Here is a sample response to the writing prompt on the worksheet. You can use this as a guide to write your own essay.
Sample Response:
The question of whether middle school students should be drug tested is a difficult one, but I believe that mandatory random drug testing for all students is not the right solution. While keeping schools safe is important, testing everyone violates students' privacy and damages the trust between students and teachers.
My main argument against drug testing is that it treats every student like a suspect before they have done anything wrong. Middle school is a time when students are learning responsibility and independence. If schools test everyone without reason, it sends the message that adults do not trust them. This can make students feel resentful rather than motivated to stay healthy. Furthermore, drug tests can sometimes have errors or "false positives," meaning a student could get in trouble for something they didn’t even do, which is unfair and stressful.
However, people who support drug testing argue that it is necessary to keep students safe. They believe that if students know they might be tested, they will be less likely to try drugs. Supporters also say that schools have a duty to protect children from harmful substances, and testing is a way to catch problems early before they get worse. These are valid concerns because drug use can seriously hurt a young person’s developing brain and future.
In conclusion, while the goal of preventing drug use is good, mandatory testing for all middle schoolers is too extreme. Instead of testing everyone, schools should focus on education, counseling, and support for students who are actually struggling. Building a supportive community is more effective than using fear and suspicion to control behavior.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of argument worksheet.
