointing and disillusioning. Yet even when people we consider heroes have
been tarnished by their faults, they are no less valuable than people who appear
perfect. When we learn that an admired person, even one who is seemingly
perfect, has behaved in less than admirable ways, we discover a complex truth:
great ideas and great deeds come from imperfect people like ourselves.

Do we benefit from learning about the flaws of people we admire and respect?

2009 Oct
8. All people judge or criticize the ideas and actions of others. At times, these
criticisms hurt or embarrass the people receiving them. Other criticisms seem to
be intended to make the critics appear superior. And yet criticism is essential to
our success as individuals and as a society.

Is criticismjudging or finding fault with the ideas and actions of others
essential for personal well-being and social progress? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2007 Nov

Changes/ Choice

1. It is often observed that some sense of unease or dissatisfaction with oneself or
one's circumstances, some self-criticism, is absolutely necessary for people to
move forward and make any kind of progress or change. But optimisma feeling
of confidence that one's actions will be successful and will pay off in the
futureis even more important. If people are not optimistic, what motivation will
they have to change?

Are optimistic, confident people more likely than others to make changes in their
lives? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2011 Nov
2. Choice improves the quality of our lives. On the other hand, the fact
that some choice is good doesn't necessarily mean that more choice is better.
There is a problem with having too much choice. We are unwilling to give up any
of our options, but stubbornly insisting upon having all the choices available to us
can lead to bad decisions, stress, and dissatisfaction.

Is it better for people to have limited choices? Plan and write an essay in which

2010 Dec
3. People are taught that they should not go back on their decisions. In fact, our
society supports the notion that to change your mind is evidence of weakness and
unreliability, leading many people to say, "Once I decide, I decide!" But why do
people make such a statement? If factors, feelings, and ideas change, isn't the
ability to make a new decision evidence of flexibility, adaptability, and strength?

Should people change their decisions when circumstances change, or is it best for
them to stick with their original decisions? Plan and write an essay in which you

2009 January
4. If we are dissatisfied with our circumstances, we think about changing them. But
the most important and effective changesin our attitudehardly occur to us.
In other words, we should worry not about how to alter the world around us for
the better but about how to change ourselves in order to fit into that world.

Is it better to change one's attitude than to change one's circumstances? Plan

2007 January

D) Happiness/Contentment/Optimism

1. Many people believe that it is important to plan ahead and to work toward an
accomplishment that may take years to achieve, even if doing so means giving up
immediate pleasures and fun. To these people, the end result of such an
achievement is worth making sacrifices for in the present. Others, though,
believe that it is much more important to focus on enjoying the present because
it is impossible to predict what will happen in the future and because lifes joyful
moments are so rare.

Should people focus on enjoying the present moment instead of following a plan
for future achievement? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point

2014 May
2. Most people think that contentmentbeing happy with the way things areis the
perfect state of affairs. After all, what could be better than being so satisfied
with how things are that you don't want anything else? But contentment has
disadvantages: if we are content with the way things are, we are not motivated to
change things, to improve ourselves, or to do better. We must therefore always
choose between being content and pushing ourselves to do better.

Does being content with the way things are prevent people from improving
themselves and doing better? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2013 Oct
3. People use the term "wisdom" to mean many things. They describe someone as
wise if that person is intelligent, well-informed, or capable of making good
decisions. These descriptions, however, are not really useful in distinguishing wise
people from unwise ones. Happiness is a better measure of wisdom: a wise person
is a happy person. Even the most intelligent people should not be called wise if
they are not happy.
Is it best to determine how wise people are by how happy they are? Plan and

2013 May
4. Whatever their goalsto be the best at something, to solve a difficult problem,
to have a rewarding careermost people anticipate that reaching those goals will
bring them contentment. When people are working toward a goal, they imagine
that achieving it will bring an end to their struggles and put them at ease. But
the opposite is more likely to occur. Rather than bringing contentment,
achievement often brings dissatisfaction.

Are people likely to be dissatisfied rather than content once they have achieved
their goals? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2013 March
5. Some people say you should be content with what you have and accept who you
are. But it is possible that too much self-acceptance can turn into self-satisfied
lack of ambition. People should always strive to improve themselves and to have
more in their livesfriends, things, opportunities. After all, where would we be if
great people, both in history and in our own time, did not try to have more and to
improve themselves?

Is it best for people to accept who they are and what they have, or should people
always strive to better themselves? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2009 Oct
6. When people are very enthusiasticalways willing and eager to meet new
challenges or give undivided support to ideas or projectsthey are likely to be
rewarded. They often work harder and enjoy their work more than do those who
are more restrained. But there are limits to how enthusiastic people should be.
People should always question and doubt, since too much enthusiasm can prevent
people from considering better ideas, goals, or courses of action.

Can people have too much enthusiasm? Plan and write an essay in which you
examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations

2008 Dec
7. We cannot appreciate what we have for its own merit. We see ourselves as
fortunate only when we have as much as, or more than, other people. Thus, our
judgment of what represents an appropriate limit on anythingon wealth or
status or possessionsis never arrived at independently. Instead, we compare
ourselves to other people, always wondering if what we have is enough.

Do people need to compare themselves with others in order to appreciate what
they have? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2008 Nov
8. Most of us are convinced that fame brings happiness. Fame, it seems, is among
the things people most desire. We believe that to be famous, for whatever
reason, is to prove oneself and confirm that one matters in the world. And yet
those who are already famous often complain of the terrible burden of fame. In
fact, making the achievement of fame one's life goal involves commitments of
time and effort that are usually wasted.

Does fame bring happiness, or are people who are not famous more likely to be
happy? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2008 June
9. People today have so many choices. For instance, thirty years ago most television
viewers could choose from only a few channels; today there are more than a
hundred channels available. And choices do not just abound when it comes to the
media. People have more options in almost every area of life. With so much to
choose from, how can we not be happy?
2007 Nov

Does having a large number of options to choose from make people happy? Plan

10. People are happy only when they have their minds fixed on some goal other than
their own happiness. Happiness comes when people focus instead on the happiness
of others, on the improvement of humanity, on some course of action that is
followed not as a means to anything else but as an end in itself. Aiming at
something other than their own happiness, they find happiness along the way. The
only way to be happy is to pursue some goal external to your own happiness.

