Writing Activity 1

Read the prompt below. On the same paper as your notes from today, write down whether your support or oppose this topic. Then, provide at least 2 reasons why you either support or oppose this topic. For each reason, provide 1 sentence that summarizes your argument for that reason.

EXAMPLE: Should schools continue using block scheduling?

Oppose

1. Length of time between courses – Students can sometimes go a whole year in between core courses such as Math or English which can cause students to forget vital information.

2. Length of class – On the block schedule, classes are ninety minutes long, which can cause students to lose focus during a class period and miss important information.

Your topic for today:

In many high schools, the administration has provided guidelines for the publication of student newspapers. These guidelines often determine which topics can and cannot be discussed in the newspaper and prohibit what the administration deems inappropriate language. Many administrators and teachers feel that these restrictions enable them to provide a safe learning environment for students. Others feel that any restriction on the student newspaper is a violation of freedom of speech. In your opinion, should high schools place restrictions on student newspapers?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Writing Activity 1

Read the prompt below. On the same paper as your notes from today, write down whether your support or oppose this topic. Then, provide at least 2 reasons why you either support or oppose this topic. For each reason, provide 1 sentence that summarizes your argument for that reason.

EXAMPLE: Should schools continue using block scheduling?

Oppose

1. Length of time between courses – Students can sometimes go a whole year in between core courses such as Math or English which can cause students to forget vital information.

2. Length of class – On the block schedule, classes are ninety minutes long, which can cause students to lose focus during a class period and miss important information.

Your topic for today:

In many high schools, the administration has provided guidelines for the publication of student newspapers. These guidelines often determine which topics can and cannot be discussed in the newspaper and prohibit what the administration deems inappropriate language. Many administrators and teachers feel that these restrictions enable them to provide a safe learning environment for students. Others feel that any restriction on the student newspaper is a violation of freedom of speech. In your opinion, should high schools place restrictions on student newspapers?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.