Week 1
1. (Unit 1) IBM’s Watson and Google’s AlphaGo are two examples of highly developed artificial
intelligences in the 21st century. Should we be concerned about the rapid development of AI,
or should we welcome it into our lives with open arms? Give reasons and details to support
your answer.
2. (Unit 2) In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell states that success requires a variety of factors,
including opportunity, timing, luck, and hard work. Which of those factors is the most
important in determining a person’s success? Give reasons and details to support your answer.
Week 3
1. (Unit 3) MSG is a chemical used to make bland food taste more delicious, but some consumers
worry that it causes negative health effects. At a restaurant, would you rather order healthy but
bland food, or delicious food that is unhealthy? Give reasons and details to support your answer.
2. (Unit 4) In 1884, four sailors were shipwrecked with little food and water. After 20 days at sea,
three of the men killed and ate the fourth man, who was deathly sick, to survive. Do you think
it is ever justified to kill another human being? Why or why not? Give reasons and details to
support your answer.
Week 5
1. (Unit 5) In traditional families, the breadwinner works to make money for the family while the
homemaker stays home to take care of the home and kids. If you get married and have
children, would you rather be a breadwinner or a homemaker? Give reasons and details to
support your answer.
2. (Unit 6) Today’s classrooms are often windowless, cramped, fluorescent-lit, plainly decorated,
and lack good air circulation. What changes would you make to classrooms to turn them into
better learning environments? Give reasons and details to support your answer.
Week 7
1. (Unit 7) People have been interested in looking at the night sky since the beginning of recorded
history. Why do you think we are so fascinated with outer space? Give reasons and details to
support your answer.
2.
(Unit 8) Solar and wind are the two most popular forms of green energy, but they are more
expensive and less efficient than “dirty” forms of energy like coal and natural gas. Do you think
the government should develop the industry of green energy even if it harms the economy?
Give reasons and details to support your answer.