Grade 8
Informational, PersuasiveWritingPeople wait in long lines for coffee before rushing to work in buses, cars, and by foot. Little do they know, a problem that affects more than half of them lies within the everyday workplace. Pay inequality between men and women, commonly known as the wage gap, has attracted a lot of attention recently, even though it has been a worldwide problem for centuries.
“Oh,” you may say, “I know the wage gap! It’s gone in the U.S. now, right?” It is nowhere close to gone. The wage gap has only improved a tiny bit since more attention was pulled to it, but that was really only for white women. Wages are as low as twelve dollars an hour for women of color and fourteen dollars an hour for most men of color, while the white men make an average of twenty-one dollars per hour. This is obviously not fair, what’s worse, this is a worldwide problem.
Business Insider reports, “Between 2011 and 2014, a woman earned $76 for every $100 that a man was paid, according to the World Bank.” This is just the average for thirty countries, the worst being South Korea, where women are paid 36.6% less than men, or sixty-three cents to one dollar, and the best being New Zealand with a 5.6% difference between men and women. “There’s no country in the world where women earn more than men.”
After interviewing multiple people about their personal opinions on the wage gap, it is very easy to see who is the most passionate about the wage gap.“[The wage gap is] really upsetting…It makes it hard to live in San Francisco, where everything is really expensive,” said a female teacher at Everett Middle School. “I feel at risk of being at the lower end of the paycheck. I have to check to make sure it’s fair.” As a woman of color, she is one of the biggest victims of pay inequality, and this actually affects how she lives her life.
On the other hand, a white male teacher has said that it’s hard for him to relate to victims of the wage gap, especially women of color, because he benefits from the system.
Now that you know about the wage gap, you can take action to stop this inequality. Just because it has been a problem since women became able to work doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. Years of racism and sexism can be stopped if people protest it. How would you feel if your sister or mother was inhibited by pay inequality?
No materials available for download.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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 Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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 Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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 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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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 Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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 Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
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?
bookmark
download
Share