Possible MCAT Essays

8/2/2019 Possible MCAT Essays

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Writing Sample Items

The AAMC has released a listing of MCAT Writing Sample items (topic statements and instructions) for your information and use in preparing for that section of the

test.Topics selected for use in MCAT exams will be similar or identical to those in this list.

Each Writing Sample item consists of a topic statement (printed boldly) followed by instructions for three writing tasks. Your first task is to explain or interpret the

topic statement. Because the first two sentences of the instructions are the same for all items, they are stated once here rather than beneath each item. These

instructions are:

Write a unified essay in which you perform the following tasks. Explain what you think the above statement means.

The instructions for the second and third writing tasks vary from item to item and are printed immediately beneath each topic statement. When using this list forpractice, you should be sure to follow the instructions forall three tasks in writing your essay.

The object of education should be to teach skills, not values.

Describe a specific situation in which the object of education might be teaching

values rather than skills. Discuss what you think determines when the object of

education is to teach skills and when it is to teach values.

The nature of democracy requires that its citizens be dependent upon one

another.

Describe a specific situation in which citizens in a democracy might justifiably

not be dependent upon one another. Discuss what you think determines when

citizens in a democracy should be dependent upon one another.

Of all the forms of media, television has the strongest influence on public

opinion.

Describe a specific situation in which television might not have the strongest

influence on public opinion. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

television has the strongest influence on public opinion.

History is the record of humanity's wars.

Describe a specific situation in which history might be the record of something

other than humanity's wars. Discuss what you think determines when history

should be the record of humanity's wars and when it should be something else.

To obey an unjust law is to approve of it.

Describe a specific situation in which obeying an unjust law might not

necessarily mean approving of it. Discuss what you think determines when

disobeying a law is justified.

The personal privacy of citizens should be protected from government

intrusion.

Describe a specific situation in which government might justifiably intrude upon

a citizen's personal privacy. Discuss what you think determines when

government has a right to intrude upon citizens' privacy and when it does not

have a right to intrude.

The introduction of modern technologies is harmful to underdeveloped

areas of the world.

Describe a specific situation in which the introduction of modern technologies

might not be harmful to an underdeveloped area of the world. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not the introduction of modern technologies is

harmful to underdeveloped areas of the world.

The good of a society depends upon the defense of individual rights.

Describe a specific situation in which the good of a society might not depend

upon the defense of individual rights. Discuss what you think determines when

the good of a society depends upon the defense of individual rights.

In politics, one's friends and one's enemies are often the same.

Describe a specific political situation in which one's friends and one's enemies

might not be the same. Discuss what you think determines whether or not one's

friends in politics are also one's enemies.

A student's academic success depends more on hard work than on

intelligence.

Describe a specific situation in which a student's academic success might depend

more on intelligence than on hard work. Discuss what you think determines

whether a student's academic success depends more on hard work or on

intelligence.

New technologies often hide problems that are only revealed later.

Describe a specific situation in which the benefits of a new technology might not

hide later problems. Discuss what you think determines when the benefits of a

new technology outweigh potential problems.

Displaying intelligence can sometimes be a politician's downfall.

Describe a specific situation in which displaying intelligence might not be a

politician's downfall. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

displaying intelligence will be a politician's downfall.

In times of war, maintaining public support is often the most difficult battle.

Describe a specific situation in which maintaining public support in a time of war

might not be difficult. Discuss what you think determines when maintaining

public support in times of war is difficult and when it is not.

Television news should be expected to present both sides of an issue.

Describe a specific situation in which television news might not be expected to

present both sides of an issue. Discuss what you think determines when

television news should be expected to present both sides of an issue and when it

should not.

The public is swayed more by new ideas than by good ones.

Describe a specific situation in which the public might be swayed more by a

good idea than by a new one. Discuss what you think determines whether the

public will be swayed by new ideas or by good ones.

It is always best to be cautious in financial matters.

Describe a specific situation in which it might be better not to be cautious in a

financial matter. Discuss what you think determines whether or not it is best to be

cautious in financial matters.

A person's first priority in life should be financial security.

Describe a specific situation in which a person's first priority in life might not be

financial security. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a person's

first priority in life should be financial security.

Plans for achieving social justice can succeed only when those affected give

their approval.

Describe a specific situation in which a plan for achieving social justice might

succeed without approval by those affected. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not plans for achieving social justice can succeed only when

approved by those affected.

Political freedoms are best appreciated in those countries where they do not

exist.

Describe a specific situation in which political freedoms might be appreciated in

a country where such freedoms do exist. Discuss what you think determines

whether political freedoms are best appreciated in countries where such freedoms

are denied or where they exist.

A good movie usually teaches a moral lesson.

Describe a specific situation in which a good movie might not teach a moral

lesson. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the quality of a movie

depends upon its ability to teach a moral lesson.


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A government has not only the right, but also the responsibility, to regulate

what is broadcast over the public airwaves.

Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be justified in

regulating what is broadcast over the public airwaves. Discuss what you think

determines when a government is justified in regulating what is broadcast over

the public airwaves and when it is not.

Price is not necessarily a reflection of value.

Describe a specific situation in which price is an accurate reflection of value.

Discuss what you think determines when price reflects value and when it does

not.

Education serves to restrict the human mind rather than to free it.

Describe a specific situation in which education frees the human mind. Discuss

what you think determines when education restricts the human mind and when it

frees it.

Creativity flourishes best in circumstances where freedom of speech is

openly permitted.

Describe a specific situation in which creativity might flourish in circumstances

where freedom of speech is not openly permitted. Discuss what you thinkdetermines whether or not freedom of speech encourages creativity.

Granting mercy is sometimes the best way for a judge to serve justice.

Describe a specific situation in which granting mercy might not be the best way

for a judge to serve justice. Discuss what you think determines when granting

mercy serves justice and when it does not.

Politicians should vote according to their beliefs, without worrying about

whether their constituents agree with those beliefs.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician should take into account the

beliefs of constituents when voting. Discuss what you think determines whether

politicians should vote according to their beliefs or those of their constituents.

Local governments should be allowed to govern free of federal interference.

Describe a specific situation in which local governments should not be allowed

to govern free of federal interference. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not local governments should be allowed to govern free of federal

interference.

Almost every great fortune is made at the expense of other people.

Describe a specific situation in which a fortune might be made without harm to

other people. Discuss the principles you think determine whether or not fortunes

are made at the expense of other people.

The courts should punish the guilty according to the nature of the crime.

Describe a specific situation in which the courts might justifiably take

circumstances into account when punishing the guilty. Discuss what you thinkdetermines whether the courts should consider the crime or other factors in order

to decide punishment.

Advances in communication have led to a loss of personal privacy.

Describe a specific situation in which an advance in communication might not

lead to a loss of personal privacy. Discuss what you think determines when

advances in communication lead to a loss of personal privacy.

There are times when an individual's private acts should become a public

concern.

