Effective Writing for All Students Collection of All Argument ..., Study notes of Technology

Download Effective Writing for All Students Collection of All Argument ... and more Study notes Technology in PDF only on Docsity!   1                                                 In  Common:  Effective  Writing  for  All  Students     Collection  of  All  Argument/Opinion  Samples,  K-­‐12   by The Vermont Writing Collaborative, with Student Achievement Partners, and CCSSO                 2     Contents   Document  Overview  ...................................................................................................  3   Brief  User  Guide  for  On-­‐Demand  Argument/Opinion  Writing  ......................................  4   K-­‐5  On-­‐Demand  Argument/Opinion  Samples  ..............................................................  6   6-­‐12  On-­‐Demand  Argument/Opinion  Samples  ...........................................................  75   Brief  User  Guide  for  Range  of  Writing  Argument/Opinion  Writing  ...........................  117   K-­‐5  Range  of  Writing  Argument/Opinion  Samples  ....................................................  119   6-­‐12  Range  of  Writing  Argument/Opinion  Samples  ..................................................  186             5   Brief  User  Guide  for  On-­‐Demand  Argument/Opinion  Writing     The  pieces  in  this  On-­‐Demand  section  represent  one  of  the  three  types  of  writing  named  in  the   Common  Core  State  Standards  for  Writing:  opinion/argument  writing.  Students  at  all  grade  levels  were  given   one  to  three  texts  and  a  writing  prompt  that  asked  them  to  form  an  opinion  or  a  claim  about  a  focusing   question.  Students  at  kindergarten  through  grade  five  were  given  the  focusing  question,  “Which  kind  of  pet  is   best,  a  cat  or  a  dog?”  At  grades  six  through  twelve,  students  were  given  the  focusing  question,  “Should  your   school  participate  in  the  national  ‘Shut  Down  Your  Screen  Week’?”     Because  students  needed  time  to  build  content  knowledge  from  the  texts  in  order  to  be  able  to  write,   the  process  took  anywhere  from  two  to  three  days  for  most  students.    Teachers  read  the  text  aloud  to   students  at  all  grade  levels,  to  ensure  that  all  students  could  access  the  text  when  they  needed  to  re-­‐read  the   text(s)  to  gather  evidence  to  develop  their  writing.  All  writing  was  done  on  their  own,  without  input  from  peers   or  teachers.   The  prompts  and  the  individual  pieces  based  on  them  are  arranged  in  grade  order.  Each  piece  has  a  file   number  for  easy  identification.  Every  piece  of  writing  includes  two  versions  that  have  been  transcribed  exactly   as  written  by  the  student  –  one  annotated  with  the  language  of  the  Common  Core  Standards,  and  one  un-­‐ annotated  for  a  variety  of  uses.  In  addition,  pieces  in  the  K-­‐5  collection  have  a  third  version  as  well;  this  version   has  been  revised  and  edited  for  major  errors  in  conventions  and  can  be  used  as  a  model  for  students.     Kindergarten  pieces  also  include  PDF’s  of  original  student  work,  including  student  writing  and  drawing.    This  is   because  kindergarten  students  may  use  a  combination  of  drawing,  dictating,  and  writing  to  satisfy  the   Standards.       Suggestions  on  how  to  use  these  pieces  are  available  at  the  end  of  the  introductory  document,  “Using   the  In  Common  Resource.”               6            K-­‐5  On-­‐Demand   Argument/Opinion  Samples         7   Grade K, Prompt for Opinion Writing Common Core Standard W.CCR.1 (Passage should be read aloud by the teacher) Bob and his friend Ann don't agree on which pet is best. Listen to find out what they each think. The Best Pet My friend Ann says her pet is better than mine! I have a brown cat named Fluffy. Ann has a black and white dog named Spot. We each think our pet is the best. I told Ann that cats are better pets because they are clean, quiet and very cute. Cats wash themselves with their tongues. You don’t have to walk them. They use a litter box. Also, cats are sweet and quiet. I think dogs are too noisy! They bark a lot. They don't clean themselves or use a litter box. Dogs need someone to give them baths, train them and walk them. Dogs are more work. Ann says that cats are no fun! She says that dogs are better to play with. Spot always wags his tail when he sees her. He can even do tricks. He barks when she says, “Speak”. He knows how to roll over! Ann says dogs are also better because they protect their owners. Spot always barks when there is someone at the door. It makes Ann feel safe. So, Ann thinks dogs are best. I guess Ann’s dog is pretty cool, but so is Fluffy. Maybe different kinds of pets are good for different people. Teacher Directions to Students (after reading): • What do you think? Which pet is best—a cat or a dog?   10   File Name: OKFP The Best Pet Opinion/Argument Kindergarten, Fall Revised and Edited for Student Use The Best Pet I like cats because they are better than dogs.* *dictated response   11   File Name: OKFP The Best Pet Opinion/Argument Kindergarten, Fall On Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt The Best Pet MKIECYKDBbD I like my cat because they are better than dogs.* *dictated response 12 EOE “EX WE MY COL beCaLSe Jy are beer Hen Us.’    15   File Name: OKSP The Best Pet Opinion/Argument Kindergarten, Spring On Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Dog is the Bst Becs thea BuRc.           DA Tibet LS The Bey Kec § mitre thay bark 16    17   Grade 1, Prompt for Opinion Writing Common Core Standard W.CCR.1 (Passage should be read aloud by the teacher) The Best Pet My friend Ann says her pet is better than mine! I have a brown cat named Fluffy. Ann has a black and white dog named Spot. We each think our pet is the best. I told Ann that cats are better pets because they are clean, quiet and very cute. Cats wash themselves with their tongues. You don’t have to walk them. They use a litter box. Also cats are sweet and quiet. I think dogs are too noisy! They bark a lot. They don't clean themselves or use a litter box. Dogs need someone to give them baths, train them and walk them. Dogs are more work. Ann says that cats are no fun! She says that dogs are better to play with. Spot always wags his tail when he sees her. He can even do tricks. He barks when she says, “Speak”. He knows how to roll over! Ann says dogs are also better because they protect their owners. Spot always barks when there is someone at the door. It makes Ann feel safe. So, Ann thinks dogs are best.   20   The Best Pet Student Directions, Part 2 30 minutes Now, you are going to write an opinion piece that answers this question: Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? PART 2 Now that you have finished Part 1, you will write your piece. • Listen to the story again. • What pet is best for you, a cat or a dog? Why? • Write your answer. Be sure to pick either a cat or a dog and explain why this kind of pet is best. You may look back in the story for ideas. Write as much as you can. Use as much paper as you need. A good opinion piece will: 1. Introduce the topic you are writing about. 2. Clearly answer the question. 3. Give lots of reasons and explanations. 4. "Wrap up" the piece with a concluding sentence. 5. Use capitals, periods and question marks, and spell words correctly. When you are finished, check your paper over and fix any mistakes you see.   21   If you have time, you may add a picture at the bottom or on the back to show why this pet is the best. Have fun!   22   Grade 1 Opinion Prompt Teacher Directions • Use the student prompt as directions for the session. Provide each student with a copy of the prompt and the story. Both should be read aloud while students read along silently (if they are able). The teacher should feel comfortable re-reading, explaining, or clarifying directions as needed. • The story provides information that may be used to address the prompt. The story should be read aloud at least twice before writing. If students choose to refer back to the story while writing, the teacher may provide help with reading words or phrases. • The prompt may be given in one or two sessions. