- Introduce your chosen topic with a grabber (what issue/problem/cause are you researching?)
- Your interest in the topic (why is this topic interesting/important to you?)
- Summarize your initial research (what have you found to help your reader better understand?)
Your writing will be 1-2 paragraphs in length. They should be written in a formal style (minimizing the use of first-person and second-person pronouns).
Example:
The glowing red light on your clock says 10:45 pm; you've been writing your essay for over three hours. Your eyes are heavy, your brain hurts, and you just can't think of a better way to end your conclusion. It was time for bed long ago, but you still have science to do! Do you give up and go to bed, or stay up a bit longer to get everything accomplished? Students, every night, suffer many similar feelings of anxiousness, exhaustion, and frustration at the thought of homework.
Homework, a long-time element of most schooling, is recently under much scrutiny from parents, students, teachers, and school boards around the country. I will be researching the use of homework in middle schools, specifically Charles F. Patton Middle School, its effect on grades and student learning. Being a teacher at the school, this is important for my career but also for the benefit of my students' educations and success in middle school.
In preliminary research has showed that there are positive effects of homework as well as negative effects. At this point, I have not researched thoroughly positive or negative effects to see which is more prevalent or important for student success. Some positive effects are enhancing classroom material, practicing needed academic skills, and multitasking. Some negative effects are exhaustion, time management, and anxiousness.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Here is a reminder about Blog Posting Requirements:
Research blogs are due every Wednesday by 7:00 AM.
Research blogs that earn an A will do the following:
- Content: provide insight, understanding, and reflective thought about your selected topic by: building a focused argument around a specific issue, or asking a new related question, or making an oppositional statement supported by related research;
- Organization: present a focused and coherent viewpoint that is supported by effective supporting examples and links/citations to sources that enhance the information presented;
- Style: be creatively and fluently written to stimulate debate/conversation;
- Conventions: be proofread!
How to Post Blog Entries:
I strongly suggest that you compose your blog posts offline (in a Word document) in order to minimize the risk of accidental deletion due to internet connectivity and/or browser issues.
- Click on the current week's blog.
- Below the body of the directions, click the "Comments" text area. You will be able to type your response.
- Paste your text into the Body.
- Click "Post Response".
Replying to Classmates' Posts:
Your blog posts will appear in the thread of the Blog discussion. You should also write comments on 1-2 of your classmates' blogs every week -- to ask questions, provide additional information, argue an opposing point of view, and give support. You have until the following Monday at 7:00 AM to provide these comments.
Baseball and Lacrosse are both very popular sports but which one is better? Lacrosse players and baseball players usually don’t get along because they are sport rivals against each other. Lacrosse and baseball are considered one of the biggest arguments.
ReplyDeletePeople who don’t play either one of these sports have no idea what baseball and lacrosse players are arguing about. Both sports work very hard to accomplish goals. In professionals an average lacrosse player get paid around 25,000 dollars per season but a baseball player gets paid 3,154,845 dollars per season. Which is way more than lacrosse, but playing a sport is not all about the money it is mostly up to your personal opinion of which sport to play.
That's really interesting as I don't play either sport- I hope to learn more about which is a "better" sport because it seems like it is completely based on opinion and bias!
DeleteLike Ryan, I am not sure how you are going to factually argue this. I'm not even sure what the arguments for each side are. Why would lacrosse be better than baseball and visa versa?
DeleteI like your topic a lot. but I am still wondering why baseball and lacrosse are rivals?
DeleteIs Modern Culture Ruining Recent Generations Childhood?
ReplyDeleteAll these new types of technology- from iPods to PlayStations- have kids with dozens of ways to enjoy their free time. There is much to debate from positives of electronics to negatives of society & peer pressure. To some parents there are no positives to this. It is expensive, it can ruin your eyesight, and it's a waste of time. The internet is a black-hole of all kinds of useless information. Some say it can connect people, but why talk to a screen, when you can do one better and build real relationships face-to-face. Others argue that it can be a great way to pass the time, but why not pass a football instead? It is making kids lazy and spoiled and it needs to stop soon.
A very interesting topic Ryan, but I don't know if I would agree or disagree. Both sides are very convincing.
DeleteYour grabber and the transitions are great. Although, when looking at the entire paragraph there is more evidence against kids using technology. It would be even stronger if you added more evidence for kids using techology
DeleteI wonder how the definition of "ruining" might come into play during your research. What one person thinks is "ruined" is a very subjective, opinionated idea.
DeleteThe bell has just rung to end gym class. Every student is giddy, energized, and talkative. Each student is heading to their next class with a stress-free and cleared brain. Students are ready to take on the rest of the day, thanks to gym class.
ReplyDeleteGym class helps students do better in all their class. Gym boosts their energy levels so they can perform their best work. In gym, students are able to set goals, which they can carry on to their other classes. They can achieve these goals using self discipline, which is also carried on from gym class. On the other hand, gym can make students too giddy or tired for their classes. Overall, gym class is beneficial for students, parents, and school teachers.
very well written Ava! I am very interested to see where this topic goes! Though, I am confused on the other side of this argument.
