Writing Sample Items

7/30/2019 Writing Sample Items

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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 for practice, you should be sure to

follow the instructions for all 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.


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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 personalprivacy. 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.


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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.


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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 think determines 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.


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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 think determines 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.


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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 be objectionable 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 anobjectionable 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.


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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.


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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

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.


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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.


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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 is to 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.


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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 people accepting the equality of

others. Discuss what you think determines whether or not social justice can occur only when peopleaccept 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.


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Describe a specific situation in which progress might come from the deliberations 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.

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.

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 recording of history is possible and when it is

not.

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


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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 of achieving 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.


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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 whether or not teachers should accept some

responsibility for the failure of one of their students.

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 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 youthink 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 more important 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.


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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 or not 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 citizenship in a democracy involve responsibilities.

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


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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.


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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 human rights.

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.


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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.

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.

The wisest leaders follow the advice of those around them.

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.


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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.


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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 ornot governments have a responsibility to regulate companies that provide necessary services to citizens.

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


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Describe a specific situation in which the study of history might be more of a science 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 you think 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 dosomething 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.


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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.

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 aninternational alliance.

Compulsory education often inhibits a student's motivation to learn.


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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 of a 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.


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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.


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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 might not 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.


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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.


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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.

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.

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

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.


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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 concernedindividuals 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 determines when 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.


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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 tolearn and when it does not.

In achieving political compromise, a rational argument is more effective than a threat to disrupt order.


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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.


35/69

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

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 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.

Pride weakens powerful nations.

Describe a specific situation in which pride would not weaken a powerful nation. Discuss what you thinkdetermines whether or not pride weakens powerful nations.

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


36/69

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 previousevent 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.


37/69

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.


38/69

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.


39/69

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 think determines 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'sopinion 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.

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 learninganything 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.


40/69

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.


41/69

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 think determines 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.


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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.


43/69

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 to serve 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.

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.


44/69

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.


45/69

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.


46/69

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 think determines 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 an orderly 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.


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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.

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.


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Sometimes the civil rights of individuals must be compromised in order to 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 itsemployees' safety and when it should not.

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


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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 dete

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