Are people more likely to be happy if they focus on goals other than their own
happiness? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2007 June
11. Everybody has some choice. People are always blaming their circumstances for
what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this
world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and, if
they can't find them, make them.

Do success and happiness depend on the choices people make rather than on
factors beyond their control? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2006 Nov

E) Materialism/Money

1. Modern society values convenience. From disposable napkins to the personal
computer, from fast-food restaurants to cell phones, it seems that nearly
everything we buy or use has been designed to maximize convenience.
Unfortunately, instead of saving time and energy and minimizing frustration,
many of the so-called conveniences in our lives turn out to be nuisances or have a
negative impact on our health, the environment, or our emotional well-being.

Does society place too much value on convenience? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2013 Dec
2. When we go shopping, most of us do not think about the impact our spending has
on other people. However, if we buy products from companies or individuals that
mistreat their employees or the environment, or that otherwise do harm, we
indirectly approve or even encourage such behavior. On the other hand, it may be
unrealistic to assume that anything would prevent people from buying a good
product at the right price.

2013 Dec
Do consumers have a responsibility to purchase goods only from companies and
people whose actions are beneficial to others? Plan and write an essay in which

3. We are often reminded that acquiring and owning material possessionsmoney,
property, jewelry, even clothingwill not lead to true happiness. While it is
certainly true that material possessions alone cannot bring happiness or provide
us with genuine meaning in life, there is something to be said for having material
possessions. Not only can they make us comfortable, but the happiness they can
provide, while it may be momentary, is still happiness.

Do material possessions make us truly happy? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 Nov
4. Many people say that money is not the most important thing in life and that being
overly concerned about money leads only to unhappiness. Others point out,
however, that money and wealth have always been of dramatic significance in
society. They argue that there is really nothing more important to one's overall
quality of life than money.

Is money the most significant factor in determining a person's quality of life?

2013 January
5. No amount of wealth can help humanity move forward and make progress, even
under the management of the most dedicated and socially conscious workers.
Money leads only to selfishness and becomes an irresistible temptation to its
owners to abuse it. The only thing that can lead people to praiseworthy ideas and
noble deeds is to follow the example of those great individuals who put other
factors before money.

Does money lead to selfishness? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2012 May
6. Materialism: it's the thing that everybody loves to hate. Few aspects of modern
life have been more criticized than materialism. But let's face it: materialism
acquiring possessions and spending moneyis a vital source of meaning and
happiness in our time. People may criticize modern society for being too
materialistic, but the fact remains that most of us spend most of our energy
producing and consuming more and more stuff.

Should modern society be criticized for being materialistic? Plan and write an
observations.

2007 May

F) Working

1. When we are young, we learn from parents and teachers that we should wait
patiently for what we want. Few people would dispute the wisdom or truth of this
teaching. Our society, however, with its mad rush and hurry and its insistence on
instant gratification and quick responses, encourages and rewards impatience.
Experience teaches us that we should not and do not have to wait.

Is it better for people to act quickly and expect quick responses from others
rather than to wait patiently for what they want? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2011 March
2. We are very individually oriented. We see everything in terms of personal
independence, personal pleasure, personal fulfillment. "Do your own thing," we
say. The idea that people can actually do things for someone or something elsea
community, a school, or any other groupis lost. It is important to realize,
however, that all people are interconnected. We cannot survive without each
other.

Do people put too much emphasis on doing things by and for themselves? Plan and

2010 Dec
3. There are those who believe that everything we do is inspired by the desire for
power in its various forms. They maintain that our actions are nothing but
expressions of a striving for power. In this view, even when we act kindly toward
other people, we are motivated, whether we know it or not, by a desire to have
some control over their lives, for our act of kindness puts them partially in our
power.

Are people's actions motivated primarily by a desire for power over others? Plan

2008 May
4. We are often urged to solve problems by ignoring traditional approaches and by
finding solutions that are innovative or unconventional. We are encouraged to be
creative and to trust that a new way of thinking will yield new insights. But
innovation may be impractical and unnecessary. The best ways of fixing problems
are often the triedandtrue ways.

Is it always necessary to find new solutions to problems? Plan and write an essay
observations.

2007 Nov
5. Every event has consequences that are potentially beneficial. We may not always
be happy about an experience, but we should at least gain in some way from it.
For example, the worldwide gasoline shortage in the early 1970's created many
hardships but inspired efforts to conserve energy. Whether the gains are large
or small, there is something positive or useful for us in everything that happens
to us.

Do we really benefit from every event or experience in some way? Plan and write

2007 March
6. Many people believe that our government should do more to solve our problems.
After all, how can one individual create more jobs or make roads safer or improve
the schools or help to provide any of the other benefits that we have come to
enjoy? And yet expecting that the governmentrather than individualsshould
always come up with the solutions to society's ills may have made us less self-
reliant, undermining our independence and self-sufficiency.

Should people take more responsibility for solving problems that affect their
communities or the nation in general? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2007 January
7. Most human beings spend their lives doing work they hate and work that the
world does not need. It is of prime importance that you learn early what you want
to do and whether or not the world needs this service. The return from your
work must be the satisfaction that work brings you and the world's need of that
work. Income is not money, it is satisfaction; it is creation; it is beauty.

Is it more important to do work that one finds fulfilling or work that pays well?

2007 January
8. I suspect that like many people who watch their diet, exercise regularly, and
check the weather report before leaving the house, I am a little too concerned
with controlling what can't be fully controlled. I know I am doing the sensible
thing. But I sometimes think that the more reckless among us may have
something to teach the rest of us about freedom. Perhaps there is something
good about taking chances against our better judgments.

Is it sometimes better to take risks than to follow a more reasonable course of
action? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2006 June

Collaboration/Groups and Success/Groups

1. Getting people to work well in teams is crucial to accomplishing ambitious goals.
Teams work a kind of magic in developing important ideas and getting hard work
done, and they give us the close human contact and shared purpose that we all
need. But theres a dark side to teams too: group identity can be too powerful.
The desire to be an accepted member of a group can prevent individuals from
forming their own moral judgments.

Are teams or groups beneficial for individuals, or does group membership prevent
individuals from forming their own moral judgments? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2013 Dec
2. Most people try to be fair to others and respect their opinions. It is sometimes
difficult, however, to be open to and accepting of all opinions, especially when the
people expressing them are obviously uninformed or mean-spirited. It is more
important to point out to others what they are doing and saying wrong than to try
to tolerate every opinion.

