topics chosen by the class of 2024
topic search
vocabulary |
page 13 |
Page 18 - Top
Page 18 - Bottom
|
Page 19 - Issue overview
|
Page 22 - Brainstorming
Page 24
Directions: You'll do page 24 three times. (Once for each of the three critical issues you have chosen.)
Be sure to USE the examples provided. Answers should be in complete sentences.
Format your paper like this:
The Critical Issue
1.
2.
Contrasting Perspectives {You MAY need to do more search to do numbers 3 & 4}
3.
a)
b)
4. {Use the chart on page 25 as your sample}
Be sure to USE the examples provided. Answers should be in complete sentences.
Format your paper like this:
The Critical Issue
1.
2.
Contrasting Perspectives {You MAY need to do more search to do numbers 3 & 4}
3.
a)
b)
4. {Use the chart on page 25 as your sample}
sample - Should you get a tattoo?
Critical Issue Compare/Contrast Essay
Should People Get Tattoos?
Introduction:
A) Define Critical Issue: One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in society today is whether or not a person should get a tattoo.
B) Background: The modern fascination with tattoos began to take hold when reports and images from European explorers’ travels in Polynesia reached Europe. “Although the ancient peoples of Europe had practiced some forms of tattooing, it had disappeared long before the mid-1700s. Explores returned home with tattooed Polynesians to exhibit at world fairs, lecture halls and in dime museums, to demonstrate the height of European civilization compared to the “primitive natives” of Polynesia. But the sailors on their ships also returned home with their own tattoos. In the United States, technological advances in machinery, design and color led to unique, all-American, mass-produced form of tattoo. Martin Hildebrand set up a permanent tattoo shop in New York City in 1846 and begin a tradition by tattooing sailors and military service man from both sides of the Civil War. The World War II era of the 1940s was considered the golden age of tattoos due to the patriotic mood and a preponderance of men in uniform. By the 1950s tattooing had an established place and western culture, but was generally viewed with disdain by the higher reaches of society. Today, tattooing is recognized as a legitimate art form that attracts people of all walks of life and both sexes(pbs.org). In the past four years, the amount of Americans sporting a tattoo has risen by 50%. While an ever-growing trend, tattoos are still regarded by many as low-class or even representative of gang affiliation. Are tattoos a welcome form of self-expression or is there something to be said for keeping skin ink-free?
C) Define Key Terms: A tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on your skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer. Typically, the tattoo artist uses a hand-held machine that acts much like a sewing machine, with one or more needles piercing the skin repeatedly. With every puncture, the needles insert tiny ink droplets. The process — which is done without anesthetics — causes a small amount of bleeding and slight to potentially significant pain (themayoclinic.org).
D) Perspectives: From sacred rituals of ancient civilizations to the impulsive whims of Gen-Z teenagers, tattoos have played an important and controversial role in society (theperspective.org).
1. Supporters: Supporters contend that when tattoos are done appropriately, they are not a threat to one’s health and do not detract in the work place.
2. Critics: Critics argue that tattoos are bad for one’s skin, can lead to diseases and even death, and will most definitely affect one’s job prospects in a negative way.
E) Central Idea: Key issues in the debate include whether the getting a tattoo is an unhealthy choice and if tattoos are a work-place obstacle.
Should People Get Tattoos?
(Supporters) Subheading #1: Healthy Choice?
Should People Get Tattoos?
(Critics) Subheading #1: Healthy Choice?
Conclusion
Should People Get Tattoos?
Introduction:
A) Define Critical Issue: One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in society today is whether or not a person should get a tattoo.
