ACT prompts

A.  Recently in Michigan, the law was changed making it legal to operate a motorcycle without a helmet. Some argue that this is merely a correction to laws that went beyond the scope of state government. Opponents to the change argue that because injuries sustained in accidents may result in costs to the public, such laws—including seat-belt laws—are beneficial to the general welfare and therefore should remain in place. Do you agree that safety measures such as helmets and seatbelts should be mandatory? You may address either side of the debate, or you may present a different point of view on the issue.


B.  In many of the largest airports around the country, full body scanners (sometimes referred to as “naked scanners”) and enhanced pat-down procedures have been implemented. Some groups are calling for these measures to be removed, claiming that they not only violate the 4^th amendment’s protection from unreasonable search and protection of privacy, but are ineffective in catching potential threats. Others claim the new procedures better ensure the safety of the passengers, crew, and those on the ground by acting as a deterrent to terrorist attempts. Should such technology and procedures be the standard rule for all of our nation’s major airports? In your essay, take a position on the issue. You may write about either of the two points of view, or you may propose a different point of view. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

C.  It’s been proposed in the U.S. Congress that all able-bodied men and women, at some point between the ages of 18 and 22, be required to serve one year in the armed forces or in some other form of civil service. Proponents believe that it will help to foster a sense of unity and national pride. Opponents claim that it goes beyond the lawful scope of government and violates our rights to self-determination.  In your essay, take a position on the issue. You may write about either of the two positions, or you may propose a different point of view. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
 

D.  It’s been proposed in your school district that students in grades 8 through 12 be separated into classrooms by gender. Proponents believe that this will allow students to focus better on their schoolwork. Opponents feel that such measures would fail to prepare students for the real world.In your essay, take a position on the issue. You may write about either of the two points of view, or you may propose a different point of view. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.)


 E.  Many successful adults recall a time in life when they were considered a failure at one pursuit or another. Some of these people feel strongly that their previous failures taught them valuable lessons and led to their later successes. Others maintain that they went on to achieve success for entirely different reasons. In your opinion, can failure lead to success? Or is failure simply its own bad experience? In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

F. Neighborhood grant

G. School Uniforms

H. It’s been proposed by your local township that a curfew be put into place requiring all minors (17 years and younger) to be off the streets by 10:00 each night. Proponents of the law believe that this would alleviate vandalism and promote a peaceful community. Opponents say that such a law would punish all minors for the acts of a few and would be ignored by those committing the vandalism.

In your essay, take a position on the issue.

   You may write about either of the two positions, or you may propose a different point of view. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.