Should people respect and tolerate everyone's opinions, or should people take a
stand against opinions they consider to be wrong? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2012 June
3. Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." However, it is hard
to believe that just a few people can make a significant difference. Given the
many great challenges that the world faces, it seems impossible to change
anything for the better unless one can attract a lot of people and spend a lot of
money.

Can a small group of concerned individuals have a significant impact on the world?

2011 Dec
4. Loyalty is a virtue that is encouraged and rewarded in every aspect of our lives.
We are, therefore, loyal to our families, our teams, our schools, and our
countries. But too often loyalty is blind: by automatically identifying ourselves
with a group and accepting its values as our own, we avoid taking responsibility
for our own thoughts and actions.

Does accepting the values of a group allow people to avoid taking responsibility
for their own thoughts and actions? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2011 June
5. A requirement for membership in any group is conformity. Members must agree
on such vital issues as how decisions will be made, who will serve as leaders, and
how much freedom group members will have. The quality of decision making,
however, is better when groups encourage nonconformity and disagreement
among their members. Although it sometimes creates disorder and conflict,
disagreement may prevent powerful majorities from making mistakes.

Do groups that encourage nonconformity and disagreement function better than
those that discourage it? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point

2011 June
6. There is no more powerful way to initiate significant change in our communities,
our society, and our lives than to start talking to others. When people discover
that they share a common concern, that is when the process of change begins.
Change does not start with an individual leader of a group, a nation, or an
organization announcing a new plan. It begins when a group of people notices
something that could, or even must, be done differently.

Is a group of people more likely than an individual leader to bring about
significant change? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2010 Nov
7. From early childhood, we are encouragedpressured, evento be in the company
of others: we are urged to belong to this or that group, to join this or that club,
to spend time with this or that friend. People do everything to avoid being by
themselves, treating solitude as though it were the equivalent of loneliness. And
yet it is only when people are by themselves that they can truly achieve their
most important goals.

Is solitudespending time alonenecessary for people to achieve their most
important goals? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view

2010 June
8. Independent peoplethose who rely on themselves rather than on othersget
what they want through their own efforts. Interdependent people combine their
efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their goals. To be most effective,
people need to be interdependent. People who do not think and act
interdependently may achieve individual success, but they will not be good
leaders or team players.

Is it necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others in order
to be most effective? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2008 Nov
9. Since we live in a global society, surely we should view ourselves as citizens of the
whole world. But instead, people choose to identify and associate with smaller and
more familiar groups. People think of themselves as belonging to families, nations,
cultures, and generationsor as belonging to smaller groups whose members
share ideas, views, or common experiences. All of these kinds of groups may
offer people a feeling of security but also prevent them from learning or
experiencing anything new.

Is there any value for people to belong only to a group or groups with which they
have something in common? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2008 January
10. Organizations or groups that share a common goal often mention teamwork as
their secret to success by insisting that people in the group work together for
the good of the entire group. However, by requiring each individual to accept the
decisions of the others in the group, organizations may discourage the expression
of individual talent. Ultimately, a group is most successful when all of its
members are encouraged to pursue their own goals and interests.

Are organizations or groups most successful when their members pursue
individual wishes and goals? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2008 March

G) Ethics/Treatment of Others/Relating to Others

1. Many people are philanthropists, giving money to those in need. And many people
believe that those who are richthose who can afford to give the mostshould
contribute the most to charitable organizations. Others, however, disagree. Why
should those who are more fortunate than others have more of a moral obligation
to help those who are less fortunate?

Should people who are more fortunate than others have more of a moral
obligation to help those who are less fortunate? Plan and write an essay in which

2014 March
2. Our cherished notions of what is equal and what is fair frequently conflict.
Democracy presumes that we are all created equal; competition proves we are
not, or else every contest would end in a tie. We talk about a level playing field,
but it is difficult to make conditions equal for everyone without being unfair to
some.

Is it possible for a society to be fair to everyone? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2013 June
3. It seems that we are always ready to justify our own actions and overlook our
own errors. Why, then, are we so unwilling to judge others in the same way? We
tend to hold others to very high, even unrealistic standards, expecting them to
be always right, always honest, or always conscientious. All of us have personal
flaws and shortcomings that we are quite willing to excuse. Surely we should be
more willing to excuse such shortcomings in others.

Should people be more willing to excuse the errors and shortcomings of others?

2012 Dec
4. It often seems as though we truly respect only people whom we do not know, such
as leaders and other public figures. It is much more difficult for us to respect
people who are familiar to us and are part of our everyday lives. The fact is that
if we were to develop close personal relationships with these strangers that we
look up to, we would see that they are only ordinary people, just as flawed as we
are.

Does familiarity prevent people from developing or maintaining respect for
others? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2012 Nov
5. As people become more knowledgeable and experienced, they eventually realize
that complete equity and justicewhether in politics, in education, or in day-to-
day eventswill never really be achieved. Even so, they are encouraged to
continue to hope for and fight for fairness. But shouldn't people put their
energies to better use? There will always be unfairness in life, and becoming an
adult means finding ways to make the best of this fact.

Should people accept unfairness and find ways to make the best of it? Plan and

2012 May
6. Common sense tells us that people tend to get along better with those who are
like them, who think and act as they do. Many people, however, get along very well
with people who are very different from them and may prefer to associate with
those whose views and actions are different from their own. In fact, some people
even complain that they are bored and irritated by those who are too much like
them.

Do people tend to get along better with people who are very different from them
or with those who are like them? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2010 June
7 Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you
are, you need one. You need one because you are human. You didn't come from
nowhere. Before you, around you, and, presumably, after you, there are others.
2009 Nov
Even if you live alone and even if your solitude is by your own choice, you still
cannot do without a network or a family.

Does everyone, even people who choose to live alone, need a network or family?

8. We are frequently told that compromise is the best way for people to work out
their differences. When people compromise, with each side losing a little in order
to reach a satisfactory agreement, both sides can continue to live in harmony.
However, compromise can work only when the issues at stake are not that
important. Compromise does not work when there is a genuine difference of
opinion about strongly held principles or ideas.

Is compromise always the best way to resolve a conflict? Plan and write an essay
observations.

