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Debate Assignments

Instructors
Term
Spring 2020
Department
Coral Teachers
Description
Hello, Scholars! I know this is a strange time, with lots of uncertainty. However, we have courage and we can adapt quickly to unique situations! Please continue to be optimistic about all the changes that are going on around us!
 
I will be posting all assignments here, please check back regularly for updates or communication from me. 
 
The best way to contact me right now is via e-mail. My work phone is getting fixed so I do not have access to it right now. Once I have that back, I'll upload that phone number for quicker access to me. However, I am constantly checking my e-mail and I'll respond very quickly to any question you have. Also, ClassDojo is a safe app to communicate as well. 
 
Remember in this historical time that you should be assertive, resilient, and display grit when needed! Advocate for yourself, take responsibility and be successful! 

Assignment Calendar

Upcoming Assignments RSS Feed

No upcoming assignments.

Past Assignments

Due:

Catch Up!

Catch Up!

Several of my scholars are missing several assignments which is negatively effecting your grade. I am posting what I have taken for a grade, if you know that you have not turned these assignments, please take this week to complete that and get up to date with your responsibilities for English II.

Grades Currently Entered for English II:

  1. Introduction Email
  2. 4 “Article of the Week” Assignments
  3. 4 Different “ReadWorks” Assignments (there will be more, but that’s what is posted now)
  4. “Before I Die” Essay
  5. Controversial Topic Choice
  6. Controversial Essay (TEST GRADE!)

 

Also, in ReadWorks there are a few of you that do not have your names, so I cannot give you proper credit. I don't know the following people:

FOR evrLEGEND 

 

Scholars, just like in my classroom, I do not create "busy work" for you! If I assign the work, I feel that you deserve the respect of that work to be graded! Therefore, if it's been assigned, it is a grade; please give me the same respect and complete the work that is requested.

If you'd like to know your current grade or what you're missing - please let me know! 

I know that we are in trying/difficult time. I do know that we are resilient enough to pull ourselves together and be productive. Communication is very important! If you need anything at all, please reach out! I am willing and able to help at any time.

My contact info follows: [email protected] OR work cell: 346-802-5389. 

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE NINTH DUE DATE IS MAY 3, 2020! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE EIGHTH DUE DATE IS APRIL 29, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE SEVENTH DUE DATE IS APRIL 26, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

  • Chose ANY article from the following link:
     
     
    Do not chose an article we have already completed in class! It MUST be from the "ARCHIVES" link. Please do NOT use the link we have been using previously. These articles from the archives are VAST so go through and find an article that really peaks your interest but also that discussed some debatable topic. 
     
    Read the article! Answer ALL THREE QUESTIONS  that are included at the bottom of the article chosen. Respond in paragraph/essay format via e-mail. If it's handwritten, take a photo and send it back via e-mail.
     
    You'll be completing one of these each week! Contact me with any questions!
  •  

Due:

Assignment

Chose ANY article from the following link:
 
 
Do not chose an article we have already completed in class! It MUST be from the "ARCHIVES" link. Please do NOT use the link we have been using previously. These articles from the archives are VAST so go through and find an article that really peaks your interest but also that discussed some debatable topic. 
 
Read the article! Answer ALL THREE QUESTIONS  that are included at the bottom of the article chosen. Respond in paragraph/essay format via e-mail. If it's handwritten, take a photo and send it back via e-mail.
 
You'll be completing one of these each week! Contact me with any questions!

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE SIXTH DUE DATE IS APRIL 22, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE FIFTH DUE DATE IS APRIL 19, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

WRITE AN ESSAY.
 
Please respond to the following prompt:
 
Before I die, I want to______________________________
 
I would like to know how you fill in this blank. I am excited to see what the responses are from each of you! Please make sure to follow the directions posted below. 
 
1. Be specific. For example, if you want to travel, don't just put "I want to travel". Explain where you'd like to travel to and WHY you want to go to that place. 
2. Your choice! When writing essays we often get confused about paragraphs and points to discuss. So hopefully this helps....you can write about ONE topic for the entire essay OR you can speak about THREE different things you'd like to pursue before you die. 
3. It must be an entire essay, which means it should be a full page! Make sure you turn in an entire essay. 
4. Reach out with ANY questions. This is a simple essay that requires you to think about your own life and your own personal experiences. so everyone should be JUST fine! However, if you need any help at all, please reach out to me! 346-802-5389 OR [email protected]

Due:

Assignment

Chose ANY article from the following link:
 
 
Do not chose an article we have already completed in class! It MUST be from the "ARCHIVES" link. Please do NOT use the link we have been using previously. These articles from the archives are VAST so go through and find an article that really peaks your interest but also that discussed some debatable topic. 
 
Read the article! Answer ALL THREE QUESTIONS  that are included at the bottom of the article chosen. Respond in paragraph/essay format via e-mail. If it's handwritten, take a photo and send it back via e-mail.
 
You'll be completing one of these each week! Contact me with any questions!

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE FOURTH DUE DATE IS APRIL 15, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

Please watch the following video! You might find it a little cringy, but it STILL has a good, inspirational message! Remember that....
 
