1. AN APPEAL FOR SUPPORT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington, D.C., to secure continued U.S. military aid in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. While celebrating Ukraine’s resilience, his speech also carried a clear warning—Russia is not defeated, and ongoing support is crucial. He emphasized that Ukraine’s struggle is part of a larger battle for democracy, drawing comparisons to major turning points in history, like World War II. Zelensky also connected the war to U.S. interests by highlighting Iran’s involvement in supplying Russia with drones, suggesting that failing to stop Russian aggression could embolden other adversaries. His speech aimed to convince lawmakers, particularly those questioning further U.S. spending, that supporting Ukraine is an investment in global stability and American security.

Imagine you are a U.S. senator listening to Zelensky’s speech. Write a response letter of 1-2 paragraphs explaining whether you would support or oppose additional military aid to Ukraine. Consider economic, political, and humanitarian factors in your argument. Would you prioritize national security and global democracy, or would you be concerned about the financial cost and long-term involvement? Use evidence from the story to justify your position.

2. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE DEBATE

President Trump is preparing to sign an executive order to designate English as the official language of the United States. While over 30 states already have similar laws, the country as a whole has never had an official language. Supporters of the order argue that it promotes national unity and government efficiency, while critics see it as a symbolic attack on immigrant communities and an attempt to limit bilingual education. The order would rescind a Clinton-era policy that required government agencies to offer language assistance to non-English speakers. However, it would still allow agencies to continue their current policies if they choose. Opponents, including pro-immigration groups and Puerto Rican officials, argue that this move targets non-English speakers and ignores the multilingual nature of American society. In a short written response, summarize the main arguments for and against making English the official language of the U.S. Then, choose a side—do you agree or disagree with this executive order? Write a persuasive paragraph explaining your stance, using at least two supporting points. After writing, discuss your viewpoints with a partner or in small groups. Did others agree with your opinion, or did they have a different perspective?

3. CHANGE OF OPINION

Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post, has announced a major change to the newspaper’s opinion section, stating that it will now focus only on “personal liberties and free markets.” This means that opposing viewpoints will no longer be published, marking a sharp departure from the paper’s tradition of offering a wide range of perspectives. As a result, the section’s editor, David Shipley, has resigned, and many journalists have spoken out against the decision. Some staff members feel that this move is a threat to journalistic integrity, while others argue that newspapers have the right to choose what viewpoints they want to highlight. This change raises larger questions about the role of opinion in journalism. Should major newspapers like The Washington Post present multiple viewpoints, or is it acceptable for them to take a clear stance on certain issues? What happens when media outlets become more ideologically driven—does it help the public, or does it limit access to important debates? In a well-structured paragraph, respond to the following question: Should a major newspaper’s opinion section include a variety of viewpoints, or is it acceptable for it to promote only certain ideas? Use at least two pieces of evidence from the article to support your argument. Consider the impact on readers, journalists, and the credibility of the newspaper.

4. CONSUMER BOYCOTT

Consumer boycotts have become a major way for people to express their beliefs, especially on issues like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Some groups are boycotting companies for scaling back DEI programs, while others previously boycotted companies for supporting them. A one-day economic blackout on February 28 was organized to show consumer power, encouraging people not to shop in stores or online. Additionally, long-term boycotts, like those against Target and Amazon, are being promoted by activists frustrated with corporate decisions. Experts say that while boycotts raise awareness, they do not always succeed in changing companies’ policies. Some companies, like Bud Light, saw major financial losses after being boycotted, but others, like Target, have continued making changes despite pressure from both sides. Business experts argue that companies must decide what they stand for rather than constantly reacting to public opinion. Write a one-paragraph argument answering the question: Do boycotts work? Use at least two examples from the article to support your answer. Consider whether boycotts create real change or simply attract media attention. Then, pair up with a classmate who has a different viewpoint and discuss your arguments. If you both agree, work together to strengthen your argument by adding another supporting example.

5. MOON RACE

The Blue Ghost lander, developed by Firefly Aerospace, is attempting a historic moon landing. If successful, it will be only the second privately built spacecraft to land on the lunar surface, following Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander in 2024. This mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which encourages private companies to develop technology for lunar exploration. Blue Ghost will conduct scientific experiments, including analyzing lunar soil, studying space weather, and measuring the distance between Earth and the moon. NASA awarded Firefly Aerospace $101.5 million for this mission, highlighting a growing trend of public-private partnerships in space exploration. Some believe that private companies can innovate faster and reduce costs, while others worry that relying on businesses rather than government agencies like NASA could lead to profit-driven motives over scientific discovery. Write a short opinion piece discussing whether private companies should take the lead in space exploration or if government agencies like NASA should remain in control. Use at least two facts from the article to support your argument. Consider the benefits of innovation and cost savings, as well as the potential risks of privatizing space travel.