2008 Oct

H) Individuality vs. Conformity/Following Group

1. Being unwilling to change is often seen as a limitation. For example, a common
accusation people often make in arguments is that the other person refuses to
even consider taking new positions on issues. But being consistent is not always a
bad thing. In fact, firmly supporting a position or point of view shows that one is
stable and constant and does not change one's position whenever circumstances
change. This consistency is far more important than a willingness to adjust one's
thinking.

Is it more important to remain consistent than to change one's mind when
circumstances change? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2013 Dec
2. We live in an era of individualism. The individual is celebrated and praised in
every wayfor being special and creative, for making an original contribution, for
competing with others to be the best. Nowadays individualism is a guiding idea
for many people and has many benefits. But focusing on individuals has caused us
to neglect our sense of community, our feeling that we are part of a harmonious
group. The importance of belonging to a community has been forgotten.

Has the emphasis on individualism in our society caused people to forget the
importance of belonging to a community? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 May
3. The pressures to conform in a modern free society are not as drastic as they
were in the past, when failure to conform meant imprisonment or worse. Such
influences are, however, more dangerous because they are hard to detect. These
are the pressures to live like our neighbors, to think like our community, to
reshape ourselves in the image of someone else. The appeal of belonging to a
group is attractive, but doesn't such conformity destroy our individuality?

Is it always harmful for an individual to think and live as other people do? Plan

2011 Nov
4. It has been said that "All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good people to
do nothing." This statement suggests that people should do more than merely
think about themselves and a few others, that they should feel responsible for
issues and concerns that affect the larger society or community. But aren't most
people already doing a lot more than "nothing" by taking responsibility for their
own well-being and that of their families and friends?

Should individuals take responsibility for issues and problems that do not affect
them directly? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2011 Nov
5. The making of illusionsmisleading images or ideas that appear to be authentic
or truehas become the primary business of our society. Included in this
category are not only the false promises made by advertisers and politicians but
all of the activities which supposedly inform, comfort, and improve us, such as
the work of our best writers and our most influential leaders. These promises
and activities only encourage people to have unrealistic expectations and to
ignore facts.

Are people overly influenced by unrealistic claims and misleading images? Plan and

2011 Oct
6. While serious thinking about important matters may disturb people in the short
term, it benefits them immeasurably in the long term. Only by confronting
unpleasant truths and by weighing both sides of complex issues can people
understand the factswhether in history, politics, literature, or their own lives
and make appropriate decisions. People may find it difficult, or uncomfortable, to
think seriously about important matters, but not doing so means that they are
leading lives without meaning or purpose.

Does every individual have an obligation to think seriously about important
matters, even when doing so may be difficult? Plan and write an essay in which

2011 May

Creativity/Originality

1. Too often, peopleespecially young people, who may not have settled on a firm
identity yettry to imitate others, because it is easier to do so than to develop
their own unique individuality. They focus on trying to imitate what seems
attractive or desirable in others. But imitating others is never a good idea: when
we imitate others, all we do is harm our ability to develop our own individuality.

Is imitation of others always harmful? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 Nov
2. People generally prefer originality to imitation, which is often considered inferior
and second-rate. However, we have learned most of what we know by imitating
others. Mastering any skill or gaining any knowledge means that we must learn
from those who have gone before us. In fact, it is not until we have imitated
others and learned from them what there is to know that we can strike out on
our own and maybe create something new.

Is it necessary for people to imitate others before they can become original and
creative? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2013 January
3. People today seem to spend most of their free time being passively entertained:
they just sit on the couch and watch movies or television or sporting events. This
is mainly because they use up all their energy at work or at school. If they had
more time and energy to devote to activities outside of work or school, you can
be sure they would enjoy more creative and active pursuits during their free
time.

If people worked less, would they be more creative and active during their free
time? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2011 May
4. In some circumstances we are encouraged to conformto follow others, to do
and think what everyone else is doing and thinking. In other circumstances,
however, we are told to be individuals and are reminded that most people we
consider great are not afraid to be different. Conformity may be appropriate in
day-to-day life, but we should save our highest praise for people who choose to
be unique.

Should originality always be more highly praised than conformity? Plan and write

2010 Oct
5. Planning lets people impose order on the chaotic processes of making or doing
something new. Too much planning, however, can lead people to follow the same
predetermined course of action, to do things the same way they were done
before. Creative thinking is about breaking free from the way that things have
always been. That is why it is vital for people to know the difference between
good planning and too much planning.

Does planning interfere with creativity? Plan and write an essay in which you

2009 January
6. A society composed of men and women who are not bound by conventionin other
words, they do not act according to what others say or dois far more lively than
one in which all people behave alike. When each person's character is developed
individually and differences of opinion are acceptable, it is beneficial to interact
with new people because they are not mere replicas of those whom one has
already met.

Is it better for a society when people act as individuals rather than copying the
ideas and opinions of others? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2008 June
7. It is better to try to be original than to merely imitate others. People should
always try to say, write, think, or create something new. There is little value in
merely repeating what has been done before. People who merely copy or use the
ideas and inventions of others, no matter how successful they may be, have never
achieved anything significant.

Is it always better to be original than to imitate or use the ideas of others? Plan

2008 January
8. We value uniqueness and originality, but it seems that everywhere we turn, we
are surrounded by ideas and things that are copies or even copies of copies.
Writers, artists, and musicians seek new ideas for paintings, books, songs, and
movies, but many sadly realize, "It's been done." The same is true for scientists,
scholars, and businesspeople. Everyone wants to create something new, but at
best we can hope only to repeat or imitate what has already been done.

Can people ever be truly original? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2007 Oct
9. Given the importance of human creativity, one would think it should have a high
priority among our concerns. But if we look at the reality, we see a different
picture. Basic scientific research is minimized in favor of immediate practical
applications. The arts are increasingly seen as dispensable luxuries. Yet as
competition heats up around the globe, exactly the opposite strategy is needed.

Is creativity needed more than ever in the world today
2005 March

Following Authority/Established Rules

1. We all have authority figures we need to deal with on a regular basisparents,
teachers, bosses, coaches, and others. Usually, we follow their advice and do
what they tell us to do because they have more experience and knowledge than
we do. However, sometimes we disagree with someone who holds authority over
us and need to stand up for ourselves, even if it means suffering negative
consequences.

Should we express our disagreement with authority figures, even if there are
negative consequences? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2014 May
2. Even on unimportant matters, many people so fear conflict with those in positions
of leadership or authority that they willingly suppress or deny their own thoughts
and ideas. We cannot criticize people who feel this way. After all, in most cases,
those in leadership positions are entitled to some respect in their decision-
making role. More likely, however, people remain silentthey do not oppose
people in authoritysimply because they do not want to be considered
"troublemakers."

