Use that information to ORGANIZE an argument. You will not be writing an argumentative essay. Topic: Curfews

Question: Should cities impose a teen curfew law?

Prompt: You will organize an argument in favor of teen curfew laws.

(A curfew is a regulation requiring a person to be home at a certain prescribed time, as imposed by a parent on a child.)



Evidence 1

Positive Effects of Teen Curfew Laws Three months after introducing curfew laws, the Dallas Police Department conducted a study to determine whether curfew laws decreased teen violence. The department found that juvenile crime during curfew hours dropped by 17.7 percent. Also, arrests during curfew hours decreased by 14.6 percent. These initial findings show that curfew laws have reduced juvenile crime and victimization.

—U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Evidence 2

Positive Effects of Teen Curfew Laws The developing brain of a teenager needs between nine and ten hours of sleep every night. Regularly not getting enough sleep (chronic sleep deprivation) reduces success in school. Sleep deprivation can increase emotional problems such as depression. It is suggested that teenagers avoid going out late and that they establish a regular, early bedtime. Curfew laws would force teens to come home earlier and get the sleep they need.

—Newcastle Sleep Disorders Center



DIRECTIONS: Copy and paste the Argument Organizer below into the essay submission box, and add your information. Follow these directions as you complete the organizer: Write in complete sentences. Write from third person point of view. Do not use feelings or emotions. State a claim that is clear and concise. Provide two reasons to support your claim. Provide evidence that supports each reason, and give credit to the sources. End with a clearly stated call to action. Proofread your work before submitting.

Argument Organizer

Claim: Clearly stated in your own words

Reason 1: In your own words

Evidence/Support for Reason 1: Quote from the evidence provided using a signal phrase

Reason 2: In your own words

Evidence/Support for Reason 2: Quote from the evidence provided using a signal phrase

Conclusion: Call to action—Encourage your readers to do something about the issue.