Changing Ideas About Health
Compare and contrast the scientific understanding of an aspect of human health (like nutrition or mental health) from 50 years ago versus today. Discuss how scientific advancements have changed public perceptions and treatment approaches.
Suggested length: An essay or article: 800 to 2,500 words
Start the clock
Pick a sprint, press start and keep going until it stops. Momentum beats polish on a first draft.
Make it yours
Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- End with something the reader can do or think about today.
- State your main point in one sentence before you start.
- Include a counterargument and answer it fairly.
Writing science books
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What readers expect
- Complex ideas made clear
- Wonder and curiosity
- Stories of discovery
- Accurate, current science
A tip before you start
Lead with a mystery or a person, then bring in the science. Curiosity will carry readers through the hard parts.
More Science prompts
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- Society and Environmental ChangeDiscuss the major turning points, technological advancements, and how societies adapted to environmental challenges.
- Inside a Great ExperimentDescribe a day in the life of a groundbreaking scientific experiment or project, such as the Large Hadron Collider or the Human Genome Project.…
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