Describe a specific situation in which an individual's private acts should not

become a public concern. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the

acts of an individual should become a public concern.

A country needs enemies, real or imagined, in order to maintain its identity.

Describe a specific situation in which a country might not need an enemy in

order to maintain its identity. Discuss what you think determines whether the

existence of enemies is necessary for a country to maintain its identity.

Too many politicians turn public matters into private gains.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician might not turn a public matter

into a private gain. Discuss what you think determines whether or not politicians

will turn public matters into private gains.

By studying other cultures we increase our understanding of our own

culture.

Describe a specific situation in which studying another culture might not increase

the understanding of one's own culture. Discuss what you think determines when

the study of another culture increases the understanding of one's own culture and

when it does not.

A democratic government must provide equal opportunity for all citizens.

Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government might not have

to provide equal opportunity for all its citizens. Discuss what you think

determines when democratic governments must provide equal opportunity for all

citizens and when they need not.

Freedom of speech should include acts or opinions that may beobjectionable to the majority of people.

Describe a specific situation in which an act or opinion objectionable to the

majority of the people should not be protected by the right to free speech.

Discuss what you think determines when an objectionable act should be

protected under freedom of speech.

An effective leader must possess the ability not only to deal with current

problems, but also to anticipate future ones.

Describe a specific situation in which a leader might be effective without

anticipating future problems. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

it is necessary for a leader to anticipate future problems.

Leadership involves speaking out when others might keep silent.

Describe a specific situation in which leadership might involve keeping silent.

Discuss what you think determines whether a leader should speak out or keep

silent.

In politics, good intentions cannot justify bad actions.

Describe a specific situation in which good intentions in politics might justify a

bad action. Discuss what you think determines whether or not good intentions in

politics can justify bad actions.

Human behavior is guided primarily by self-interest.

Describe a specific situation in which human behavior might not be guided

primarily by self-interest. Discuss what you think determines when human

behavior is guided primarily by self-interest and when it is not.

A country's strength increases in direct proportion to its freedoms.

Describe a specific situation in which a country's strength might not increase in

direct proportion to its freedoms. Discuss what you think determines when a

country's strength will increase in direct proportion to its freedoms and when it

will not.

Politicians should concentrate on making policy rather than attempt to

affect people's beliefs.

Describe a specific situation in which politicians might attempt to affect people's

beliefs rather than make policy. Discuss what you think determines when

politicians should concentrate on making policy and when they should attempt to

affect people's beliefs.

Wealthy politicians cannot offer fair representation to all the people.

Describe a specific situation in which a wealthy politician might offer fair

representation to all the people. Discuss what you think determines whether a

wealthy politician can or cannot offer fair representation to all the people.

Government policy should be directed at addressing the needs of the

present.

Describe a specific situation in which government policy might be directed at

addressing concerns of the future rather than the needs of the presents. Discuss

what you think determines when government policy should be directed at

addressing present needs and when it should be directed addressing future


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concerns.

Alliances between nations are more often a matter of economics than of

shared ideologies.

Describe a specific situation in which an alliance between nations might be a

matter of shared ideology. Discuss what you think determines when alliances

between nations are a matter of economics and when they are a matter of shared

ideologies.

Most positive outcomes in politics are the result of skillful planning.

Describe a specific political situation in which a positive outcome might not be

the result of skillful planning. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

skillful planning in politics will result in positive outcomes.

Democracy necessarily implies the suppression of some individual interests

for the good of society as a whole.Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government might place

individual interests ahead of the good of the whole society. Discuss what you

think determines when the good of society should take precedence over the

interests of individuals.

The role of a political opposition is to criticize the policies of those in power.

Describe a specific situation in which the role of a political opposition might be

something other than to criticize the policies of those in power. Discuss what you

think determines when the role of a political opposition should be to criticize the

policies of those in power and when it should not.

The role of technology should be to improve human life, but not to affect

human values.

Describe a specific situation in which technology might justifiably affect human

values. Discuss what you think determines whether or not technology should

affect human values.

Higher education would be more effective if colleges were more selective in

choosing students.

Describe a specific situation in which higher education would not be more

effective if colleges were more selective in choosing students. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not higher education would be more effective if

colleges were more selective in choosing students.

A nation's ability to survive is often dependent upon its military strength.

Describe a specific situation in which a nation's ability to survive might not

depend on its military strength. Discuss what you think determines when a

nation's ability to survive is dependent upon its military strength.

Stability in society can lead to stagnation.

Describe a specific situation in which stability in society might not lead to

stagnation. Discuss what you think determines whether or not stability in society

leads to stagnation.

Education should promote learning outside the classroom as well as within.

Describe a specific situation in which education might justifiably not promote

learning outside the classroom. Discuss what you think determines whether or

not education should foster learning outside the classroom.

Lies are often less harmful than the truth.

Describe a specific situation in which the truth might be less harmful than lies.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not lies are less harmful than the

truth.

Globalization eliminates important cultural differences.

Describe a specific situation in which globalization might not eliminate

important cultural differences. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

globalization eliminates important cultural differences.

In business, the image of a product is more important than the product

itself.

Describe a specific situation, in business, in which the product itself might be

more important than the image of the product. Discuss what you think

determines, in business, whether or not the image of a product is more important

than the product itself.

The most effective way to change people's opinions is to appeal to their

emotions.

Describe a specific situation in which the most effective way to change people's

opinions might not be to appeal to their emotions. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not the most effective way to change people's opinions isto appeal to their emotions.

Art should not challenge our perception of the world.

Describe a specific situation in which art challenges our perception of the world.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not art should challenge our

perception of the world.

A witness who has something to gain from providing testimony is often lying.

Describe a specific situation in which a witness who has something to gain from

providing testimony might not be lying. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not a witness who stands to gain from providing testimony will lie.

It is better to tolerate minor defects in the law than to change it.

Describe a specific situation in which it might be better to change the law than to

tolerate minor defects in it. Discuss what you think determines when it is better

to tolerate minor defects in the law than to change it and when it is better to

change it.

Creative inspiration, rather than careful planning, often results in the best

solution to a problem.

Describe a specific situation in which careful planning might result in the best

solution to a problem. Discuss what you think determines whether creative

inspiration or careful planning can best solve a problem.

A good education is its own reward.

Describe a specific situation in which a good education might not be its own

reward. Discuss what you think determines when a good education is its own

reward and when it is not.

Social justice can occur only when people accept the equality of others.

Describe a specific situation in which social justice might occur without peopleaccepting the equality of others. Discuss what you think determines whether or

not social justice can occur only when people accept the equality of others.

Progress seldom comes from the deliberations of a group. Rather, progress

most often comes from the creative thinking of individuals working alone.

Describe a specific situation in which progress might come from thedeliberations of a group rather than the creative thinking of individuals working

alone. Discuss what you think determines whether the deliberations of a group or

the creative thinking of individuals working alone will result in progress.

