Do Teens Need Recess Argument Assessment

Why does Ryan Nguyen think teens need recess?

• to take a short nap and eat a snack

• to learn about self-care and to study more

• to have time away from everything they have going on

• to give them fewer responsibilities during the school day

How would recess help older students pay attention?

• They could review class material during that time.

• They could give their brains a chance to take a break.

• They could get more oxygen to their brains by running around.

• They could spend time talking to each other rather than texting.

According to Reagan Zuber, recess would…

• have a negative impact on teens.

• provide teens with new opportunities.

• relieve unnecessary stress for students.

• give students more time for homework.

Which of the following does Reagan Zuber feel would be most helpful to teens?

• requiring a mandatory time for stress relief

• adding more hours to the typical school day

• having an optional recess every day

• teaching stress management skills

Which statement best expresses the central idea of the text?

• The number of mental health issues for teens is growing quickly, and school administrators need to develop a plan that will address this crisis.

• High school schedules should include time for recess because it would improve the quality of life for students struggling with stress and anxiety.

• While most students say they could benefit from a recess period, providing extra time for extracurriculars and career development would be a more beneficial use of school day hours.

• Recess may improve teens' mental health by providing a movement break during the school day, but it could also cause students to experience stress because it takes away academic time.

Which evidence from the article best supports Reagan Zuber's central claim about recess?

• "With only a few hurried minutes between classes, we get worn out, and it becomes increasingly hard to pay attention the longer we sit at our desks." (Paragraph 4)

• "If I'm forced to go to recess, that cuts back on the time allotted to my education — and that'll only hurt me in the long run." (Paragraph 10)

• "That's why many students enroll in electives and AP courses — we want to expand our horizons before entering the real world." (Paragraph 12)

• "And even if everyone is well behaved, I imagine plenty of teens would spend the period staring at their phones, rather than exercising or running around with friends." (Paragraph 13)

How does paragraph 4 develop the idea that recess would benefit students?

• It describes school classrooms as very uncomfortable for students.

• It provides facts about the mental health struggles many students face.

• It gives details about the different experiences students have at school.

• It explains that most students believe recess would improve their health.

What does the phrase "blow off steam" in paragraph 6 mean?

• to experience intense anger

• to feel pressure in decision making

• to release unwanted stress or anger

• to have a poor response to an upsetting situation

How does Ryan Ngyuen support their claim that recess would be helpful for older students?

Write a complete argumentative paragraph that supports Ryan's claim. Use the claim, evidence, and reasoning structure to craft a strong argumentative paragraph with 7+ sentences. Be sure to cite the paragraphs you got your evidence from.

Consider the claims that both Ryan and Reagan make in this text.

Would it be possible to develop a plan that both students would agree to? Based on their arguments, what adjustments to the school day might work best for teens? Write a short paragraph that answers both questions.