Are people too willing to agree with those in charge? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2013 March
3. We all have "authorities"experts and specialists, from authors to doctors to
politicianswho seem to dictate our lives and determine our futures. In the best
of circumstances, these authorities can make us feel safe. They make our
decisions for us. They look out for our interests. Or so we hope. But not everyone
we consider an authority is deserving of our trust.

Do people put too much trust in the guidance of experts and authorities? Plan and

2012 March
4. Most of us tend to find rules, limits, and restraints irritating. We want to be
free of anything that limits our choices. But limitations protect us. Without
limitations on our behavior, too many of us will act without regard to the
consequences for ourselves, for others, and for the future. Limitations
contribute to, rather than take away from, our overall happiness.

Do rules and limitations contribute to a person's happiness? Plan and write an
observations.

2011 May
5. Our distant ancestors survived because they were physically active, hunting wild
animals and gathering fruits and vegetables over large areas of land. Modern life,
however, is characterized by physical inactivity. Given the resulting health
problems and the tremendous cost of treating them, the government should work
with schools and businesses to ensure that people eat the right foods and get
enough exercise each day.

Should the government be responsible for making sure that people lead healthy
lives? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2010 March
6, People are often told to obey the rules. In reality, these rules are not permanent:
what is right at a given point in time may be declared wrong at another time and
vice versa. The world changes so rapidly that rules are out-of-date almost as
soon as they are created. People cannot rely on established guidelines to
determine what they should and should not do.

Are established rules too limited to guide people in real-life situations? Plan and

2006 June

I) Heroes/Leaders

1. Public opinionthe sum of the attitudes or beliefs held by a majority of the
populationis primarily expressed through the media or public opinion polls.
Leaders and politicians are often swayed by it, believing that public opinion is
everything. Yet true leaders should not listen to what the public thinks; they
should follow their own convictions, whether or not the majority of their fellow
citizens agree with them.

Should leaders follow their own convictions or submit to public opinion? Plan and

2014 May
2. Some people emphasize that strong leaders never depart from their goal, plan, or
vision and that such dedication is, in fact, a measure of their strength. Others
would argue, however, that strong leaders are flexible. Strong leaders know when
to admit they have made a mistake and when it is appropriate to change their
goal or mission. This flexibility shows their strength and the extent of their
wisdom.

Is flexibility the sign of a strong and wise leader? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2013 Nov
3. Many voters think that integrity and character are the most important
qualifications for political office. I disagree. Integritythe quality of standing
up for the same values in every situationis not a good qualification for getting
people to work together. Strongly held morals may make a candidate too
inflexible and incapable of negotiation. And if character were really so important,
candidates would be judged by their personal relationships rather than by their
ability to deal with a community's or a nation's problems.

Is strong moral character the most important qualification for a leader? Plan and

2013 June
4. Many people admire leaders who have effectively achieved their goals. But too
many leaders are dedicated to achieving their goals at the expense of caring for
the people who follow and support them. Leaders should be judged on how well
they treat people, not on the achievement of their goals.

Should leaders be judged according to how well they treat people? Plan and write

2012 Dec
5. Again and again we hear the complaint that we have no heroes anymore. Heroes
people who should be admired for their great courage or noble achievementsare
no longer recognized in our modern world. Many people, in fact, believe that
heroes existed only in the past. But this belief is wrong. Because more praise is
given to the latest technological innovation than to one individual's heroic
achievements, we may not be aware of our heroes, but we do have them.

Is it possible to be a hero in the modern world? Plan and write an essay in which

2010 Dec
6. Usually, people look to others around themordinary peoplefor their heroes.
They define heroes as decent citizens who make sacrifices or try to make a
difference. For example, people name streets after local war veterans, parks
after teachers, bridges after local politicians. Rejecting historical, literary, or
national figures as heroes, people tend to believe that anyone can be a hero. A
hero does not have to be superhuman.

Should ordinary people be considered heroes, or should the term "hero" be
reserved for extraordinary people? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2010 June
7. There are good reasons to pay attention to people who are older or more
experienced than we are, even if their opinions on important issues are very
different from ours. Of course, not every person older than us is worth learning
from, while many young people are. But if the only people we listen to are our age
and are likely to see things the same way we do, we will miss out on something
important.

Should we pay more attention to people who are older and more experienced than
we are? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2009 May
8. It is unrealistic to think that any group of peoplea family, a committee, a
company, a citycan function peacefully and productively without some kind of
authority. The needs and interests of the individuals who make up any group are
too varied for its members to operate as a unit without having someone to make
the final decisions. Somebody has to be in charge; somebody has to be ultimately
responsible.
Can a group of people function effectively without someone being in charge? Plan

2008 Oct
9. Having many admirers is one way to become a celebrity, but it is not the way to
become a hero. Heroes are self-made. Yet in our daily lives we see no difference
between "celebrities" and "heroes." For this reason, we deprive ourselves of real
role models. We should admire heroespeople who are famous because they are
greatbut not celebritiespeople who simply seem great because they are
famous.

Should we admire heroes but not celebrities? Plan and write an essay in which you

2007 Oct
Heroes may seem old-fashioned today. Many people are cynical and seem to enjoy
discrediting role models more than creating new ones or cherishing those they
already have. Some people, moreover, object to the very idea of heroes, arguing
that we should not exalt individuals who, after all, are only flesh and blood, just
like the rest of us. But we desperately need heroesto teach us, to captivate us
through their words and deeds, to inspire us to greatness.

Is there a value in celebrating certain individuals as heroes? Plan and write an
observations.

2007 June

J) Tradition/Past/Memories/ Culture

1. Nobody wants to be called old-fashioned or be considered out of touch with
current trends and thinking. But there's something to be said for holding on to
old ideas and customs even if they may not be in fashion at the moment. People
are too easily impressed by anything new and trendythe latest television show,
or music group, or technological gadget. They place too much emphasis on
newness without bothering to look at something's real value.

Do people place too much value on newness? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 Oct
2. Young people are highly influenced by popular culture. They attempt to define
themselves on the basis of what they see on television, in newspapers and
magazines, and in the movies. In fact, young people accept the values of popular
culture as their own, believing that those values are central to their personal
development and social acceptance.