Ordinary citizens, not heroes, determine the history of a nation.

Describe a specific situation in which heroes, not ordinary citizens, determine the

history of a nation. Discuss what you think determines whether ordinary citizens

or heroes determine the history of a nation.

A person who enters public life is necessarily forced to surrender some

degree of personal privacy.

Describe a specific situation in which a public figure should not have to

surrender personal privacy. Discuss what you think determines when a public

figure's personal privacy ought to be surrendered.

Action taken for the good of the greatest number can sometimes be

detrimental to the interests of the few.

In the recording of history, it is impossible to be objective.

Describe a specific situation in which it might be possible to be objective in the

recording of history. Discuss what you think determines when objectivity in the


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Describe a specific situation in which an action taken for the good of the greatest

number might not be detrimental to the interests of the few. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not action taken for the good of the greatest number

will be detrimental to the interests of the few.

recording of history is possible and when it is not.

The benefits of a competitive society extend only to those willing to compete.

Describe a specific situation in which someone not willing to compete might

benefit in a competitive society. Discuss what you think determines when the

benefits of a competitive society extend only to those willing to compete.

Any business must be concerned with the long-term consequences of its

actions.

Describe a specific situation in which a business might justifiably not be

concerned with the long-term consequences of its actions. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not a business must be concerned about the long-

term consequences of its actions.

The surest way to political success is to offer hope to the voters.

Describe a specific situation in which offering hope to the voters might not lead

to political success. Discuss what you think determines when offering hope to the

voters will lead to political success and when it will not.

The strength of a democracy depends upon each citizen's respect for the

ideas of others.

Describe a specific situation in which the strength of a democracy might not

depend upon its citizens' respect for the ideas of others. Discuss what you think

determines when the strength of a democracy depends upon its citizens' respect

for the ideas of others.

A government's use of force to maintain social order is sometimes justified.

Describe a specific situation in which a government's use of force to maintain

social order might not be justified. Discuss what you think determines when a

government's use of force to maintain social order is justified and when it is not.

The arts do not significantly enhance the quality of human life.

Describe a specific situation in which the arts might significantly enhance the

quality of human life. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the arts

significantly enhance the quality of human life.

In business, success is often due to the mistakes of others.

Describe a specific situation in which success in business might not be due to the

mistakes of others. Discuss what you think determines when success in business

is the result of the mistakes of others.

Some dishonesty is necessary to keep a friendship strong.

Describe a specific situation in which some dishonesty is not necessary to keep a

friendship strong. Discuss what you think determines whether or not some

dishonesty is necessary to keep a friendship strong.

Nations often resist new approaches to solving social problems.

Describe a specific situation in which a nation did or might attempt to solve a

social problem with a new approach. Discuss what you think determines when a

new approach would be the best way for a nation to solve a social problem.

The best laws derive from rational thought rather than emotion.

Describe a specific situation in which a good law might derive from emotion

rather than rational thought. Discuss what you think determines when the best

laws derive from rational thought and when they derive from emotion.

Technology may be increasing faster than our ability to use it wisely.

Describe a specific situation in which a new technology might not be beyond our

ability to use it wisely. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a new

technology can be used wisely.

A popular television show reveals more about a nation than the editorial

page of a newspaper does.

Describe a specific situation in which a popular television show might not reveal

more about a nation than the editorial page of a newspaper would. Discuss what

you think determines whether or not a popular television show reveals more

about a nation than the editorial page of a newspaper does.

In politics, the responsible use of power is rewarded with greater power.

Describe a specific situation in which the responsible use of power might not be

rewarded with greater power. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

the responsible use of power will be rewarded with greater power.

The government should not regulate scientific research.

Describe a specific situation in which the government should regulate scientific

research. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the government

should regulate scientific research.

The way to achieve political success is to promise people that their lives will

be better.

Describe a specific situation in which the way to achieve political success might

not be to promise people that their lives will be better. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not the way to achieve political success is to promise

people that their lives will be better.

A researcher must be thorough, painstaking, and disciplined, but also

willing to suspend these qualities in order to follow a hunch.

Describe a specific situation in which it might be better for a researcher to follow

a hunch. Discuss what you think determines whether a researcher should be

disciplined or follow a hunch.

Progress often complicates as much as it simplifies.

Describe a specific situation in which progress might simplify more than it

complicates. Discuss what you think determines whether progress complicates or

simplifies.

A nation's foreign aid should be directed to help those countries that help

themselves.

Describe a specific situation in which a nation's foreign aid might justifiably not

be directed to help those countries that help themselves. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not a nation's foreign aid should be directed to help those

countries that help themselves.

Only after coming to know another culture can a person truly begin to

understand its people.Describe a specific situation in which it might be possible to understand a people

without knowing about their culture. Discuss what you think determines when

knowing another culture is necessary for understanding its people.

Laws are not an effective means of achieving social change.

Describe a specific situation in which a law might be an effective means ofachieving social change. Discuss what you think determines whether or not laws

can effectively bring about social change.

Praise teaches better than criticism.

Describe a specific situation in which praise might not teach better than criticism.

Discuss what you think determines whether praise or criticism teaches better.

We are educated more by our mistakes than by our successes.

Describe a specific situation in which someone might be educated more by

success than by mistakes. Discuss what you think determines whether or not one

learns more from mistakes than from successes.

Teachers must accept partial responsibility for the failure of any of their

students.

Describe a specific situation in which a teacher might justifiably not accept some

responsibility for the failure of a student. Discuss what you think determines

A politician's true beliefs are displayed during a crisis.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician's true beliefs might not be

displayed during a crisis. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a


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whether or not teachers should accept some responsibility for the failure of one

of their students.crisis will bring out a politician's true beliefs.

Celebrities, having sought fame, lose their right to privacy.

Describe a specific situation in which a celebrity should not lose the right to

privacy. Discuss what you think determines whether or not celebrities should lose

their right to privacy.

The plurality of opinions in a democratic system often leads to political

deadlock.

Describe a specific political situation in which the plurality of opinions might not

lead to deadlock. Discuss what you think determines whether or not an

abundance of opinions will lead to political deadlock in a democracy.

A politician's public image is more important than his or her ideas.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician's ideas might be moreimportant than his or her public image. Discuss what you think determines when

a politician's public image might be more important than his or her ideas and

when it might not.

Great leaders follow the will of the majority.

Describe a specific situation in which a great leader might not follow the will of

the majority. Discuss what you think determines whether or not great leaders

follow the will of the majority.

Receiving a political endorsement can be as harmful as it is helpful.

Describe a specific situation in which receiving a political endorsement might

not be harmful. Discuss what you think determines when political endorsements

are harmful and when they are helpful.

Violence is never justified as a way to resolve disputes.

Describe a specific situation in which violence might be justified as a way to

resolve disputes. Discuss what you think determines whether or not violence is

justified as a way to resolve disputes.