B) Background: The modern fascination with tattoos began to take hold when reports and images from European explorers’ travels in Polynesia reached Europe. “Although the ancient peoples of Europe had practiced some forms of tattooing, it had disappeared long before the mid-1700s. Explores returned home with tattooed Polynesians to exhibit at world fairs, lecture halls and in dime museums, to demonstrate the height of European civilization compared to the “primitive natives” of Polynesia. But the sailors on their ships also returned home with their own tattoos. In the United States, technological advances in machinery, design and color led to unique, all-American, mass-produced form of tattoo. Martin Hildebrand set up a permanent tattoo shop in New York City in 1846 and begin a tradition by tattooing sailors and military service man from both sides of the Civil War. The World War II era of the 1940s was considered the golden age of tattoos due to the patriotic mood and a preponderance of men in uniform. By the 1950s tattooing had an established place and western culture, but was generally viewed with disdain by the higher reaches of society. Today, tattooing is recognized as a legitimate art form that attracts people of all walks of life and both sexes(pbs.org). In the past four years, the amount of Americans sporting a tattoo has risen by 50%. While an ever-growing trend, tattoos are still regarded by many as low-class or even representative of gang affiliation. Are tattoos a welcome form of self-expression or is there something to be said for keeping skin ink-free?
C) Define Key Terms: A tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on your skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer. Typically, the tattoo artist uses a hand-held machine that acts much like a sewing machine, with one or more needles piercing the skin repeatedly. With every puncture, the needles insert tiny ink droplets. The process — which is done without anesthetics — causes a small amount of bleeding and slight to potentially significant pain (themayoclinic.org).
D) Perspectives: From sacred rituals of ancient civilizations to the impulsive whims of Gen-Z teenagers, tattoos have played an important and controversial role in society (theperspective.org).
1. Supporters: Supporters contend that when tattoos are done appropriately, they are not a threat to one’s health and do not detract in the work place.
2. Critics: Critics argue that tattoos are bad for one’s skin, can lead to diseases and even death, and will most definitely affect one’s job prospects in a negative way.
E) Central Idea: Key issues in the debate include whether the getting a tattoo is an unhealthy choice and if tattoos are a work-place obstacle.
Should People Get Tattoos?
(Supporters) Subheading #1: Healthy Choice?
- Topic Sentence: According to supporters, when people get tattoos at licensed places and take care of them as directed, they are completely healthy.
- Evidence: Only 3% of the people who get a tattoo go on to have any type of complication with it (themayoclinc.org).
- Commentary: The above evidence from the Mayo Clinic is showcasing that only a very small percent of people who get tattoos get sick from them. This data is important because it suggests that only people who do not properly care for their new tattoo are the ones who have any type of health issue. This proves that when a responsible adult gets a tattoo at clean, licensed venue and follows the protocol for caring for a new tattoo, tattoos are indeed healthy and have no issues.
- Concluding Sentence: Therefore, remaining healthy and having a tattoo can go hand in hand.
Should People Get Tattoos?
(Critics) Subheading #1: Healthy Choice?
- Topic Sentence: On the other hand, Critics argue that wearing permanent ink on your skin isn’t good for your health.
- Evidence: A 2017 study found that tattooed skin sweats 50% less than non-tattooed skin. Additionally, while rare, certain case studies have linked tattoo ink with skin cancer and blood-borne diseases (the perspective.com).
- Commentary: This study highlights the fact that a tattoo hinders your body’s ability to cool itself down and absorb necessary nutrients. This study is important because it emphasizes that a tattoo can prohibit the human body from doing what it is designed to do; regulate body temperature. This can be not only dangerous but deadly. When the body can’t cook itself down it can cause one to have a heat stroke. Furthermore, many necessary nutrients for the human body are absorbed through sunlight. When a tattoo prohibits this process, the body doesn’t get what it needs. In turn, this can lead to a weakened immune system. This evidence proves that tattoos can keep the human body from essentially taking care of itself.
- Concluding Sentence: So simply put, inking one’s skin can lead to many unnecessary health issues.
Conclusion
- Two Stances: The debate over tattoos rages on all across our great country as
- Supporters: supporters insists they are completely healthy and not a job obstacle.