DeleteThis is a really interesting topic! Just make sure you proofread before you post. Also, when you said "Students are able to set goals" what do you mean by that? Aside from that, great work!
DeleteIs you topic should schools have gym class? I think you will be surprised in your research about why people argue schools should take out gym classes. It doesn't always have to do with how students perform in gym or feel after gym.
DeleteI love your topic and I think you could go far with it. I really would like to see statistics in this because that way you have sort of a rock hard base to build up from.
Delete
ReplyDeleteWhat is found on walls, loved by some, hated by many and one hundred percent illegal? Graffiti, that’s what. Graffiti is writing or drawings found on surfaces, such as walls. It’s usually sprayed, drawn or scratched onto the surface and it’s often found in public. Graffiti is sometimes found on bridges, trains and other places. However, the big question is, is graffiti art?
Some people would argue and say that graffiti is not art at all. There are people who see it as garbage and completely pointless, ugly and a waste of time. Some say it’s even vandalism. They see it as nothing more than spray paint on a brick wall. Nevertheless some people would say otherwise. They can see past the bright orange spray paint on the red brick wall, and in their minds, graffiti is art; it’s more than just paint from a can. It’s a form of creativity and allows people to express themselves. Sometimes graffiti is even a way to communicate and can contain hidden messages. Whether or not graffiti is actually art, some people think it is and some people do not.
this is well written with good side arguments but you didn't include your opinion on the topic
DeleteI think that this is a really cool topic! For me it all depends on the type of graffiti that I see, if they write bad words than it is not, but if they actually create something then it is art.
DeleteYour introduction paragraph is very thorough. I like how you explained your topic before you got into the arguments for it. It really helps explain what your are going to be discussing about. Great job!
DeleteGreat writing, especially the grabber. May want to put down some reasons you think, or reasons you found that it was made illegal from research. Amazing job!
DeleteI think you will be interested to research all of the different types of graffiti out there and more importantly WHY people graffiti. I think the WHY will play a huge role in why it is considered art. Also look at the why it is not art from a legal perspective. Most graffiti is done on public places - who own those?
Delete
ReplyDeleteCollege Athletes Should/Should Not be paid.
The fans cheer. The winning team celebrates. The other team walks slowly off the field, their heads hung in shame. Tomorrow though, some of these college stars may be living below the poverty line, trying desperately to pay their college funding, and to buy food for themselves.
The NCAA makes about $6 billion dollars in TV contracts, sports wear, and tickets. The college athletes get nothing at all. Dozens, possibly hundreds of scandals involving college athletes selling memorabilia or autographed items may have a good reason for that. Some of these athletes are barely living, when they are really evaluated, are worth thousands of dollars per year (Some Duke basketball players are worth nearly one million dollars). I have watched college football (go Georgia Tech!), and I am love watching the games. But now I am beginning to realize that the NCAA is making billions, while these athletes me and others have come to enjoy and love, are losing thousands due to paying for college. Over the next few weeks, I will be evaluating why and how much college athletes should be paid.
Frommer, Frederic J. "Top College Athletes worth 6 Figures." Huffington Post.
N.p., 12 Sept. 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. .
I really do want college athletes to get paid so they can make a living off of it.
DeleteBut I also don't want them to get paid a crazy amount that pros do.
Do you feel the same?
Overall, I think your topic is interesting I agree that college athletes should be paid because they cant pay there college fund like you said in your argument. But if the NCAA started paying athletes wouldn't they start losing money?
DeleteI know that college athletes may be living in bad conditions, but college is there to help them learn so they can get out of these situations. What happens if their career washes up and the education the school is giving just isn't enough.
DeleteI have to admit that I am on the fence as well with your topic. I think that the NCAA makes a huge profit off of student athletes whose only goal is to perform for their team (school is a second thought). But I am not sold on the idea that they should be paid. I do think they should be compensated, but most are given scholarships. I am interested to see what you come up with.
DeleteImage someone in your mind who is wearing makeup, dressed nicely, and their hair is perfect. I bet you automatically thought of grown up - someone like your mom, someone who understands what it means and can choose to dress up and look fancy. Now imagine all that on a little girl, maybe even your younger sister.
ReplyDeleteDuring child pageants little girls are forced to wear and do things that are extremely inappropriate for their age range including parading around in revealing clothes like bikinis and low cut dresses. They are also forced to believe they are not pretty naturally because they have to wear make-up, get a fake tan, fake teeth, hair expansions, and even more just to compete. Child pageants teach girls that in order to be beautiful you have to fake, like a doll, and wear layers of heavy makeup instead of being yourself. Also these beauty pageants show gender stereotypes because they reward girls on their fake beauty instead of their intelligence. This is completely inappropriate because at their age their brains are still developing and they learn the wrong things about themselves and the image of women in society.
