The author argues that high schools do not provide enough opportunities for independence and social interaction, which are important for development. An alternative school was created where students designed their own curriculum. The author believes high schools need to rethink their structure to better support student independence and social skills.

2. I agree/disagree because Evidence Makes me think that Details from text: “ women become victims, men become oppressors”; “95% of prison pop is male”; “87% of that group was raised in a fatherless home” Reading In Of Mice and Men , it doesn’t seem that George or any of the guys are connected to one parent, let alone 2. Observations I have a friend, Astrid, who grew up without a dad, in that he was mostly in Hong Kong for business, but her parents were still married and they skyped a lot. She became a teacher. I have another friend whose parents divorced and she tends to dress more maturely than she should at her age. She seems boy-crazy. -definitely a large statistic to make me sit up straight and pay attention. -wonder if it would be the same if it was mothers instead? What about kids raised by a mom and grandma? What about military kids? What about same-sex parent duos? -seems to support the author’s argument b/c the guys are “bindle stiffs”, no home, family, place of their own, tendency to drink, seek out prostitutes, get in trouble with the law or with the “boss.” So, this dad wasn’t physically there, but he was emotionally there. She seemed to turn out confident and independent. This friend is still in high school, but I am worried about her. Her grades are low and her mom is strict, while her dad is very lax with the rules. It seems like the parents not being on the same page is harmful to my friend. Disagree Agree

3. (HOOK – ATTENTION GETTER, SAVE A FEW LINES AND TIME BY WRITING THIS AT THE END OF THE TIMED ESSAY PERIOD). Author ( first name last name) argues that ( the problem/topic presented in the prompt) is ( tone/attitude of author toward problem/topic). Because of ( reason you agree or disagree ) and ( second reason you A/D) , I, too, believe that ( state argument of the writer in your own words or from your perspective) . When ( explain effects/consequences of problem) , one should always consider ( value, moral, principle, truth of human nature) . Even if this view seems ( preview the claim 3 rebuttal) , remembering that ( underlying principle proving your thesis) can ( positive results) (*Notice the parallel discussion of effects – this is the “so what” – why this matters.. The so what effects are helpful in the conclusion). THESE FOUR LINES REPRESENT THE REST OF THE ESSAY. OBVIOUSLY, THEY AREN’T REALLY THIS SMALL.

4. (HOOK – ATTENTION GETTER, SAVE A FEW LINES AND TIME BY WRITING THIS AT THE END OF THE TIMED ESSAY PERIOD). Author Don Miller argues that homes without fathers are missing the key to a child’s well-being, growth, and maturation toward a successful adult life. Because of the challenges single parents face and because a team of rivals is better than a team of one, I too, believe that two parents in a home allow for a child to be better supervised and nourished emotionally and physically. When an adult is beset with challenges like violence, illness, homelessness, or instability, one should always consider whether this individual was nurtured by two parents during childhood or simply dragged along for the ride by one parent. Even if this view seems to exclude same-sex parents or homes where grandparents serve as the primary adults, remember that two minds, even in disagreement can nurture a child better than one parent who has no one with whom he or she can share ideas, strategies, or frustrations. THESE FOUR LINES REPRESENT THE REST OF THE ESSAY. OBVIOUSLY, THEY AREN’T REALLY THIS SMALL.