Most of us have had teachers will we remember for the rest of our lives, as well as those we would like to forget. Write an essay in which you explain what it means to be a good teacher.

At a time when tension is growing between communities and local law enforcement, an increasing number of police departments around the country are outfitting their patrol officers with body cameras. Write an essay in which you state and prove whether or not all police officers should be required to wear body cameras.

Parents seem to love posting videos and photos of their children online, sometimes for the whole world to see. But are children going to grow up regretting being a viral star? Should they somehow have a say in the matter? Write an essay in which you argue whether parents are violating their children’s privacy when they share photos and videos of them online.

Many people watch the Super Bowl more for the commercials than the game itself, critiquing the best and the worst each year. But what makes a great commercial? Write an essay in which you explain the traits of an effective and memorable television ad.

Homework is part of school, however, lately there has been public backlash against too much of it. Do teachers give too much homework, or is it a necessary part of learning? Write an essay in which you prove whether or not teachers give too much homework.

We have become so used to hearing news about layoffs and spending cuts over the past several years that it may be difficult remember what it’s like to have a government surplus — but it does happen. Politicians then have to figure out what to do with that extra money. Write an essay in which you explain the best way to spend a budget surplus in your state.

In recent years, there has been a national movement to tie teachers’ salaries to standardized testing. Is this a wise practice? Write to your local senator, persuading him or her on whether or not teachers’ salaries should be tied to students’ standardized test scores.

It’s been said that all is fair in love and war. Yet conventional wisdom tells us there are certain rules to dating and breaking up. Write an essay in which you explain the rules of a “good” break-up, one that is as sensitive as possible to the person being “dumped.”

Many people volunteer their time to help others, either through non-profit organizations, churches, or other charitable venues. Write an essay describing an organization or cause you believe is worth investing time and effort through volunteering.

According to the Supreme Court, public school officials have the right to search students and their property when there is reasonable cause to suspect weapons or drugs. Many people feel this is a violation of students’ right to privacy, while others believe it protects students’ safety and well-being. Write an essay in which you argue whether or not student searches are necessary and reasonable.

Some companies offer a paternity leave that allows fathers to stay home with their newborns for several weeks while still earning partial pay and benefits. Is this a sound policy? Write an essay in which you prove whether or not companies should offer its male employees paternity leave.

Singer and songwriter Bob Dylan once wrote, “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.” Is this an accurate definition of success? Write an essay in which you describe the true meaning of success.

If someone discovered a formula that would enable humans to live forever, would that be a blessing or a curse? Write an essay in which you show whether this would be the greatest or worst discovery for mankind.

Many people feel that the use of surveillance cameras in public places, such as parking lots, is a good idea that can help ensure our safety. Others worry that too many cameras violate our right to privacy and give law enforcement officials too much power. Write a letter to the governor convincing him or her whether or not surveillance cameras should be installed in public places within your state.

Most schools require students to read “old” texts such as ancient Greek tragedies or Shakespearian plays. Many students wonder why they should read these texts instead of more contemporary material. Write an essay in which you argue for or against the reading of classical literature in English classes.

What does it mean to be a good citizen? Write an essay in which you discuss the the most important qualities of a good citizen.

A devastating tornado has leveled much of a nearby small town. Write a letter to a local newspaper explaining ways the community can help these families recover from their loss.

Aristotle once said, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” Everyone knows the word “happiness,” but most of us have a different idea of what it means to be happy. Write an essay that defines the word “happiness” and support with examples either from your own experience or from literature.

More than a decade into the 21st century, we would like to think that American parents have similar standards and dreams for their sons and daughters. But studies of search data from Google suggest that contemporary American parents are far more likely to want their boys smart and their girls skinny. What do you think? Write an essay in which you argue whether parents have different hopes and standards based on the gender of their children.

Parenthood is not easy. Write an essay in which you explain the qualities of an effective parent.