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for Part 1 and approximately 30 minutes for Part 2, but the prompt should not be strictly timed. Students should take the time they need to write and proofread. • The writing must be done without help, but students may have access to personal dictionaries, word walls or any other resources to support spelling and mechanics that they are accustomed to using while writing. Provide lined paper from your classroom for writing. If desired, unlined paper may be provided for drawing. • This will be first draft writing, but be sure to encourage students to proofread and correct any errors they find.   25   File Name: O1P A Dog is Best Opinion/Argument Grade 1 On Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt The Best Pet Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? I used to have a dog and I thinck a dog is best. A dog becas its cute and it likes to Play and its snuggly and it likes to choo bones. A dog is best because of theese reasons.       26   Grade 2, Prompt for Opinion Writing Common Core Standard W.CCR.1 (Passage should be read aloud by the teacher) The Best Pet My friend Ann says her pet is better than mine! I have a brown cat named Fluffy. Ann has a black and white dog named Spot. We each think our pet is the best. I told Ann that cats are better pets because they are clean, quiet and very cute. Cats wash themselves with their tongues. You don’t have to walk them. They use a litter box. Also cats are sweet and quiet. I think dogs are too noisy! They bark a lot. They don't clean themselves or use a litter box. Dogs need someone to give them baths, train them and walk them. Dogs are more work. Ann says that cats are no fun! She says that dogs are better to play with. Spot always wags his tail when he sees her. He can even do tricks. He barks when she says, “Speak”. He knows how to roll over! Ann says dogs are also better because they protect their owners. Spot always barks when there is someone at the door. It makes Ann feel safe. So, Ann thinks dogs are best.   27   I guess Ann’s dog is pretty cool, but so is Fluffy. Maybe different kinds of pets are good for different people.   30   The Best Pet Student Directions, Part 2 30 minutes Now, you are going to write an opinion piece that answers this question: Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? PART 2 Now that you have finished Part 1, you will write your piece. • Listen to the story and the article again. • What pet is best for you, a cat or a dog? Why? • Write your answer. Be sure to pick either a cat or a dog and explain why this kind of pet is best. You may look back in the text for ideas. Write as much as you can. Use as much paper as you need. A good opinion piece will: 1. Introduce the topic you are writing about. 2. Clearly answer the question. 3. Give lots of reasons and explanations. 4. "Wrap up" the piece with a concluding sentence. 5. Use capitals, periods and question marks, and spell words correctly. When you are finished, check your paper over and fix any mistakes you see.   31   If you have time, you may add a picture at the bottom or on the back to show why this pet is the best.   32   Grade 2 Opinion Prompt Teacher Directions • Use the student prompt as directions for the session. Provide each student with a copy of the prompt, the article, and the story. These should be read aloud while students read along silently (if they are able). The teacher should feel comfortable re-reading, explaining, or clarifying directions as needed. • Both texts provide information that may be used to address the prompt. They should be read aloud at least twice before writing. If students choose to refer back to the text while writing, the teacher may provide help with reading words or phrases. • The prompt may be given in one or two sessions. Allow approximately 30 minutes for Part 1 and approximately 30 minutes for Part 2, but the prompt should not be strictly timed. Students should take the time they need to write and proofread. • The writing must be done without help, but students may have access to personal dictionaries, word walls, or any other resources to support spelling and mechanics that they are accustomed to using while writing. Provide lined paper from your classroom for writing. If desired, unlined paper may be provided for drawing. • This will be first draft writing, but be sure to encourage students to proofread and correct any errors they find.   35   File Name: O2P Dogs Rule Opinion/Argument Grade 2 On-Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Dogs rule What pet is best for you cat or dog? I like dogs beacause they exercise a lot. Also they play fetch with you. They are fun to play with. Thats why I like dogs best.       36   Grade 3, Prompt for Opinion Writing Common Core Standard W.CCR.1 (Directions should be read aloud and clarified by the teacher) Name: Before you begin: On a piece of lined paper, write your name and grade, the date, the name of your school and your state, and your teacher's name. You will use this paper for writing. The Best Pet There are many reasons why people own pets. A pet can entertain you, keep you company or even protect you! Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in America today. Some people prefer an energetic dog and others, a cuddly kitten. Which do you think is best? Your teacher is going to read two articles aloud. One is about the benefits of owning a cat and the other is about the benefits of choosing a dog as a pet. As you listen to these texts, think about the advantages of each kind of pet. Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? After you have had a chance to hear the articles a second time, you will write an essay that states your opinion and explains your thinking. For the essay, your focusing question will be: Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? You will explain your thinking with facts and reasons from the articles. Remember, a good opinion essay: o Has an introduction o Clearly states your opinion/claim in a focus statement o Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support your opinion and explains your thinking o Groups ideas in paragraphs o Has a conclusion o Uses precise language and linking words to connect ideas o Has correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation   37   You will have two class periods to complete this reading/thinking/writing task. You may take notes right on the articles or on a separate sheet of paper. You may want to take some time to plan your writing before you begin work. The essay will have a single draft. When you have finished, be sure to proofread your work. GOOD LUCK! WE LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR GOOD WORK! Teacher Directions Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? Day 1 (45 minutes) • Give out the assignment sheet. • Read the assignment sheet aloud together and clarify the task for the students. • Give each student a copy of Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs. Explain that they may want to underline or take notes on the article as you read it aloud. Read the article aloud. • Pose the question, "Why might a cat make a good pet?" Remind students to use the article and their notes when thinking through their response. Have students turn and talk to a partner about this question for 3 minutes. • Give each student a copy of Why Dogs make Good Pets. Remind students that they may want to underline or take notes on the article. Read the article aloud. • Pose the question, "Why might a dog make a good pet?" Remind students to use the article and their notes when thinking through their response. Have students turn and talk to a partner about this question for 3 minutes.   