During this course, you will be working on a five-paragraph essay that presents an informed, cohesive opinion on a topic of your choice. In this assignment, you will choose that topic and explain why it appeals to you more than any other topic. Think carefully about each possibility in the list of topics. Which one can you argue the best? Which one do you know about the most? Why does this one appeal to you more than any of the others?

Choose one topic from the following list:

• Some people argue that video games are purely detrimental because they can increase the chance of child obesity and a child's exposure to violence, while others point out that games teach problem-solving skills and can be educational. Do you think that the benefits of video games outweigh the problems? Why or why not?
• Choose a set of toys or games or a television show and study them for clues on how they influence the formation of gender identity. What does this part of our culture tell us about whom we should be in our gender?
• What are the qualities of an ideal teacher and how are they applied? What characteristics do ideal teachers have? Think about some of the teachers who have affected you to help answer this question.
• What are the qualities of an ideal businesswoman or businessman? What characteristics enable someone to succeed in the field of business as opposed to the qualities needed in other fields?
• Depression is often called "the common cold of mental illness." Many people argue that it is more effective to treat depression with medication, while others argue that such a common problem should be approached with a change in lifestyle rather than as a chemical issue. What do you think?
• Considering the way professional athletes are held up in the media as celebrities, do professional athletes have a responsibility to be good role models?  Should they be more aware of their behavior and actions due to their status in the public eye? 
• Standardized tests are used at various points in the educational system.  Should the United States require all high school seniors to take and pass an exit exam in order to earn a high school diploma?  Why or why not?