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Illustration by RJ Matson
Debate Essay Kit,
YouTube Made Me Do It

Kids are attempting dangerous stunts to get famous online. Is it up to social media sites to stop them?

By Mackenzie Carro
From the April 2018 Issue

Learning Objective: to identify and evaluate key points on both sides of a debate; to write an argument essay

Complexity Factors
  • Purpose
    This debate has a clear purpose: to present arguments for and against the idea that social media sites are responsible for encouraging dangerous behavior.
  • Structure
    The texts contains cause-and-effect and compare-and-contrast structures. Arguments for and against the idea that social media sites are responsible for encouraging dangerous behavior are woven throughout the article.
  • Language Conventionality and Clarity
    Vocabulary: some challenging academic vocabulary (e.g., garner, infringe, reckless) Figurative language: rhetorical questions
  • Knowledge Demands
    Familiarity with social media sites like YouTube and Instagram as well as an understanding of challenge videos and what they are will aid in comprehension.
Featured Skill: Supporting an Argument,
Topics: Technology, SEL,
Common Core Standards
  • Anchor Standards
    R.1, R.2, R.6, R.8, W.1, W.4, W.5, W.7, SL.1, L.4, L.6
  • Grade 6
    RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.6, RI.6.8, W.6.1, W.6.4, W.6.5, SL.6.1, L.6.4, L.6.6
  • Grade 7
    RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.4, W.7.2, W,7.4, W.7.5, SL.7.1, SL.7.2, L.7.4, L.7.6
  • Grade 8
    RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.6, RI.8.8, W.8.1, W.8.4, W.8.5, SL.8.1, L.8.4, L.8.6
TEKS Standards
  • Grade 6
    6.1; 6.2e; 6.11; 6.14; 6.18; 6.19; 6.26, 6.27
  • Grade 7
    7.1, 7.2e, 7.11; 7.14; 7.18a,b,c; 7.19; 7.26, 7.27
  • Grade 8
    8.1, 8.2e, 8.11; 8.14; 8.18a,b,c; 8.19; 8.26, 8.27
Audio ()
Activities (7)
Core Skills Workout
  • The Core Skills Workout is a series of skill-based activities that will help your students "bulk up" in the comprehension skills they need most to become strong, analytical readers. The Core Skills Workout comes with every issue and will support your reading program no matter what your scope and sequence.
Reference
Skills Activities
Quizzes (2)
Quizzes (2)
Answer Key (1)
Audio ()
Activities (7) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Core Skills Workout
  • The Core Skills Workout is a series of skill-based activities that will help your students "bulk up" in the comprehension skills they need most to become strong, analytical readers. The Core Skills Workout comes with every issue and will support your reading program no matter what your scope and sequence.
Reference
Skills Activities
Quizzes (2)
Quizzes (2)
Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

Download the Lesson Plan

1. PREPARING TO READ

Project the Vocabulary Words and Definitions handout and preview the vocabulary. 

2. READING AND TEXT MARKING

  • Read the article once as a class. 
  • On your whiteboard, model text marking as students mark their magazines: Use a red-colored pencil to underline details that support the “Yes” side of the debate. 
  • Have students work in groups to underline details that support the “No” side of the debate, this time with a blue-colored pencil.

3. DISCUSSING AUTHOR BIAS

Have students discuss the following in their groups: Does the writer show bias—that is, a preference for one side of the debate or the other? How do you know?

4. DOING THE ACTIVITY

Have students fill in the “Yes/No” chart in their magazines using the strongest details that they underlined in the text.

5. DEBATING

Invite students to debate the topic at hand. Encourage them to use text evidence to support their opinions.

6. WRITING