1. U.S. MILITARY ACTION IN VENEZUELA

Over several months, tensions between the United States and Venezuela steadily increased as the Trump administration accused President Nicolás Maduro of drug trafficking, election fraud, and leading criminal networks. The United States carried out repeated military strikes on boats it said were linked to drug cartels, seized oil tankers, imposed sanctions, and sent warships and troops near Venezuela, actions that critics said pushed the countries closer to war. In early January, U.S. forces launched a large military operation in Caracas, capturing Maduro and transporting him to New York to face federal drug and weapons charges. President Trump said the United States intended to “run” Venezuela during a transition period, though Venezuelan officials claimed their government remained in control. The operation raised major legal and political questions about presidential authority, civilian casualties, international law, and who now legitimately governs Venezuela. In one paragraph, explain how the conflict between the United States and Venezuela developed over time rather than happening all at once. Use at least two examples from the summary to show how diplomatic pressure and military actions built toward the final operation.

2. AMBASSADOR IN GREECE

Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor, television host, and political fundraiser, has drawn intense attention as the new U.S. ambassador to Greece. Known for her high-profile social life and close ties to President Trump, she has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in Athens, appearing frequently in the media and attending major cultural events. At the same time, she has played an active role in advancing U.S. business and energy interests, including deals involving natural gas exploration and shipping routes to Ukraine. Supporters say she is effective, connected, and energetic, while critics worry she pushes American priorities too aggressively and blurs the line between diplomacy, business, and celebrity. Her ambassadorship highlights changing—and often conflicting—ideas about what diplomacy looks like in the modern media age. Write a paragraph describing two different ways people in Greece have reacted to Guilfoyle’s role as ambassador. Then explain how these reactions show differing ideas about what a diplomat should do and how they should behave.

3. SECURITY GUARANTEES

As peace talks continue, Ukraine has made clear that it will not agree to end the war without strong and specific security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks. Ukrainian leaders point to past failures, especially the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which offered vague promises but did not stop later invasions. Current proposals include long-term military support, European involvement, a U.S. security agreement, and protections similar to NATO’s mutual defense rule. However, disagreements remain over how long the guarantees would last, which countries would commit troops, and how Russia would respond. These unresolved questions show why ending a war can be just as complicated as fighting one. In a paragraph, explain why Ukraine does not trust vague promises of protection. Use the Budapest Memorandum as an example to show how past experiences shape Ukraine’s current demands.

4. A RETRACTED STUDY RAISES DOUBTS ABOUT SAFETY

A scientific study published in 2000 claimed that glyphosate, the main ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup, was safe for humans and became a key source for government regulations. In late 2025, the journal that published the study officially retracted it after discovering that Monsanto, the company that made Roundup, had played a major role in shaping the research without properly disclosing its involvement. The retraction renewed concerns about conflicts of interest, scientific integrity, and whether regulators relied too heavily on flawed research. While the Environmental Protection Agency still considers glyphosate safe, lawsuits, new studies, and international health agencies continue to raise warnings. The case highlights how corporate influence can shape science and public policy for decades. Pretend you are a journal editor who has to write a public explanation after retracting a study. In 5 to 7 sentences, explain what went wrong, why it matters, and what your journal will do differently next time. Your statement must include one sentence about conflicts of interest, one about how readers should treat the old study now, and one about what needs to happen before the public can trust research like this.

5. THE ONLINE MOVEMENT ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO DO NOTHING

A new online trend encourages people—especially young users—to intentionally sit with boredom by avoiding phones, entertainment, or distractions. Supporters say boredom helps restore attention spans, creativity, and mental clarity in a world filled with constant notifications. Some psychologists agree that quiet time can activate parts of the brain linked to reflection and imagination. Others caution that boredom is not automatically healthy and should not replace meaningful activities like hobbies, reading, or time outdoors. The debate reflects a larger struggle to balance technology use with mental well-being. Run a small experiment on yourself for one school day: choose one short moment (like waiting for class to start, riding in a car, or standing in line) when you normally grab your phone, and don’t use it. Afterward, write a short “field note” entry (about 6 to 8 sentences) describing what you noticed—your thoughts, your mood, what you paid attention to, and whether the time felt longer or shorter. Did boredom help you reset, or did it just feel annoying, and why? When you’re done, suggest one realistic habit a middle school student could try to reduce screen overload without completely disconnecting.