- Critics: But opponents of tattoos claim that tattoos can be harmful and prohibit one from getting a job.
- Future Debate: The debate is not likely to end any time soon as supporters of tattoos will broaden the discussion into the issue of responsibility. Yet opponents of tattoos continue to fight hard against the idea that skin should remain unblemished.
- Importance to Society: We have seen some of the effects of tattoos in the media, on television, on social platforms, and in our everyday lives. Some negative stereotypes against those with tattoos are prevalent. While at the same time, people can tune in a watch television shows, like L.A. Ink, that celebrates the process of people getting tattoos. Should people have the freedom to put tattoos anywhere on their bodies? Should employers have the right to make policies against those who showcase their tattoos in hard to cover up places? Where do you stand on the issue of tattoos, and what decision will you make about your body when you turn 18? Ink or ink free?
Introductory paragraph - colored coded
Include these 5 items in your introductory paragraph.
***The key term may be moved around to fit the fluency of your introductory paragraph.
DEFINE the CRITICAL ISSUE
PROVIDE (HISTORICAL) BACKGROUND
DEFINE KEY TERMS
DESCRIBE the CONTRASTING PERSPECTIVES
STATE the CENTRAL IDEA
***The key term may be moved around to fit the fluency of your introductory paragraph.
DEFINE the CRITICAL ISSUE
- Just like you might find it in the dictionary
PROVIDE (HISTORICAL) BACKGROUND
- Name the most important events, court cases, and legislation that have defined this issue.
- Explain how the issue began and has progressed.
DEFINE KEY TERMS
- Give the meaning of any technical terms concerning the issue that the reader might need in order to understand the essay.
DESCRIBE the CONTRASTING PERSPECTIVES
- Explain the two stances on the issue and how they differ.
STATE the CENTRAL IDEA
- Outline 2-3 key questions/topics surrounding the debate over this issue
One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in education today is the use of public funding to pay for private education through vouchers, otherwise known as school vouchers. On June 27, 2002, the United States Supreme Court in Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio, et al, v. Simmons-Harris et al., ruled, in a 5-4 vote, that vouchers did not violate the Establishment Clause, thus leading the way for voucher programs throughout the United States. And on a state level, the Supreme Court of the state of Wisconsin ruled on June 10th, 1998, that the expanded Milwaukee voucher program--which will allow up to 15,000 children to attend any religious or other private school--does not violate either the state or federal constitutions. Yet in 2006, the Florida Supreme Court struck down legislation known as the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which would have implemented a system of school vouchers in Florida.
The school voucher programs continue in many states. Supporters contend that voucher programs allow low-income children in poor performing schools the opportunity to attend private schools, thereby boosting competition and forcing public school improvement. Critics argue that these options weaken the public school system by diverting resources to non-public schools and pose a threat to the separation of church and state. Key issues in the debate include whether vouchers boost student achievement and if they increase competition between public and private schools, resulting in greater school effectiveness.
The school voucher programs continue in many states. Supporters contend that voucher programs allow low-income children in poor performing schools the opportunity to attend private schools, thereby boosting competition and forcing public school improvement. Critics argue that these options weaken the public school system by diverting resources to non-public schools and pose a threat to the separation of church and state. Key issues in the debate include whether vouchers boost student achievement and if they increase competition between public and private schools, resulting in greater school effectiveness.
concluding paragraph - color coded
Drafting Strategies for the Concluding Paragraph of This Informational Essay
TWO STANCES
Briefly summarize the two stances on the critical issue and/or the central idea.
FUTURE DEBATE
Discuss what the future debate over this issue might involve based on what you have read and what you have determined from your research.
IMPORTANCE TO SOCIETY/CULTURE
Explain why this issue is so important to a society or culture – how it has or could change things.
TWO STANCES
Briefly summarize the two stances on the critical issue and/or the central idea.
FUTURE DEBATE
Discuss what the future debate over this issue might involve based on what you have read and what you have determined from your research.
