OUTLINE:
INTRODUCTION:
Hook:
Did you know students in Colorado spend more than 11 hours of their school year taking statemandated tests?
General to Specific Ideas:
The ever-controversial state-mandated standardized testing evolved in recent decades as a way of
measuring students’ academic progress and predicting their growth over time. However, over the last
decade alone, state testing has increased dramatically, especially in Colorado.
Thesis Statement (AKA: What is my stance on this issue?):
As a result, state testing is leading to student burn-out, a lack of instructional time for teachers, and an
overall sense of negativity toward school.
SUPPORTING POINT #1:
Students are feeling the pressure in a big way due to the increase in state testing in recent years.
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE:
*Research—web site/source #1
*Research—web site/source #2
COUNTER ARGUMENT:
On the other hand, some supporters of state testing might argue that the amount of testing we subject
students to is vital as a way of monitoring their learning.
REBUTTAL:
While this viewpoint makes sense, it does not change the fact that students do not see the purpose or
value in all of the testing, and it does not change the that they feel immense pressure to perform on
these tests. The pressure alone can lead to all types of social-emotional issues that cannot be undone.
Even more alarming, this could lead to a steep decline in students’ overall school performance.
SMOOTH TRANSITION:
Clearly, this issue should be taken into consideration for its potentially detrimental effects on students;
however, students are not the only ones who are suffering due to the increase in state testing.
SUPPORTING POINT #2: teachers have less instructional time
*Follow same procedure as above example.
SUPPORTING POINT #3: overall negativity
*Follow same procedure as above example.
CONCLUSION:
REITERATE THESIS WITHOUT SIMPLY COPYING AND PASTING EXACT WORDING:
In summary, increased state testing has not only caused students to feel the pressure, but it has also
caused a time-crunch for teachers as well as increased pessimism from parents and students alike.
SUMMARIZE SUPPORTING POINTS 1, 2, and 3:
First and foremost, students are feeling as though…
Teachers, too, are suffering…..
Lastly, a negativity trend has begun to sweep through school communities….
CALL TO ACTION/STRONG EMOTIONAL APPEAL (PATHOS):
Our schools are in a dire situation…. If we don’t cut back on state testing or radically adjust it, we are on
a downward spiraling path toward…….