The rich have a responsibility to help the poor.

Describe a specific situation in which the rich might not have a responsibility to

help the poor. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the rich have a

responsibility to help the poor.

The primary requirement for a successful politician is common sense.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician might need an asset other than

common sense to be successful. Discuss what you think determines when

politicians need common sense in order to achieve success and when they do not.

In a democracy, the government is never justified in lying to its citizens.

Describe a specific situation in which the government, in a democracy, might be

justified in lying to its citizens. Discuss what you think determines whether ornot the government, in a democracy, is ever justified in lying to its citizens.

The privileges of citizenship in a democracy involve responsibilities.

Describe a specific privilege of citizenship in a democracy that might not involve

responsibility. Discuss what you think determines when privileges of citizenshipin a democracy involve responsibilities.

The exercise of political leadership is limited to those holding office.

Describe a specific situation in which the exercise of political leadership might

not be limited to those holding office. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not the exercise of political leadership is limited to those holding

office.

Environmental concerns should always take priority over economic

concerns.

Describe a specific situation in which environmental concerns might not

justifiably take priority over economic concerns. Discuss what you think

determines whether environmental or economic concerns should have priority.

Employees should have the same right to privacy in the workplace as they

do outside the workplace.

Describe a specific situation in which an employee should not have the same

right to privacy in the workplace as outside it. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not employees should have the same right to privacy inside the

workplace as they do outside it.

In a free society, laws must be subject to change.

Describe a specific situation in which a law should not be subject to change in a

free society. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a law in a free

society should be subject to change.

The primary purpose of law is to maintain order, not to ensure justice.

Describe a specific situation in which the primary purpose of law might be to

ensure justice. Discuss what you think determines whether the primary purpose

of law should be to maintain order or to ensure justice.

Although it claims to promote individuality, most advertising promotes

conformity.Describe a specific situation in which advertising might promote individuality

rather than conformity. Discuss what you think determines whether advertising

promotes individuality or conformity.

A government is obligated to see that the basic needs of its citizens are met.

Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be obligated to see

that the basic needs of its citizens are met. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not a government is obligated to see that its citizens' basic needs are

met.

Popular entertainment is rarely excellent entertainment.

Describe a specific situation in which entertainment might be both "popular" and

"excellent." Discuss what you think determines when entertainment can be both

"popular" and "excellent."

Government should not make laws regarding people's personal safety.

Describe a specific situation in which government might justifiably make a law

regarding people's personal safety. Discuss what you think determines when

government is justified in making laws regarding people's personal safety and

when it is not.

Technology solves many problems, but in the process often creates new

problems.

Describe a specific situation in which a technology might not create a new

problem. Discuss what you think determines when a technology's benefits

outweigh its potential problems.

The essential concern of a democracy must be the protection of humanrights.

Describe a specific situation in which the concern of a democracy might be

something other than the protection of human rights. Discuss what you think

determines when the concern of a democracy should be the protection of human

rights.

In a democracy, the successful politician resembles the ordinary citizen.

Describe a specific situation in which the successful politician in a democracy

does not resemble the ordinary citizen. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not the successful politician resembles the ordinary citizen.

No country should interfere with the internal politics of another country.

Describe a specific situation in which a country might justifiably interfere with

the internal politics of another country. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not a country should interfere with another country's internal politics.

Society is best served by giving people as much freedom as possible.

Describe a specific situation in which society might not be best served by giving

people as much freedom as possible. Discuss what you think determines when

society is best served by giving people as much freedom as possible.

People tend to ignore the flaws of national leaders . The wisest leaders follow the advice of those around them.


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Describe a specific situation in which people might not ignore the flaws of

national leaders. Discuss what you think determines when people might ignore

the flaws of national leaders and when they might not.

Describe a specific situation in which a wise leader might not follow the advice

of others. Discuss what you think determines when it is wise for a leader to

follow the advice of others and when it is unwise.

Most financial decisions are made because of greed.

Describe a specific situation in which a financial decision might not be made

because of greed. Discuss what you think determines when greed is the basis for

making a financial decision.

Only a fully informed electorate can vote responsibly.

Describe a specific situation in which a less than fully informed electorate might

vote responsibly. Discuss what you think determines how much information is

enough to allow for responsible voting.

Only educated people can take advantage of new technologies.Describe a specific situation in which uneducated people might be able to take

advantage of a new technology. Discuss what you think determines whether only

educated people can take advantage of new technologies.

A democratic government is never justified in keeping secrets from the

voting public.Describe a specific situation in which the government of a democracy might be

justified in keeping a secret from the voters. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not a democratic government is justified in keeping secrets from the

voters.

In a democracy, the press has not only the right but the responsibility to

report all of the news.

Describe a specific situation in which a free press would be justified in not

reporting something. Discuss what you think determines when something should

be reported by the press.

Politicians often achieve their goals by ignoring the needs of their

constituents.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician might achieve a political goal

without ignoring the needs of the constituents. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not politicians can achieve political goals by ignoring the

needs of constituents.

Adaptation is necessary for success in business.

Describe a specific situation in which adaptation might not be necessary for

success in business. Discuss what you think determines when adaptation is

necessary for success in business and when it is not.

A business' main purpose should be to make a profit.

Describe a specific situation in which the main purpose of a business might

justifiably be something other than making a profit. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not the main purpose of a business should be to make a

profit.

In politics, the end rarely justifies the means.

Describe a specific situation in which a political end might justify using

questionable means for accomplishing that end. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not a political end justifies the means for accomplishing

that end.

Political decisions made for the sake of a present good may in time prove to

be mistakes.

Describe a specific situation in which a political decision made for the sake of a

present good might not prove to be a mistake. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not political decisions made for the sake of a present good will prove

to be mistakes.

It is in the nature of democracy to reward mediocrity.

Describe a specific situation in which a democracy might not reward mediocrity.

Discuss what you think determines when democracy rewards mediocrity.

Governments have a responsibility to regulate companies that provide

necessary services to citizens.

Describe a specific situation in which a government might not have a

responsibility to regulate a company that provides a necessary service to citizens.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not governments have a

responsibility to regulate companies that provide necessary services to citizens.

The study of history is more an art than a science.

Describe a specific situation in which the study of history might be more of ascience than an art. Discuss what you think determines whether the study of

history is more an art or a science.

The purpose of law is to ensure order.

Describe a specific law whose purpose is not to ensure order. Discuss what youthink determines when the purpose of law should be to ensure order and when it

should be concerned with something other than order.

A government must sometimes require its citizens to do things they may not

want to do.

Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be justified in

requiring its citizens to do something they do not want to do. Discuss what you

think determines when a government has the right to make its citizens do

something they do not want to do.

In a democracy, an indifferent citizenry encourages an indifferent

government.

Describe a specific situation in which an indifferent citizenry in a democracy

might not encourage an indifferent government. Discuss what you think

determines whether an indifferent citizenry in a democracy will or will not

encourage an indifferent government.

