Informed Debate
Using Costco Connection Informed Debate articles and ProCon.com informational texts provided in class, write an argumentative essay supporting one side of the argument. You must include at least one other source from your own research to support your claim.
Topics may include:
- Are social networking sites good for our society?
- Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?
- Should students still be taught cursive writing?
- Should the U.S. ban plastic grocery bags?
- Should some form of national service be mandatory?
- Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?
- Is graffiti art?
- Are school lunches healthy enough?
- Should people get paid to donate their organs?
- Is college worth it?
- Are biofuels actually a good idea?
- Should spanking children be banned?
- Should adults have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
- Is hands-off parenting an effective style?
- Is artificial intelligence a good idea?
- Is it okay for parents to read their kids' social media posts?
- Should college athletes be paid?
- Are Americans giving up too much privacy for security?
- Should we rethink the rating system for TV and movies?
- Are standardized tests an effective way to assess students?
- Should animals be used for our entertainment?
- Is football too dangerous for teens?
- Are self-driving cars a good thing?
- Should schools require uniforms?
- Should the United States be more strict about illegal immigration?
- Should vaccines be required for children?
- Is homework actually good for students?
- Do violent video games cause an increase in teen violence?
- ...and possibly others
In preparation for testing, you will be expected to write one essay each week during an extended time (TBD) before the test. We will learn essay writing format and strategies in class, but you will be expected to complete these essays on your own as homework.
The Utah Compose Grade breakdown is as follows:
Ut.Comp. Score: Letter Grade: Points in Skyward:
24 or more A 10
23 - 22 A- 9
21 - 19 B 8
18 - 16 C 7
15 or less D 6
Ut.Comp. Score: Letter Grade: Points in Skyward:
24 or more A 10
23 - 22 A- 9
21 - 19 B 8
18 - 16 C 7
15 or less D 6