So... Just to make sure... (Help me please! It will just take a second)

Depends what kind of essay is it, expository, narrative, or persuasive?

Expository = Pick a topic and write an essay on it. Ex.) An essay on Egypt would explain its culture, location, etc.

Narrative = If I remember right it's an essay about you or an event in your life.

Persuasive = That's the one in which you need to pick a side or stand on a neutral ground and explain why/why not you are for/against or stand neutral on your topic. This is the most common type of essay, at least in my school.

I believe both options should be suitable especially if worded correctly.

I'd say that just depends on what kind of essay you need to write

Not as the same essay, but if you want it to be two different topics, certainly.

Yes that's true but it must has a point of view in the last of it.
First you must say something for the issue and then you something against and then you discuss your own opinion.