The public's right to know must sometimes take precedence over an

individual's right to privacy.

Describe a specific situation in which an individual's right to privacy might

justifiable take precedence over the public's right to know. Discuss what you

think determines when the public's right to know is more important than the

individual's right to privacy.

History is a record of the struggle between opposing ideologies.

Describe a specific situation in which history might not be a record of the

struggle between opposing ideologies. Discuss what you think determines when

history is a record of the struggle between opposing ideologies and when it is

not.

Any restriction of individual freedom in a society is unjustified.

Describe a specific situation in which the restriction of individual freedom in a

society might be justified. Discuss what you think determines when the

restriction of individual freedom in a society is justified and when it is not.

Highly paid executives are essential for the continued success of a business.

Describe a specific situation in which highly paid executives might not be

essential for the continued success of a business. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not highly paid executives are essential for the continued

success of a business.

In a country that fosters freedom of speech, the expression of ideas should

never be censored.

Describe a specific situation in which the expression of an idea should be

censored, even in a free society. Discuss what you think determines whether an

idea should be permitted expression.

In a democracy, a politician should vote according to the will of the

constituents.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician might not vote according to the

will of the constituents. Discuss what you think determines when a politician

should vote according to the will of the constituents.

Alliances between countries are often based on mutual convenience. Compulsory education often inhibits a student's motivation to learn.


7/17

Describe a specific situation in which an alliance between countries might be

based on something other than mutual convenience. Discuss when you think

convenience should determine the basis of an international alliance.

Describe a specific situation in which compulsory education might not inhibit a

student's motivation to learn. Discuss what you think determines when

compulsory education inhibits a student's motivation to learn and when it does

not.

The essential function of law in a democracy is to protect individual rights.

Describe a specific situation in a democracy when a law might justifiably not

protect individual rights. Discuss what you think determines when the function of

law in a democracy should be the protection of individual rights.

All human rights involve responsibility.

Describe a specific situation in which a human right might not involve

responsibility. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a human right

involves responsibility.

All laws derive from the moral code of a majority of the people.

Describe a specific situation in which a law might not derive from the moral code

of the majority. Discuss what you think determines when the moral code of the

majority is the basis of law.

Moral principles should be absolute, never affected by the circumstances ofa given situation.

Describe a specific situation in which a person's moral principles might be

affected by circumstances. Discuss what you think determines when a person's

moral principles should be absolute.

The grading system increases students' motivation to learn.

Describe a specific situation in which the grading system might not increase

students' motivation to learn. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

the grading system increases students' motivation to learn.

The primary concern of television news today is to entertain rather than to

inform.

Describe a specific situation in which the primary concern of television news is

or could be to inform. Discuss what you think determines whether the concern of

television news should be to entertain or to inform.

Those who own land have the right to do with it as they choose.

Describe a specific situation in which someone who owns land might not have

the right to do as they choose with it. Discuss what you thank determines whether

or not those who own land have the right to do with it as they choose.

A just legal system is one that will risk freeing a guilty person before

convicting an innocent one.

Describe a specific situation in which a just legal system might risk convicting an

innocent person before freeing a guilty one. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not a just legal system should risk freeing a guilty person before

convicting an innocent one.

Political ideas are applicable only to the age that produces them.

Describe a specific situation in which a political idea might not be applicable

only to the age that produces it. Discuss what you think determines when

political ideas are applicable only to the age that produces them and when they

are not.

Political campaigns often present a false image of the candidate.

Describe a specific situation in which a political campaign did not present a true

image of a candidate. Discuss what you think determines the degree to which a

political campaign presents the truth about a candidate.

In politics, the simple solution to a problem is often the most popular

solution.

Describe a specific situation in which a simple solution might not be the most

popular solution to a problem. Discuss what you think determines when the

simple solution to a problem will be the most popular solution and when it will

not.

No branch of government should have more power than another branch.

Describe a specific situation in which one branch of government might

justifiably have more power than another branch. Discuss what you think

determines when one branch of government should not have more power than

another branch and when it should.

Crimes committed by individuals should also be considered crimes when

committed by governments.

Describe a specific situation in which a crime committed by an individual mightnot be considered a crime when committed by a government. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not crimes committed by individuals should also be

considered crimes when committed by governments.

In a democracy, citizens who do not vote cannot affect their nation's political

destiny.

Describe a specific situation in which citizens of a democracy who do not vote

can affect their nation's political destiny. Discuss what you think determines

whether citizens who do not vote can affect the political destiny of a democracy.

Society needs the concept of a legal age in order to establish when one

should be considered an adult.

Describe a specific situation in which society might reasonably consider

someone an adult without using the concept of legal age. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not the concept of legal age should be used to establish

adulthood.

The ideals that soldiers defend often differ from the ideals of those who send

them into battle.

Describe a specific situation in which the ideals that soldiers defend might be the

same as the ideals of those who send them into battle. Discuss what you think

determines when the ideals that soldiers defend differ from the ideals of those

who send them into battle and when they are the same.

The media's use of unethical investigative practices is never justified.

Describe a specific situation in which the media's use of unethical investigative

practices might be justified. Discuss what you think determines when the media's

use of unethical investigative practices is justified and when it is not.

The public has the right to know about the private lives of public officials.

Describe a specific situation in which the public might not have the right to know

about the private life of a public official. Discuss what you think determines

when the public has the right to know about the private lives of public officials

and when it does not.

Persons who have political power should exercise that power to benefit

others, not themselves.

Describe a specific situation in which it might be justifiable to exercise political

power for personal benefit. Discuss what you think determines when it is

appropriate to exercise political power for personal benefit.

Justice is best served by truth.

Describe a specific situation in which justice might not be served by truth.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not truth serves justice.

Objectivity should be the primary goal in reporting the news.

Describe a specific situation in which a news report might justifiably not be

completely objective. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

objectivity should be the primary goal of news reporting.

The way something is sold is often more important than what is being sold.

Describe a specific situation in which what is being sold might be more

important than the way it is sold. Discuss what you think determines whether or

not the way something is sold is more important than what is being sold.

The more wealth a nation possesses, the more personal liberty it offers its

citizens.

People's dissatisfaction with their living conditions leads to social progress.


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Describe a specific situation in which the personal liberty of citizens might not

depend on a nation's wealth. Discuss what you think determines when the

personal liberty of citizens depends on a nation's wealth and when it does not.

Describe a specific situation in which people's dissatisfaction with their living

conditions might not lead to social progress. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not people's dissatisfaction with their living conditions leads to social

progress.

Innovative methods used by the press to reach a broader audience often end

up providing that audience with less information.

Describe a specific situation in which innovative methods used by the press

might not end up providing an audience with less information. Discuss what you

think determines when innovative methods used by the press to reach a broader

audience end up providing less information.