IMPORTANCE TO SOCIETY/CULTURE
Explain why this issue is so important to a society or culture – how it has or could change things.
The school voucher debate rages on in many states as supporters insist that these monies provide much needed opportunities for better education to low-income families and students who attend low-performing schools. But opponents of school vouchers claim that using public funds for students to attend private schools weakens our public education system and also threatens the separation of church and state, since 85% of private schools are religious. The debate is not likely to end any time soon as supporters of vouchers broaden the discussion into the issue of school choice—students should have the choice to attend any school they wish that provides the best learning environment for them. This may include religious education depending on their beliefs and practices. Yet opponents of vouchers continue to fight hard against their implementation because of the long-term effects they could have on our public education system—both in terms of syphoning off money to private schools and using public funds to support religious practice and instruction. We have seen some of the effects of this debate over public versus private already as private business moves into public education. Hundreds of public charter schools are now managed by private companies. While some people argue this improves the quality of public education, others contend that we should not give taxpayer dollars to private companies to do the work school districts are already set up to do. Where do you stand on school vouchers and how will you vote when and if the issue shows up on your voting ballot?
transitions
Comparison:
|
Contrast:
|
Both:
|
Block format
Here are some ideas about how to format a compare and contrast essay. Keep in mind there are MANY ways to organize this type of writing.
Point by point
block vs. point by point - a side by side comparison
Block
Perspective #1 Topic A Topic B Topic C Perspective #1 Topic A Topic B Topic C |
Point by Point
Topic A Perspective #1 Perspective #2 Topic B Perspective #1 Perspective #2 Topic C Perspective #1 Perspective #2 |
sample paper - block format
Introduction
One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in education today is the use of public funding to pay for private education through vouchers, otherwise known as school vouchers. On June 27, 2002, the United States Supreme Court in Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio, et al, v. Simmons-Harris et al., ruled, in a 5-4 vote, that vouchers did not violate the Establishment Clause, thus leading the way for voucher programs throughout the United States. And on a state level, the Supreme Court of the state of Wisconsin ruled on June 10th, 1998, that the expanded Milwaukee voucher program--which will allow up to 15,000 children to attend any religious or other private school--does not violate either the state or federal constitutions. Yet in 2006, the Florida Supreme Court struck down legislation known as the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which would have implemented a system of school vouchers in Florida.
The school voucher programs continue in many states. Supporters contend that voucher programs allow low-income children in poor performing schools the opportunity to attend private schools, thereby boosting competition and forcing public school improvement. Critics argue that these options weaken the public school system by diverting resources to non-public schools and pose a threat to the separation of church and state. Key issues in the debate include whether vouchers boost student achievement and if they increase competition between public and private schools, resulting in greater school effectiveness.
Body Paragraphs
According to supporters, school vouchers provide school choice for all students, not just wealthy families. The voucher program in New Zealand benefited students in both the private and public schools by putting funding in the hands of families instead of government officials, supporting the belief that parents—not the government—are best able to make decisions about education for their children (debatepedia.org). Wealthy parents can and often do choose private schools for their reputation and results. However, middle- and low-income families who cannot afford the private tuition usually have only one option—the public school in their area, which may be low performing or lacking in resources. Supporters of vouchers contend that all parents should have a choice in making a decision about their child’s schooling.
In addition to providing school choice for all, voucher supporters insist that this program increases competition, raising the quality of education in all schools. Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman argued for the modern concept of vouchers in the 1950s, stating that competition would improve schools and cost efficiency (debatepedia.org). They introduce competition by giving parents and students the choice to leave bad schools in favor of better schools. The argument goes that competition forces public schools to act more resourcefully, creatively, and efficiently to enhance their competitiveness relative to other schools. So vouchers provide an incentive for schools to increase the quality of the education they offer, which improves student achievement and success.
