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TOPICS: I Think (Critically), Therefore I am an Awesome Student! 1. Some schools have banned students from reading Harry Potter novels on the basis that they promote wizardry and sorcery, and that middle school students are too young and impressionable to read about such things. Harry Potter censorship: Right or wrong? Is there ever a benefit to censorship? 2. Padma and Lara have been friends since sixth grade. Padma’s birthday was Saturday. She had a party but didn’t invite Lara. When Lara found out she was devastated. She confronted Padma who explained “I’m really sorry, Lara, but we’re having a puppy party and I know that being around animals triggers your asthma attacks, so I thought it was best if I didn’t invite you.” Lara accused Padma of being a bad friend. What is friendship? Padma: Good or bad friend? 3. Colin has been accused of cheating on a test. Here’s how it went down: Colin’s cousin Dominic is in the same grade at a different school. His school doesn’t use that particular test any more so Dominic’s teacher gave students a copy of the test as a study guide. Colin saw it on Dominic’s desk and asked for a copy. Colin’s teacher found out that he used it to study for the test. Colin’s school is very strict about academic dishonesty so he’s been suspended. Fair or unfair? 4. Which Disney princess best represents the ideals of a modern American teenage girl? What are the ideals of the modern American teenage girl? 5. Kenisha loves animals. She wants to apply to veterinary college when she finishes undergrad. Her high school science teacher assigned a project requiring students to compare the pros and cons of using animals in medical experiments. Kenisha is 100% opposed to animal experimentation. She believes that animals have a right not to be used in medical experiments. How can she approach this project without letting her emotions get the better of her (or her project.) PRODUCT PREVIEW 6. Avi and Emil have had it in for each other since kindergarten. It’s gotten worse as they’ve gotten older. Today they had a fist fight in the cafeteria. Now the school counselors and parents are involved and the boys are in big trouble. Is it ever ok to fight? 7. Should high school cafeterias be banned from serving cookies, or sugary foods other than fruit? Should a school district be allowed to tell students what they can and cannot eat at school? 8. Use these lines to write down a topic assigned by your teacher: _ ______________________________________________________________________________ _ ______________________________________________________________________________ _ ______________________________________________________________________________ _ ______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 25 | Ouch My Brain Hurts! Critical Thinking Skills 236
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