Matters of Opinion

Explores the pros and cons of several issues related to food in the schools including; whether people have the right to eat whatever they want, and whether the federal government should control what students eat and weigh. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as understanding the difference between fact and opinion, name calling and examining evidence. Contains essay-writing exercises. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, and places to go for further research. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening.

Explores pros and cons of several issues related to bullying including; whether the internet is to blame, if schools are doing enough to prevent it, and punishments associated with bullying. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as; the bandwagon technique, scapegoating, and bias. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, additional resources and step-by-step instructions for writing an opinion-based essay. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Correlations available on publisher's website.

Explores the pros and cons of several smoking-related issues including; personal responsibility, corporate responsibility, second-hand smoke, and banning smoking. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as; slippery slope, scare tactics and using testimonials. Contains essay-writing exercises. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, and places to go for further research. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening.

Explores the pros and cons of several issues related to video games including; whether video games cause violence, discourage exercise, and require proper regulation. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as evaluating the author's credibility, recognizing deceptive arguments, and logical fallacies. Contains essay-writing exercises. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, and places to go for further research. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening.

Explores pros and cons of several issues related to school violence including; is a violent culture to blame, are schools secure enough, and are non-violence courses a solution. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as; the bandwagon technique, scapegoating, and bias. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, additional resources and step-by-step instructions for writing an opinion-based essay. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Correlations available on publisher's website.

Explores pros and cons of several issues related to obesity including; is the food industry at fault, can the government help prevent it, and effective treatments. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as; the bandwagon technique, scapegoating, and bias. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, additional resources and step-by-step instructions for writing an opinion-based essay. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Correlations available on publisher's website.

Explores pros and cons of several issues related to cheating including; how widespread it is, why it happens, and ways to prevent it. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as; the bandwagon technique, scapegoating, and bias. Contains essay-writing exercises. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, and places to go for further research. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening.

Explores the pros and cons of several issues related to recycling including; if it benefits the environment and is it economically efficient. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history. Describes common argumentative techniques such as; using facts to support an argument, using testimonials and understanding the difference between fact and opinion. Contains essay-writing exercises. Includes bibliographic notes, timeline, glossary, index, and places to go for further research. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening.