1. Circle the word that SIGNALS an argument.
2.Underline the phrases that give the author’s claim
3.Highlight in yellow the reasons in the author’s claim
4.and the COUNTERCLAIM - underline that
5.Highlight in another color, the reasons for the COUNTERCLAIM.

SAVE SPIRIT WEEK
By David Pinsky

Teachers at Harrison Middle school feel that Spirit week should be canceled. They argue that it interrupts classes in many ways. Students may forget to do their homework as they concentrate on the Spirit Week themes. A few students skip classes and some go to a different lunch period. Students spend extra time in the bathrooms combing their hair and adjusting their outfits. Some students goof around in class and find it hard to settle down. If Spirit Week isn’t canceled, teachers warn that school will no longer be a good place to learn.

We, the students, feel that Spirit Week encourages us to be better students. Spirit Week is a way for us to show our creativity. For example, last year we had a 70’s theme. Students learned how a person dressed during this decade, and they tried to imitate those fashions. Such a theme teaches us about culture and history. Spirit week also gives us feelings of pride. At the end of the week, we wear our school colors and support our basketball team against our rivals, the Wildcats. Finally, we feel that Spirit Week teaches us how to work in groups and how to pan and organize an event. Everyone loves Spirit Week. We ask the Harrison School Board to consider our plea and save Spirit Week