Essay Prompt: Write a 6 paragraph argumentative essay. Your essay will include an argumentative thesis and three reasons to back your claim.
List of Argumentative Topics to choose from:
The impact of social media on teenage relationships and communication.
The benefits/drawbacks of homeschooling versus traditional schooling.
Is the use of smartphones in classrooms a distraction or a valuable educational tool?
The importance of teaching financial literacy in high school.
Are standardized tests an accurate measure of a student's knowledge and abilities?
Should students be allowed to choose their own courses and tailor their education to their interests?
The effects of fast food consumption on teenagers' health and lifestyle.
Should the voting age be lowered to 16, allowing younger citizens to participate in democratic processes?
Exploring the impact of video games on academic performance and behavior.
Is censorship ever justified in the context of literature and media for young adults?
The role of extracurricular activities in shaping a well-rounded student.
The pros/cons of year-round schooling versus the traditional academic calendar.
Discussing the environmental impact of single-use plastics and advocating for sustainable alternatives.
Analyzing the impact of climate change and the role of individuals and governments in addressing it.
The influence of advertising and media on body image and self-esteem among teenagers.
These topics cover a range of issues that are relevant to 9th graders, encouraging them to think critically and develop their argumentative writing skills.
Instructions:
Header:
Your essay should have a proper MLA header, including your name, instructor's name, course, and date.
Title:
Create a compelling title that reflects the essence of your argument.
Introduction (1 paragraph):
Begin with a hook to grab the reader's attention.
Provide context for the debate of your topic (background of the issue).
Clearly state your thesis, outlining your stance on your topic. This must include your three points that back your argument.
For Example: Excessive consumption of fast food among teenagers poses a significant threat to their overall health and lifestyle, leading to detrimental consequences such as increased risk of obesity, poor nutritional habits, and adverse impacts on mental well-being.
Body Paragraphs (3 paragraphs):
Dedicate one paragraph to each main point supporting your thesis.
Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
Provide examples, statistics, or anecdotes to support your arguments.
Include in-text citations for any information that is not common knowledge (Author's last name page number).
Counterargument Paragraph (1 paragraph):
Address a counterargument to your thesis.
Refute the counterargument with evidence and reasoning.
This demonstrates your awareness of opposing views and strengthens your overall argument.
Conclusion (1 paragraph):
Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a conclusive manner.
End with a thought-provoking statement or call to action.
Reference Page:
Include a reference page with proper MLA citation for all sources used.
Arrange entries alphabetically by the author's last name.
Include the author's name, title of the source, title of the container (if applicable), publication date, and URL (if applicable).
Formatting:
Use a standard font (such as Times New Roman) and double spacing throughout the essay.
Follow MLA guidelines for font size, margins, and page numbering.
The Impact of Social Media on Teenage Relationships and Communication
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of teenagers' lives. However, the impact of social media on teenage relationships and communication is a topic of heated debate. While some argue that social media enhances connections and facilitates communication, others are concerned about its negative effects on interpersonal relationships. This essay will argue that social media has a detrimental impact on teenage relationships and communication because it promotes shallow interactions, encourages comparison and jealousy, and can lead to cyberbullying.
First and foremost, social media promotes shallow interactions among teenagers. Instead of engaging in meaningful face-to-face conversations, many adolescents prefer to communicate through likes, comments, and emojis. This superficial mode of interaction can hinder the development of deep and meaningful relationships. Without the nuances of tone, body language, and facial expressions, messages can be easily misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. As a result, social media can undermine the quality of teenage relationships by promoting superficial connections over meaningful conversations.
Furthermore, social media encourages comparison and jealousy among teenagers. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are filled with carefully curated posts that showcase the highlights of individuals' lives. This constant exposure to idealized images can create feelings of inadequacy and insecurity among teenagers. They may feel pressured to live up to unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness portrayed on social media, leading to low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their own lives. This culture of comparison and jealousy can strain teenage relationships and hinder genuine communication.
In addition, social media can lead to cyberbullying, which has serious consequences for teenagers' mental and emotional well-being. The anonymity and distance provided by social media platforms make it easier for individuals to engage in hurtful behavior online. Cyberbullying can take many forms, such as spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos, or sending threatening messages. The impact of cyberbullying on teenagers can be devastating, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. This hostile online environment can erode trust and communication in teenage relationships, creating a toxic atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Despite the arguments that social media enhances connections and facilitates communication, it is evident that the negative impact of social media on teenage relationships and communication cannot be ignored. By promoting shallow interactions, encouraging comparison and jealousy, and facilitating cyberbullying, social media has detrimental effects on adolescents' social and emotional well-being. To mitigate these harmful effects, it is essential for teenagers to be aware of the pitfalls of social media and to prioritize authentic, meaningful relationships in their offline interactions. Only then can we foster healthy relationships and effective communication among teenagers in the digital age.