Video Games

by Hayley Mitchell Haugen, Na

Overview

Opinions matter. Throughout our lives, people offer their own opinions, trying to influence ours and others. In order to understand these opinions and their value, it is important to learn what they are based on. People's opinions can be rooted in statistical evidence, prejudices, science, family or religious beliefs. Understanding this background will help you gain empathy for other's beliefs. This knowledge will benefit you as you form your own opinions and explore your reasons for holding them. The Matters of Opinion series takes a deeper look into important issues that young adults face. Each book features thought-provoking questions that are then addressed by a pro and con viewpoint. As students gather their own viewpoints on the topic, they are then asked to examine the opinions at the end of each chapter. This activity teaches critical thinking skills and introduces argumentative techniques. At the end of the book an activity allows readers to further develop their skills by writing their own essay. There are several opinions regarding the topic of video games. Pressing questions include: Do video games create violence in society? Are video games bad for our health? Should violent video games be regulated? By examining the issue from two possible sides, readers can see how opinions can influence culture, society, and the legal system.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781603575812
Publisher:	Norwood House Press
Publication date:	07/28/2014
Series:	Matters of Opinion Series
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	890L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Table of Contents

Timeline 4

1 What Are the Issues with Video Games? 6

2 Do Video Games Create Violence in Society? 16

Examine the Opinions: Evaluate the Author's Credibility 26

3 Are Video Games Bad for Our Health? 28

Examine the Opinions: Recognizing Deceptive Arguments 38

4 Should Violent Video Games Regulated? 40

Examine the Opinions: Logical Fallacies 50

Wrap It Up! Write Your Own Essay 51

Notes 56

Glossary 59

Bibliography 60

Index 62

About the Author 64

Editorial Reviews

Three topics concerning video game activities are discussed here, including both the pros and cons. The readers learn to check an author’s credibility, thus becoming a critical reader. Readers should ask who completed and paid for research. Following each topic question (Are video games dangerous? Are they bad for our health? Should they be regulated?) is a two-page spread where the readers learn to recognize different types of arguments. One two-page spread points out that some arguments are meant to deceive, and draws on an example from the previous section of reading. Logical fallacies are the exaggeration of facts or logic, such as: “Without video game purchase the economy of the nation will not thrive.” The reader is taught to look for facts and analyze what is written. The last part of the book is to write your own essay. This assignment is organized into six sections. This organization helps the student learn how to easily write essays. Chapter notes are used in this book and make a great example of how they are to be used. Social issues, time lines, and engaging photos make the book relevant. Students and teachers will be able to use this book in health, debate, and English classes. This book would be a go-to book in libraries and it supports standards in Language Arts. Part of the “Matters of Opinion” series. Reviewer: RevaBeth Russell; Ages 8 to 13.

Children's Literature - RevaBeth Russell

This series is targeted to readers interested in how to make passionate and logical arguments and how to analyze them. Each volume introduces a hot-button issue (e.g., smoking bans and mandated healthy school lunches) before using persuasive techniques (e.g., logical fallacy and testimonial) to explore at least two opposing views about the topic. For example, Video Games presents opinions for and against regulating the sale of violent games to children, while Smoking explores the controversy around whether people have a right to smoke. The photographs, especially in Video Games which includes action scenes from actual games, are interesting and exciting, but a few of the photos in Food In Schools might lead one to conclude that racially diverse children are the only consumers of free lunch. The books conclude with advice on how to incorporate persuasive techniques in a piece written by the reader. The writing section is helpful, but essay writing is presented as a formulaic process with steps, rather than as a dynamic, recursive one. This series is a great resource for students interested in details about some of today’s most talked-about social issues that impact youth. (Matters of Opinion) Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton; Ages 11 to 15.

VOYA, December 2014 (Vol. 37, No. 5) - KaaVonia Hinton

11/01/2014
Gr 5–9—In alignment with Common Core standards, this series explores four topics relevant to the lives of young readers with the intention of helping them strengthen their critical reading, argument formation, and essay-writing skills. A clear, engaging narrative presents opposing sides of the issues, and "Examine the Opinions" sections at the end of each chapter pose questions, encouraging students to analyze and form their own arguments. A "Wrap it Up!" section asks students to write a persuasive essay, backing up their opinions with facts, and gives six specific steps for doing so effectively. "Did You Know?" text boxes, along with full-color captioned photos, will keep readers engaged and informed. Students will respond to the interactive elements while learning how to find trustworthy sources and studying the nuances of complicated and controversial issues. Useful titles for provoking independent thought.

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