I'd like you to watch it and reflect on it. You'll be using your reflection for your essay due later this week. 
 
 

Due:

Assignment

Good Morning, Scholars! PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST!!!!! Nothing is due, but I want you to be updated/informed. Thank you!! Miss you guys.
 
I hope you all had a relaxing Easter weekend; I know we have all earned the time off. The distance learning is a difficult process for all of us. I want to thank those that have worked hard to turn work in on time, who have communicated effectively and are succeeding during this weird and hard time! Great job!!
 
My email inbox is FULL! I will be working over the next couple of days to grade all the work that was turned in over the long weekend, and get grades back to you. Most likely I did receive your work, so do not worry! However, if by Wednesday you haven't heard back from me with a grade for test/work, then it would be wise to reach out and confirm. 
 
Just a quick reminder that I am working on regular school hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Although I am willing to accept texts and phone calls outside of those times (before or after the posted times), please refrain from texting or calling after 9:00 pm. If you are working outside of 9:00 pm and would like to contact me, please use email as a form of communication. Thank you!
 
If you have any questions, need help with anything, or did not turn in work yet from April 10th, please get on that NOW! I will still accept work even though it is late. Remember communication is a very important and powerful tool; please use it! 
 
Again, if you cant find them, below are ways to contact me:
 
WORK CELL: 346-802-5389

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE THIRD DUE DATE IS APRIL 12, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

Chose ANY article from the following link:
 
 
Read the article! Answer TWO out of the three questions that are included at the bottom of the article chosen. Respond in paragraph format via e-mail. If it's handwritten, take a photo and send it back via e-mail. Contact me with any questions! 

Due:

Assignment

Use your controversial article chosen earlier to write an argumentative essay about the topic YOU chose. 
 
Write both sides of the argument. Do not include your opinion. 
 
Below is an example of what is expected for this assignment. Should you have questions, please reach out! Thank you. 
 
Response example written & shared with permission from Jonas Cadena:
 
I stand with the side that agrees this is a little ridiculous.
 
This part of my argument will be for the purchase of books for the public. A book should only ever be banned if it is explicitly expressing racist, sexist, or terrorist ideas. When I say this, I mean the book should be banned if it says "Black people should still be slaves, women serve only to cook and reproduce, and I want to make sure the airplane doesn't miss the Pentagon this time." Obviously these topics are awful and those statements go against our rights in the constitution, so if any book holds these they should be banned. However, I am sure if any books did say this, the publisher would not have printed this on their printing presses for obvious reasons, so having stated this, no book should ever be banned. If a book ever reaches this level of filth, it will likely never reach the shelves; if a book is on the shelves it should never be taken off the shelves if it doesn't reach these levels. The books can be approaching this level of filthy or bigotry due to the bias of the author, but if it is done in a respectable manner, for the sake of an argument, or to express their controversial opinions, the books should be allowed on the shelves to the readers' discretion.
 
This part of the argument will be for the books available to children in school or public libraries. Referring to the controversial books in the first part of my argument, I still say they should be available to the public, but I do agree that not all of these books should be available to all ages of children. It seems to me that the people who first created this issue don't know how to filter the more adult books from the others that might be acceptable to kids. The only way their argument works is if they bundle all explicit books together. For example, they would ban both of these books in a school library. Book 1: The plot is about a 17-year-old boy taking a 17-year-old girl to the senior prom and kissing her at the end of the book. Telling the story of two innocent high school sweethearts. Book 2: The plot is about two well-matured adults sharing their story as married swingers that like to enjoy sexual and kinky experiences with strangers. Telling an explicit story of all the body parts used and touched. 
To the people who want to ban books in school libraries, these two filthy books are the same and their evil text should not be a middle schooler's hands. This argument falls apart when you can't tell the difference between these two works. I agree that the middle schooler should not have the book about explicit sex, but I stand with the idea that they should be able to read the book about the two high school sweethearts. But! Notice how I said a middle schooler should not have the book about sex. Maybe in a case where the student is mature, such as a high schooler, they should be able to read the story about sex. It might be for research, they enjoy the author's work, they like the genre of the books or any other reason the reader has to read the book. Who am I to judge why they are reading it. If they are causing no harm by reading it, should be allowed. But! If they aren't mature, the school doesn't buy the book because why would their students need to read this, or the library doesn't have those books, then the high schooler can't read that book. But! notice once again that I have yet to say the student cannot read that book because it is banned. The book is not banned, and it exists elsewhere. If they really want to read it, the student should be able to find it. Under no circumstances should a book be banned from anyone to read. In any case, anybody should be allowed to read any book with the supervision of their superiors given the fact that they are not to read certain books yet because they are not mature enough.
 
My main argument is as above, but this is just another obstacle I would like to place in front of my opponents. Let us say the sex book was in a middle school library. Let us say it is in a faraway corner of the library and at the top of the shelve. Why can the book not rest there? Of course, there is a chance an under-aged audience finds the book and wants to check it out. But what is stopping the librarian from simply denying the underage reader?  Isn't that their job? To oversee the obvious issues in the library. 
 
