You have been asked to choose one or two objects that will show what life is like in your high school in 2006. These objects will then be placed in a time capsule. (A time capsule is a container which holds objects. The capsule is usually buried in the ground or placed in a building's foundation and then opened some time in the future.) Write a multiple-paragraph letter to your school board identifying the one or two objects to be placed in your high school's time capsule and explain why you have selected them. (2004)

Many young people have strong opinions about whether or not their communities are desirable places for teens to live. Do you consider your community a desirable place for teens to live? Write a multi-paragraph letter to parents of teens who live in another community persuading them to move to or avoid your community. (2004)

School is not the only place we learn. Write a multi-paragraph letter to a teacher in which you identify something you remember learning outside of school and explain why this has been important to you. (2003)

Some nutritionalists think the snack offerings at your school are terrible. Because of this, parents are asking the principal to remove all soda pop and candy machines. Take a position on this proposal. Write a multi-paragraph letter to your principal to persuade him or her to agree with your position (2003)

By the time you are a sophomore in high school, you have been in many different classes. Think about a memorable class. Write a multi-paragraph letter to a teacher explaining why that class was memorable. (2002)

Many people have expressed concern about the starting time for high school. The school board has suggested that school begin two hours later and end two hours later. Take a position on this proposal and write a multiple-paragraph letter to the school board to persuade them to agree with your position. (2002)