In a free society, individuals must be allowed to do as they choose.

Describe a specific situation in which individuals in a free society should not be

allowed to do as they choose. Discuss what you think determines when a free

society is justified in restricting an individual's actions.

In government, idealism must sometimes give way to reality.

Describe a specific situation in which idealism in government might not have to

give way to reality. Discuss what you think determines when idealism in

government should give way to reality.

Only when public figures admit their mistakes can they earn the public's

trust.

Describe a specific situation in which a public figure is trusted despite not

admitting a mistake. Discuss what you think determines whether admitting a

mistake will gain the public's trust.

Concerned individuals are often better than the government at solving

society's problems.

Describe a specific situation in which the government might be better than

concerned individuals at solving a social problem. Discuss what you think

determines whether the government or concerned individuals will be better at

solving social problems.

The best education teaches students to question authority.

Describe a specific situation in which education might teach students to respect

authority. Discuss what you think determines when education should teach

students to question authority and when it should teach them to respect authority.

In a democracy, elections are the surest way to bring about political change.

Describe a specific situation in which an election might not be the surest way to

bring about political change in a democracy. Discuss that you think determineswhen elections are the surest way to bring about political change in a democracy

and when they are not.

Our belief in an idea only lasts until the introduction of the next idea.

Describe a specific situation in which an idea might continue to be believed even

after the introduction of an idea that challenges it. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not our belief in an idea will be displaced by a new idea.

In politics, resorting to personal attack usually indicates the weakness of

one's own position.

Describe a specific political situation in which resorting to personal attack might

not be an indication of the weakness of one's own position. Discuss what you

think determines when resorting to personal attack in politics is an indication of

the weakness of one's own position.

Students are their own best teachers.

Describe a specific situation in which students might not be their own best

teachers. Discuss what you think determines when students can be their own best

teachers and when they cannot.

The best policy for a nation is to exert a strong foreign influence.

Describe a specific situation in which the best policy for a nation might not be to

exert a strong foreign influence. Discuss what you think determines when a

nation should exert a strong foreign influence and when it should not.

The abundance of information on the Internet limits its usefulness.

Describe a specific situation in which the abundance of information on the

Internet might not limit its usefulness. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not the abundance of information on the Internet limits its usefulness.

Education occurs when the student has a desire to learn.Describe a specific situation in which education might occur without the

student's having a desire to learn. Discuss what you think determines when

education requires that the student have a desire to learn and when it does not.

In achieving political compromise, a rational argument is more effective

than a threat to disrupt order.Describe a specific situation in which a threat to disrupt order might be more

effective than a rational argument in achieving a political compromise. Discuss

what you think determines whether a rational argument or a threat to disrupt

order is more effective in achieving political compromise.

The power of politicians is often due to their reputations.

Describe a specific situation in which the power of a politician might not be due

to reputation. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a politician's

power is due to reputation.

A politician's lifestyle should reflect his or her political views.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician's lifestyle might not reflect his

or her political views. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a

politician's lifestyle should reflect his or her political views.

We too often measure our freedom by what we do not have to do rather than

by what we should do.

Describe a specific situation in which we might measure our freedom by what we

should do. Discuss what you think determines whether we measure our freedom

by our obligations or our lack of them.

Employers should not withhold information from their employees.

Describe a specific situation in which an employer might justifiably withhold

information from employees. Discuss what you think determines when

employers should withhold information from their employees and when they

should not.

Once elected, a politician's only goal is to stay in office.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician might have a goal other than to

stay in office. Discuss what you think determines when staying in office becomes

the sole objective of a politician and when it does not.

In business, quick solutions often do not address the real source of aproblem.

Describe a specific business situation when a quick solution might address the

real source of a problem. Discuss what you think determines when quick

solutions in business address the real source of a problem and when they do not.

Groups that attempt to influence government policy are only interested in

benefiting themselves.

Describe a specific situation in which a group attempting to influence

government policy might be interested in benefiting others. Discuss what you

think determines when groups attempting to influence government policy do so

for their own benefit and when they do so for the benefit of others.

It is not good ideas, but rather personal influence, that leads to success in

politics.

Describe a specific situation in which good ideas might lead to success in

politics. Discuss what you think determines whether good ideas or personal

influence leads to success in politics.

What is taught in school should be a representation of the best that has been Pride weakens powerful nations.


9/17

thought and said in the past.

Describe something that should be taught in school but does not represent "the

best that has been thought and said in the past." Discuss what you think

determines when education should emphasize the past.

Describe a specific situation in which pride would not weaken a powerful nation.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not pride weakens powerful

nations.

A leader cannot act fairly and at the same time please everyone.

Describe a specific situation in which a leader might act fairly and still please

everyone. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a leader's acting

fairly can please everyone.

In politics, appearing decisive is more important than actually making

decisions.

Describe a specific situation in which making decisions in politics might be more

important than appearing decisive. Discuss what you think determines when it is

more important in politics to appear decisive and when it is more important to

make decisions.

History is the record of but a few events, repeated again and again, different

only in time and context.

Describe a specific historical event that was or might be unique rather than a

repetition of a previous event from a different time and context. Discuss what

you think determines when historical events can be said to be unique and when

they can be described as repetitions of events from earlier times and contexts.

Good government demands that principles must sometimes be

compromised.

Describe a specific situation in which good government might not demand that

principles be compromised. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

good government requires that principles be compromised.

Developed nations have an obligation to provide aid to the underdeveloped

nations of the world.

Describe a specific situation in which a developed nation might not be obligated

to provide aid to an underdeveloped nation. Discuss what you think determines

when developed nations have an obligation to provide aid to underdeveloped

nations.

Truth is an ideal to which all researchers should aspire, but they should

never assume they have actually found it.

Describe a specific situation in which researchers might reasonably assume they

have found the truth. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

researchers can reasonably be said to have found the truth.

Politicians should maintain ethical standards higher than those of other

citizens.Describe a specific situation in which a politician should not be expected to

maintain higher ethical standards than other citizens. Discuss what you think

determines when politicians should be expected to maintain higher ethical

standards than other citizens and when they should not.

Most advertising is designed to prevent consumers from making rational

choices.

Describe a specific situation in which advertising does or might help consumers

make rational choices. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

advertising prevents customers from making rational choices.

Scientists should seek to confirm theories or hypotheses rather than to refute

them.

Describe a specific situation in which a scientist might seek to refute a theory or

hypothesis rather than to confirm it. Discuss what you think determines when

scientists should seek to confirm theories or hypotheses and when they should

seek to refute them.

People are influenced more by the media than by their parents' values.

Describe a specific situation in which people might be more influenced by their

parents' values than by the media. Discuss what you think determines whether or

not people are influenced more by the media than by their parents' values.

To be successful in business, it is important to appear socially acceptable.

Describe a specific situation in which a person or group was or might be

successful in business without appearing socially acceptable. Discuss what you

think determines when success in business depends upon appearing socially

acceptable.

Visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

Describe a specific situation in which visual images might not convey reality

more accurately than words do. Discuss what you think determines whether or

not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

Education makes everyone equal.

Describe a specific situation in which education does not make everyone equal.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not education makes everyone

equal.

Music has the power to entertain, but seldom to educate.

Describe a specific situation in which music might have the power to educate.

Discuss what you think determines when music has the power to entertain and

when it has the power to educate.

The success of a business depends on its ability to compete.

Describe a specific situation in which the success of a business might not depend

on its ability to compete. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the

success of a business depends on its ability to compete.

Wealthy people should be required to share a portion of their wealth with

the less fortunate.

Describe a specific situation in which wealthy people should not be required to

share a portion of their wealth with the less fortunate. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not wealthy people should be required to share a portion

of their wealth with the less fortunate.

Reading educates. Television entertains.

Describe a specific situation in which television can or might educate. Discuss

what you think determines whether or not television can be educational.

A nation's history is shaped more by popular ideas than by the actions of its

government.

Describe a specific situation in which a nation's history might be shaped more by

the actions of its government than by popular ideas. Discuss what you thinkdetermines whether a nation's history is shaped more by popular ideas or by the

actions of its government.

We must obey not only the laws of which we approve, but also those of

which we may not approve.

Describe a specific situation in which one who does not approve of a law might

justifiably break that law. Discuss what you think determines when it is justified

to break a law.

The function of the press should be to report only the facts of daily events,

not to influence the public's opinion about those facts.

Describe a specific situation when the press might be justified in attempting to

influence the public's opinion. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

the press should attempt to influence public opinion.


10/17

Heroes are ordinary people made heroic by circumstance.

Describe a specific situation in which someone might be heroic because of

something other than circumstance. Discuss what you think determines when

heroism is dependent on circumstance and when it is not.

One must learn discipline before one can learn anything else.

Describe a specific situation in which a person might not need to learn discipline

before learning anything else. Discuss what you think determines when a person

must learn discipline before learning anything else.

Political debate often gets in the way of political action.

Describe a specific situation in which political debate might not get in the way of

political action. Discuss what you think determines whether or not political

debate will get in the way of political action.

Democratic nations should offer refuge to citizens of oppressive

governments.

Describe a specific situation in which a democratic nation should not offer refuge

to citizens of an oppressive government. Discuss what you think determines

whether democratic nations should offer refuge to citizens of oppressive

governments.

In politics, campaign promises are seldom kept after the election is won.

Describe a specific situation in which a campaign promise is likely to be kept

after an election is won. Discuss what you think determines whether a particular

campaign promise will be kept.

The main concern of law is the protection of persons, not the protection of

property.

Describe a specific situation in which the main concern of a law might be to

protect property rather than persons. Discuss what you think determines when

the main concern of law is the protection of persons and when it is the protection

of property.

Only the history of free nations is worthy of study.

Describe a specific situation in which the study of a nation that was or is not free

might be worthy of study. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a

nation's history is worthy of study.

For a leader, good management is often more important than clear policy.

Describe a specific situation in which clear policy might be more important for a

leader than good management. Discuss what you think determines whether good

management or clear policy is more important for a leader.

Technological advances contribute to the development of a free and open

society.

Describe a specific situation in which technological advances might not

contribute to the development of a free and open society. Discuss what you thinkdetermines whether or not technological advances contribute to the development

of a free and open society.

In a truly free and open society, censorship of the press can never be

justified.

Describe a specific situation when, in a free and open society, censorship of the

press might be justified. Discuss what you think determines when censorship of

the press can be justified in a free and open society and when it cannot.

Advances in technology benefit some people while disadvantaging others.

Describe a specific situation in which advances in technology benefit everyone.

Discuss what you think determines whether or not advances in technology

benefit everyone.

Students should be granted the same rights inside school as they possess

outside school.

Describe a specific situation in which students might reasonably not be granted a

right in school that they are granted outside school. Discuss what you think

determines when a right granted to students outside school is justifiably denied

them in school.

Scientific inquiry is rooted in the desire to discover, but there is no discovery

so important that in its pursuit a threat to human life can be tolerated.

Describe a specific situation in which a threat to human life might be tolerated in

the pursuit of scientific discovery. Discuss what you think determines when the

pursuit of scientific discovery is more important than the protection of human

life.

A career-oriented education is not necessarily the best education.

Describe a specific situation in which a career-oriented education might prove to

be the best education. Discuss what you think determines when a career-oriented

education is the best education and when it is not.

The primary function of art is to entertain, not to challenge us.

Describe a specific situation in which the primary function of art might be to

challenge us, rather than to entertain us. Discuss what you think determines

whether the primary function of art should be to entertain or to challenge us.

Advancements in communication technology have reduced the quality of

human interaction.

Describe a specific situation in which advancements in communication

technology have not reduced the quality of human interaction. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not advancements in communication technology

have reduced the quality of human interaction.

Punishment without rehabilitation is unjust.

Describe a specific situation in which punishment without rehabilitation might be

just. Discuss what you think determines whether punishment without

rehabilitation is just or unjust.

Travel is the best way to learn about different cultures.

Describe a specific situation in which travel might not be the best way to learn

about different cultures. Discuss what you think determines whether or not travel

is the best way to learn about different cultures.

A teacher's job is not to provide the right answers, but to ask the right

questions.

Describe a specific situation in which a teacher's job might be to provide the right

answers. Discuss what you think determines when a teacher's job is to ask the

right questions and when it is to provide the right answers.

Politicians too often base their decisions on what will please the voters, not

on what is best for the country.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician might make an unpopular

decision for the good of the country. Discuss the principles you think should

determine whether political decisions should be made to please the voters or toserve the nation.

Successful political candidates are those in whom the voters see the most

flattering image of themselves.

Describe a specific situation in which a successful political candidate might not

represent the most flattering image of the voters. Discuss what you think

determines when political candidates succeed because of the flattering image

they present to voters.

The ability to campaign well is not necessarily an indication of a politician's

ability to govern well.

Describe a specific situation in which the ability of a politician to campaign well

might indicate an ability to govern well. Discuss what you think determines

when the ability to campaign well is an indication of a politician's ability to

govern well and when it is not.


11/17

A political party's position is often defined by what the party opposes.

Describe a specific situation in which a political party's position might not be

defined by what the party opposes. Discuss what you think determines when a

political party's position is defined by what the party opposes and when it is not.

For a politician, honesty is the surest route to failure.

Describe a specific situation in which a politician's honesty might not lead to

failure. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a politician's honesty

will lead to failure.

The primary function of the media should be to inform, not to change public

opinion.

Describe a specific situation in which the primary function of the media should

be to change public opinion, rather than to inform. Discuss what you think

determines whether the primary function of the media should be to inform or to

change public opinion.

Television distracts us from what is really important.

