Text Practice: Analyzing Arguments

Middle and high schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep, and their natural sleep patterns make it hard to fall asleep before 11 p.m. When schools start at 7:30 a.m., most students are sleep-deprived.

Some people argue that later start times would interfere with after-school activities and parents' work schedules. However, districts that have made the switch report that students adjusted quickly, and the benefits to academic performance far outweighed the scheduling challenges. Schools that start later see higher test scores and fewer absences.

Cities should ban single-use plastic bags. Every year, Americans use over 100 billion plastic bags, and fewer than 5% are recycled. These bags take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills, and millions end up in oceans where they harm sea life.

Critics say that plastic bags are convenient and that reusable bags are expensive. While convenience matters, many stores now sell reusable bags for under a dollar, and people quickly get used to bringing their own bags. The small inconvenience is worth protecting our environment for future generations.

All public schools should require students to wear uniforms. Studies show that schools with uniform policies have 12% fewer discipline problems. Uniforms also reduce bullying related to clothing brands and help families save money on school clothes.

Some students argue that uniforms limit their freedom to express themselves through fashion. However, self-expression can happen through art, sports, clubs, and how students treat others. Character matters more than clothing, and uniforms help students focus on learning rather than appearances.

Elementary schools should limit homework to 30 minutes per night. Research shows that excessive homework causes stress and takes time away from important activities like playing outside, reading for fun, and spending time with family. A Stanford study found that too much homework can lead to sleep problems and decreased motivation.

Teachers might worry that less homework means less practice. But studies show that the quality of practice matters more than quantity. Shorter, focused assignments are more effective than hours of busy work. Students who have reasonable homework loads actually perform better on tests.