I like this topic and the grabber is really good. I mean, I can't imagine my little sister dressing up with 5 lbs of makeup or wearing a bikini and other makeup stuff. I think that you should explain more what beauty pageants are and what you do with them. Also, I think that you should also explain that the beauty pageants are ok to have because an argumentative essay adresses both sides; not just one.
DeleteWhat is the support for beauty pageants? I think you might be surprised about why girls enter pageants and what they see as their benefits.
DeleteThis is a really interesting argument Lucas, because I want to see how the other side will try to make their case- you have a lot of good evidence already!
DeleteThis is very interesting because beauty pageants have such an effect on how girls think of themselves.I am very interested in figuring out why girls would want to be in beauty pagents
DeleteIt's 5 o'clock am and your alarm clock is annoying you so much. You're still groggy as you stumble through the hallway half-asleep. This is hundreds of students every morning.
ReplyDeleteMiddle and High school students have to wake up early every morning for their buses that arrive before 7:15 am! The question is: Is that healthy for you? Yes it is, teenagers are growing and need more sleep, yet we aren't tired until late at night. Moving back the bell would do wonders for everyone. Just the thought of extra sleep makes you happy! People are against it though. I am going to defend the extra sleepy time policy. Teens need more SLEEP!
I like your topic very much, but I think you could go into depth when you are explaining the student in the morning.
DeleteWhen you said "Is that healthy for you? Yes it is, teenagers are growing and need more sleep..." I was confused because if you are making the point of teenagers needing more sleep, then why does it say that it is healthy to wake up early? Other than that, great work!
DeleteI like your topic and your intro. The intro is grabbing and I can picture what would happen if I were that guy (that is me). However, I think that sometimes the grammar is kind of confusing. For example:"Middle and High school students have to wake up early every morning for their buses that arrive before 7:15 am! The question is: Is that healthy for you? Yes it is, teenagers are growing and need more sleep" To me, this is kind of supporting the topic that you are against. You said that the buses arrive before 7:15 AM. Then, you asked a question about if it is healthy. You said:
Delete"Yes it is, teenagers are growing and need more sleep,". But, it also said yes to the statement you said before the question "Middle and High school students have to wake up early every morning for their buses that arrive before 7:15 am! " Another example of confusing grammar is:Moving back the bell would do wonders for everyone." You were supporting a later school start right? But this says that you move the bell back which means that school should start EVEN earlier. Overall this is a good topic and I support your idea. Just fix up the ideas and grammar and you will get an A+++++++. :D
Good topic! But what would happen if you had after school activities, how would you get to them?
DeleteI agree with Charlie. You are entitled to your own opinion, but you needed to state what the arguments are for both sides of the topic in this post. What are the reasons or arguments for NOT moving the times?
DeleteDid you know that women only make up 1% of the world’s wealth? For centuries, women have been known to stay home and care for the children and house. Until recently, most girls did not have a job and the few that did work, worked for very low pay. Women usually worked as nurses, seamstresses, or clerks at a local store. Girls were not part of important roles because the professions were considered for men only. Most of all, girls were not eligible for leadership roles in the society. Jobs in the medical and political field were considered off-limits for women. Even today, we are fighting this issue. Because of this gender stereotype, women today are still struggling to gain leadership roles in the workforce.
ReplyDeleteIn the history of America, there has never been a woman president. Ever since I was a young girl, I would ask my mother why there never was a female president and she never had a clear answer for me. By researching this topic, I want to recognize both sides of this argument and figure out the reason behind the lack of women leadership roles in the world. I have always believed in the equality of men and women, so it is my duty to research this topic and to get a general answer from it. The limited research that I have found so far showed that there is many factors that generate these gender stereotypes. I have compiled a list of these factors but have not researched them thoroughly enough. Some of the reasons why women are not considered part of leadership roles in the workforce include: underestimating their own abilities, not negotiating for themselves, and by attributing their success to outside resources. Women are said not to be bold enough which therefore puts them out of the running for a prominent leadership role. Although this is true with some women, others beg to differ. In proven tests, company’s having a woman CEO or other important positions have skyrocketed the wealth gained during the year. Women have proven their worth in the important professions in the workforce. The two sides of this popular argument announce two different ideas that explain why there should or should not be more women with leader roles in the workforce.
When you say few did work, worked for very low pay I think you should add something after the comma. It confused me a little but it could just be me. other than that I think you have a good topic.
DeleteI love your grabber it really pulls me in. Also I like how you relate it to your own life when asking your mom about why theres no women presidents. Other than being super long it is very well written. I do think you could add more on the counterclaim. (:
DeleteI love your topic! This is a topic that really needs to be noticed by more people. I am excited to see where this goes!
DeleteAlso maybe you can give examples of women that didn't let that mind set control their lives.
DeleteVery informative introduction Gemma. I like how you clearly state your personal opinion on the subject, yet you objectively state the arguments of both sides.
