Secondary – September 27

Albert Einstein’s paper on his theory of mass–energy equivalence was published on this date in 1905. Explain what relativity means to you.

Secondary – September 26

In 1960, the first televised presidential debate took place between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Explain why you think political debates can or cannot change the minds of voters.

Secondary – September 25

“You can’t understand it. You would have to be born there.” -William Faulkner, born this date in 1897, in Absalom, Absalom! Explain whether you think someone transplanted from a distant location can ever become a true member of a new community.

Secondary – September 24

F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on this date in 1896. He believed “there are no second acts in American lives.” Use examples to prove him wrong.

Secondary – September 23

“Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor.” -Euripides, born on this date in 480 BC. Why both?

Secondary – September 22

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado died on this date in 1554 without ever finding any of the seven cities of gold for which he searched. Argue whether it’s better to have tried but failed to achieve an ambitious goal or to have set and achieved an insignificant goal.

Secondary – September 21

On this day in 1970, The New York Times premiered a new section called the Op-Ed Page, a section opposite the editorial page given over to columnists and illustrators to opine on the issues of the day. What’s your opinion about whether newspapers should express opinions or report only facts?

Secondary – September 20

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” -Upton Sinclair, born on this date in 1878. Write a story about a situation in which you’ve observed Sinclair is wrong.