Getting Started

1. Take out your WordGeneration folder.

2. On the top of page 5 write a claim and
counterclaim for the question is an extended
school day the right choice for middle school
students.

Claim Counterclai
m-

Students will debate is an extended

school day the right choice for
middle school students.

Success Criteria

I can recall this weeks focus words and use them

in correct content.
I can state a claim and use evidence to support
my claim.

Vocabulary
extend - to stretch out; make longer
radical - extreme
crucial - very important
attain - to achieve or reach a goal
initiative - a first step; beginning action

Vocabulary
Good writing skills are very important for getting into
college.
Samuel took the first step to introducing the new
student to the class.
I wish that summer break would last a few more weeks.
I hope to receive high honors this marking period.
In extreme cases carbon monoxide poisoning can kill
people within a matter of hours.

Is an extended school day the right

choice for middle school students?
k
l
a
T
d
n
a
n
r
u
T

Pro or Con?

Debate
Pro - argues the yes side of the debate
Con - argues the no side of the debate
Moderators - use accountable talk sentence
stems to keep the debate going. After pro and con
each speak, moderators summarize arguments
and recall focus words used.
Evaluator - tallies the number of focus words
used by pro, con, and moderator

Opposite Sides
1. One side of the room is the Yes side, and the opposite side of the room
is the No side
2. Only the student with the talking stick is permitted to speak. Everyone
else is standing up straight and actively listening.
3. Be prepared to own your answer.
Must provide evidence to back up your claim.
Use focus words.
Use phrases like I believe that, I agree with you but, You make a
good point, but have you considered, Can you show me evidence in
the text that
4. If you are sufficiently swayed by a justification from the other side, be
prepared to justify your move to that side of the room.

Is an extended school day the right

choice for middle school students?