DeleteIt might be important to consider that some of the reasons for women NOT being in leadership are personality traits. How might that affect the oppositions arguments as well?
“You can’t do that because your a girl!” “Only boys can do that!” Throughout life you've heard things like that. There is a lot of stereotypes out there on genders one of the most common stereotype is that women aren't as strong as men due to their gender and since the beginning of time people have believed that. Back then women would stay home and men would go out and work to earn money and didn't fight in wars, and even now due to this stereotype that is.While some people believe in this stereotype others don't.
ReplyDeleteSome people think that women are equally as strong as men. I agree with this. From personal experience I know that women can be as equally strong even though their girls. In school I've arm wrestled many boys and have easily won. Also nowadays there are many women navy heroes that have defeated many men. Women can now fight in wars,be in the navy,army, and can be participates in politics. On the contrary, some people believe in this stereotype. Scientific research shows men have more body strength or brute. Also many people see pictures of men with giant muscles and then automatically thing men are stronger.This stereotype can mess with peoples perspective on what they think and do. For example if people have to pick between two shipping companies, one owned by men, and one owned by women, most people would choose the company that's owned by men.
This introduction is very well written and I like how you included examples from your lifetime and from others. Maybe you should explain more about the other side of the argument just a teensy bit, you seem a little biased. Otherwise, great job! :)
DeleteYou have a good hook, but keep in mind who your audience is. If a guy is reading this, they may not agree with your hook. "Throughout life you've heard things like that." Besides that, nice job!
DeleteI do believe that men and women have the same exact strength. It doesn't matter what gender you are it matters if you exercise/ body build and do sports.
DeleteI like your hook and the evidence that you have. I do agree with Winnie's last topic though. If you have a guy reading the essay he might not like it. I mean, I do agree with you but if someone like Michael Phelps was reading this he might be like "NO WAY I DO NOT AGREE WITH YOU"
DeleteBeing that your topic is generated from a stereotype, be careful to not be biased in your arguments.
DeleteViolent video games are a heavily debated topic. Some think that they should be banned and others think that they are ok for our society. Supporters of the ban may say that it can make kids think that it is ok to see blood or learn bad things like curse words. People who oppose it being banned say that there is no way the kids will want to kill someone as long as they are mature enough. People also say that it should be the parents who control their kids and what they play; it’s not the government’s responsibility. My overall opinion on this topic is that violent video games should not be banned.
ReplyDeleteBanning violent video games isn’t a really great idea. It should be parents who control their kids and what they play. Most likely kids will not want to kill people because looking at people dying can be scary. Banning video games can also be detrimental to the video game economy. If they are banned, the people who play video games will not play them anymore because they can’t buy any games that they actually enjoy. It’s not like they’re going to want to play “My Little Pony” all day.
However, banning violent video games may also be a good idea. There was one case in Louisiana where an 8 year old boy killed his caregiver after playing a violent video game. He might’ve been influenced by the video game and thought his caregiver would come back to life or something. Another reason is that in violent video games which involve guns, the characters curse a lot. This might teach kids bad things and might make them think that it is OK to curse on a regular basis.
I agree with banning violent video games. Too violent and sometimes involves zombies eating someone's liver...
DeleteI think you should look into other cases of repercussions of violent video games. There are many legal cases out there that make good claims for both sides of this topic.
DeleteI like how you have a case to back your evidence up, but i think you should provide more evidence.
DeleteBong. Your phone just went off as you won your game. Is it possible to play another game or should you do your homework? Your urge is to play another but you know you need to do your homework. You know you can beat your high score if you play one last game but you need to do your homework. This problem is a major problem in the teenage life, Today people are using technology excessively rather than doing other activities and even adults use technology excessively.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a major part of our lifestyle today and has affected our way of life in many ways. For my argument/debate I'll be researching the benefits of technology and see if technology can be avoided. I will also examine effects on people and how it helps and harms people today. Being a person who reads more when most people use technology excessively I want to know does technology harm or help?.
In my research I have found negative and positive effects of technology usage and how it affects many peoples everyday life. I will find out in the following weeks if technology is avoidable and if it helps or hurts more. In my finding so far I have realize that the positive effects of using technology are medicare, rescue operations, and communication. The negative effects of using technology are excessive usage, avoiding homework to play video games, and less social interactions.
Maybe you should change the sound effect in the beginning and you are being a little repetitive with words like "excessive" and "homework". I agree that technology gets in the way of teen's lives and is a topic that needs to be researched. Good job!
DeleteReally good topic. You may want to make your grabber/hook a bit more clear. As I was reading it, I was confused what was going on.
DeleteAre you interested in one specific type of technology and its effects, like cell phones, the Internet, TV, etc.? Or will you be looking at ALL types of technology? Being more specific will help you find more detailed research and keep your arguments condensed.
DeleteOther than excessive amount of repetition in the opening statement, I think it was well written and an interesting topic.
DeleteI really like your hook in this, but there is repition.
