/s/ conversational topics (Advanced)

Imagine there is a series of rumors spreading through the halls about someone’s business. If your friends are the ones telling the tales, does listening make you just as guilty as the person who tells the lies?

Scientists have developed apps that can write essays for students. Discuss whether using these resources is considered cheating or if it is simply a useful tool for the modern process of learning.

Does excessive screen time cause stress? Discuss whether video games are a serious distraction or a useful skill.

Should students be allowed to choose their own seats in the classrooms? What are the pros and cons of this decision?

Suppose your science partners are lazy and refuse to finish their tasks. Is it fair to tell the teacher, or does that make you a 'snitch' in the eyes of your peers?

Is it a smart decision for schools to use cell phones in class? Discuss the pros and cons regarding students' focus.

Suppose you are hosting a small gathering for friends, and someone you dislike asks to come. Is it possible to refuse their request without seeming mean, or is it necessary to sacrifice your own comfort for the sake of being nice?

Imagine a classmate posts something insulting about a teacher on a social media site. If you access the post and know who the source is, is it your business to disclose that information to the office, or is it best to stay silent?

Suppose your parents surprise you with a series of expensive gifts for your birthday, but you actually despise the items they chose. Is it smarter to suppress your feelings to spare their emotions, or should you be honest about it?

Observe the ways students organize themselves in the lunchroom. Why is it that certain groups always choose the same tables? Does this social design make people feel safe, or does it make others feel frozen out?

Discuss the pros and cons of parents accessing their sons' or daughters' messages. Is this a violation of privacy, or is it for the sake of safety?

A coach chooses their own son or daughter to be the starting player, even though other students have superior skills. Discuss how this affects the team’s success and what steps a player could take to address this injustice.

Middle school students often have schedules that are overflowing with classes, clubs, and sports. Is it possible to be successful in all these areas, or does the stress eventually cause a person to burn out?

Imagine you are the boss of the school district. If you could redesign the series of classes, would you start later in the days to help students who are stressed, or does that cause too many problems for parents' schedules?

You receive a score of zero on a test because the teacher thinks you cheated, but you didn't. How do you resolve this situation without causing a scene?