Is popular culture the strongest influence on a young person's identity? Plan and

2013 January
3. The word "tradition" seems innocent enough; we associate it with holiday
observations and customs practiced by our ancestors. But tradition, or at least
the belief in it, is a trap. At every level, from the individual to the national,
tradition is simply an excuse for doing things the way they have always been
done, even if that way makes no sense or causes harm to others.

Does tradition prevent people from doing things in new or more sensible ways?

2012 March
4. Thanks to the Internet, the word "friendship" now has a much broader meaning.
No longer are the bonds of friendship limited to telephone conversations, shared
activities, or speaking face-to-face. In this day and age, very close friendships
can be formed without the people ever meeting and by simply typing words on a
screen.

Is it easier now to form friendships than ever before? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2009 Dec
5. Popular culture refers to television shows, movies, books, musical selections,
artworks, products, activities, and events that appeal to the interests and
desires of large numbers of people. Popular culture tells us a lot about the people
of a society. Some people may criticize popular culture or deny its influence on
their lives, but one thing is clear: popular culture typically displays the ideas and
principles that people value most.

Are the values of a society most clearly revealed in its popular culture? Plan and

2009 Nov
6. If an old tradition is still around today, we can assume that it deserves to remain
in existence. Well-established customs, styles that are still popular, and ideas
that people still find sensible survive because these traditions are strong enough
to survive. Continuity guarantees quality. Old-fashioned hospitality, old-fashioned
politeness, old-fashioned honor in businessall these traditions have qualities of
survival. Fortunately, these will always be with us.

Do all established traditions deserve to remain in existence? Plan and write an
observations.

2008 Nov
7. Newness has become our obsession. Novelty is more interesting to us than
continuing with whatever is "tried and true." We discard the old so we can
acquire the most recent model, the latest version, the newest and most improved
formula. Often, we replace what is useful just because it is no longer new. Not
only with material goods but also with cultural values, we prefer whatever is the
latest trend.

Should people always prefer new things, ideas, or values to those of the past?

2008 January
8. Common sense suggests an obvious division between the past and present,
between history and current events. In many cases, however, this boundary is not
clear cut because earlier events are not locked away in the past. Events from
history remain alive through people's memories and through books, films, and
other media. For both individuals and groups, incidents from the past continue to
influence the presentsometimes positively and sometimes negatively.

Do incidents from the past continue to influence the present? Plan and write an
observations.

2008 May
9. Many persons believe that to move up the ladder of success and achievement,
they must forget the past, repress it, and relinquish it. But others have just the
opposite view. They see old memories as a chance to reckon with the past and
integrate past and present.

Do memories hinder or help people in their effort to learn from the past and
succeed in the present?

2005 June

K) Technological Progress/Innovation/Solutions to Problems

1. By never being satisfied with what we have, we are never content. Our focus on
growth, progress, and the idea of more makes us fundamentally unhappy, always
seeking more than what we need. I used to believe greatly in growth, but Ive
changed my mind. It now makes sense to me that growth for growths sake
creates a fundamental dissatisfaction with what I have.
Frederick Douglass once said, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress. This
struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral
and physical, but it must be a struggle." He was right. Progress is something that
must be fought for; without conflict, progress simply does not occur.

Do growth and progress make us happy or do they lead to dissatisfaction? Plan

2014

2014
March

January
2. Some see printed books as dusty remnants from the preelectronic age. They
point out that electronic books, or e-books, cost less to produce than printed
books and that producing them has a much smaller impact on natural resources
such as trees. Yet why should printed books be considered obsolete or outdated
just because there is something cheaper and more modern? With books, as with
many other things, just because a new version has its merits doesnt mean that
the older version should be eliminated.

Should we hold on to the old when innovations are available, or should we simply
move forward? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2014 January
3. Some people believe that very few of today's "inventions" are really new.
Inventions today seem to consist primarily of improvements to things that have
already been invented. Medicines, it is said, may be better, and vehicles may be
faster, but they are really not new or different. In reality, we have not even
begun to exhaust the supply of original ideas or new inventions. There is much
more for us to invent and discover.

Is there really much more for people to invent and discover in the world today?

2012 Dec
4. We would like to think that progress causes problems to be solved completely,
and sometimes that happens. For example, some diseases that once posed a
serious threat are no longer a problem, thanks to modern medicine. Some
problems can be solved, and they go away. But as often as not, problems exist in a
chain of cause and effect: for each problem solved, a new one develops.

Does progress reduce the number of problems in the world, or does solving old
problems just lead to new ones? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2012 June
5. People who complain about progress and change expose themselves to criticism.
Yet there is always a subtle danger in life's improvements and refinements, a
drawback or disadvantage that occurs along with the benefits of progress. It
sometimes seems that we devote half of our time to making what we call
"improvements"in our lives, our work, our relationshipsbut so often the
original conditions had some quality that is lost in the process of change.

Does improvement or progress usually involve a significant drawback or problem
of some kind? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2012 January
6. Technology has dramatically increased the speed with which we can communicate
and share information. Some people are critical of this development, claiming
that rapid communication, often made possible by some form of technology,
discourages people from focusing at length on any one topic, shortens their
attention spans, and prevents them from truly learning about the world and
people around them. But what is wrong with how instantly and easily information
is communicated thanks to the wonders of modern technology?

Does the way that information is communicated today result in people learning
less than ever before? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2010 Dec
7. A well-known company recently proposed setting aside every Friday as a day with
no e-mail-based communication. On these e-mail-free Fridays, employees would
be encouraged to refrain completely from reading or sending e-mail or text
messages and advised instead to call each other or talk in person. This idea can
work for everyone. If each week we set aside time to actually talk to one
another, our communications will be less impersonal and more effective and
satisfying.

Is talking the most effective and satisfying way of communicating with others?

2010 March
8. Technological advances have freed society from tiresome labor, such as washing
clothes by hand, hauling heavy loads, and walking long distances, and have given
people increased access to information and entertainment. Yet, when given a
choice, many people still resist using modern conveniences. There must be
something to be gained from not using technology

Are there benefits to be gained from avoiding the use of modern technology,
even when using it would make life easier? Plan and write an essay in which you

2008 May
9. Until fairly recently, technological innovations and inventions were intended to
serve basic human needs or desires. Today, however, the most important and
urgent problem confronting us is no longer the satisfaction of basic needs. The
primary purpose of modern technology is to solve the unintended problems caused
by the technology of years past.

