2023 Essay prompts

CREATIVE

  1. The year is 2041. AI has led us astray. What has happened?

  2. What has been the most impactful piece of media you have consumed and why? (e.g. a film, book, tv episode, song, etc.)

  3. What quote do you live by?

ARGUMENTATIVE

  1. What should the ideal voting age be?

  2. Is gene editing ethical?

  3. It would be a good thing if by the year 2050, half the pregnancies in developed countries occurred through surrogacy. Agree or disagree?

JOURNALISTIC

  1. What is an ongoing technological development that is helping society advance?

  2. Modern journalists primarily chase clicks, scandals, bad news, and public take-downs. What impact does this have on our society?

  3. What event had the largest impact in your community in 2022?


2022 ESSAY PROMPTS

CREATIVE

  1. What does it mean to be successful

  2. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

  3. Describe the perfect day

  4. Write about your greatest inspiration

  5. If you could be the very best in the world at something, what would it be?

ARGUMENTATIVE

  1. Are bystanders who do not intervene also at fault?

  2. Should the law be broken if you believe the law is unjust?

  3. Is it better to act with integrity or loyalty?

  4. Is it okay to intrude on privacy for the sake of scientific research?

  5. Has social media been a positive or negative influence on society?


2021 Essay prompts

CREATIVE

  1. As you look into the future, what is something that gives you hope?

  2. Can you destroy a monster without becoming one?

  3. Pick your favorite song lyric or quote and write about it.

  4. Apples or Oranges?

  5. What would you like to improve about the human condition?

ARGUMENTATIVE

  1. Should individuals own their own DNA?

  2. Is it more important to help locally or globally?

  3. Should charities be selective about who they accept donations from?

  4. Should we give what we can?

  5. Are intentions or outcomes more important when judging whether actions are moral?