DeleteAre People Paying More Than They Should on Proms?
ReplyDeleteProm is coming and you haven't got a dress. You quickly drive to the mall with your parents and spot out your favorite dress. Looking at the price tag the parent's face cringes. The dress is $574. You start begging saying you will reuse it, the parent then complains on how proms are too expensive.This is a question that parents and teenage girls ask themselves every time prom rolls around. I am very interested in this topic because I have two sisters who always complain about how the expenses of the dress is too high.Also how my mother wants to buy something cheap because it is a one time thing. I have found some research on how much is being payed and why.
Buying this dress that is $540 isn't really a good idea because most teens who buy dresses like these wear them for the prom but then forget about them! The calculation of how much money families spend on proms is about $1,528. That is enough to buy 5 iPhone 6+! "With traditions like debutante balls falling out of fashion and young people getting married later in life, prom has grown in importance and people are willing to spend more on the big night" said Kit Yarrow, a consumer research psychologist. He also said "Prom is the new wedding,I think that every society has to have a rite of passage into adulthood for young people, and prom has become that." Which plays into are other side.
Even though with all this money spent an gone as Kit Yarrow said before "I think that every society has to have a rite of passage into adulthood for young people, and prom has become that." So maybe all this money burned could have actually been okay to spend.
I know that I said you did not need to cite sources for this first post, but you quoted someone and used several statistics in your post (great job!). Please cite the source from which these pieces of evidence came.
DeleteI think you will still need to be aware of any bias or personal opinions you have before you continue researching. You seem to be heavily weighing in on the side that proms are too expensive.
Will you continue to just look at the price of dresses, or are you looking at all expenses?
I did not know how expensive the prom was! by listing the prices you grabbed my attention and I wanted to read more. Maybe you could say something about if a person couldn't afford a dress. Would they just not go to the prom. It is a shame that a price is being put on a right of passage.
DeleteJanuary 30, 2015, the town of Kobani, Syria lay in ruins as rebels and I.S.I.S. fight for the remains of the town. Gunshots and mortar fire are always heard. I.S.I.S. or I.S. is a terrorist group that is destroying any that disagrees with them. After fighting for 5 months the people have all fled and the rebels are trying to fight I.S. Is there any hope for peace?
ReplyDeleteI.S. is a threat to the whole world and we need to help stop them. Hundreds of civilians, rebels, and soldiers are killed or wounded every day by I.S. If we do not help these countries about I.S. then I.S. could invade the U.S. Everyday I.S. is growing in numbers and they could bring terrorism right to the U.S. The U.S.- the mightiest military power in the world - should help defeat this threat. In addition to training other countries' forces that are fighting, the U.S. could provide direct military support to defeat I.S.
I liked your grabber, but I think that you could explain what the I.S. (I'm guessing it is the Islamic State) is, and some of their terrorist acts that the reader might have heard of. I also noticed that the opposing claim was not acknowledged.
DeleteI agree with Nathan, your grabber is very good but you should explain what I.S is because most people probally don't understand what it means.Also you might want to get more info on the counterclaim.
DeleteFirst I would like to say your topic is amazing you will get a lot of evidence. But you don't really use that evidence that you can access. Also your grabber is awesome right when you said I.S.I.S you grabbed me. There is a downside to this is you don't name your opposing side. please fix that.
DeleteI think you will need to be careful not relying on opinions in your evidence. Just because America is a "powerful" country doesn't mean they should interfere in something they are not yet "technically" involved in. Also, "powerful" is a subjective term. In what ways is America powerful? In the past, has America intervened in events they should have stayed out of, what were the results of those interventions?
DeleteDo you find yourself struggling to find appropriate clothes that are acceptable to your school’s dress code? This is a problem that many other students are dealing with because of the strict rules that are associated with the dress code. Many students especially girls are finding that the school’s dress codes are very limiting and unreasonable. I also believe this because the dress code is mainly targeting girls and I wanted to research different options the school’s could consider about the strict dress code and what rules are unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteFor this debate I will be researching the positives and negatives of school dress codes and how they affect the students. Also, how school’s are dealing with students that are not following the dress code or the punishments. Lastly, how school’s could improve the dress code so it is more reasonable and realistic.
I like how you researched all the factors that go into the dress code policy. Perhaps you could connect this to your own life? Do you find yourself running into this problem?
DeleteI think you missed why people WANT dress codes. Be careful that you are not biased toward NOT having dress codes. You make great points on that behalf, but you don't acknowledge the opposing side yet. You might be interested to see why schools (and students!) want dress codes.
DeleteYou just walk off the stage, exhausted because you just flawlessly performed your 4 minute and 36 second dance. You tell all of your friends “I am so proud of all of my fellow athletes for working so hard on this amazing dance with me!” Then someone decides to burst your bubble and say “what are you talking about, dance isn’t a sport.” That person might have just ruined someone’s day in 9 words.
