1. SHOOTING PROMPTS TRUMP TO CANCEL VISAS

After the shooting death of a National Guard member in Washington, President Trump used the arrest of an Afghan refugee suspect to promote stricter immigration policies and broader criticism of refugees, even though officials confirmed the suspect had undergone vetting. Trump and other administration officials blamed past refugee policies, announced tougher screening measures for immigrants from certain countries, and publicly suggested deporting the suspect’s family. Despite lacking evidence tying refugees as a group to crime, Trump repeated claims linking refugees from Afghanistan and Somalia to violence and financial exploitation. Critics say his remarks fueled fear and misinformation while using a single tragic incident to justify sweeping proposals, including reducing asylum arrivals and pursuing denaturalization of citizens. Write an opinion article that explains how political leaders can use individual events to shape public opinion and evaluate whether President Trump’s response to this shooting represents evidence-based policymaking or emotional rhetoric designed to influence public attitudes toward immigration.

2. SOUTH AFRICANS BROUGHT INTO RUSSIA’S WAR

Several South African men seeking work were recruited with promises of security training jobs but ended up forced into military service on Russia’s front lines in Ukraine. The men say they were misled by intermediaries connected to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, who is now accused of trafficking and deception. South Africa’s government has launched an investigation, while political groups and family members have filed legal complaints. The incident highlights Russia’s recruitment of foreign fighters under false pretenses and the vulnerability of unemployed individuals seeking work abroad, some of whom remain trapped in an active war zone. Write a short reflection discussing how economic desperation can make people vulnerable to exploitation, using this case to explain the risks of unverified job offers abroad.

3. ADMISSIONS PROGRAMS UNDER SCRUTINY

At universities such as Tulane, Northeastern, and the University of Chicago, early decision admissions programs have expanded rapidly, allowing schools to lock in large numbers of students who commit to attend if accepted. Enrollment officials who successfully increased these numbers now earn extremely high salaries because securing early applicants stabilizes tuition revenue, especially from full-pay families. Critics argue that early decision favors wealthy applicants who do not need financial aid and creates unequal admissions advantages, while limiting options for lower-income students who must compare offers. Although universities claim early decision builds school community, growing use of the practice has intensified competition and pressure on high school students to commit early, sometimes without full financial clarity. In a short persuasive essay, take a position on whether early decision admissions create fairness or inequality in college access, and support your view with at least two reasons drawn from the article.

4. CRASH BRINGS ATTENTION TO E-BIKE INJURIES

A severe crash involving a teenager riding a high-powered e-bike in Marin County, California, brought renewed attention to the dangers of largely unregulated electric bicycles. Medical data showed that e-bike injuries resemble motorcycle accidents more than typical bike crashes, with dramatically higher rates of severe trauma and death. Community pressure led to new state policies restricting younger riders from using throttle-powered e-bikes and requiring helmet use, while also banning some speed-altering devices. Supporters argue these measures improve safety, while critics worry regulation could discourage cycling or unfairly target teens. The case reveals the broader challenge of balancing safety, mobility benefits, and rapidly evolving transportation technology. In a brief paragraph, analyze how local tragedies can influence state or national policy changes, using Marin County’s response to this e-bike crash as your example.

5. CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ON THE RISE

Rising diagnoses of mental health conditions such as A.D.H.D., anxiety, and autism among American children have prompted questions about whether school systems contribute to student stress. Over decades, increased testing, academic pressure at younger ages, reduced recess, and rigid classroom structures have transformed childhood into a metrics-driven experience. Researchers argue that this environment often defines normal developmental behavior as disordered, pushing families toward medical diagnoses just to secure necessary accommodations. While schools have expanded counseling services, critics say these efforts fail to address the root problem: an education system that prioritizes performance measurements over developmental and emotional well-being. In a well-constructed paragraph, evaluate the claim that modern schooling contributes to rising mental health diagnoses, and argue whether educational reform should focus more on reducing pressure or expanding student support services.