Question

Write a brief summary of the claims on both sides of the argument. Are these strong or weak claims? Make sure to use textual evidence to support your writing. Your answers should be between 4-6 sentences long. School garden supporters say that the gardens teach to the whole child. One of the strongest benefits is to social and emotional learning. Research shows that schools with a social and emotional learning program can increase test scores by 11% and positive classroom behavior by 9%. School garden opponents say that the gardens take away from academic time. As other countries’ test scores are on the rise, America’s test scores continue to lag behind. The only true way to achieve financial success is to be well educated. Opponents say that no one wants gardens banned; they just don’t think school is the place for this type of learning.

Answer 1

Both claims have valid arguments, which make them strong.

Supporters of school gardens use statistical arguments that show how beneficial student participation in school gardens is. These statistical arguments show that research has been carried out where the data shows how good these activities are for students in their academic and personal lives, since it interferes even in their behavior. This can be seen in the lines "One of the strongest benefits [of School Gardens] is to social and emotional learning. Research shows that schools with a social and emotional learning program can increase test scores by 11% and positive classroom behavior by 9%. "

Opponents of school hostas also show strong arguments. They say that they are not against the existence of school gardens and that they do not want the end of them, but they are against the participation of students in this type of activity, because they believe that school gardens spend the time that students should be spending in academic activities and that would have more influence on their futures. This can be seen in the lines "Opponents say that no one wants gardens banned; they just don’t think school is the place for this type of learning."