Purpose:
This game will help students to compose original documents that require critical thinking.

Procedure:
If students finish work early, have them compose a Think or Sink essay. Assign one of the following topics-

• List ten things your class could do to help the homeless.
• A new law has been passed to outlaw television. You must live by the law. List ten things you would do instead of watching television.
• If you could add one day to every week, what would you name that day? Explain your reasoning.
• If I walked into your room right now, what would it look like?
• You are interviewing your hero but can ask him or her only five questions. What would you ask?
• Describe a recent meal without including the names of any foods or drinks.
• A genie has just told you that you can trade places with anyone in the world for an hour. Who would you absolutely not want to trade places with? Why?
• If you could read your teacher's mind, what do you think it would say?
• You don't have any money but would like to give your mother (or father) a special birthday present. What will you do?
• If the teacher left you in charge of the class for an entire week, how would you plan your week? You will be observed and evaluated just as a teacher is, so no goofing off!
• A new law has been passed that raises the driving age to 35 years old, the age of the safest drivers according to the Insurance Association. Write a persuasive speech to convince the lawmakers that someone younger should be allowed to drive.
• Pretend that you are a parent talking to a child. Explain ten things that you would want that child to know about life.
• You are attending the UFO convention. You are the keynote speaker and must prepare a speech entitled "UFO's--Fact or Fiction." Write this speech.
• If you were governor of a state that bordered an ocean, what would you do to protect the ocean from pollution?

Essays should be written in the student's own words with no outside assistance (other people, internet, etc.) and should be proofread before they are printed.

Variations:
Allow students to come up with their own Think or Sink topics.