• Movies and books often talk about the value of loyalty and friendship. Write about a time in your life when friendship proved to be of great value and importance to you.
  
• People often say, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Describe a time when you misjudged someone solely on his or her appearance or when someone misjudged you.
  
• Sometimes lies can have serious consequences. Describe a time in your life when a lie had a serious consequence for you.
  
• Parents are our first and most important teachers. Describe a time when you learned a valuable lesson from one of your parents.
  
• Many writers have dealt with the theme of a character losing control and going beyond reason. Describe a time in your life when you lost control, and tell why.
  
• Some of our richest experiences take place when we travel. Tell about a memorable experience you had when you were traveling.
  
• Animals can sometimes seem remarkably human. Describe an experience with an animal that acted in a very human way.