Is the most important purpose of technology today different from what it was in
the past? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this

2007 Dec
10 The advancements that have been made over the past hundred years or more are
too numerous to count. But has there been progress? Some people would say that
the vast number of advancements tells us we have made progress. Others,
however, disagree, saying that more is not necessarily better and that real
progressin politics, literature, the arts, science and technology, or any other
fieldcan be achieved only when an advancement truly improves the quality of
our lives.

Have modern advancements truly improved the quality of people's lives? Plan and

2007 June
11. We measure our progress as a civilization by what we see as advances in
technology, which seem more significant than such concerns as education and the
condition of the natural world. Still, I would prefer to be a part of a community
that judged itself on the happiness of its members rather than on the
development of new technology.

Does a strong commitment to technological progress cause a society to neglect
other values, such as education and the protection of the environment? Plan and

2006 June

L) Information/Objectivity/Knowledge/Education

1. Everything a public figure or celebrity says or does is likely to turn up on an
internet site or a television show. The great appeal of these sites and shows is
that they help us learn as much as possible about public figures. The more we
know about political candidates, for example, the more informed we are as
voters. Much of the information, however, is irrelevant and actually prevents us
from focusing on the issues that matter.

Does having too much information about public figures distract us from the
important issues? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view
reading, studies, experience, or observations

2013 Oct
2. Many colleges now offer courses in which students study television programs,
comic books, magazines, advertising, and other aspects of popular culture. Critics
complain that schools should not replace serious literature and history courses
with such fluff. They claim that courses in popular culture present material that
is trivial and inconsequential. But the study of popular culture can be just as
important, demanding, and instructive as the study of traditional subjects.

Can the study of popular culture be as valuable as the study of traditional
literary and historical subjects? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your

2013 June
3. People generally put more trust in what they have learned for themselves than in
what they learn from others. Few people, however, are really motivated to learn
anything on their own. They are much more apt to learn when others are willing to
teach them. Even though learning from others means occasionally learning things
that are not useful or important, people are still better off when they learn from
others

Is it better for people to learn from others than to learn on their own? Plan and

2011 January
4. Most people are so impressed by facts and objectivity that they do not
appreciate the use of imagination. They worry that our imaginations get us away
from reality, distort our views and perspectives, and, worst of all, are
unscientific. As a result, using our imagination and other related activities such
as appreciating art or music or being creative are often considered the
"frosting"the nice extras in liferather than vital pursuits that are crucial to
everyone.

Is imagination less valuable than facts and objectivity? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2010 Nov
5. So-called common sense determines what people should wear, whom they should
respect, which rules they should follow, and what kind of life they should lead.
Common sense is considered obvious and natural, too sensible to question. But
people's common sense decisions may turn out to be wrong, even if they are
thought to be correct according to the judgment of vast majorities of people.

Can common sense be trusted and accepted, or should it be questioned? Plan and

2009 Oct
6. Thanks to great advancements in technology, we live today in a world in which
knowledge is more readily available to greater numbers of people than ever
before in history. Having more and better technology, however, has not made
people wiser or more understanding. Indeed, people are so overloaded with
information today that they have become less, rather than more, able to make
sense of the world around them than our ancestors ever were.

Has today's abundance of information only made it more difficult for us to
understand the world around us? Plan and write an essay in which you develop

2009 May
7. On the surface, censorship seems objectionable because it limits our freedom.
But all societies need to suppress or restrict information that is offensive or
potentially harmful. People depend on the establishment of some limits, some way
of making distinctions between what is right and what is wrong. Censorship is
actually beneficial to a society because it helps to establish ideals of what is
proper in such areas as art, music, and literature.

Should society limit people's exposure to some kinds of information or forms of
expression? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2008 Nov
8. Knowledge is power. In agriculture, medicine, and industry, for example,
knowledge has liberated us from hunger, disease, and tedious labor. Today,
however, our knowledge has become so powerful that it is beyond our control. We
know how to do many things, but we do not know where, when, or even whether
this know-how should be used.

Can knowledge be a burden rather than a benefit? Plan and write an essay in
observations.

2007 May
9. The education people receive does not occur primarily in school. Young people are
formed by their experiences with parents, teachers, peers, and even strangers
on the street, and by the sports teams they play for, the shopping malls they
frequent, the songs they hear, and the shows they watch. Schools, while certainly
important, constitute only a relatively small part of education.

Is education primarily the result of influences other than school? Plan and write

2007 January
10 I cannot comprehend those who emphasize or recognize only what is useful. I am
concerned that learning for learning's sake is no longer considered desirable,
that everything we do and think must be directed toward the solution of a
practical problem. More and more we seem to try to teach how to make a good
living and not how to live a good life.

Do people put too much emphasis on learning practical skills?

2005 June
11. Most of our schools are not facing up to their responsibilities. We must begin to
ask ourselves whether educators should help students address the critical moral
choices and social issues of our time. Schools have responsibilities beyond
training people for jobs and getting students into college.

Should schools help students understand moral choices and social issues?

2005 June
12. Every important discovery results from patience, perseverance, and
concentration--sometimes continuing for months or years--on one specific
subject. A person who wants to discover a new truth must remain absorbed by
that one subject, must pay no attention to any thought that is unrelated to the
problem.

Are all important discoveries the result of focusing on one subject? Plan and

2005 January
13 Many people deny that stories about characters and events that are not real can
teach us about ourselves or about the world around us. They claim that literature
does not offer us worthwhile information about the real world. These people
argue that the feelings and ideas we gain from books and stories obstruct,
rather than contribute to, clear thought.

Can books and stories about characters and events that are not real teach us
anything useful? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view

2006 Nov

M) Advertisement and Entertainment

1. Advertisements provide information about available products and services. Many
people argue, however, that something else is going on: advertisements try to
convince people that when they buy things, they are also buying satisfaction and
happiness. Advertisements merely fool people into believing that the next "new
and improved" product will make their lives better, and the result is that people
are even more unhappy and dissatisfied than they would have been without the
advertisements.

Do advertisements contribute to unhappiness and dissatisfaction? Plan and write

2012 May
2. Aiming advertisements for products directly at teenagers is a practice that
occurs on television, in magazines, and on the Internet. These advertisements
may help prepare young people for adulthood, as teenagers gain experience in
evaluating and selecting from among the many options in our complex consumer
society. Many critics, however, argue that teenagers are especially vulnerable to
misleading claims of the advertising industry; moreover, they argue that
advertisements often promote values harmful to young people.