40   Name: Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs Should you get that cute little puppy or a cuddly kitten? Deciding between a cat and a dog can be difficult. However, cats as pets do have some advantages. Grooming Cats bathe themselves. Most do not even need brushing. Dogs are more likely to need help from their owners in keeping clean. Companionship Cats enjoy being alone. You can leave them home alone for the day while you go to school. Dogs, however, need company. A dog needs much more of your time. Exercise Cats and dogs both need daily exercise. However, a cat needs much less exercise than a dog. Most dogs need to be taken for walk at least twice a day, even in the rain. Your cat will probably be happy to chase a ball in your living room. Noise Dogs can bark at all hours of the day or night. Cats sleep most of the day and are much quieter. They are unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Training Dogs need training to live with people. They need to be taught not to jump on people, how to sit and stay, and many other things. You may even need to teach your dog to lie down so you can have some quiet time. Cats can be trained to fetch a ball or walk on a leash, but these lessons are just for fun. You don't need to train your cat to have a good pet. Both cats and dogs can be wonderful family pets. Each can be affectionate and playful, but cats are much easier to care for. Maybe a cat is the right pet for you! This article was adapted for classroom use from “Reasons Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs” by Dee Em, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com Used by permission of Dee Em, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com   41   Name: Why Dogs Make Good Pets Thinking about getting a new pet? One of the most popular pets is a dog. Dogs make great pets for many reasons. Companions Dogs are patient and make great listeners. Many people tell dogs things they can't tell anyone else. Dogs are great for someone who lives alone or needs company. Friends Most dogs are curious. They want to meet other people and animals. Owners are likely to meet others while out walking their dogs. Dogs are good conversation starters. They make it easy to meet new people. Health Dogs can make you healthier. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to get sick. When they do get sick, they get well quicker. Safety Most dogs will bark if there is danger. Dogs can scare off intruders or warn their owners of fire. Specially trained dogs can also find missing people, sniff out bombs and drugs and help disabled people. Exercise A dog needs daily exercise. The owner who walks his dog also benefits from this. Daily exercise can help keep you at a healthy weight. It gives you energy. It also strengthens your muscles and bones. Walking and playing with your dog can make you both healthier! Is a dog the right pet for you? Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but there are many benefits. A dog might just be the perfect pet for you! This article was adapted for classroom use from “Why Dogs Make Good Pets” by Cecilia McCormick, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com Used by permission of Cecilia McCormick, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com   42     45   File Name: 03P The Best Pet Opinion/Argument Grade 3 On Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt The Best Pet Are you looking for a now Pet? I'd rekomend a cat. For one thing they aren't that egspensev you could find one on your porch and aboped it. Cat's yushely baeth them sellf. Cat's will sleep with you and can help you cawlm down when you'r upset or mad. Cat's allso don't need training and you can's leave cats home for the day. Cat's don't need much exercise. So if you are looking for a pet maeby see some cat's and you mite find your self a great pet!         46     47   Grade 4, Prompt for Opinion Writing Common Core Standard W.CCR.1 (Directions should be read aloud and clarified by the teacher.) Name: Before you begin: On a piece of lined paper, write your name and grade, the date, the name of your school and your state, and your teacher's name. You will use this paper for writing. The Best Pet There are many reasons why people own pets. A pet can entertain you, keep you company or even protect you! Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in America today. Some people prefer an energetic dog and others, a cuddly kitten. Which do you think is best? Your teacher is going to read two articles aloud. One is about the benefits of owning a cat and the other is about the benefits of choosing a dog as a pet. As you listen to these texts, think about the advantages of each kind of pet. Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? After you have had a chance to hear the articles a second time, you will write an essay that states your opinion and explains your thinking. For the essay, your focusing question will be: Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? You will explain your thinking with facts and reasons from the articles. Remember, a good opinion essay: o Has an introduction o Clearly states your opinion/claim in a focus statement o Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support your opinion and explains your thinking o Groups ideas in paragraphs o Has a conclusion o Uses precise language and linking words to connect ideas o Has correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation   50   Teacher Directions Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? Day 2 (45 minutes) • Return the articles and re-read both aloud. • Ask students to think about both articles. Which pet would be best? Why? Have students turn and talk to a partner about this. Each student should talk for 3 minutes. • Return the assignment sheet and re-read it aloud. • Provide lined paper (or a computer if your students are accustomed to composing on a keyboard) and give students the remainder of the period to write. The writing should be completed individually, without help. • When the period is over, explain that students may finish writing and proofread tomorrow. Collect student work and materials. Day 3 (45 minutes) • Return student work and materials. Students may be given access to a dictionary, thesaurus, spell check, or grammar check. • Give students the remainder of the period to finish writing and proofreading.   51   Name: Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs Should you get that cute little puppy or a cuddly kitten? Deciding between a cat and a dog can be difficult. However, cats as pets do have some advantages. Grooming Cats bathe themselves. Most do not even need brushing. Dogs are more likely to need help from their owners in keeping clean. Companionship Cats enjoy being alone. You can leave them home alone for the day while you go to school. Dogs, however, need company. A dog needs much more of your time. Exercise Cats and dogs both need daily exercise. However, a cat needs much less exercise than a dog. Most dogs need to be taken for walk at least twice a day, even in the rain. Your cat will probably be happy to chase a ball in your living room. Noise Dogs can bark at all hours of the day or night. Cats sleep most of the day and are much quieter. They are unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Training Dogs need training to live with people. They need to be taught not to jump on people, how to sit and stay, and many other things. You may even need to teach your dog to lie down so you can have some quiet time. Cats can be trained to fetch a ball or walk on a leash, but these lessons are just for fun. You don't need to train your cat to have a good pet. Both cats and dogs can be wonderful family pets. Each can be affectionate and playful, but cats are much easier to care for. Maybe a cat is the right pet for you! This article was adapted for classroom use from “Reasons Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs” by Dee Em, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com   52   Used by permission of Dee Em, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com Name: Why Dogs Make Good Pets Thinking about getting a new pet? One of the most popular pets is a dog. Dogs make great pets for many reasons. Companions Dogs are patient and make great listeners. Many people tell dogs things they can't tell anyone else. Dogs are great for someone who lives alone or needs company. Friends Most dogs are curious. They want to meet other people and animals. Owners are likely to meet others while out walking their dogs. Dogs are good conversation starters. They make it easy to meet new people. Health Dogs can make you healthier. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to get sick. When they do get sick, they get well quicker. Safety Most dogs will bark if there is danger. Dogs can scare off intruders or warn their owners of fire. Specially trained dogs can also find missing people, sniff out bombs and drugs and help disabled people. Exercise A dog needs daily exercise. The owner who walks his dog also benefits from this. Daily exercise can help keep you at a healthy weight. It gives you energy. It also strengthens your muscles and bones. Walking and playing with your dog can make you both healthier! Is a dog the right pet for you? Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but there are many benefits. A dog might just be the perfect pet for you!   55   This  fourth-­‐grade  opinion  piece  has  a  well-­‐developed  introduction  that  establishes  some  context  (“Many   people  have  a  dog  for  a  pet.  Some  people  have  cats.”)  and  states  an  opinion  (“Wich  is  better?  I  say  dog.”).   The  purpose  of  the  piece,  to  convince  the  reader  that  dogs  are  better  as  pets  than  cats,  is  clearly  stated  in   the  last  line  of  the  introduction.  Although  the  paragraphs  are  incorrectly  indented,  related  ideas  are   grouped  together;  the  writer  presents  two  main  reasons  that  dogs  are  better:  they  are  great  companions,   and  they  can  provide  protection.  Each  reason  is  well-­‐elaborated  using  supporting  facts  and  details  drawn   from  the  source  included  in  the  prompt.  Transitional  sentences  (“Dogs  don’t  just  provide  fun  though.”)  and   linking  words  and  phrases  (“even”,  “also”,  “for  instance”)  connect  ideas  in  the  piece  and  provide  cohesion.   The  last  paragraph  shows  the  writer’s  confidence  in  her  reasoning  by  acknowledging  that  readers  must   form  their  own  opinions  after  considering  the  opinion  she  presents.     56   File Name: O4P Which is Better Opinion/Argument Grade 4 Revised and Edited for Student Use Which is Better? Many people have a dog for a pet. Some people have cats. Which is better? I say dog. Maybe you say cat. I just might be able to persuade you in the following. Dogs are great companions for lonely people. They can go for a rousing walk in the park or take a good long nap. Playing games of catch or fetch every day makes good fun. Even a jog on the hottest day could be enjoyable, too. Dogs don’t just provide fun, though. They can also provide protection. Dogs are very intelligent. They can be trained to find people or save them. Some don’t even need to be trained. For instance, if someone is trying to break in, your dog might bark and scare them off. Dogs are great for many different reasons. Overall, dogs are awesome pets to have. Have I convinced you, though? If you are convinced, then great! If you’re not convinced, then that’s okay. It’s really up to you. So which one is it going to be?   57   File Name: O4P Which is Better Opinion/Argument Grade 4 On Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Which is Better? Many people have a dog for a pet. Some people have cats. Wich is better? I say dog. Maybe you say cat. I just might be able to persaude you in the following. Dogs are great companions for lonely people. They can go for a rousing walk in the park, or a good long nap. Playing games of catch or fetch every day makes good fun. Even a jog on the hottest day could even be enjoyable too. Dogs don't just provide fun though. They can also provide protection. Dogs are very intelligent. They can be trained to find people or save them. Some don't even need to be trained. For instance, if someone is trying to break in, your dog might bark and scare them off. Dogs are great for many different reasons. Overall, dogs are awesome pets to have. Have I convinced you though? If you are, then great! If your not then thats okay. It's really up to you. So which one is it going to be?   60   o Has correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation You will have two class periods to complete this reading/thinking/writing task. You may take notes right on the articles or on a separate sheet of paper. You may want to take some time to plan your writing before you begin work. The essay will have a single draft. When you have finished, be sure to proofread your work. GOOD LUCK! WE LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR GOOD WORK!   61   Teacher Directions Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? Day 1 (45 minutes) • Give out the assignment sheet. • Read the assignment sheet aloud together and clarify the task for the students. • Give each student a copy of Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs. Explain that they may want to underline or take notes on the article as you read it aloud. Read the article aloud. • Pose the question, "Why might a cat make a good pet?" Remind students to use the article and their notes when thinking through their response. Have students turn and talk to a partner about this question for 3 minutes. • Give each student a copy of Why Dogs make Good Pets. Remind students that they may want to underline or take notes on the article. Read the article aloud. • Pose the question, "Why might a dog make a good pet?" Remind students to use the article and their notes when thinking through their response. Have students turn and talk to a partner about this question for 3 minutes. • Explain that tomorrow you will be writing about whether a cat or a dog makes a better pet. Collect the articles and assignment sheets. (Be sure names are on them.)   62   Teacher Directions Which kind of pet is best, a cat or a dog? Day 2 (45 minutes) • Return the articles and reread both aloud. • Ask students to think about both articles. Which pet would be best? Why? Have students turn and talk to a partner about this. Each student should talk for 3 minutes. • Return the assignment sheet and reread it aloud. • Hand out the sheet of Pet Statistics. Explain that students may use this as an additional resource if desired. If students choose to use this resource, the teacher may provide help by reading any difficult words or phrases. • Provide lined paper (or a computer if your students are accustomed to composing on a keyboard) and give students the remainder of the period to write. The writing should be completed individually, without help, using only the sources provided. • When the period is over, explain that students may finish writing and proofread tomorrow. Collect student work and materials. Day 3 (45 minutes) • Return student work and materials. Students may be given access to a dictionary, thesaurus, spell check or grammar check. • Give students the remainder of the period to finish writing and proofreading.   65     66   Name: Why Dogs Make Good Pets Thinking about getting a new pet? One of the most popular pets is a dog. Dogs make great pets for many reasons. Companions Dogs are patient and make great listeners. Many people tell dogs things they can't tell anyone else. Dogs are great for someone who lives alone or needs company. Friends Most dogs are curious. They want to meet other people and animals. Owners are likely to meet others while out walking their dogs. Dogs are good conversation starters. They make it easy to meet new people. Health Dogs can make you healthier. Studies show that dog owners are less likely to get sick. When they do get sick, they get well quicker. Safety Most dogs will bark if there is danger. Dogs can scare off intruders or warn their owners of fire. Specially trained dogs can also find missing people, sniff out bombs and drugs and help disabled people. Exercise A dog needs daily exercise. The owner who walks his dog also benefits from this. Daily exercise can help keep you at a healthy weight. It gives you energy. It also strengthens your muscles and bones. Walking and playing with your dog can make you both healthier! Is a dog the right pet for you? Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but there are many benefits. A dog might just be the perfect pet for you! This article was adapted for classroom use from “Why Dogs Make Good Pets” by Cecilia McCormick, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com   67   Used by permission of Cecilia McCormick, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com   70   you don’t like to walk, your dog and you will be getting automatic excersise. Which will make you and your dog healthier. Cats and dogs are very unique in their own fastenating way. But to choose between the both of them, I would go for the dog. Even though dogs require lots of responsibilities, and need maintenence and training, they are still worth the effort. But most importantly, they are like a best friend. Provides a concluding section related to the opinion presented   This fifth-grade opinion piece provides some context (“Cats and dogs can be very entertaining”) and then clearly states an opinion. The writer creates an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped in paragraphs to support the writer’s purpose. Each paragraph presents a reason and then explains or elaborates on that reason. Transitions used within and between paragraphs (“but when it comes down to”, “one reason”, “so”, “better yet”, “even if”, “which will”) provide cohesion. A range of general academic vocabulary (“automatic”, “fascinating”, “maintenence”) conveys ideas precisely. The well-developed conclusion restates the context and the opinion, briefly acknowledges possible counterarguments, and reflects on the importance of the information presented.   71   File Name: O5P Dogs are Best Opinion/Argument Grade 5 Revised and Edited for Student Use Dogs are Best Cats and dogs can be very entertaining. But when it comes down to the best pet, I would say the dog. One reason why I think dogs are the best pets to have is because you can talk to them and they listen to you. You can tell them secrets and how you feel. Kind of like a personal journal, except they actually hear what you’re saying. Another reason why I think a dog is the best pet to have is because a dog can warn you of danger, and sometimes that danger might be life threatening. So, with a dog, it’s like you have your own danger alarm. Also another reason why I think dogs are the best pets to have is that they keep you company. They are perfect pets to have if you love company. And with dogs, it’s almost like you are having your best friends over. And better yet, if you own the dog, and it’s a weekday, it’s like your friends are spending the night on a school night. Another reason why I think a dog is the best pet to have is because they need to get exercise. You will have to walk your dog every day. So, even if you don’t like to walk, your dog and you will be getting automatic exercise. This will make you and your dog healthier.   72   Cats and dogs are very unique in their own fascinating way. But if I had to choose between the both of them, I would go for the dog. Even though dogs require lots of responsibility and need maintenance and training, they are still worth the effort. Most importantly, a dog is like a best friend.   75           6-­‐12  On-­‐Demand   Argument/Opinion  Samples         76   Grades  6-­‐12,  Prompt  for  Argument  Writing   Common  Core  Standard  W.CCR.1     A  group  of  parents  and  teachers  in  your  school  have  made  a  proposal  to  the  school  board.  In  their  proposal,   they  are  suggesting  that  the  school  join  in  a  national  movement  called  “Shut  Down  Your  Screen  Week.”  The   parents  and  teachers  in  the  group  believe  that  not  using  any  electronic  media  for  an  entire  week  would  be   good  for  students  for  many  reasons.     They  have  taken  the  proposal  to  a  teachers’  meeting,  so  that  teachers  can  discuss  the  issue  of  whether  or  not   to  ask  their  students  to  participate  in  the  “Shut  Down  Your  Screen  Week.”  The  teachers  have  decided  they   would  like  to  hear  from  the  students  before  they  decide.     This  is  not  a  simple  issue,  so  you  need  to  think  very  carefully  about  it.  You  have  three  texts  to  read  relating  to   the  issue:  “Social  Media  as  Community,”  “Is  Google  Making  Us  Stupid?”  and    “Attached  to  Technology  and   Paying  a  Price.”  As  you  read  and  re-­‐read  these  texts,  think  about  what  they  show  you  about  the  issue.  Think   about  what  position  you  will  take  and  what  evidence  you  will  use  to  support  your  thinking.     Finally,  write  an  essay,  in  the  form  of  a  letter  to  the  teachers,  explaining  your  thinking.       For  the  essay,  your  Focusing  Question  is:     Should  your  school  participate  in  the  national  “Shut  Down  Your  Screen  Week?”    Be  sure  to  use  evidence   from  the  texts,  as  well  as  your  own  knowledge,  to  support  and  develop  your  thinking.     Remember,  a  strong  and  effective  piece  of  argument  writing:   • Takes  the  audience  into  account   • Has  a  clear  introduction   • States  a  focus/position  statement  clearly,  precisely,  and  thoughtfully   • Uses  specific  evidence  from  the  text(s)  to  support  and  develop  the  position,  and  explains  that  evidence   logically   • Takes  into  account  what  people  who  disagree  with  you  might  think  and  tries  to  respond  to  that     • Concludes  effectively   • Uses  precise  language   • Shows  control  over  conventions     You  will  have  three  class  periods  to  complete  this  reading/thinking/writing  task.  The  essay  will  have  a  single   draft,  and  you  may  want  to  take  some  time  to  plan  your  writing  before  you  begin  work.  When  you  have   finished,  be  sure  to  proofread.         77   Argument  Writing   Common  Core  Standard  W.CCR.1       Teacher  Directions     • The  texts  provide  the  information  needed  to  address  the  prompt,  and  students  should   independently  read  the  texts  carefully  before  writing.  Encourage  students  to  refer  back  to  the   text  while  writing  and  to  take  notes,  and  to  mark  up  the  text  as  much  as  is  helpful  to  them.     • Students  should  be  given  three  sessions  for  the  prompt.    Allow  approximately  45  minutes  for   each,  but  the  prompt  should  not  be  strictly  timed.  Students  should  be  given  as  much  time  as   needed  to  plan,  write,  and  proofread.       • The  writing  must  be  done  without  help,  but  students  may  have  access  to  personal   dictionaries,  or  any  other  resources  to  support  spelling  and  mechanics  that  they  are   accustomed  to  using  while  writing.     o Be  sure  students  have  paper  to  take  notes  or  do  whatever  pre-­‐planning  they  might   choose  to  do.   o If  students  are  writing  by  hand,  provide  lined  paper  from  your  classroom  for  writing.    If   they  are  using  a  word  processor,  make  sure  they  save  their  work  so  it  can  be  accessed   the  next  day.     • This  will  be  first  draft  writing,  but  encourage  students  to  proofread  and  correct  any  errors   they  find.           80   Is  Google  Making  Us  Stupid?     YES   Who  doesn't  love  Google?  In  the  blink  of  an  eye,  the  search  engine  delivers  useful  information  about   pretty  much  any  subject  imaginable.  I  use  it  all  the  time,  and  I'm  guessing  you  do  too.     But  I  worry  about  what  Google  is  doing  to  our  brains.  What  really  makes  us  intelligent  isn't  our  ability   to  find  lots  of  information  quickly.  It's  our  ability  to  think  deeply  about  that  information.  