need to write a paper arguing something with a specific purpose, and the paper needs to be directly toward someone I know. I was thinking of writing it to my friend about video games, but I'm having trouble thinking about an overall purpose for that paper. Are there any other good topics that I could use that could direct toward someone (so probably stay away from global warming, abortion, etc since those don't really go to anyone specifically)? orr does anyone know how I can connect a paper about video games to a larger purpose concerning humanity/life in general?

Perhaps video games are not connected with larger purposes concerning humanity or life.

Maybe that is your argument: Argue that video games are trivial pursuits with no end purpose, and that life is bigger than that.

Here are links to many articles discussing video game playing and academic performance. Read through them before you decide whether to take the pro or con stance on this topic:

http://www.google.com/search?q=video+games+and+academic+performance&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

One question you could ask your friend is this: In light of all these study results, should a young person who has high academic goals allow him/herself to become addicted to these games?

This is just one idea. After you read through several of these articles and conduct your own searches to pursue thoughts these articles generate in your own mind, you most likely will come up with a topic with your own "spin" on it.

When choosing a topic to write a paper directed toward someone you know, it's important to consider their interests, as well as finding a larger purpose or connection that can engage them. If you're interested in video games, you can definitely find ways to connect it to broader aspects of humanity or life in general. Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm:

1. The Psychological Effects of Video Games: Explore the impact of video games on human behavior, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. Discuss both the positive and negative effects and how these can shape individuals and society at large.

2. Video Games as a Catalyst for Social Change: Investigate how video games can be a platform for promoting empathy, diversity, and inclusivity. Reflect on the power of storytelling in video games and how they can raise awareness of important social issues.

3. Gaming and Education: Analyze the potential of video games as educational tools that can enhance learning and critical thinking skills. Discuss how they can be utilized in schools to engage students and foster creativity.

4. Video Games as a Reflection of Culture: Examine how video games mirror societal norms, values, and ideologies. Discuss how the representation of different cultures, genders, and social issues in games can shape our perception of the world.

Remember, the overall purpose of your paper should captivate your friend's interest and offer them insights they may not have considered. By connecting video games to broader topics, you can make your argument more meaningful and engaging. Feel free to tailor these ideas according to your knowledge, research, and personal interests.