Furthermore,  books are not dangerous in showing explicit content. Picture this. Same library. Same middle schooler. Same book. If the student has the book in his hands. Do my opponents think his mind will be immediately flooded with naughty images of two adults. No. Of course not. The kid would have to sit down, open the book, read multiple pages, have the intelligence to know what the author is talking about, have the intelligence to create a picture of the scene in his mind, and have to interpret the knowledge of the book in his head for it to do any damage. This cannot possibly be a greater threat than the internet. Easily, the middle schooler could click a link, it opens a page, and bang he's staring a picture of naked women on the internet. This is the real danger. This way, all he has to do is click one button, and there is no thinking involved. With the book, he would have to follow the story and imagine the woman's delicate parts. With the internet, one-click, and he no longer has to imagine because he can see them on the screen. If my opponents want to ban something, they should go after a more serious threat. A web page can do more harm to a middle schooler's mind than any book can.

Due:

Assignment

Please do not forget your ReadWorks assignments. The next passage is due April 8th, 2020. Although we should have all figured out how to work the system by the second assignment, I am posting the directions again below. If you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 
  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: WXPQDS (ELA II) ----- SHJ6ZZ (Debate)
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE SECOND DUE DATE IS APRIL 8, 2020! Several more due dates follow! Please check both sites regularly.

Due:

Assignment

Hello, Scholars! I hope this new assignment finds you all doing well. I know that the world has changed quickly around us, but we must adapt and do our best to continue to be successful. Because Governor Abbot has changed the date that we are returning to school, I have a new account I would like you to create. It's a very simple, easy process and it will be a great way for us to still get in our reading, writing and vocabulary work and learn new things as we go! The directions for how to complete this process are posted below, however, as always, if you need any help at all, please feel free to e-mail me ([email protected]) or to text/call me on my work phone (346-802-5389). 

  1. Follow/copy this link to go to the ReadWorks website: www.readworks.org/student
  2. Enter the class code: SHJ6ZZ
  3. Follow the instructions to log in. 
  4. There are two assignments posted for each week. They usually start/end on Sunday and Wednesday. The due dates are clearly listed in the system. 
  5. Again, please know, that you can reach out to me at any time via my work cell phone or HGA email!
  6. THE FIRST DUE DATE IS APRIL 5, 2020! The next due date is April 8th, 2020; several more due dates follow! 

 

These assignments will continue for the rest of the time we are scheduled to be off - May 4th, 2020. So pay close attention to the due dates in ReadWorks! Of course, if anything changes, I will update you. 

Due:

Assignment

Hello!! Good evening! This assignment is ONLY for scholars who have NOT received an email back from me!! 

If you have emailed me assignments, I have replied with a grade, and you feel secure in your work for me, feel free to ignore this message! 
 
However, if you have emailed me work, and you think I have not replied please follow theses instructions:
 
1. log into your email account (gmail, hotmail, iCloud, yahoo, msn, whatever account you have for emails....)
2. compose a new email 
3. copy the address below:
4. paste it in the “To” section of the new email! 
5. let me know that I have not replied and you sent work! Attach the in the email to me! 

Some people are having problems receiving emails back after sending me an email from the HGA website! If you think that is you, please do this assignment! If you are simply ignoring the assignments, please know you will earn zeros and will fail English II and will have to retake this semester again next year! Please text or call if you have questions! My work number is 346-802-5389. Thank you!! 

Due:

Assignment

Using your previously chosen article, answer ONE of the following questions.
 
1. Which side of this controversy to I fall on? OR Which side/stance do I take? 

2. What is the point of view from the OPPOSING viewpoint? What can I learn from the opposite side? 

3. Why is this controversy relevant? Why did I chose this article and what makes it important to me personally and to society today? 

Due:

Assignment

Do some research online!
 
Chose ANY WRITTEN ARTICLE (found in newspaper, blog, magazine....) that discusses any controversial current event. 

Email me a link or a copy of that article! 

Rubric:
Grade Level Appropriate: 25 points
School Appropriate: 25 points 
Presents Debatable Topic/Controversial: 25 points 
Shows “out of the box” thinking: 25 points 
 
Ms. A'mya Martinez was kind enough to share the following website: www.procon.org She says that it shows lots of different options and provides both sides of the argument! (literally what I'm asking you to do!!) Thanks, A'mya!! :-)

Due:

Assignment

This assignment makes sure we are ALL connected! It's an easy way to earn a 100. 
 
1. Send me an e-mail with your full name, and what class you take with me. Include an easy way to contact your parents. 
2. Subscribe to this class on this site. 
3. Include one question you have about this process or a concern you have moving forward. 
 
Make sure that you always get a response from me when you send me an e-mail! It may be simple (such as: "Got it" or "Thank you") but this proves that I saw your e-mail and took a grade for the assignment. If you do not hear back from me within 24 hours, send another e-mail and double check with me that I saw yours! 
 
Remember: you are responsible for your own success! Be an advocate for yourself! I know this adjustment is hard, but I know you can all be successful if you continue to be resilient, assertive and use some grit!! ;-)