And  deep   thinking,  brain  scientists  have  discovered,  happens  only  when  our  minds  are  calm  and  attentive.  The   greater  our  concentration,  the  richer  our  thoughts.     If  we're  distracted,  we  understand  less,  remember  less,  and  learn  less.     That's  the  problem  with  Google—and  with  the  Internet  in  general.  When  we  use  our  computers  and   our  cellphones  all  the  time,  we're  always  distracted.     The  Net  bombards  us  with  messages  and  other  bits  of  data,  and  every  one  of  those  interruptions   breaks  our  train  of  thought.  We  end  up  scatterbrained.  The  fact  is,  you'll  never  think  deeply  if  you're   always  Googling,  texting,  and  surfing.     Google  doesn't  want  us  to  slow  down.  The  faster  we  zip  across  the  Web,  clicking  links  and  skimming   words  and  pictures,  the  more  ads  Google  is  able  to  show  us  and  the  more  money  it  makes.  So  even  as   Google  is  giving  us  all  that  useful  information,  it's  also  encouraging  us  to  think  superficially.  It's   making  us  shallow.     If  you're  really  interested  in  developing  your  mind,  you  should  turn  off  your  computer  and  your   cellphone—and  start  thinking.  Really  thinking.  You  can  Google  all  the  facts  you  want,  but  you'll  never   Google  your  way  to  brilliance.     Nicholas  Carr,  Author     The  Shallows:  What  the  Internet  Is  Doing  to  Our  Brains       NO   Any  new  information  technology  has  both  advocates  and  critics.  More  than  2,000  years  ago,  the   classical  Greek  philosopher  Socrates  complained  that  the  new  technology  of  writing  "will  create   forgetfulness  in  the  learners'  souls  because  they  will  not  use  their  memories."     Today,  Google  is  the  new  technology.  The  Internet  contains  the  world's  best  writing,  images,  and   ideas;  Google  lets  us  find  the  relevant  pieces  instantly.     Suppose  I'm  interested  in  the  guidance  computers  on  Apollo  spacecraft  in  the  1960s.  My  local  library   has  no  books  on  that  specific  subject—just  18  books  about  the  Apollo  missions  in  general.  I  could     81   hunt  through  those  or  turn  to  Google,  which  returns  45,000  pages,  including  a  definitive  encyclopedia   article  and  instructions  for  building  a  unit.     Just  as  a  car  allows  us  to  move  faster  and  a  telescope  lets  us  see  farther,  access  to  the  Internet's   information  lets  us  think  better  and  faster.  By  considering  a  wide  range  of  information,  we  can  arrive   at  more  creative  and  informed  solutions.  Internet  users  are  more  likely  to  be  exposed  to  a  diversity  of   ideas.  In  politics,  for  example,  they  are  likely  to  see  ideas  from  left  and  right,  and  see  how  news  is   reported  in  other  countries.     There's  no  doubt  the  Internet  can  create  distractions.  But  81  percent  of  experts  polled  by  the  Pew   Internet  Research  Project  say  the  opportunities  outweigh  the  distractions.     Socrates  was  wrong  to  fear  the  coming  of  the  written  word:  Writing  has  improved  our  law,  science,   arts,  culture,  and  our  memory.  When  the  history  of  our  current  age  is  written,  it  will  say  that  Google   has  made  us  smarter—both  individually  and  collectively—because  we  have  ready  and  free  access  to   information.     Peter  Norvig,  Director  of  Research     Google  Inc.     Used  by  permission  of  (The  New  York  Times  Upfront,  Vol.  143,  October  4,  2010)           82   Attached  to  Technology  and  Paying  a  Price   By  MATT  RICHTEL  New  York  Times  June  6,  2010   SAN  FRANCISCO  —  When  one  of  the  most  important  e-­‐mail  messages  of  his  life  landed  in  his  in-­‐box  a   few  years  ago,  Kord  Campbell  overlooked  it.    Not  just  for  a  day  or  two,  but  12  days.  He  finally  saw  it   while  sifting  through  old  messages:  a  big  company  wanted  to  buy  his  Internet  start-­‐up.     The  message  had  slipped  by  him  amid  an  electronic  flood:  two  computer  screens  alive  with  e-­‐mail,   instant  messages,  online  chats,  a  Web  browser  and  the  computer  code  he  was  writing.    While  he   managed  to  salvage  the  $1.3  million  deal  after  apologizing  to  his  suitor,  Mr.  Campbell  continues  to   struggle  with  the  effects  of  the  deluge  of  data.  Even  after  he  unplugs,  he  craves  the  stimulation  he   gets  from  his  electronic  gadgets.  He  forgets  things  like  dinner  plans,  and  he  has  trouble  focusing  on   his  family.     This  is  your  brain  on  computers.     Scientists  say  juggling  e-­‐mail,  phone  calls  and  other  incoming  information  can  change  how  people   think  and  behave.  They  say  our  ability  to  focus  is  being  undermined  by  bursts  of  information.    These   play  to  a  primitive  impulse  to  respond  to  immediate  opportunities  and  threats.  The  stimulation   provokes  excitement  —  a  dopamine  squirt  —  that  researchers  say  can  be  addictive.  In  its  absence,   people  feel  bored.     The  resulting  distractions  can  have  deadly  consequences,  as  when  cellphone-­‐wielding  drivers  and   train  engineers  cause  wrecks.  And  for  millions  of  people  like  Mr.  Campbell,  these  urges  can  inflict   nicks  and  cuts  on  creativity  and  deep  thought,  interrupting  work  and  family  life.     While  many  people  say  multitasking  makes  them  more  productive,  research  shows  otherwise.  Heavy   multitaskers  actually  have  more  trouble  focusing  and  shutting  out  irrelevant  information,  scientists   say,  and  they  experience  more  stress.    And  scientists  are  discovering  that  even  after  the  multitasking   ends,  fractured  thinking  and  lack  of  focus  persist.  In  other  words,  this  is  also  your  brain  off   computers.     “The  technology  is  rewiring  our  brains,”  said  Nora  Volkow,  director  of  the  National  Institute  of  Drug   Abuse  and  one  of  the  world’s  leading  brain  scientists.  She  and  other  researchers  compare  the  lure  of   digital  stimulation  less  to  that  of  drugs  and  alcohol  than  to  food  and  sex,  which  are  essential  but   counterproductive  in  excess.     Technology  use  can  benefit  the  brain  in  some  ways,  researchers  say.  Imaging  studies  show  the  brains   of  Internet  users  become  more  efficient  at  finding  information.  And  players  of  some  video  games   develop  better  visual  acuity.       85   A  study  at  the  University  of  California,  Irvine,  found  that  people  interrupted  by  e-­‐mail  reported   significantly  increased  stress  compared  with  those  left  to  focus.  Stress  hormones  have  been  shown  to   reduce  short-­‐term  memory,  said  Gary  Small,  a  psychiatrist  at  the  University  of  California,  Los  Angeles.     Preliminary  research  shows  some  people  can  more  easily  juggle  multiple  information  streams.  These   “supertaskers”  represent  less  than  3  percent  of  the  population,  according  to  scientists  at  the   University  of  Utah.     Other  research  shows  computer  use  has  neurological  advantages.  In  imaging  studies,  Dr.  Small   observed  that  Internet  users  showed  greater  brain  activity  than  nonusers,  suggesting  they  were   growing  their  neural  circuitry.     At  the  University  of  Rochester,  researchers  found  that  players  of  some  fast-­‐paced  video  games  can   track  the  movement  of  a  third  more  objects  on  a  screen  than  nonplayers.  They  say  the  games  can   improve  reaction  and  the  ability  to  pick  out  details  amid  clutter.     “In  a  sense,  those  games  have  a  very  strong  both  rehabilitative  and  educational  power,”  said  the  lead   researcher,  Daphne  Bavelier,  who  is  working  with  others  in  the  field  to  channel  these  changes  into   real-­‐world  benefits  like  safer  driving.     