Do Teens Need Recess? Evaluating an Argument

Which statement best expresses the central idea of the text?

• The number of mental health issues for teens is growing quickly, and school administrators need to develop a plan that will address this crisis.

• High school schedules should include time for recess because it would improve the quality of life for students struggling with stress and anxiety.

• While most students say they could benefit from a recess period, providing extra time for extracurriculars and career development would be a more beneficial use of school day hours.

• Recess may improve teens' mental health by providing a movement break during the school day, but it could also cause students to experience stress because it takes away academic time.

What does it mean for something to be diagnosable?

• Identifiable by a doctor

• Unidentifiable

• Randomly determined

• Unpredictable

Tags

Understanding word meanings

What type of evidence does Ryan use to support his claim?

• Personal anecdotes

• Expert opinions

• Statistics

• Historical data

Tags

Evaluating reasons and evidence

What is the main difference between Ryan and Reagan's viewpoints on recess?

• Ryan believes in the benefits of physical and mental health, while Reagan focuses on the potential negative impact on education and extracurricular activities.

• Ryan believes recess is a waste of time, while Reagan believes it is essential for social development.

• Ryan emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, while Reagan prioritizes physical activity.

• Ryan and Reagan both agree that recess is crucial for overall well-being.

Tags

Understanding different points of view

What does 'beneficial' mean?

• Harmful

• Useless

• Helpful

• Unnecessary

Tags

Understanding word meanings

How does paragraph 4 develop the idea that recess would benefit students?

• It describes school classrooms as very uncomfortable for students.

• It provides facts about the mental health struggles many students face.

• It gives details about the different experiences students have at school.

• It explains that most students believe recess would improve their health.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which evidence from the article best supports Reagan Zuber's central claim about recess?

• "With only a few hurried minutes between classes, we get worn out, and it becomes increasingly hard to pay attention the longer we sit at our desks." (Paragraph 4)

• "If I'm forced to go to recess, that cuts back on the time allotted to my education — and that'll only hurt me in the long run." (Paragraph 10)

• "That's why many students enroll in electives and AP courses — we want to expand our horizons before entering the real world." (Paragraph 12)

• "And even if everyone is well behaved, I imagine plenty of teens would spend the period staring at their phones, rather than exercising or running around with friends." (Paragraph 13)

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does the phrase "blow off steam" in paragraph 6 mean?

• to experience intense anger

• to feel pressure in decision making

• to have a poor response to an upsetting situation

• to release unwanted stress or anger

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4