Grade 8
PersuasiveWritingThe girls watched as the boys stole the bases, getting dirty. After students reach sixth grade, the teams are no longer co-ed because of the stereotypes that revolve around male and female athletes. I see boys and girls separated on different teams everywhere from Everett Middle School to the Olympics. How is this fair? First, we will be addressing the stereotypes that revolve around co-ed sports. Second, we’ll address why there aren’t any co-ed teams.
According to the Livestrong Foundation, boys and girls of the same age are split evenly based on skill. They’ve also stated that boys are usually stronger than girls. Lastly, they stated that if girls played on boys’ teams, they might not do as well as if they were on a girls’ team. People might think this because of the way the world has grown to be. In today’s world, it’s all about gender, believing that girls aren’t as good as boys, and that this is the way we live. Yes, some boys may be better at sports, but girls can be at the same level or even better.
There are many advantages to co-ed teams. For instance, according to ACTIVE Kids, one benefit is that putting males and females on the same team breaks the stereotype that boys and girls can’t play on the same team. Secondly, placing girls and boys on the same team creates an environment that makes a safe place where they can both express their skills. Another idea from Livestrong is that if girls are on a team with boys, it increases their grades, causes less depression, and helps them have better body image.
Throughout my time writing this, I made a survey and ten people responded to it. The survey was given out to an even amount of people. Each person who took the survey answered that they agreed with co-ed teams. The most common sports were track, for boys, with four respondents choosing track as the sport that would most benefit from co-ed teams, and soccer for girls, with five respondents. The people who played co-ed sports said that they mainly liked doing it. With these positive reviews from co-ed teams, maybe there could be a co-ed volleyball team. This could be a good place to start to end the stereotypes about men and women playing sports together.
With everything that we’ve been through, all the stereotypes that are shoved in our faces, a place to start to break them is creating co-ed teams. At Everett, we should create a co-ed volleyball team, since the boys don’t have one. Having it would bring teamwork, friendship, and the hope that this can make change in society. Livestrong says, “A team mixed with boys and girls has many benefits, including friendship and stereotype smashing.”
No materials available for download.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
bookmark
download
Share