There  is  a  vibrant  debate  among  scientists  over  whether  technology’s  influence  on  behavior  and  the   brain  is  good  or  bad,  and  how  significant  it  is.    Mr.  Ophir  is  loath  to  call  the  cognitive  changes  bad  or   good,  though  the  impact  on  analysis  and  creativity  worries  him.     The  Toll  on  Children     The  Campbells,  father  and  son,  sit  in  armchairs.  Controllers  in  hand,  they  engage  in  a  fierce  video   game  battle,  displayed  on  the  nearby  flat-­‐panel  TV,  as  Lily  watches.     They  are  playing  Super  Smash  Bros.  Brawl,  a  cartoonish  animated  fight  between  characters  that   battle  using  anvils,  explosives  and  other  weapons.     “Kill  him,  Dad,”  Lily  screams.  To  no  avail.  Connor  regularly  beats  his  father,  prompting  expletives  and,   once,  a  thrown  pillow.  But  there  is  bonding  and  mutual  respect.     Screens  big  and  small  are  central  to  the  Campbell  family’s  leisure  time.  Connor  and  his  mother  relax   while  watching  TV  shows  like  “Heroes.”  Lily  has  an  iPod  Touch,  a  portable  DVD  player  and  her  own   laptop,  which  she  uses  to  watch  videos,  listen  to  music  and  play  games.     Lily,  a  second-­‐grader,  is  allowed  only  an  hour  a  day  of  unstructured  time,  which  she  often  spends  with   her  devices.  The  laptop  can  consume  her.     “When  she’s  on  it,  you  can  holler  her  name  all  day  and  she  won’t  hear,”  Mrs.  Campbell  said.       86   Researchers  worry  that  constant  digital  stimulation  like  this  creates  attention  problems  for  children   with  brains  that  are  still  developing,  who  already  struggle  to  set  priorities  and  resist  impulses.     Connor’s  troubles  started  late  last  year.  He  could  not  focus  on  homework.  No  wonder,  perhaps.  On   his  bedroom  desk  sit  two  monitors,  one  with  his  music  collection,  one  with  Facebook  and  Reddit,  a   social  site  with  news  links  that  he  and  his  father  love.  His  iPhone  availed  him  to  relentless  texting  with   his  girlfriend.     When  he  studied,  “a  little  voice  would  be  saying,  ‘Look  up’  at  the  computer,  and  I’d  look  up,”  Connor   said.  “Normally,  I’d  say  I  want  to  only  read  for  a  few  minutes,  but  I’d  search  every  corner  of  Reddit   and  then  check  Facebook.”     His  Web  browsing  informs  him.  “He’s  a  fact  hound,”  Mr.  Campbell  brags.  “Connor  is,  other  than   programming,  extremely  technical.  He’s  100  percent  Internet  savvy.”     No  Vacations     For  spring  break,  the  family  rented  a  cottage  in  Carmel,  Calif.  Mrs.  Campbell  hoped  everyone  would   unplug.  But  the  day  before  they  left,  the  iPad  from  Apple  came  out,  and  Mr.  Campbell  snapped  one   up.  The  next  night,  their  first  on  vacation,  “We  didn’t  go  out  to  dinner,”  Mrs.  Campbell  mourned.  “We   just  sat  there  on  our  devices.”     She  rallied  the  troops  the  next  day  to  the  aquarium.  Her  husband  joined  them  for  a  bit  but  then   begged  out  to  do  e-­‐mail  on  his  phone.    Later  she  found  him  playing  video  games.     On  Thursday,  their  fourth  day  in  Carmel,  Mr.  Campbell  spent  the  day  at  the  beach  with  his  family.   They  flew  a  kite  and  played  whiffle  ball.    Connor  unplugged  too.  “It  changes  the  mood  of  everything   when  everybody  is  present,”  Mrs.  Campbell  said.    The  next  day,  the  family  drove  home,  and  Mr.   Campbell  disappeared  into  his  office.     Mr.  Nass  at  Stanford  thinks  the  ultimate  risk  of  heavy  technology  use  is  that  it  diminishes  empathy  by   limiting  how  much  people  engage  with  one  another,  even  in  the  same  room.     “The  way  we  become  more  human  is  by  paying  attention  to  each  other,”  he  said.  “It  shows  how   much  you  care.”     That  empathy,  Mr.  Nass  said,  is  essential  to  the  human  condition.  “We  are  at  an  inflection  point,”  he   said.  “A  significant  fraction  of  people’s  experiences  are  now  fragmented.”       87   File Name: A6P Dear Teachers, Parents, and School Board Opinion/Argument Grade 6 On-Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Dear Teachers, Parents, and School Board, The children in my class have been talking about the proposal that some of you have made which is whether or not our school should participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen” week. I don’t think that if we did that, it would have a positive effect on the children in our school. There are a few reasons that we might want to participate but I weighed it out and I don’t think that we should participate. These are the reasons. One reason that I don’t think that our school should participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen” week is that when we can use computers, we can get assignments done faster during the school day so that we can move on to other things. For example, when you are given a task to type, if you write it by hand, it will take a much longer time then if we just decided to type it. If we are given an assignment that we have to do research on, we can usually get a lot more useful information from the internet then even from a book sometimes. Also, we will be able to move on to our next subject much faster because our research or typing will be finished. Another reason that I don’t think we should shut down our screens for a week is because the Internet is the most reliable source for information. In the article “Is Google Making Us Stupid” it said the internet has the world’s best images, writing and ideas. That means that it will have better, more honest and reliable information than even a book. The internet lets us expand our range of thinking and see things in a Introduces a claim: Introduction gives context for the proposal about “Shut Down Your Screen Week” States focus / claim     Supports the claim with clear reasons and relevant evidence. Evidence here is from writer’s own experience, and demonstrates an understanding of the topic   Organizes the reasons and evidence clearly Uses words, phrases, and clauses to clarify the relationships among claims and reasons   90   File Name: A6P Dear Teachers, Parents, and School Board Opinion/Argument Grade 6 On-Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Dear Teachers, Parents, and School Board, The children in my class have been talking about the proposal that some of you have made which is whether or not our school should participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen” week. I don’t think that if we did that, it would have a positive effect on the children in our school. There are a few reasons that we might want to participate but I weighed it out and I don’t think that we should participate. These are the reasons. One reason that I don’t think that our school should participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen” week is that when we can use computers, we can get assignments done faster during the school day so that we can move on to other things. For example, when you are given a task to type, if you write it by hand, it will take a much longer time then if we just decided to type it. If we are given an assignment that we have to do research on, we can usually get a lot more useful information from the internet then even from a book sometimes. Also, we will be able to move on to our next subject much faster because our research or typing will be finished. Another reason that I don’t think we should shut down our screens for a week is because the Internet is the most reliable source for information. In the article “Is Google Making Us Stupid” it said the internet has the world’s best images, writing and ideas. That means that it will have better, more honest and reliable information than even a book. The internet lets us expand our range of thinking and see things in a different way from possibly someone else’s perspective. The internet’s information lets us think better and faster. Some people say that the internet is not helping us learn and not making us brilliant but I don’t believe that is the case. I’m only eleven years old and I have already learned things off the internet like how solar power works and how animals like dolphins survive so that is obviously a myth. Google and the internet gives us ready and free access to information on just about anything.   