Conclusion
The school voucher debate rages on in many states as supporters insist that these monies provide much needed opportunities for better education to low-income families and students who attend low-performing schools. But opponents of school vouchers claim that using public funds for students to attend private schools weakens our public education system and also threatens the separation of church and state, since 85% of private schools are religious. The debate is not likely to end any time soon as supporters of vouchers broaden the discussion into the issue of school choice—students should have the choice to attend any school they wish that provides the best learning environment for them. This may include religious education depending on their beliefs and practices. Yet opponents of vouchers continue to fight hard against their implementation because of the long-term effects they could have on our public education system—both in terms of syphoning off money to private schools and using public funds to support religious practice and instruction. We have seen some of the effects of this debate over public versus private already as private business moves into public education. Hundreds of public charter schools are now managed by private companies. While some people argue this improves the quality of public education, others contend that we should not give taxpayer dollars to private companies to do the work school districts are already set up to do. Where do you stand on school vouchers and how will you vote when and if the issue shows up on your voting ballot?
One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in education today is the use of public funding to pay for private education through vouchers, otherwise known as school vouchers. On June 27, 2002, the United States Supreme Court in Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio, et al, v. Simmons-Harris et al., ruled, in a 5-4 vote, that vouchers did not violate the Establishment Clause, thus leading the way for voucher programs throughout the United States. And on a state level, the Supreme Court of the state of Wisconsin ruled on June 10th, 1998, that the expanded Milwaukee voucher program--which will allow up to 15,000 children to attend any religious or other private school--does not violate either the state or federal constitutions. Yet in 2006, the Florida Supreme Court struck down legislation known as the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which would have implemented a system of school vouchers in Florida.
The school voucher programs continue in many states. Supporters contend that voucher programs allow low-income children in poor performing schools the opportunity to attend private schools, thereby boosting competition and forcing public school improvement. Critics argue that these options weaken the public school system by diverting resources to non-public schools and pose a threat to the separation of church and state. Key issues in the debate include whether vouchers boost student achievement and if they increase competition between public and private schools, resulting in greater school effectiveness.
Body Paragraphs
According to supporters, school vouchers provide school choice for all students, not just wealthy families. The voucher program in New Zealand benefited students in both the private and public schools by putting funding in the hands of families instead of government officials, supporting the belief that parents—not the government—are best able to make decisions about education for their children (debatepedia.org). Wealthy parents can and often do choose private schools for their reputation and results. However, middle- and low-income families who cannot afford the private tuition usually have only one option—the public school in their area, which may be low performing or lacking in resources. Supporters of vouchers contend that all parents should have a choice in making a decision about their child’s schooling.
In addition to providing school choice for all, voucher supporters insist that this program increases competition, raising the quality of education in all schools. Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman argued for the modern concept of vouchers in the 1950s, stating that competition would improve schools and cost efficiency (debatepedia.org). They introduce competition by giving parents and students the choice to leave bad schools in favor of better schools. The argument goes that competition forces public schools to act more resourcefully, creatively, and efficiently to enhance their competitiveness relative to other schools. So vouchers provide an incentive for schools to increase the quality of the education they offer, which improves student achievement and success.
Conclusion
The school voucher debate rages on in many states as supporters insist that these monies provide much needed opportunities for better education to low-income families and students who attend low-performing schools. But opponents of school vouchers claim that using public funds for students to attend private schools weakens our public education system and also threatens the separation of church and state, since 85% of private schools are religious. The debate is not likely to end any time soon as supporters of vouchers broaden the discussion into the issue of school choice—students should have the choice to attend any school they wish that provides the best learning environment for them. This may include religious education depending on their beliefs and practices. Yet opponents of vouchers continue to fight hard against their implementation because of the long-term effects they could have on our public education system—both in terms of syphoning off money to private schools and using public funds to support religious practice and instruction. We have seen some of the effects of this debate over public versus private already as private business moves into public education. Hundreds of public charter schools are now managed by private companies. While some people argue this improves the quality of public education, others contend that we should not give taxpayer dollars to private companies to do the work school districts are already set up to do. Where do you stand on school vouchers and how will you vote when and if the issue shows up on your voting ballot?
