Debate: The Usefulness of Standardized Tests
Due Date: _________________________
Name: __________________________________________ ID# _______________________
Course: __________________________________ Course/Section # __________________
Research:
Although your instructor will assign one side of the debate to you to argue, your paper should cover both sides. Use books, journal articles, magazine and newspaper articles, and the internet to find information on the usefulness of standardized. Consider the points of view of the school system, the teachers, parents, and students. Consider the criticisms that the tests are biased in many ways and are given too much power in decision-making. Remember that your focus is on the use of standardized tests in the elementary and middle school grades.
Write a Reaction Paper:
Write a 4-6 page paper on your findings. Your paper should include an introduction, a summary of the main points in the debate over the usefulness of standardized tests in elementary and middle school grades, and a concluding summary paragraph.
Meet with the other student(s) on your side of the argument Share your ideas and determine your strongest arguments. Decide who will give the presentation and make some notes.
Class Debate:
Each side will be given 5 minutes to present their side of the argument. Those arguing that standardized tests are useful and valuable will present their side first. There will be a 3 minute break after the two sides have presented their cases. During this 3 minute break the rest of the class will write individual a one page reaction papers describing their own position on the issue. The two groups will spend the 3 minutes outlining their rebuttal statements. Each group will have 3 minutes to give a rebuttal statement, with the those supporting the use of standardized tests presenting first.
Class Vote:
When the debate has ended the class will vote on their position on the use and value of standardized tests.
Debate: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Single Parenting
Due Date: _________________________
Name: __________________________________________ ID# _______________________
Course: __________________________________ Course/Section # __________________
The debate here is over benefits and/or disadvantages of single parenting. Consider the viewpoint of the single parent (whether the mother or the father) and the viewpoint of the child or children involved.
Research:
Although your instructor will assign one side of the debate to you to argue, your paper should cover both sides. Use books, journal articles, magazine and newspaper articles, and the internet to find information on the advantages and disadvantages of single parenting. You can interview people who are single parents or who grew up in single parent homes for their thoughts on this.
Write a Reaction Paper:
Write a 4-6 page paper on your findings. Your paper should include an introduction, a summary of the main points in the debate, and a concluding summary paragraph.
The paper:
Meet with the other student(s) on your side of the argument Share your ideas and determine your strongest arguments. Decide who will give the presentation and make some notes.
Class Debate:
Each side will be given 5 minutes to present their side of the argument. Those arguing that has greater disadvantages will present first. There will be a 3 minute break after the two sides have presented their cases. During this 3 minute break the rest of the class will write individual a one page reaction papers describing their own position on the issue. The two groups will spend the 3 minutes outlining their rebuttal statements. Each group will have 3 minutes to give a rebuttal statement, with the those arguing against single parenting presenting first.
Class Vote:
When the debate has ended the class will vote on their position on the issue: (1) the advantages of single parenting outnumber the disadvantages or (2) there are more disadvantages to single parenting than advantages.