Describe a specific situation in which television might not distract us from what

is really important. Discuss what you think determines whether or not television

distracts us from what is really important.

In politics, loyalty always shifts.

Describe a specific situation in politics where loyalty might not shift. Discuss

what you think determines when political loyalty will shift and when it will not.

Unity in a democracy often results in conformity.

Describe a specific situation in a democracy when unity might not result in

conformity. Discuss what you think determines whether or not unity in a

democracy results in conformity.

Technology designed to make our lives simpler often turns out instead to

make our lives more complicated.

Describe a specific situation in which a new technology might not make our lives

more complicated. Discuss what you think determines whether a new technology

simplifies or complicates our lives.

A law must be enforced to be effective.

Describe a specific situation in which a law might not be enforced and still be

effective. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a law must be

enforced to be effective.

In politics, inaction is often the wisest action.

Describe a specific situation in which action in politics might be wiser than

inaction. Discuss what you think determines whether action or inaction in politics

is wiser.

Health care for all is a realistic goal.

Describe a specific situation in which health care for all might not be a realistic

goal. Discuss what you think determines whether or not health care for all is a

realistic goal.

Ambition in business often leads to more ambition rather than to

satisfaction.

Describe a specific situation in which ambition in business might lead to

satisfaction rather than to more ambition. Discuss what you think determines

whether business ambition leads to more ambition or to satisfaction.

To serve justice, a judge must be compassionate.

Describe a specific situation in which a judge might serve justice without being

compassionate. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a judge must

be compassionate in order to serve justice.

The government should have the right to regulate the content of Web sites

on the Internet.

Describe a specific situation in which the government should not have the right

to regulate the content of Web sites on the Internet. Discuss what you think

determines whether or not the government should have the right to regulate the

content of Web sites on the Internet.

The primary responsibility of corporate executives is to their employees.

Describe a specific situation in which the primary responsibility of corporate

executives might not be to their employees. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not the primary responsibility of corporate executives is to their

employees.

A democratic government loses continuity of leadership by holding regular

elections.

Describe a specific situation in which a democratic government might not lose

continuity of leadership despite regular elections. Discuss what you thinkdetermines whether or not a democratic government loses continuity of

leadership by holding regular elections.

An orderly society must never compromise in matters of law.

Describe a specific situation in which an orderly society might justifiably

compromise in matters of law. Discuss what you think determines when anorderly society should compromise in matters of law and when it should not.

Persons of authority are responsible for the actions of those they oversee.

Describe a specific situation in which a person of authority might justifiably not

be responsible for the actions of a subordinate. Discuss what you think

determines when persons of authority should be responsible for the actions of

those they oversee and when they should not.

Once a democracy elects its leaders, citizens should be able to trust those

leaders to decide what is best for the country.

Describe a specific situation in which a leader in a democracy might not be fully

trusted to decide what is best for the country. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not citizens in a democracy can trust their elected leaders to decide

what is best for the country.

Artistic freedom should take precedence over what the government might

consider objectionable.

Describe a specific situation in which artistic freedom should not take precedence

over what a government might consider objectionable. Discuss what you think

determines when artistic freedom should take precedence over what the

government might consider objectionable and when it should not.

For every problem a technological innovation solves, it tends to create

another, sometimes greater, problem.

Describe a specific situation in which technology's solving a problem might not

create another, greater problem. Discuss what you think determines whether or

not the drawbacks of a new technology outweigh its benefits.

A nation's identity is determined more by what it consumes than by what it

creates.

Describe a specific situation in which a nation's identity might be determined

more by what it creates than by what it consumes. Discuss what you think

determines whether a nation is identified more by what it consumes or by what it

creates.

Strongly held beliefs limit one's ability to form friendships with people

holding opposite views.

Describe a specific situation in which strongly held beliefs would not limit one's

ability to form friendships with people holding opposite views. Discuss what you

think determines whether or not strongly held beliefs limit one's ability to form

friendships with people holding opposite views.

Nonconformity is sometimes necessary in order for society to progress.

Describe a specific situation in which nonconformity might impede the progress

of society. Discuss what you think determines when nonconformity is beneficial

to social progress.

Good teaching requires flexibility.

Describe a specific situation in which good teaching might not require flexibility.

Discuss what you think determines when flexibility is necessary for good

teaching.

Freedom of speech is an absolute right that must never be limited. Sometimes the civil rights of individuals must be compromised in order to


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Describe a specific situation in which freedom of speech might justifiably be

limited. Discuss what you think determines when freedom of speech should be

limited.

ensure public safety.

Describe a specific situation in which an individual's civil rights might not be

compromised in order to ensure public safety. Discuss what you think determines

when public safety should outweigh the civil rights of individuals.

Government regulation of business is necessary in a democracy.

Describe a specific situation in which government regulation of a business might

not be necessary in a democracy. Discuss what you think determines when

government regulation of business is necessary in a democracy and when it is

not.

Compromise demands that each party in the compromise lose something.

Describe a specific situation in which a compromise might not demand that each

party in the compromise lose something. Discuss what you think determines

whether or not a party will lose something in a compromise.

Television almost always distorts the way we see the world.

Describe a specific situation in which television might not distort the way we see

the world. Discuss what you think determines when television distorts our

perception of the world.

The primary concern of business should be the safety of its employees.

Describe a specific situation in which the primary concern of a business might

not be the safety of its employees. Discuss what you think determines when the

main concern of a business should be its employees' safety and when it should

not.

Students should not have a significant role in determining university policy.

Describe a specific situation in which students should have a significant role in

determining university policy. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

students should have a significant role in determining university policy.

In business, attention to detail might prevent unexpected problems.

Describe a specific situation in business in which attention to detail might not

prevent unexpected problems. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

attention to detail might prevent unexpected problems in business.

Adherence to one's beliefs is often a sign of narrow-mindedness.

Describe a specific situation in which adherence to one's beliefs might not be a

sign of narrow-mindedness. Discuss what you think determines when adherence

to one's beliefs is a sign of narrow-mindedness and when it is not.

Students should study only what naturally interests them.

Describe a specific situation in which students might study something other than

what naturally interests them. Discuss what you think determines when students

should study what naturally interests them and when they should not.

Scientific advances should be shared with all nations.

Describe a specific situation in which scientific advances should not be shared

with all nations. Discuss what you think determines whether or not scientific

advances should be shared with all nations.

A country must use its natural resources in a way agreeable to all its citizens.Describe a specific situation in which a country might justifiably use its natural

resources in a way that is not agreeable to all its citizens. Discuss the principles

you think determine when a natural resource should be used in a way agreeable

to all its citizens.

To master technology is to become enslaved by it.

Describe a specific situation in which mastering technology might not mean

becoming enslaved by it. Discuss what you think determines whether or not

mastering technology means becoming enslaved by it.

The best politician is the one most removed from politics.

Describe a specific situation in which the best politician might not be th

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