Is Fortnite OK for Kids?

main ideas and supporting evidence, opinion writing

The debate presents arguments for and against kids playing the video game Fortnite.    

The debate consists of two letters—one from a girl to her parents explaining why she wants to play the game, and the other from her parents explaining why they won't allow it. Some inferences are required.  

The debate includes a few challenging words, such as obsessed and strategy. It also contains rhetorical questions.

No special background knowledge needed.

Have students preview the text features. Ask:

• What is the topic of the debate? (Prompt students to use the debate title and the heading on the chart as clues.)
• What do you think are the two sides of the issue?

Read the debate as a class or in small groups.

Have students read the debate a second time. Prompt them to mark the types of support the author presents to back up each side, including:

• Facts and statistics (F/S)
• Quotes from experts (Q)
• Stories or examples (EX)

As a class or in groups, have students discuss:

• Which evidence is most effective in supporting each side?
• Is one side stronger than the other? Why?
• What is your opinion? What evidence do you find the most convincing?
• For more-advanced students: Do you think the author has a preferred point of view on this issue? What is your evidence?

Have students complete the chart in the magazine.

Distribute the activity “Write an Opinion Essay.” The lower-level version guides students to write a three-paragraph essay on the debate topic. The higher-level version prompts them to bring in additional evidence and write six paragraphs, including a rebuttal of the other side. With either version, hand out our Opinion Writing Toolkit, which offers writing tips and transition words.