sample paper - point by point format
Introduction
One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in education today is the use of public funding to pay for private education through vouchers, otherwise known as school vouchers. On June 27, 2002, the United States Supreme Court in Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio, et al, v. Simmons-Harris et al., ruled, in a 5-4 vote, that vouchers did not violate the Establishment Clause, thus leading the way for voucher programs throughout the United States. And on a state level, the Supreme Court of the state of Wisconsin ruled on June 10th, 1998, that the expanded Milwaukee voucher program--which will allow up to 15,000 children to attend any religious or other private school--does not violate either the state or federal constitutions. Yet in 2006, the Florida Supreme Court struck down legislation known as the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which would have implemented a system of school vouchers in Florida.
The school voucher programs continue in many states. Supporters contend that voucher programs allow low-income children in poor performing schools the opportunity to attend private schools, thereby boosting competition and forcing public school improvement. Critics argue that these options weaken the public school system by diverting resources to non-public schools and pose a threat to the separation of church and state. Key issues in the debate include whether vouchers boost student achievement and if they increase competition between public and private schools, resulting in greater school effectiveness.
Body Paragraphs
According to supporters, school vouchers provide school choice for all students, not just wealthy families. The voucher program in New Zealand benefited students in both the private and public schools by putting funding in the hands of families instead of government officials, supporting the belief that parents—not the government—are best able to make decisions about education for their children (debatepedia.org). Wealthy parents can and often do choose private schools for their reputation and results. However, middle- and low-income families who cannot afford the private tuition usually have only one option—the public school in their area, which may be low performing or lacking in resources. Supporters of vouchers contend that all parents should have a choice in making a decision about their child’s schooling.
However, critics of vouchers insist that they do not provide all public school students the choice
to attend private schools. Private schools can deny applicants entry. As the Minnesota Education Association explains, “Vouchers fail to offer the ‘choice’ that proponents claim. The ‘choice’ remains with the private schools that will continue to pick and choose the students they wish to accept and reject. Public schools open their doors to all students” (schoolchoice.org). So while all involved in the school voucher debate may agree that many private schools provide a quality education, critic believe that providing vouchers will not fix the problem of school choice for all.
Conclusion
The school voucher debate rages on in many states as supporters insist that these monies provide much needed opportunities for better education to low-income families and students who attend low-performing schools. But opponents of school vouchers claim that using public funds for students to attend private schools weakens our public education system and also threatens the separation of church and state, since 85% of private schools are religious. The debate is not likely to end any time soon as supporters of vouchers broaden the discussion into the issue of school choice—students should have the choice to attend any school they wish that provides the best learning environment for them. This may include religious education depending on their beliefs and practices. Yet opponents of vouchers continue to fight hard against their implementation because of the long-term effects they could have on our public education system—both in terms of syphoning off money to private schools and using public funds to support religious practice and instruction. We have seen some of the effects of this debate over public versus private already as private business moves into public education. Hundreds of public charter schools are now managed by private companies. While some people argue this improves the quality of public education, others contend that we should not give taxpayer dollars to private companies to do the work school districts are already set up to do. Where do you stand on school vouchers and how will you vote when and if the issue shows up on your voting ballot?
One of the most controversial and widely discussed issues in education today is the use of public funding to pay for private education through vouchers, otherwise known as school vouchers. On June 27, 2002, the United States Supreme Court in Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio, et al, v. Simmons-Harris et al., ruled, in a 5-4 vote, that vouchers did not violate the Establishment Clause, thus leading the way for voucher programs throughout the United States. And on a state level, the Supreme Court of the state of Wisconsin ruled on June 10th, 1998, that the expanded Milwaukee voucher program--which will allow up to 15,000 children to attend any religious or other private school--does not violate either the state or federal constitutions. Yet in 2006, the Florida Supreme Court struck down legislation known as the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which would have implemented a system of school vouchers in Florida.
