Sample student notes: deciding on a topic

Sample student notes: deciding on a topic

Possible topic: Should the college convert two acres of campus green space to additional parking spaces for commuter students?

So what?

Hm. I’m not a commuter, so it’s not that critical to me.

Possible topic: Should the college publish the school newspaper in an online format only and abandon a paper publication?

So what?

Seems like a no-brainer to me. We’re all on our devices 24/7 anyway. And going online only is greener, right?

Possible topic: Should the college add a general education requirement that each full-time student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of community service by the end of the second year?*

So what?

Volunteerism should absolutely NOT be required. I can convince other students that a requirement goes against the concept of volunteering—of giving back out of a sense of goodness. Plus, being a college student means making your OWN decisions.

* The student chose this topic because she cared about it, felt her readers would care about it, and felt she could make compelling points to support her views.