ReplyDeleteDance is just as much a sport as basketball or football. The only difference is that dancers can’t physically play against other dancers. That is unless you are having a dance battle. I have been dancing since I was little and I have always considered dance a sport, but many people don’t. That always bothers me when people tell me I don’t play sports, when I really do. That is offensive not only to me but to every other dancer.
I like the grabber and how it pulls the reader in. Although, it seems that in this piece there is bias happening so try to get more evidence for the other point of view.
DeleteYour grabber is very well written and I like how you included some of your own experiences, but it seems that you are a little biased toward your topic.
DeleteI agree with Bea, you need more information on the other side of the argument. Why do people consider dance not a sport? I like your grabber as well.
DeleteI like this its just it needs a bit more info on the other side of this topic.
DeleteGreat topic! Although, I do agree with Bea. I would give some information about the other side of the argument. It seems you are focusing on only your opinion about dance being a sport. I think you should level out the sides of the argument.
DeleteYou definitely need to put your personal biases aside. You have a great topic for this project, but you need to be careful that you are focusing on the factual evidence.
DeleteWhat makes dance a sport? What makes dance not a sport? This is what you need to answer.
You are filling in your college application and you need to share with the college your SAT and/or ACT test scores. You really want to get into this school but you just aren’t sure that your grades are going to get you accepted. Do you ever wish that college would look at a few extra things about yourself to accept you and other students rather than your test scores? The final years of high-school can be rough, mainly because college is just around the corner and the stress is on. You need to pick the right school for you, gather recommendation letters, get applications, etc. Each year, many high-school students may be pressured in their last years of high-school and the cause, getting into college.
ReplyDeleteChoosing a college comes easy for some and hard for others. Either way, once a college is chosen, getting accepted is a whole other story. Although it would be so much less stressful, students cannot just pick a college that they want to go to and poof, they’re in. There are college applications and big tests that are important when applying for a college. The number one thing that colleges look at about a student when deciding whether to accept them or not is their SAT and/or ACT test scores. I will be researching the many different reasons colleges accept students and whether or not the reasons are fair or if there should be other things that a college should look into about a student before deciding to accept them or not. Although I am still in middle school, this topic benefits me by giving me a headstart in what I should expect to be learning about and preparing for in my years ahead.
Research shows that colleges do look into a few more things about a high-school student before accepting them other than just their grades. I have not fully researched my topic yet but I will soon go into depth about it. For now, I know that the top three things colleges look for in a high-school student before accepting them into the school is seeing whether or not they have a challenging high-school curriculum, having strong grades and an upward trend, and sold scores on standardized tests. Having a challenging high-school curriculum means that colleges look into what kind of courses the students have taken and chosen as in honors classes or advanced placement classes. Colleges also want to see good grades and mostly A’s with an increase every year to see improvement. Standardized tests include SAT and ACT tests. Colleges really do want to see good effort and grades before accepting a student. Should colleges look into more than just grades in a high-school student?
I really enjoyed the way you presented this information. It is very formal, yet has a personal touch.
DeleteWhat does, "having strong grades and an upward trend, " mean?
You should look into schools that require the Common Application. I know that is new since I applied for college - how has that changed the application process. Also look into "nontraditional" schools. Some schools pride themselves on NOT looking at test scores.
For some current middle school students the Advanced Placement U.S. History class (APUSH) might not be an option in high school. Some lawmakers oppose all of the new guidelines but some just think the curriculum is just fine the way it is. Another point that a person could see that the curriculum needs changing or adding on to. This topic is interesting to me because currently my 16-year-old brother is enrolled in to this course, APUSH. Also, I would like to continue my classes to get to this course. Some say that discrimination and privilege should not be guided out of the classroom because they were necessary steps toward progress. Others just want the whole curriculum and test taken away. Advanced Placement U.S. History class might be on its way toward progress or on its way out of the classroom door.
ReplyDeleteI like all the information that you have gathered for this topic. I think you need a more interesting hook that "grabs" the reader.
DeleteI think (even as a teacher) that I need more information about what the controversy is with the APUSH course. You said, "Some lawmakers oppose all of the new guidelines but some just think the curriculum is just fine the way it is." What are the new guidelines; why are there new guidelines?
DeleteI also don't understand what this means, " Some say that discrimination and privilege should not be guided out of the classroom because they were necessary steps toward progress." This doesn't sound like your original language, but it also isn't explained for me to understand.
Do your friends ever ask you "What did you make in Art, FCS, Tech Ed, etc?". Do your friends compliment on your outfit? Do you ever read any posters in the school about dances, talent shows, concerts? Now imagine your principle announcing "We are now not having the following in this school: Special/ clubs, colorful posters and school events, and no regular clothing. It seems impossible right? Of course the school won't take any of that away. It's our creativity in the school, but do we have enough?
ReplyDeleteEverything in school is creative. Even some learning in class, but some schools are taking the creativity out of school. They have uniforms, no school dances, or clubs. I related to this topic because I have many after school activities. If the school didn't have that I would have a lot of free time on my hands. I wanted to know if schools give students enough opportunities of creativity.
