Sample Prompt: Is It Ever Okay to Rewrite History?

Sample Prompt: Is It Ever Okay to Rewrite History?
Throughout history, people have edited, rewritten, and even erased parts of the past to fit new values and perspectives. Some argue that removing statues, renaming buildings, and changing how historical events are taught is necessary to correct past injustices. Others believe that history should be preserved as it is, good and bad, so that we can learn from it instead of erasing it.

Should we change how history is presented to reflect modern values? Why or why not?

Perspective 1: Updating how we tell history is necessary. We shouldn’t celebrate people who did terrible things, and we should teach history in a way that reflects today’s understanding of justice and equality.
Perspective 2: History should be preserved, even if it’s uncomfortable. Erasing or rewriting the past prevents us from fully understanding it, and people should learn history as it actually happened, not how we wish it had happened.
How to Approach This Prompt:
Define what it means to “rewrite history.” Are we talking about removing historical buildings and statues, or changing what facts we teach at schools?
Consider different perspectives. Analyze how much of ‘correcting history’ means erasing it or making it more accurate.
Think about historical examples. Can you think of specific times when it was necessary to revise history? Were there times when it went too far?
Weigh the consequences. Will rewriting history help future generations or do we just risk them forgetting important lessons?
Use real-world cases. Think back to the time you witnessed history being changed. Did it affect people’s understanding of the past? How?
Sample Prompt 3: Letter Grades
For years, schools have relied on letter grades (A-F) to measure student performance. But some people think grades encourage memorization instead of real learning and don’t actually reflect intelligence or effort. Others believe grades are necessary to measure progress and compare students fairly.

Should schools move away from letter grades? Why or why not?

Perspective 1: Grades just turn the school into a competition. They cause unnecessary stress and urge students to focus on test scores instead of actually learning the material. Besides, standardized tests reflect students’ memorization skills instead of critical thinking.
Perspective 2: Grades are the only universal way to measure the students’ achievements. Without a clear system, college admissions or employers can’t know who’s doing well and who isn’t.

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