You will complete an Argument based on the topic you choose.

Question

Select one topic to research. You may choose from one of the following questions:
Should teens be allowed to play dangerous sports?
Should volunteering be required to graduate high school?
Should bullies be legally responsible for their actions?
Choose one side of the issue: Submit your work in 06.04 Organize Your Argument.If you cannot save your worksheet, you can type the information into a document and submit.
The question your essay will answer
A claim clearly stating your stance on the issue that is written in the third person point of view, does not include emotions or feelings, and can be supported with facts
Reason 1 why readers should agree with your claim. Evidence/support for the reason. A reliable source for the information
Reason 2 why readers should agree with your claim. Evidence/support for the reason. A reliable source for the information
Counterclaim
Rebuttal with evidence from a reliable source

Answer 1

The question my essay will answer: Should volunteering be required to graduate high school?

Claim: Requiring high school students to complete a set amount of volunteer hours before graduation is beneficial for both the student and the community they serve.

Reason 1: Through volunteering, students learn important life skills and gain experience that will benefit them in future professional settings. According to a study by The Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers are more likely to obtain leadership positions and increase their employability.

Evidence: The same study discovered that volunteering can help students develop communication and problem-solving skills, as well as an increased sense of empathy and concern for those in need. Students who engage in community service also have the opportunity to network with professionals in different fields.

Reason 2: Mandatory volunteering promotes a sense of civic responsibility and empathy in young people, leading to a more engaged and compassionate society. Engaging in meaningful community service helps students feel more connected to their community and encourages them to be active citizens.

Evidence: In a study conducted by The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, students who participated in service learning demonstrated improved academic performance and increased participation in extracurricular activities. Additionally, volunteering can increase a student's sense of pride and self-esteem.

Counterclaim: Volunteering should not be mandatory because it takes away from the students' free time and can cause stress.

Rebuttal: While it is true that mandatory volunteering may initially cause stress, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term discomfort. Additionally, by completing required community service hours, students are contributing to a greater good and learning the value of sacrificing time for the benefit of others. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, volunteering can also benefit a student's college application and increase their chances of being admitted to a top university.

Overall, mandatory volunteering is a positive requirement for high school graduation. It teaches important life skills, promotes a sense of civic responsibility, and can improve academic and professional outcomes for students, all while benefiting the community at large.