Are advertisements harmful to teenagers? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 Nov
3. Our culture puts entirely too much emphasis on popular entertainment. Of
course, we all need to be distracted occasionally, but if we spend a lot of time
browsing our favorite websites, watching television, playing video games, or
updating our social networking accounts, we are merely avoiding lifes more
important realities. Moreover, none of these activities helps us develop any of
the skills or acquire any of the knowledge we need to succeed in the real world.

Can popular entertainment offer us anything of value, or is it just a worthless
distraction? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2014 March
4. Reality television programs, which feature real people engaged in real activities
rather than professional actors performing scripted scenes, are increasingly
popular. These shows depict ordinary people competing in everything from singing
and dancing to losing weight, or just living their everyday lives. Most people
believe that the reality these shows portray is authentic, but they are being
misled. How authentic can these shows be when producers design challenges for
the participants and then editors alter filmed scenes?

Do people benefit from forms of entertainment that show so-called reality, or
are such forms of entertainment harmful? Plan and write an essay in which you

2011 March
5. Photographs are very much a part of our daily lives. They show us faraway places,
things to buy, important people and happenings, and sometimes just the ordinary.
These pictures seem like frozen moments of real life. Cameras do copy what is in
front of the lens, and so, in that sense, photographs show us what is real. They
are at the same time, however, creations of the artist's intentions and
unconscious mind.

Are photographs straightforward representations of real life, or are they
artistic creations reflecting the photographer's point of view? Plan and write an
observations.

2011 March
6. Why do we not value the creative arts more than we do? Why are subjects like
music, drama, photography, and creative writing always the first to be cut from
school budgets during hard times? Many would answer that, unlike math, science,
history, and other subjects taught in school, the arts are unnecessary. But this is
so untrue. The arts are as necessary as these other subject areaspossibly even
more necessary.

Is it absolutely necessary for people to study the creative arts? Plan and write

2010 Oct
7. I spent some part of every year at the farm until I was twelve or thirteen years
old. The life that I led there was full of charm and so is the memory of it yet. I
can call back the faint odors of wildflowers, the sheen of rain-washed foliage,
the clatter of raindrops when the wind shook the trees, and the far-off
hammering of woodpeckers. I can call back the prairieand its loneliness and
peace.

Is it important for people to spend time outdoors and to learn to appreciate the
natural environment? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2010 Oct
8. Many people consider the artsliterature, music, painting, and other creative
activitiesunnecessary because they provide us with nothing more than
entertainment. Yet the arts are extremely valuable because they have much to
teach us about the world around us and also because they help people find
meaning in life.

Is the main value of the arts to teach us about the world around us? Plan and

2007 Nov
9. The media not only transmit information and culture, they also decide what
information is important. In that way, they help to shape culture and values.

Do newspapers, magazines, television, radio, movies, the Internet, and other
media determine what is important to most people?

2005 June

N) Others (less clearly defined)

1. Privacy was once valued and protected. Diaries came with locks to keep the
writers privately recorded thoughts from being read by others. Public
telephones were enclosed in booths so that conversations would not be
overheard. But now people feel free to post information about themselves on
social networking Web sites and carry on cell phone conversations in public
places. We would be much better off if we valued privacyour own and that of
othersfar more highly than we do.

Do we place too little value on privacy? Plan and write an essay in which you

2013 Oct
An Internet phone service is offering unlimited free telephone calls for anyone
who signs up. There is only one catch: the company will use software to listen to
customers' phone conversations and then send customers advertisements based
on what they have been talking about. For example, if they talk about movies with
their friends, advertisements for movies will appear on their computer screens.
Commentators have voiced concern about customers' giving up their privacy in
exchange for phone service.

Should people give up their privacy in exchange for convenience or free services?

2009 Dec
2. People talk too much about their feelings. They share their deepest secrets and
innermost thoughts on television talk shows. They write revealing
autobiographies. They buy books that advise them to tell others about their
feelings. We would be far better off if we followed the advice of Florence
Nightingale, a pioneer in the field of nursing, who thought that people too often
waste their feelings by talking about them and should instead turn their feelings
into actions that bring results.

Is it better for people to act on their feelings than to talk about them? Plan and

2012 May
Good decision making generally requires people to think carefully and logically and
to pay attention to practical details. However, people who depend on their
feelings and emotions to make important decisions are not likely to spend hours
gathering information, making lists, considering all possible outcomes, and so
forth. When comparing the advantages or disadvantages of one course of action
to another, these people ask themselves, "What do my feelings tell me?"

Should people let their feelings guide them when they make important decisions?

2009 May
3. When judging ourselves, we tend to consider our motives as well as our actions.
If we mean to do something that will benefit others but our actions have hurtful
consequences, we may feel that our good intentions are just as important as the
effects of our actions. But we give our intentions too much credit. Actions can
and should be judged on their own merits, regardless of what motivated someone
to take them in the first place.

Are the consequences of people's actions more important than the motives
behind the actions? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of

2011 Nov
4. Whether it is a child pouting to get ice cream or a politician using emotionally
charged language to influence potential supporters, all people use some form of
acting to achieve whatever ends they seek. Public figures of all kinds would have
short, unsuccessful careers without the aid of acting. Actingconsciously
assuming a role in order to achieve some purposeis a tool people use to protect
their interests and gain advantages in every aspect of life.

Is acting an essential part of everyday life? Plan and write an essay in which you

2008 Dec
There are two kinds of pretending. There is the bad kind, as when a person
falsely promises to be your friend. But there is also a good kind, where the
pretense eventually turns into the real thing. For example, when you are not
feeling particularly friendly, the best thing you can do, very often, is to act in a
friendly manner. In a few minutes, you may really be feeling friendlier.

Can deceptionpretending that something is true when it is notsometimes have
good results? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on

2006 Oct
5. All around us appearances are mistaken for reality. Clever advertisements create
favorable impressions but say little or nothing about the products they promote.
In stores, colorful packages are often better than their contents. In the media,
how certain entertainers, politicians, and other public figures appear is more
important than their abilities. All too often, what we think we see becomes far
more important than what really is.

Do images and impressions have too much of an effect on people? Plan and write

2007 Dec

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