91   The last reason that I think that we shouldn’t participate is because overall, calling, emailing, texting, or video chatting is more efficient. It takes less time and we are in the twenty-first century. We live in a time when it is a very normal thing to call or text someone instead of writing to them or just going to visit them. It might seem overwhelming and people might say that it is making us stupid but I find it fun and interesting to explore. I don’t think that I could go a week without music or TV! I couldn’t do it! I know for certain people this might not be the route that they want to take and that is fine but this world is only going to get more tech-like, it really is. As you can see, these are the reasons that I believe that we shouldn’t participate in the “Shut Down Your Screen” week. Your friend,       92   File Name: A7P Dear Teachers Opinion/Argument Grade 7 On-Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Dear Teachers, I have recently begun learning about the “Shut Down Your Screen” week. This is a program where kids in school and out of school don't use any electronics for one week. Everyone in your school would participate. This is a way to save the way we think and try something new. My question is should we participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen Week?” I think it would be a good idea for many reasons. First, I think we should participate because using too much technology First, I think we should participate because using too much technology affects the way we think and behave. In the article Attached to Technology and Paying a Price by Matt Richtel it gives many scientifically proven facts that using technology too much affects the way we think. If you are juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information it can lose people’s focus. Also as the text states, “The stimulation provokes excitement that researchers say can be addictive. In its absence, people feel bored.” This means that people can become addicted and when not using technology become bored with things they used to love to do. Another reason I think we should participate in this program is because Another reason I think we should participate in this program is because using technology while doing something else (multitasking) really just creates more trouble focusing. Scientists did an experiment where they took someone that multitasks and someone that doesn’t. It was proven that even though the multitasker multitasks more, they did a worse job than the other person. Therefore technology and multi-tasking does nothing for you. Introduces a claim: Introduction gives context for the proposal “Shut Down Your Screen Week” and states a claim   Organizes the reasons and evidence logically Supports the claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, including direct quotations, from accurate, credible sources, thereby demonstrating understanding of the topic   Establishes and maintains a formal style Uses words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim, reasons, and evidence   95   that kids are playing on devices and not outside or with friends. If we participate, we, the kids, can do other things and be more social. Therefore, I think we should participate in the “ Shut Down Your Screen Week.” Thank you for your time. Sincerely,       96   File Name: A8P Shut Down Your Screen Opinion/Argument Grade 8 On-Demand Writing- Uniform Prompt Shut Down Your Screen Dear Teachers, I believe that we should participate in shutdown your screen week. I think that everyone in the school should not use any electronics for one week. Since the invention of the computer, cellphone and other electronics, people have been using them more and more and more. These electronics have big upsides, you’re never alone if you have cell service and Facebook allows people to talk to multiple friends at once when they’re not in the same room, town, state, or country. But they also have their downsides. What makes us truly great is our ability to think deeply and focus, but when we use electronics or the internet we aren’t doing either of these things. In fact, using these things makes us think more shallow and focus less. I think that we should participate in shut down your screen week. One reason is that using electronics and multi-tasking causes focus problems, on and off computers. In Attached to Technology and Paying a Price by Matt Richtel, it says, “Scientists say juggling email, phone calls, and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information.” This ability to focus is enormously important, it’s one of the things that we depend on almost every day. Like when you’re driving a car to work or flying a plane. If you’re distracted while doing one of these things it can have dire consequences for yourself and for others. Multi-tasking can also affect creativity, deep thought, causing problems for work and family life. By participating we could give Introduces a claim: The introduction gives specific context for the proposal about “Shut Down Your Screen Week” and then states a claim Organizes the reasons and evidence logically Supports the claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, including direct quotations, from accurate, credible sources, thereby demonstrating understanding of the topic   Uses words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim, counterclaim, reasons, and evidence   97   people a chance to develop new habits of not using their phone or computer all the time. A second reason that we should participate is that heavy multitaskers have trouble filtering out irrelevant information on and off the computer. In Attached to Technology and Paying the Price by Matt Richtel it says the multitaskers “had trouble filtering out the blue ones – the irrelevant information.” If we participated, we could give these people a chance to develop new habits that would help them filter out irrelevant information and only pay attention to the things that are important. For example, if someone’s playing with their daughter, they would check their email every time they received an email instead of focusing on playing with their daughter. Now, some people say that we shouldn’t participate because technology makes you smarter, why stop doing something that’s helping yourself. In an imaging study by Dr. Small, he found that “Internet users showed greater brain activity than nonusers, suggesting they were growing their neural circuitry.” While they may be growing their neural circuitry, they were also changing a characteristic of the brain that was thought to be unchangeable, the ability to only process one stream of information at a time. This ability allows humans to think deeply, an important characteristic in todays society. By changing it, they were preventing themselves from having the ability to think deeply. Technology is a new thing, and it has many advantages and conveniences. But for many it becomes more than a convenience, it becomes an obsession. For this reason I believe that we should participate in shut down your screen week, to give people a chance to make new habits and make technology a convenience again, not a necessity. Acknowledges an opposing claim, which the writer distinguishes from the claim and then counters with logical reasoning and relevant evidence   Establishes and maintains a formal style Supports the claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, including direct quotations, from accurate, credible sources, thereby demonstrating understanding of the topic     Provides a concluding section that follows from and supports the argument presented