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STUDENTS IN SPRING 2012 ENGLISH 101 SECTIONS: 

DON'T ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS BELOW THIS: THEY ARE OLD ONES.  

Illegal Immigration

Do you think immigrants should be able to cross the border and have the same rights as everyone else? Do you think they should be able to become legal citizens? Do you think they should be able to get jobs before legal immigrants because of cheaper labor? Do you think they should be legalized because they marry a legal citizen? Should we be stricter with the consequences of getting caught? What should it take to become a legal citizen?

Sheldon (1:00)

Can't we get a little discipline?

Should parents learn how to teach their kids manners better? Why do parents just let their kids do whatever they want? Is the reason that we can't reprimand our children because of the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services)? Do parents fear that if they spank or discipline their children someone will take it wrong and think that they are trying to beat their child instead? So many things go into parents head over this subject! Some people ask, why don't we reprimand our children like we were reprimanded by our parents? Do people think that if they discipline their children that their kids will not like them that much anymore? What do you think is a good method of discipline for children?

Cheyenne (9:00)

Own a gun?

Where do you stand when it comes to owning a gun? Should people be able to own guns? Should we follow the 2nd amendment? How much protection is too much protection? Does owning a gun lead to more or less violence? Many states now have "concealed carry" laws that enable anyone without a criminal record to carry a gun as long as no one can see it . . . do you think Illinois should pass this law? Why or why not? Other states have laws where you can carry a gun in plain sight. Is that better than concealing it?

Dylan (9:00)

Social Networking Service: Good or Bad?

With Facebook, Twitter, Myspace.com and countless other social networking sites taking up all your time, do you ever feel that you could be doing something more productive with your time? Yes, these sites can be a great way to socialize with grammy who lives on the other side of the country, or to find that long lost cousin in who knows where, but what about the lack of anonymity, promotion of narcissism, shorter attention spans, and other downsides to all the time we spend on the Internet? Do you think the dangers & downsides of social networking outweigh the benefits?

In the past decade, what people barely knew of as the "Internet" has taken us by storm, and if you want to get somewhere in life, you are going to have to learn to become Internet savvy. Is all this leading us in the right direction, though? Do you feel there needs to be more censorship, or limits, when it comes to what we can and cannot say in this new world? Or are you just in love with this new creation to the point that you can't be away for five minutes from that phone, computer, or other technological device that gives you Internet access?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Jorge (9:00)

Are Zoo's Torture For the Animals?

Do you think it's torture for animals to be behind bars at our zoos? I love going to the zoo, and most people have fond memories going there, but do you ever think that zoo animals must feel like they're mired into something they don't understand? Think about it this way: if you've ever been to jail, that might be how these animals feel: bored, trapped, wanting to be free, as people are. Some animals are kept in small cages where they barely have room to roam or to have fun. Some of their cages aren't even appropriate living areas for these animals. Some people think it's educational for people to learn about all these creatures around the world. Some think that zoos save animals from getting on the endangered list. What do you think? Are there more disadvantages or advantages to keeping animals in zoos?

Alexis (9:00)

How does how we look affect how we are?

If people lost weight, doctors lowered the price of plastic surgery , and many more people felt comfortable in their own skin, what would the consequences be? For instance, if our overall population had higher self-esteem, would this lower teen pregnancy? Would there be fewer people abusing their spouse or children? Would sex before marriage be reduced?

To ask the question another way . . . in our current society, more people are unhealthy, overweight, and "unattractive" than at any other time. What is the downside of this collective low self-esteem? How does it affect society?

How much does your own personal physical appearance matter to you? What would have to happen for you to be happier with yourself, for your self-esteem to be boosted?

Darcy (1:00)

Lower the drinking age?

Should the drinking age be lowered from 21? If people can vote and join the military at 18, why do they have to wait until 21 to drink legally? Did raising the drinking age from 18 to 21 save lives? Do you think teen drinking is a serious problem? Why/why not? If you are over the age of 21, do you have reason to care about the drinking age? Do you think at 18 or 19 years old people are adult enough to debate the drinking age--or will they only see their side of it? Would lowering the legal drinking age make alcohol less of a big deal and less attractive to teens? For more to think about before you answer, go here: http://drinkingage.procon.org/

Thanks!

Allyson (1:00)