Top-Rated Free Essay
Preview

High School and Same-sex Classes

Better Essays
1000 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
High School and Same-sex Classes
Argumentative Essays

An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an issue, using reasons to support your opinion. Your goal is to convince your reader that your opinion is right. Argumentation is a popular kind of essay question because it forces students to think on their own. They have to take a stand on an issue, support their stand with solid reasons, and support their reasons with solid evidence.

There are several ways to organize an argumentative essay. You can use a block pattern or a point-by-point pattern. The outlines in the following chart show these two possible patterns.

There are many variations on these two patterns. Which pattern you use will depend on your topic. With some topics, one pattern works better than others. The important thing is to present your side and rebut the other side in a logical and organized way.

These are the important points.

1. An argumentative essay is a kind of essay in which you try to persuade your reader to agree with your opinion about a controversial topic.

2. An argumentative essay contains these five elements:

• An explanation of the issue
• A clear thesis statement
• A summary of the opposing arguments
• Rebuttals to the opposing arguments
• Your own arguments

3. Use either a block pattern or a point-by-point pattern. Be sure to include the opposite point of view as well as your own.

4. Use contrast transition signals to connect opposing arguments and your counter-arguments. Example

Separating the Sexes, Just for the Tough Years. The middle school years (grades 7 and 8) are known to be the “tough years.” These are the years when the uneven pace of girls’ and boys’ physical, emotional, and cognitive development is most noticeable. Girls are ahead of boys on all counts, and both suffer. Educators debate whether separating boys and girls during these years might improve students’ academic performance. Separate classes are now prohibited in public schools that receive federal funds, but a change in the federal law that prohibits them is under consideration. Although some parents and educators oppose same-sex classes, there is some evidence that separating boys and girls in middle school yields positive results. Opponents of single-sex education claim that test scores of students in all-girl or all-boy classes are no higher than those of students in mixed classes (“Study: All-girls schools don’t improve test scores, 2004”). However, the research is inconclusive. Despite the fact that some research shows no improvement in test scores, other research shows exactly opposite results (“Blum, Justin. Scores soar at D.C. school with same-sex classes, 2002”). More important, many psychologists believe that test scores are the wrong measuring sticks. They believe that self-confidence and self-esteem issues are more important than test scores. In same-sex classes, girls report increased confidence and improved attitudes towards math and science, for example (“Study: All-girls schools don’t improve test scores, 2004”). These are results that cannot be calculated by a test but that will help adolescents become successful adults long after the difficult years of middle school are past. New York University professor Carol Gilligan is certain that girls are more likely to be “creative thinkers and risk-takers as adults if educated apart from boys in middle school” (Gross, Jane. “Splitting up boys and girls, just for the tough years”, 2004). Boys, too, gain confidence when they do not have to compete with girls. Boys at this age become angry and fight back in middle school because they feel inferior when compared to girls, who literally “out-think” them. With no girls in the classroom, they are more at ease with themselves and more receptive to learning (Gross, Jane. “Splitting up boys and girls, just for the tough years”, 2004). Opponents also maintain that separate classes (or separate schools) send the message that males and females cannot work together. They say that when students go into the work force, they will have to work side-by-side with the opposite sex, and attending all-girl or all-boy schools denies them the opportunity to learn how to do so (“North Carolina school stops same-sex classes, 2004”). However, such an argument completely ignores the fact that children constantly interact with members of the opposite sex outside school. From playing and squabbling with siblings to negotiating allowances, chores, and privileges with their opposite-sex parent, children learn and practice on a daily basis the skills they will need in their future workplaces. The final argument advanced by opponents of same-sex education is that it is discriminatory and, therefore, unconstitutional. However, research supports exactly the opposite conclusion: that discrimination is widespread in mixed classes. Several studies have shown that boys dominate discussions and receive more attention than girls and that teachers call on boys more often than they call on girls, even when girls raise their hands (“North Carolina school stops same-sex classes, 2004”). Clearly, this is discriminatory. It should be evident that the arguments against same-sex classes are not valid. On the contrary, many people involved in middle-school education say that same-sex classes provide a better learning environment. Boys and girls pat less attention to each other and more attention to their schoolwork (“Marquez, Laura. No distraction? 2004”). As one teacher noted, “Girls are more relaxed and ask more questions; boys are less disruptive and more focused” (“North Carolina school stops same-sex classes, 2004”). Girls are less fearful of making mistakes and asking questions in math and science; boys are less inhabited about sharing their ideas in language and literature. Furthermore, schoolchildren are not disadvantaged by lack of contact with the opposite sex because they have many opportunities outside the school setting to interact with one another. Finally, discrimination occurs in mixed classes, so discrimination is not a valid argument. Therefore, in my opinion, the law prohibiting same-sex classes in public schools should be changed.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    9/11 Attacks

