Instructions
Follow the instructions for each section below. Read each part carefully and try your best. Have fun with your writing!
Part 1: The Great Homework Debate
Write one strong paragraph arguing your opinion on the topic: Why homework should (or shouldn’t) be banned.
Your paragraph must include at least three of the following persuasive techniques. Here’s a quick reminder of what they are:
- Emotive Words: Words that create a strong emotional reaction (e.g., miserable, wonderful, heartbreaking, joyful).
- Rhetorical Question: A question asked to make a point, not to get an answer (e.g., Don't we all deserve a break?).
- Exaggeration (Hyperbole): Making something sound bigger, worse, or better than it actually is for effect (e.g., I have a million hours of homework!).
Write your paragraph here:
Part 2: A Stormy Start
Continue the story below. What are you waiting for? What happens next? Try to write at least two more paragraphs and let your imagination run wild!
“The wind howled through the cracks in the windows as I waited…”
Answer Key
Part 1: The Great Homework Debate
Remember, your paragraph will be different, and that's great! Below are two examples to show you how the techniques could be used. Check your own work to see if you used at least three techniques.
Example (Arguing FOR banning homework):
It is absolutely time to ban the soul-crushing (emotive word) burden of homework. After spending a million hours (exaggeration) locked in a classroom, why should we be forced to continue the misery (emotive word) at home? This endless pile of work is a thief of childhood, stealing precious time that could be spent with family, playing outside, or just resting our exhausted minds. Don't students deserve a chance to simply be kids? (rhetorical question) Getting rid of homework is the only sensible choice for our well-being.
Example (Arguing AGAINST banning homework):
Banning homework would be a disastrous (emotive word) mistake for students everywhere. How are we supposed to truly learn anything if we don't practice it at home? (rhetorical question) This vital reinforcement helps concepts stick in our minds, preventing a future where we forget everything the second the bell rings. Without it, we would face a mountain of studying (exaggeration) before tests, a truly miserable (emotive word) experience that would crush our spirits. Banning homework isn't a gift; it's a trap that would weaken our learning.
Part 2: A Stormy Start
There is no single correct answer for the creative writing starter. Your story should be checked for:
- Creativity and an interesting plot.
- Good use of descriptive language (adjectives, adverbs, sensory details).
- Correct grammar and punctuation.