Page 173 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade7_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 2.14
differing opinions: acknowledging opposing Claims
learNING sTraTeGIes:
Quickwrite, Marking the
Text, Skimming/Scanning, Metacognitive Markers, Graphic Organizer, Debate
online article
My Notes
Learning Targets
• Analyze the logic in the development of different points of view on the same subject.
• Create a claim and argue a position incorporating counterclaims in a debate.
Preview
In this activity, you will read and analyze two articles expressing different points of view about violent video games. Then you will present arguments about the issue in a debate with your classmates.
Setting a Purpose for Reading
• As you read the first article, underline the claim and reasons the author presents about the topic.
• Circle unknown words and phrases. Try to determine the meaning of the words by using context clues, word parts, or a dictionary.
• Use the My Notes space to add your questions, comments, or reactions to the text.
Failure to Ban
Violent Video Games
Makes Job Harder for Parents
by Tamika Mallory
1 As a mother of a teenage son, I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve walked into a room and turned off a video game or TV program that I felt was inappropriate for a still developing child. But despite how often I pull the plug or refuse to let him buy certain products, the reality is that our Supreme Court just made my job and the job of other parents that much more difficult. Ruling on Monday that violent and dangerous video games could not be banned to minors, the Supreme Court in essence said to all of us: you’re on your own.
2 Raising a child in today’s culture of aggression, accessibility to negative influences and overall instability is a challenge for any mother out there. Once upon a time, there used to be a concept of the community. Regardless of how
much our mothers and fathers were working, we knew that a neighbor or elder could and would keep an eye on us. We knew that we couldn’t engage in certain behaviors because it would without fail get back to our parents. There was a real sense of looking out for each other, and a profound sense of
looking out for future generations. But today, the ‘unity’ in community is lost and the ones to suffer the most are the kids.
146 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 7
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