Younger students appreciate an imaginative essay exercise in which they describe their designs for the perfect futuristic clothes, houses or cures for disease. Essay questions do not need to be about realistic topics but can be a way for children to stretch their thinking outside what is ordinary and mundane. Read to the students about scientific innovations. A sample question could be, "How would you design the perfect (fill in the blank) if you were an inventor?"
Another futuristic topic for elementary school and older students is the question, "Does life exist on other planets?" Younger students will give imaginative answers, while older students should base their answers on research. The question of life on other planets is intended to get students to think about the universe and, more importantly, interest the students in scientific subjects.
Pose the topic to younger elementary school students to describe the best memory they have thus far in their lives. Is it swimming, going on a hike or riding their bicycle for the first time? Use this essay question: "What is your favorite memory?"
A good essay question is: "Are schools that are in session for the entire year an effective method of raising test scores?" The students should document their essay with facts concerning the merits or flaws of school being in session for a year without summer vacation.
Another policy debate that concerns students is, "What is the energy solution to global warming?" Ask the students to research alternatives to oil dependency with this topic.
"Should the death penalty be legal?" is a question to pose to high school students. According to the Espy File that tracked executions in the United States from 1608 to 2002, there were 15,269 instances of capital punishment during that time period. Ask your students to consider if the death penalty is justified as public policy or not justified in response to criminal actions.