    • 488 Words
    • 2 Pages

    9. Argumentation is a process of reasoning that asserts the soundness of a debatable position, belief, or conclusion.…

    • 488 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade an audience. Academic writers use rhetoric (language designed to have a persuasive effect) to persuade or convince readers that their position on an issue or topic is the correct one. In his study of rhetoric, the Greek philosopher Aristotle designed a model called a “rhetorical triangle.” This model describes every act of speech or text as being composed of three parts: the subject, the speaker, and the audience. According to Aristotle, all three points on this triangle must be taken into consideration in order to produce a successful persuasive…

    • 8284 Words
    • 34 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    An argument's a method for communicating a singular position w/evidence, logic, & persuasion. There are essential elements to all valid arguments, though they may take different forms.…

    • 932 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Arguments can happen in simple conversations between friends and coworkers. For example, “Sara was trying to convince her friend to join her in the library to study for their upcoming Organic chemistry exam. Sara states that the library is a good place to study because it has textbooks, computers and quiet environment making it the ideal location to study.” In this situation, Sara is trying to convince her friend to join study together for their upcoming organic chemistry test. Sara states several reasons on why they should study in the library such as the library containing textbooks on the given topic. The books will provide several different sources written by professors on the subject. The library will provide several computers where they can get unlimited information on the subject. Also, the library is a quiet environment that can enable maximum concentration on the subject. In this example, an argument is an idea that one is trying to prove to their audience…

    • 590 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Modest Proposal

    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages

    There are many different ways to write an argumentative paper. An argumentative paper is a paper designed to push a reader toward an idea or feeling an author evokes (Skywire 332). An author will try to make ludicrous ideas seem more appealing to the reader. "A Modest Proposal" is a great example of this technique.…

    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Rhetorical Essay

    • 899 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade the audience that their ideas are valid or more valid then other authors. Greek philosopher and writer, Aristotle, divided persuasion into three sections: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. These persuasion guidelines give readers a sense of credibility, emotion, and reasoning.…

    • 899 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Today rhetoric such as, epideictic and deliberative, is a part of language that is often given a negative connotation. It is usually perceived that corrupt politicians and sales persons use rhetoric in arguments to conceal the truth. In actuality, epideictic and deliberative appeal are rhetoric that should be seen as an important part of language. These kinds of rhetoric can help communicate ones point across and create something easily understood by the audience. Language is powerful and can be used to transform ideas and thoughts. Epideictic and deliberative appeal are useful tools that makes use of the power of language to more efficiently inform others of what we think, or persuade others of certain ideas. However,…

    • 1212 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Logical Fallacies Handout

    • 501 Words
    • 2 Pages

    In an argumentative essay, the writer attempts to persuade the reader through the logic or rationality of her argument. If the writer’s essay is based on emotions or feelings, or if the rational thought is flawed (and therefore not rational), the argument loses its strength. Below is a list of logical errors commonly made by students in argumentative essays:…

    • 501 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    U.S constitution

    • 1674 Words
    • 7 Pages

    An essay is a piece of writing that methodically analyses and evaluates a topic or issue. Fundamentally, an essay is designed to get your academic opinion on a particular matter.…

    • 1674 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Argument is an important activity in the advancement of knowledge and society. There are many ways to express your self in this world, art, music, writing, speaking, etc. Within those things are countless approaches to getting your point across, or defending your side of an argument. Some of these methods are more effective at showing others that your way is the right way.…

    • 1215 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    An Argumentative Research Essay is an exploration of a topic in which a point of view is declared in the thesis…

    • 1018 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    First of all, let’s talk about the common misconceptions of the word “argument.” When mentioning “argument,” people usually picture two or more people yelling at each other in anger and disagreement. However, the book Writing Arguments suggests, “Argument does not imply anger. In fact, arguing is often pleasurable.” (2). Argument is often mistaken with a fight or a debate. These words are often used interchangeably in everyday situations and, to many people, convey the same meaning. Nevertheless, according to the book Writing Arguments: a rhetoric with readings, “argument is a creative and…

    • 409 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Best Essays

    Collaboration and Argument

    • 2218 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Argument is defined as controversy or the implication of expression through opinions for an effort to persuade; for the submission that provides support or is in contrast to some idea.…

    • 2218 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Good Essays

    how to pay for health care and proving that the counter argument is flawed. All of…

    • 557 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    drug

    • 956 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Throughout this 8-week semester, I have been learning how to write argumentative essays using the provided articles as well as the ones I find on my own to help support my arguments. I like how the first three papers are designed as a step by step teaching tool. For example, paper one teaches me how to read and summarize the articles and to give a short response to each article. This is very helpful, because without having a deep understanding of the issue being discussed, I would not be able to generate my opinion and present it to the audience. The second paper requires more than reading and summarizing. This paper actually introduces me to argumentative research essays by asking me to find one additional resource to support my arguments. The third paper, which is also the biggest research paper, requires me to have a well-broad understanding of the complexity of the topic and to be able to utilize three to four resources to effectively support my position. Thus, instead of throwing all the class material to me all at once, this class has taught me how to develop an argumentative paper step by step and provided me with a much stronger knowledge base about argumentative essays. However, writing argumentative essay is a challenging process. It requires a lot of thinking, researching and organization in order to create a well written paper.…

    • 956 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays