Question

argumentative essay packet
directions: this includes the work that is expected each day that we are doing this, including some guided notes so that you can make sure that you are doing this correctly.
day 1: 1/22/2025
pick one of the topics below. logical fallacy sentence frame – pick one to pick in your 3rd body paragraph.
topic | concession or counterclaim this will go in your 3rd body paragraph. | what type of fallacy is bolded phrase?
should smartphones be allowed in high school classrooms during free time? | although critics warn that _ might lead to _, careful policy design can prevent that by ___. |
should school cafeterias offer more plant - based meal options? | some claim we must choose between _ and _. these are false choices because ___. |
should students have a weekly “genius hour” for independent projects? | while critics point to unrelated issues like _, that distracts from the actual question of whether a genius hour could _. |
should city parks increase programming for teen mental health and recreation? | while it’s true that all teen programs create problems, that generalization ignores successful examples where… |
should the school require a community service hour for graduation? | although some argue that required service will inevitably lead to _, that chain of events isn’t guaranteed. instead, we could _. |
should local libraries extend weekend hours for teens? | some fear expanding hours will lead to uncontrolled use or expenses. these outcomes can be avoided through… |
your choice topic: (this row is optional) | optional: create your own fallacy to address. | optional: what type of fallacy?

1. what is your thesis, aka position on the topic? you can’t be in the middle. you need to be for or against the idea.

this sentence is last in your introduction paragraph. _ yes, i know _ then what’s in the rest of the introduction? the rest of your introduction will be you summarizing your main ideas of your essay. you must start with a hook as well. your first sentence is your hook – how are you going to get the reader’s attention?

1. what are three reasons for your position on the topic? in your introduction, you need to summarize or rephrase these.

a.
b.
c.

then your thesis goes last. why did we work on it first? because it’s easier to set your essay up if you know what point you’re trying to make.
your outline for your introduction should look like this: hook, 3 claims/reasons, and a thesis.
write your rough draft for your intro below:

Explanation:

To address this, let's pick the topic "Should smartphones be allowed in classrooms during school time?" and build the response:

1. Thesis (Position)

Thesis: Smartphones should not be allowed in classrooms during school time because they distract from learning, enable academic dishonesty, and disrupt classroom focus.

2. Three Reasons for the Position

a. Smartphones distract students from direct engagement with lessons (e.g., texting, social media use during instruction).
b. They create opportunities for cheating on assignments and exams (access to unauthorized resources).
c. Notifications and device use disrupt the teacher’s lesson flow and other students’ concentration.

Rough Draft of the Introduction

Hook: Imagine a classroom where every student’s eyes are glued to a tiny screen instead of the board—this is the reality when smartphones are allowed in class.
Summary of Main Ideas: Allowing smartphones undermines learning through distractions, enables cheating, and disrupts the classroom environment.
Thesis: For these reasons, smartphones should be prohibited in classrooms during school hours to ensure focused learning, academic integrity, and a respectful educational environment.

If you want to use a different topic (e.g., "Should schools require a community service hour for graduation?"), here’s an example:

1. Thesis

Schools should require a community service hour for graduation because it builds empathy, teaches real - world responsibility, and strengthens community ties.

2. Three Reasons

a. Community service exposes students to diverse perspectives, fostering empathy for those in need.
b. It teaches time management and accountability as students balance service with academic work.
c. Service projects create positive change, uniting students with local organizations and neighbors.

Rough Draft of the Introduction

Hook: A single act of helping others can spark a lifetime of compassion—this is what school - required community service offers.
Summary of Main Ideas: Mandated service cultivates empathy, teaches responsibility, and strengthens communities.
Thesis: Thus, schools should mandate community service for graduation to nurture well - rounded, empathetic citizens who contribute to society.

You can adjust based on the topic you choose! Let me know if you want to focus on a specific topic from the list.

Answer:

To address this, let's pick the topic "Should smartphones be allowed in classrooms during school time?" and build the response:

1. Thesis (Position)

Thesis: Smartphones should not be allowed in classrooms during school time because they distract from learning, enable academic dishonesty, and disrupt classroom focus.

2. Three Reasons for the Position

a. Smartphones distract students from direct engagement with lessons (e.g., texting, social media use during instruction).
b. They create opportunities for cheating on assignments and exams (access to unauthorized resources).
c. Notifications and device use disrupt the teacher’s lesson flow and other students’ concentration.

Rough Draft of the Introduction

Hook: Imagine a classroom where every student’s eyes are glued to a tiny screen instead of the board—this is the reality when smartphones are allowed in class.
Summary of Main Ideas: Allowing smartphones undermines learning through distractions, enables cheating, and disrupts the classroom environment.
Thesis: For these reasons, smartphones should be prohibited in classrooms during school hours to ensure focused learning, academic integrity, and a respectful educational environment.

If you want to use a different topic (e.g., "Should schools require a community service hour for graduation?"), here’s an example:

1. Thesis

Schools should require a community service hour for graduation because it builds empathy, teaches real - world responsibility, and strengthens community ties.

2. Three Reasons

a. Community service exposes students to diverse perspectives, fostering empathy for those in need.
b. It teaches time management and accountability as students balance service with academic work.
c. Service projects create positive change, uniting students with local organizations and neighbors.

Rough Draft of the Introduction

Hook: A single act of helping others can spark a lifetime of compassion—this is what school - required community service offers.
Summary of Main Ideas: Mandated service cultivates empathy, teaches responsibility, and strengthens communities.
Thesis: Thus, schools should mandate community service for graduation to nurture well - rounded, empathetic citizens who contribute to society.

You can adjust based on the topic you choose! Let me know if you want to focus on a specific topic from the list.