Option A:

76% of American adults online use social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, as of July 2015, up from 26% in 2008. [26] [189]. Recently, there was a court case about Instagram and its effect on the self-esteem of teenage girls.

On social media sites like these, users may develop biographical profiles, communicate with friends and strangers, do research, and share thoughts, photos, music, links, and more. However, some believe these sites can have negative impacts on college students.

Should social media access be blocked from college networks? Should there be age-based restrictions to protect young people from the harmful effects of social media? Take a position on this issue and argue it, using credible evidence from valid sources.

Keep in mind that this topic is not about bullying in social media.

 

Option B:

There has been a lot of debate around the idea of having religion in schools. Some argue that children should have an education grounded in spiritual and moral concepts, and others argue that teaching religion in schools violates individual rights and freedoms. Research the different perspectives on this issue, then take a position and argue your perspective.

Should there be a separation of church and state in education?

 

Option C:

Views on spanking one’s children have evolved over time. Some believe spanking builds character in children, and a slap on the behind doesn’t do any harm – it actually could serve as a deterrent for future misbehaving. Others, however, believe that all forms of physical discipline, regardless of how minor they may seem, leave an emotional and psychological mark on a child. They argue that striking a child is a form of physical violence that could lead to issues later in life, such as decreased self-confidence and fear or mistrust of authority.

Is spanking an effective method of modifying a child’s behavior?

 

Option D:

Are different populations and demographics treated differently in the law or medical professions? There has been a lot of debate online and in the media about people from marginalized communities being treated differently in the legal arena and in the medical field. There have been accusations of harsher punishments, longer sentences or wait times, wrongful convictions, lack of attentive care, etc. for people from under-represented groups such as Black and Indigenous peoples and People of Color, as well as people from the LGBTQ communities.

Others argue that the law is fair and just and hospitals are simply crowded and under-funded, and people are seeking preferential treatment for being minorities. They argue that treatment is the same for people across the board.

Take a position on this issue and argue it with data and evidence from credible sources.

 

Option E:

In recent years, Madrid soccer player, Cristiano Rinaldo, made 79 million dollars a year. Golf player, Phil Mickelson, made 50.8 million dollars per year. Many have argued that athletes are grossly overpaid while essential workers, i.e., people who save lives or teach the next generation, make anywhere from $22,000 to $400,000 per year.

Others argue the large salaries are warranted because athletes work for a much shorter period of time, they endure a great amount of wear and tear on their bodies, and they generate a lot of revenue for a nation’s economy.

Are professional athletes and entertainers overpaid for what they do? Should salaries for “essential workers” better reflect their value in society?