When schools need to cut their budgets, music and art classes are often some of the first things to go. Why do some people feel these classes are unnecessary? Why do others feel they're essential?
Water is a natural resource we need to survive. Knowing this, is it right that we have to pay for it? Readers explore the different ways this challenging question can be answered, developing strong critical thinking skills as they evaluate arguments for and against paying for water.
Why do boys and girls often play on separate sports teams? Some might argue that biological differences play a part in separating genders on the athletic field. Others might say that sexist mindsets are the main reason for the division of genders in sports.
The debate over junk food in schools brings up important points about childhood obesity, public health, and personal choice. All these issues are addressed as readers view arguments both for and against banning junk food in school cafeterias. The balanced, fact-filled text encourages readers to develop their own informed opinions about this issue that directly affects their lives.
Some people strongly believe boys and girls should go to separate schools. Others believe this separation isn't good for students. People on each side of this debate use different facts to support their point of view.
Debates over what time to start the school day are happening in many communities. Because this decision affects students, it's helpful for them to understand the arguments used on both sides and to form their own opinion about this issue.
Some politicians have gained fame in recent years for promoting the idea that a college education should be free. Is this a good idea? How could it be achieved?
"Fake news" is a term used by politicians and on social media. It can be difficult to know what news sources to trust, or if any can be trusted. The question of whether or not we should trust the news is at the center of this critical thinking exercise, which is also an accessible introduction to media literacy.
As young people are becoming louder voices for change, the idea of lowering the voting age has been brought up more often. While some people believe this would encourage teenagers to become more active citizens, others believe there are good reasons to keep the voting age at 18. As readers explore both sides of this debate, they learn essential facts to form and back up their own informed opiniā¦
In some countries, citizens are required to vote in elections, but in the United States, citizens are free to choose not to vote. This had led to low voter turnout in many elections, and some people think making voting mandatory for American citizens would help the democratic process. Why do they believe this, and why do others strongly disagree with them?