Should Middle School Students Have Recess? — Argumentative Writing — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 6th Grade persuasive writing writing prompt.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet6th Grade · English · Persuasive WritingShould Middle School Students Have Recess? — Argumentative Writing — Answers
Plan
Plan your claim, reasons, and counterclaim before you write.
- ARecess is something some schools have.
- BOur middle school should add a 20-minute recess every day.
- CI am going to write about recess.
- DDo you like recess?
Answer: Our middle school should add a 20-minute recess every day.
It states one clear position the writer can argue for.
- AThat is a silly thing to say.
- BRecess is fun, so it does not matter.
- CIt is true that recess uses class time; however, a short break can help students come back to class calmer and ready to focus, so the time that is left is used better.
- DSome people think that, but I disagree.
Answer: It is true that recess uses class time; however, a short break can help students come back to class calmer and ready to focus, so the time that is left is used better.
It admits what is true, then explains why the other side is outweighed.
Answer: Our middle school should add a 20-minute recess every day.
Answer: Students need to move. After sitting through several classes in a row, many students find it hard to sit still and pay attention.
Answer: Recess builds friendships. Unstructured time lets students meet classmates from other classes and practice solving problems together.
Answer: Some say recess takes time from learning. However, a short break can help students focus better when they return.
Answer: Please try a daily recess for one grading period and ask students and teachers how it went.
Write
Model answer: Dear Principal Garza, By the time sixth period begins, most of us have spent hours sitting at desks. It is no wonder that some of us find it hard to focus. I believe our middle school should add a 20-minute recess every day, because it would help students pay attention, build friendships, and stay active.
Success criteria:
- A clear claim in the introduction
- Two or three reasons, each supported by evidence or an example
- Each reason is explained: why it matters
- A counterclaim stated fairly and answered with a rebuttal
- Transitions connect ideas and paragraphs
- A conclusion restates the claim and includes a call to action
- A respectful, formal tone and a correct letter greeting and closing
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.