In my research I learned that kids need creativity. If they din't learn how to be creative in school that how will they be creative in their jobs or life? Most students think they need more creativity in the classroom. "At my school we have to conform to certain ways we do things. In places like art class, where they tell us how to draw with no elway. We should be able to do what we want with limitations, and express ourselves." says Mia a girl who commented on a school creativity article. I agree with Mia in classes we are told to do things a certain way. We should be allowed to do things in our own creative way.
I love your topic and I really want to see where it goes! Maybe next time you should go into the difference in creativity from Elementary school, to Middle school, to High school.
DeleteI know I said that you didn't need to cite sources in your first post, but you directly quoted from a source. I need to know where that came from.
DeleteI like the way you introduced your topic. What is the opposing side? Why might someone argue that schools need to limit creativity?
You wake up to your clock blinking the number 6:15 and the sound of beeping going off, you wait a couple minutes just laying in bed before you get annoyed and slap your alarm clock hitting the off button. You sit up and do your normal morning routine and by 6:45 you go outside and wait for your bus. When it finally comes you go on and find a seat alone, by yourself; for the first time in forever you get your own seat on the bus and in your head you do your own little happy dance. Two minutes after sitting on the bus you fall asleep and when you wake up you’re even more tired than before, and its only 7:15 and you have about eight hours left of school; you think “It’s gonna be an exhausting day”.
ReplyDeleteMany people believe school should start later, some people argue this, like teachers and some parents, but people also agree, like students. Majority of scientists also agree; they only use facts and it is a proven fact that kids shouldn’t start learning till after ten o’clock in the morning. I agree that school should start later, if we took out study halls and homeroom but had school start around 9:35 instead of 7:35 we could still end around the same time we do now. Also other middle schools start school at the same time we did in elementary school. Each sides of these debates have very good supporting reason it mainly just comes down to what you think.
Your grabber is very interesting, but you seem a little biased toward your topic so I think you should include some points about why we shouldn't start school later.
DeleteI love your grabber and you introductry paragraph. I think you are a little bit biased to your topic and could use some more info for the other side.
DeleteWhere did you learn that "Majority of scientists also agree; they only use facts and it is a proven fact that kids shouldn’t start learning till after ten o’clock in the morning."? I have never heard this but it sounds very favorable for support starting later. What might be an argument for starting at the current time?
DeleteThe bell just rang and everybody is settling down in their seats, and the morning announcements come on. " Good morning everybody, please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.” Halfway through the Pledge of Allegiance, the teacher noticed that Bobby wasn’t saying anything. Later the teacher asked Bobby why he was so quiet. he replied, “ I don’t really believe I should have to say the Pledge of Allegiance.” If you haven’t already figured out what my topic is, it is “Should all students have to say the Pledge of Allegiance?”
ReplyDeleteThere are many reasonable arguments about this topic. I will be researching how students feel about having to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at school. This is an important topic because it is important to recognize other peoples’ beliefs.
There are reasons for and against having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school. the reasons for reciting the Pledge include, showing respect for our country and to all of the soldiers that have lost their lives for our country. Also, to show that you are proud to be an American. Lastly, one reason that students feel that they should not have to recite the Pledge are, many students get offended by the words ‘Under God’ because they may not necessarily believe in God. Also, some students believe that it should be a choice to recite the Pledge. Even one person says “we are not a nation anymore…”
I like your grabber and If you could choose to say the Pledge of Allegiance or not what would you do? I personally do not like to say it every morning.
DeleteI like your grabber and I think it's really well written, but I wish you would have said who would agree or disagree with your topic
DeleteIs there a stronger reason for the opposition than that "it should be a choice"?
DeleteMovies are part of the American culture. Since film was created people have gone to watch these captivating moving pictures. There’s a huge thing called the Oscars created in their honor, but are movies making enough? Movies are annually created and millions are spent to create them, but most of the time a movie will not do well.
ReplyDeleteMoviemakers create movies for the money by spending money while knowing they’re running the risk of just washing up. I believe that so much less money should be spent, or at least used for better, more justified things. I’m not saying that movies don’t do well, some do. An example is American Sniper, which racked in around $300M. But the fact is that for a movie to really turn a profit it has to make over 3x the spending costs. That’s a lot for one movie, Forrest Gump actually lost money because they spent so much on producing the movie even though they made money.
What do you mean, " but are movies making enough?"
DeleteAlso, where is the opposing side to this argument? Who argues that movies should be spending this much making films? What arguments might they pose?
Your topic is good, I like where it's going ... but wheres the opposing side to this?
DeleteFor a long time, hard earned money has maybe been being given to the wrong people. Professional football players can make upwards of 5 million dollars a year. The most being at 23.8 million dollars. (Peyton Manning; quarterback.) What about the men and women who serve our country? As of 2014, Basic pay per year for an officer or commander of the Air Force, Navy, and Army, is $21,147.70. There is a big difference obviously in careers but that difference also occurs in the amount that they are paid. I am researching this topic because of an article I read in life magazine. Some NFL players are spending their money all over the place where as people in the armed forces are living a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle. I am interested in doing this research because I want to see what you all think. Should Football players really be getting paid more money than those who protect our freedom?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great introduction to your topic, but what are the arguments? What supports that sports athletes pay is justified? What support that military pay is justified? What supports that they should be different? Who is making this argument?
DeleteIs Swimming a Sport?
ReplyDeleteSport: A game involving physical activity. Most people believe that swimming is a sport, however some people do not believe swimming is a sport. The argue meant for swimming is it is a good workout, can swim with a team or individually, skill, and very competitively which by the definition swimming is a sport. However you can argue against it by saying swimming is just a competition or you just go back-and-forth endlessly.
In my opinion I think swimming is a sport. I think this because there is competition from the people surrounding you and the clock. Also swimming is a great workout and it requires great skill to be able to swim at a top level. How could swimming and not be a sport if the most decorated athlete from the history of the Olympics is a swimmer.
I agree with you but I think your grabber could be a little bettter
DeleteI like how you use the definition of "sport". I think this will come in handy when you are making arguments in support of your topic and against your topic.
DeleteI like how in your grabber you said that there is know way to not say swimming is a sport
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ReplyDeleteFor many years head injuries like concussions have been considered minor injures and have been looked down on. My question is, should contact sports (especially football) take more caution with head injuries. In recent years studies have shown that concussions are a lot more serious than doctors thought. Also studies have shown that too many concussions can cause brain damage and serious brain damage.
In contact sports such as Football, head injuries were usually a routine and were nothing serious, a player back then could experience many concussions throughout a game and not have to sit out. But in recent years autopsies on former NFL players such as former Steelers center Mike Webster, former Chargers Linebacker Junior Seau whose deaths were related with brain injuries have created more concern over concussions. Back then football players could wear helmets if they wanted to but it was not mandatory and the football helmet was usually nothing more than a piece of hardened leather. But now football helmets are more advanced are proven to stop concussions, but still they do not fully protect you from concussions.
Who might be making the arguments for and against this topic? What is the argument against head injuries being treated more seriously?
DeleteI liked how you used examples of real NFL players as examples to back up your topic
DeleteDid you ever wonder if the world would change if wifi was a free service for everyone. If wifi was free to everyone people could access information that can change lives and improve people's living.Since wifi comes with a monthly payment not everyone can afford it denying them access to the internet.The internet is filled with information that can help people become more educated and improve lives, but if people do not have free wifi it could cause problems in the future. For example, due to the increase of technology in schools, students are expected to do most of their homework and research online. Students without access to the internet at home will fall behind in their work. This will lead to poor grades and less opportunities in the future. Free wifi would help students have the same educational opportunities in life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting topic, and you present it in a very clear way. What would be some detriments of having free WiFi? What might be something that could get worse because WiFi is free?
DeleteSo many people struggle with the with something that could possibly be the hardest decision of their life. weight loss, This is a very is a very big concern to people today. This is because it isn’t easy to lose the weight that you can gain while eating. It’s eating because it’s easy to lose yourself while your eating, also while your snacking because it becomes mindlessly eating. you might ask me what the decision is and i would tell you that some people have found an easier but a lot more expensive way to lose weight. the way to lose weight faster but more expensive is having surgery done. having surgery done can be very expensive to do.
ReplyDeletePeople can have three different views about losing weight using surgery. The first side or view about this topic is people who approve of using surgery to lose weight,those people think surgery is good because it is fast and easy. the second side about this topic is people who think having surgery is the lazy way to lose weight. they think this because they think that losing the weight themselves makes them get the feeling of proudness every day. the third side about this topic is people who are neutral about the two ways. these people are kind of like the whole list put together, they are the pros and the cons all in one. this is important to me because i love to exercise and eat healthy because it just makes me feel better.
I think people who are against this surgery dislike it for more reasons than it is the "lazy" way to lose weight. I also think people like this surgery because it is a last resort for some people; they have tried the typical ways, but nothing was working.
DeleteHas Baseball Lost its cool?
ReplyDeleteIn 2012 the NBA’s rating on ABC was almost double than the rating on Fox for the MLB. The last 7 years have came out with the least watched World Series on record. That means that not many people are interested in watching the World Series. Not many kids in the 21 first century are interested in baseball as much. In fact less children are playing baseball today than they were fifteen-years-ago. When the world entered the 21st century baseball in a way was left behind in the mix. The sport over the years lost the interest of many children. Reports given on May 19, 2013 say that their was a decrease in game attendance down to about 2.9%.Lastly a lack of material is being taught to younger children. So then that means the less kids are being taught, then less viewers.
This is a great compilation of statistics proving baseball is losing its popularity. What is the other viewpoint? What arguments support that baseball is NOT losing its popularity?
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