Discussion Prompts:

1. Snow Days: Ah, snow days! Who doesn’t love the unexpected surprise of waking up to a winter wonderland and the joy of knowing school’s out? Beyond the pure fun, snow days can actually be beneficial. They provide a break from routine, allowing for extra sleep and relaxation, which can boost the immune system and improve focus when students return to class. Additionally, snow days can be a chance for families to spend quality time together, building memories that last a lifetime.
2. Oreo Commercial (1997): The iconic 1997 Oreo commercial featuring a dad and son dunking their cookies in milk uses a simple yet effective rhetorical strategy – analogy. By demonstrating the universal experience of needing to twist, lick, and dunk an Oreo before eating it, the commercial cleverly connects with viewers on an emotional level. The humor and relatability create a sense of nostalgia and tradition, persuading viewers that Oreos are a fun and essential part of family time.
3. Video Games and Health: Video games often get a bad rap, but there’s growing evidence of their potential health benefits. Games can improve cognitive function by enhancing problem-solving skills, memory, and attention span. They can also promote hand-eye coordination and reaction time through fast-paced gameplay. Furthermore, online games can foster social connection and teamwork, especially when playing collaboratively with others. It’s important to note that moderation is key, and choosing games that promote these positive aspects is crucial.
4. Smoking in Public: The argument for treating marijuana smoke equally to cigarette smoke in public spaces is a complex one. On the one hand, secondhand marijuana smoke can irritate the lungs and potentially cause respiratory problems. On the other hand, the health risks are generally considered less severe compared to cigarettes. Ultimately, protecting public health should be the primary concern. This might involve designated smoking areas for both tobacco and marijuana to minimize exposure for non-smokers.
5. Annotated Bibliographies: Annotated bibliographies can be a valuable tool for researchers. They not only list relevant sources but also provide a brief summary and critical analysis of each source. This can save time by helping researchers quickly assess the usefulness of a source before diving deep into the full text. However, creating annotated bibliographies can be time-consuming, and some might find summarizing and critiquing sources challenging.
6. Illiteracy and Parenting: Being illiterate doesn’t automatically make someone a bad parent. Parenting requires a vast array of skills – love, empathy, nurturing, and the ability to provide for a child’s basic needs. While literacy can undoubtedly be helpful, there are many ways to learn and connect with a child that don’t involve reading. Love, care, and a willingness to learn and grow are far more important qualities for a good parent.
7. Presentation Ideas: Your presentation could be a fascinating exploration of popular culture and its impact. Here’s a potential structure:
   • Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of popular culture and its influence on society.
   • The Power of Simplicity (Oreo Commercial): Analyze the 1997 Oreo commercial, highlighting the use of analogy and emotional connection in advertising.
   • Beyond Fun: Exploring the Benefits of Video Games: Discuss the positive impact of video games on cognitive function, hand-eye coordination, and social connection.
   • Striking a Balance: Public Smoking and Public Health: Debate the issue of public smoking bans and explore potential solutions that balance individual freedoms with public health concerns.
   • Literacy and Love: Redefining Good Parenting: Challenge the stereotype that illiteracy equates to bad parenting. Focus on the importance of love, care, and a nurturing environment for healthy child development.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the key points and discuss the importance of critical thinking and questioning cultural norms.

This presentation would offer a diverse and engaging look at how popular culture shapes our perceptions and how we can move beyond stereotypes to create a more inclusive and understanding society.