The school voucher programs continue in many states. Supporters contend that voucher programs allow low-income children in poor performing schools the opportunity to attend private schools, thereby boosting competition and forcing public school improvement. Critics argue that these options weaken the public school system by diverting resources to non-public schools and pose a threat to the separation of church and state. Key issues in the debate include whether vouchers boost student achievement and if they increase competition between public and private schools, resulting in greater school effectiveness.
Body Paragraphs
According to supporters, school vouchers provide school choice for all students, not just wealthy families. The voucher program in New Zealand benefited students in both the private and public schools by putting funding in the hands of families instead of government officials, supporting the belief that parents—not the government—are best able to make decisions about education for their children (debatepedia.org). Wealthy parents can and often do choose private schools for their reputation and results. However, middle- and low-income families who cannot afford the private tuition usually have only one option—the public school in their area, which may be low performing or lacking in resources. Supporters of vouchers contend that all parents should have a choice in making a decision about their child’s schooling.
However, critics of vouchers insist that they do not provide all public school students the choice
to attend private schools. Private schools can deny applicants entry. As the Minnesota Education Association explains, “Vouchers fail to offer the ‘choice’ that proponents claim. The ‘choice’ remains with the private schools that will continue to pick and choose the students they wish to accept and reject. Public schools open their doors to all students” (schoolchoice.org). So while all involved in the school voucher debate may agree that many private schools provide a quality education, critic believe that providing vouchers will not fix the problem of school choice for all.
Conclusion
The school voucher debate rages on in many states as supporters insist that these monies provide much needed opportunities for better education to low-income families and students who attend low-performing schools. But opponents of school vouchers claim that using public funds for students to attend private schools weakens our public education system and also threatens the separation of church and state, since 85% of private schools are religious. The debate is not likely to end any time soon as supporters of vouchers broaden the discussion into the issue of school choice—students should have the choice to attend any school they wish that provides the best learning environment for them. This may include religious education depending on their beliefs and practices. Yet opponents of vouchers continue to fight hard against their implementation because of the long-term effects they could have on our public education system—both in terms of syphoning off money to private schools and using public funds to support religious practice and instruction. We have seen some of the effects of this debate over public versus private already as private business moves into public education. Hundreds of public charter schools are now managed by private companies. While some people argue this improves the quality of public education, others contend that we should not give taxpayer dollars to private companies to do the work school districts are already set up to do. Where do you stand on school vouchers and how will you vote when and if the issue shows up on your voting ballot?
commentary - How to start commentary:
evidence type + is important because + strong verb ... finish sentence
Example: This data is important because it illustrates the need for school vouchers in intercity schools.
Example: This data is important because it illustrates the need for school vouchers in intercity schools.
complex commentary
Commentary does 3 things:
1) Connects the evidence to the claim
2) Explains the evidence
3) Provides the significance of the evidence
Answer these questions to lead to well-written grade level commentary.
1) The importance of because … just a starter!
2) How could you RE-EXPLAIN the evidence?
3) What is ESPECIALLY important about the evidence?
4) How does the evidence PROVE the claim?
5) What NEW point can you make about the claim using THIS evidence?
6) What does THIS evidence reveal about your claim that the other evidence does not?
1) Connects the evidence to the claim
2) Explains the evidence
3) Provides the significance of the evidence
Answer these questions to lead to well-written grade level commentary.
1) The importance of because … just a starter!
2) How could you RE-EXPLAIN the evidence?
3) What is ESPECIALLY important about the evidence?
4) How does the evidence PROVE the claim?
5) What NEW point can you make about the claim using THIS evidence?
6) What does THIS evidence reveal about your claim that the other evidence does not?