Facebook Activity
Teen Ink on Twitter
Teen Ink
teenink
Home
> Forums > Writers' Workshop Forums > Fiction & Short Stories > TeenInk Writing Prompts: February
Feb. 20, 2010 at 7:56 pm
This time the writing prompt is for a persuasive essay. However, since these are not supposed to be strict and people express themselves in different ways, you may write it in any format that you want. This includes poems, songs, essays, haikus-whatever you desire. The topic could be approached in alot of ways and there are only a few guidelines.
There are four conditions:
1.) You must take a firm stance one way or the other.
2.) You must support your stance with actual facts.
3.) You must present your opinion in a constructive way, and must be respectful of others' opinions even if you do not agree.
4.) Stick to the topic, if you get another politically based idea for a writing prompt add it to the list so we can use it later!
Here is the prompt:
In some countries every young person must serve two years of military service. Should we have a similar policy in the United States? Write a piece stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons and researched facts.
Apr. 11, 2010 at 11:46 am
cool tips mught want to add have a two sided argument to show why you chose your opinion
Apr. 22, 2010 at 12:57 pm
i don't think that anyone should be forced to serve in the military because many people, such as Quakers, Amish, and people like me, don't believe that war is right. they shouldn't be forced to do somehting that they don't belieive is right.
Jun. 22, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I agree. While I can't exactly march up to the White House and tell them to stop fighting, and while we need to defend ourselves if other countries attack, I wish there wasn't any war in the first place, and people certainly should not be forced into fighting.
Sept. 2, 2010 at 5:54 am
I thik if we force people to do things that they think are morally wrong will have a great impact on the coflict and may create civil wars to stop this policy
Nov. 22, 2010 at 5:39 am
Thanx i'm glad to know i think i'll try it hey, if u have time can u check out mine "A Mixed up Fairytale Part I."? I want to know ur opinion
Dec. 9, 2010 at 10:01 pm
I agree, but let me play "Devil's Advocate" here: Let's say Russia invades the U.S. and we have a society of people like us who just don't like war. We would be crushed. Don't you think it would be a good idea to have a required military service in that situation?
Dec. 12, 2010 at 11:51 am
Well yes miltary strength is very important as it backs up the countries confidence and can protect people, but overall miltary strength leads to unwanted wars, ex, in previous world war 1 germany and England competed for the largest navy this built up tension and eventually this navies were used. It is important for countries to have some form of defence, it's controlling the defence that's the problem
Jan. 1, 2011 at 4:01 am
The United States is prepare for such sinerios, thats why they invented the draft just in case we are really desperate. Thankfully its been awhile since it was last used.
Jan. 2, 2011 at 10:10 pm
naw, I think some people are definately NOT fit for war and should not be forced into the millitary unless our country in sososo low we're going to be defeated. (as you said, draft)
Jan. 5, 2011 at 2:37 pm
To be quite honest, the concept of being FORCED to serve in the military for any amount of time sounds like dicatorship. And congratulations to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Whenever war is mentioned, I am reminded of foolish children who are told by tired, exasperated parents,"You'll understand better when you're older." Apparently, the United States, and the rest of the world, for that matter, have simply not grown up. That statement implies alot.
Feb. 20, 2011 at 11:26 am
Good idea. As a resident of the UK, would it be alright if I made the essay relative to the UK. I have no problem with one based on the US though so it's fine if it is prefered.
Mar. 1, 2011 at 8:32 pm
I think being forced to serve in the military is just plain wrong.
Mar. 10, 2011 at 7:43 pm
I dont think anyone should be forced to join the military. It should be your choice to serve your country. If you dont want to join the military so what? Not one person should be forced into the military.
May 1, 2011 at 7:47 pm
On one side, forcing every civilian into military service would be wrong because it can keep them from chasing their dreams, brainwash them, be opposed in their beliefs, and be unrealistic to their health. In a different view, military service teaches its affiliates respect, strength, courage, and can help them be self-sufficient.
May 17, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Personally, I don't think we should have a law like that. It's just taking away even more of our freedom. What if you were sent to war because of this law and you died? You probably had other things you wanted to do in your life but can't now... All because of a law that forced you, and now your dead! It just doesn't seem fair!
Jun. 14, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I totally agree. i don't believe in war either.
Jun. 30, 2011 at 10:02 am
No we shouldnt! My brother is in the military and it's torture! Waiting everyday for some sign that he's at least alive! Now do you honestly want other people to go through what my family and dozens of others go through daily? Yes, it is a good idea to have an army on hand IF NESSECARY, but not just couse.
Jul. 13, 2011 at 3:09 pm
i agree 100% and i cant of anything else to add u said wat i was thinking when i read this :)
