Recess Story
What is the claim in the essay?
Schools should increase the amount of time students spend at recess
Define Claim
the idea an author is trying to prove
Why does bias exist?
Human emotion; Opinions, beliefs, interests, or goals of the author.
What is the claim/argument being made: Longer recess helps students focus better and improves their overall health.
Schools should increase recess time
Does the evidence support the claim?
Longer recess improves students’ focus.
A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that students who had at least 20 minutes of daily recess demonstrated higher attention levels in class.
Yes
Some people argue that more recess takes away from valuable learning time
Define reason
A main point in support of the claim
Is this evidence or bias: School uniforms are terrible because they completely ruin students’ individuality.
bias
What is the claim: School uniforms make mornings easier for families and reduce bullying at school.
Schools should require uniforms.
Does the evidence support the claim?
School uniforms increase bullying.
A 2022 district report found that schools with uniforms experienced a 15% decrease in clothing-related bullying incidents.
No
Name 3 reasons that the author gives to support the claim.
because longer breaks help them learn better,
Recess gives students an important mental break from lessons, and that can lead to improved performance when they get back to their schoolwork
Additionally, longer recess improves students’ social and emotional well-being
These skills are essential in life, yet they can’t always be taught in a classroom
happy students are motivated students
Define evidence
Fact, expert opinion, experience, research, or statistics used to prove the claim.
Is this evidence or bias: Students focus much better when recess is shorter, making extended recess a poor use of school time.
bias
What is the claim: Extended screen time in classrooms distracts students and lowers academic performance.
Schools should limit technology use in class
Evidence v. bias?
Studies show that students who wear uniforms perform better in school, so every school should require them.
Bias
It uses selective evidence. Other factors in school performance?
What is a rebuttal to the counterclaim in the essay?
However, this argument ignores the fact that tired and stressed students struggle to pay attention.
Shortening recess might increase minutes in class, but it will not increase meaningful learning
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Define counterclaim and rebuttal
counterclaim: The other side of the argument - what the opposing side believes.
rebuttal: portion of an argument that explains why the opposing evidence is not sound
This this statement biased? The healthiest schools limit sugary snacks since everyone knows junk food causes learning problems.
Yes
What is the claim: Homework overload leaves students stressed and reduces time for extracurricular activities.
Schools should assign less homework
Evidence or bias?
A 2021 survey found that 64% of students said classroom tablets helped them understand lessons more clearly.
Evidence
Name 2 forms of bias in the essay.
If schools truly care about student achievement, they should allow more time for healthy activity during the day
What is the point of longer lessons if students are too exhausted to understand them?
Recess gives kids the chance to feel happier and more connected at school
Longer recess leads to smarter, healthier, and more confident students
By expanding recess, schools will create stronger learners—and that benefits everyone
Define bias
Bias is a slanted or one-sided point of view.
Is this statement evidence or bias: A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that students who had at least 20 minutes of daily recess demonstrated higher attention levels in class.
Evidence,
What is the claim: Providing students with more choice in reading materials increases engagement and literacy skills.
Schools should allow students to choose their own reading books
DOUBLE JEOPARDY:
Why is this statement bias? What would make it evidence?
Experts report that children without uniforms are more likely to be bullied, so uniforms are necessary in every school.
Bias
Experts report that children without uniforms are more likely to experience bullying in schools.