Trick or Treat?

Happy Halloween! :-)

Halloween has its controversies, so it is a perfect holiday to write a persuasive essay about. The question is which side will your students take in each issue? Here are some possible issues:

• Trick-or-Treat - Should kids trick people who don't provide candy on Halloween? Why or why not? Support your position.
  
• Halloween Pranks - Do some people go too far with their pranks on Halloween? What are acceptable guidelines for pranks? Back up your position.
• The Mall or the Neighborhood - Malls around the country are providing "safe Halloween experiences" for trick-or-treaters. What do you think about this? Is it taking something away from traditional Halloween activities? Is it making Halloween better? Support your view.
• Over-Age Trick-or-Treaters - Is there such a thing? How old is too old to be going house to house for candy? Why do you think this? Support your position.
• Halloween in School - Halloween is considered a pagan holiday, so should Halloween-related activities be allowed in school? Consider the following: separation of church and state, respecting personal beliefs. Support your view.
• Halloween Festivities Out of Control - Some towns have a reputation for Halloween celebrations that go out of control. What do you think town officials should do to make sure Halloween is fun and safe in their town? Or should it be every goblin for itself? Support your ideas.