Grades 5 - 8 Writing Prompt: Should Schools Ban Homework (Articles, Handouts)

Description
Looking for an engaging class activity that gets students thinking critically and developing their writing skills? Perhaps you’re interested in introducing debate writing and persuasive arguments to enhance analytical abilities of your students?

This one-click download for banning homework is perfect for middle school students interested in writing prompts, debate writing, and organizational writing.

This product is designed to encourage grades 5-8 students to explore both sides of an argument, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their persuasive writing techniques.

Ideal for:

• Introducing persuasive writing and debate in language arts or social studies classes

• Critical thinking & Analytical-focused activities

• Middle school group collaboration

Class Objectives and Outcome:

• Understand and apply the elements of persuasive writing, including thesis statements, logical arguments (logos), emotional appeals (pathos), and credibility (ethos)

• Analyze and present thoughts logically and empathetically on controversial topics

• Develop the ability to research and support both sides of an argument using structured writing prompts

• Improve writing, public speaking, and organizational skills through structured debate activities

Download Details:

• 1-2 Day class activity (Teacher’s discretion)
• 6 easy-to-understand files

Table of Contents

• Instructions for Teachers
• Introduction to Persuasive Writing Worksheets
• Yes/No Worksheet for Debate Writing
• Two Supporting Articles (Yes and No) for the Topic
• Persuasive Writing Rubric for Assessment
• Terms & Conditions, Our Socials, Freebies for Teachers!

Optional Instructions:
Teachers will decide how long they would like this activity to last. You can also include a verbal and group debate activity if you’d like.

More time = more research and teamwork. For first-time debaters, please read below:

Have classroom projector ready for the introduction and class discussions.

Create copies of the introduction topics and student organizers equivalent to the number of students you have, each document will be given to one student.

Although this may be as simple as having a discussion between a few students, larger class sizes may require more structure and guidance from teachers.

I’ve found this to work with:

• Critical thinking and writing classes
• ESL learners interested in developing their language, persuasive and debate skills
• Engaged middle school students needing a challenge

*Leave a comment below if you have had success using this resource with other groups! We also love feedback, so please comment below, and we will be in touch!

Appropriate Age/Grade or Cambridge English Scale

• Native English middle school students
• Intermediate to advanced Level middle school and early high school students
• Older students of international classrooms