Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 5:  PERSUASIVE WRITING (2 DAYS)

Self Check Answers

Answers may vary. If you do not understand something, contact your teacher.

Write a letter to Prosper Town Council that will persuade them to either ACCEPT or REJECT the proposed video game ban.

Based on the information package, organize your notes as follows, then use the notes to write your persuasive letter.

For banning video games                                                                                                                     

  • These games promote questionable values
  • These games glorify of senseless violence
  • There is potential for a link between make believe violence and real violent behavior
  • A ban of video games will support school administrators in their efforts to ensure games are not played by children
  • Potential for negative long tern consequences to exposing young people to constant violence. At worst, this will desensitize people to real violence.
  • It may also contribute to future violent behavior

people under the age of 18 cannot drink in bars or vote in elections; they should not be sidestepping the ratings process when it comes to adult-oriented video games either. (school counselor)


Against banning video games

  • A video game ban is a violation of students' rights
  • parents are responsible for determining what is appropriate for their own children
  • A ban is difficult to enforce
  • New banning video rules only complicates teachers' roles if having to enforce while trying to teach

Some psychologists have theorized that make-believe violence offers an outlet or release for those with aggressive tendencies, and may reduce the likelihood of such people committing real acts of violence. (prosper resident)

Good evening everyone.
This evening I would like to talk about the proposal to ban of specific video game on school grounds throughout Prosper Schools. Although there may be arguments in favor of banning video games throughout Prosper Schools, this is both difficult to legislate and unwarranted. 
(continue to present your facts in a similar pattern to this).

Or...

Good evening everyone.
This evening I would like to talk about the proposal to ban of specific video game on school grounds throughout Prosper Schools. While parents should be allowed jurisdiction over what video games their children play at home, schools should be responsible for securing the safety of all students within the educational facilities. This means they should have the right to ban video games that are inappropriate so that they may reduce all student exposure to such games. 
(continue to present your facts in a similar pattern to this).