Issues and Contentions Worksheet

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Understanding Key Terms

1. Match each term to its correct definition by drawing lines:

Issue

Contention

Supporting Argument

A topic that people have different opinions about

Evidence or reasoning that backs up your position

Your point of view or stance on an issue

2. Which of these is an example of an issue?

Mobile phones help students learn better

Should mobile phones be allowed in schools?

Students can use phones for research

Phones are distracting during lessons

3. Read this statement: "School uniforms should be compulsory because they create equality among students." What part of this statement is the contention?

✏️ Part 2: Identifying Arguments

4. Read the following scenario and answer the questions below:

"Junk food should be banned from school canteens. Unhealthy food causes obesity and other health problems in young people. Additionally, selling junk food teaches students poor eating habits that can last a lifetime."

a) What is the contention in this text?

b) List the two supporting arguments:

Argument 1: ________________________________________________

Argument 2: ________________________________________________

5. For the issue "Should homework be banned in all schools?", choose your position and write your contention:

For (homework should be banned)

Against (homework should not be banned)

My contention: ________________________________________________