WordGen Weekly Interdisciplinary Units


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The original Word Generation program (WordGen Weekly) is a supplementary curricular resource that offers a series of discussion-based dilemmas designed to promote students’ academic language and argumentation skills.

All WordGen materials include vocabulary work,  graphs/data, math connections, prep work for debates and argumentation, and essay prompts.

Some sample topics:

1.01 What is the purpose of school?

1.04 Cloning: threat or opportunity?

1.05 Does rap music have a negative impact on youth?

1.08 Climate change: Who should pay for the consequences?

1.13 Is the death penalty justified?

1.17 Solitary confinement: legitimate protection or cruel and unusual punishment?

1.20 High school dropouts: What can be done?

1.23 Explicit photos and cell phones: illegal or just risky?

2.01 Should a standardized test be a requirement for high school graduation?

2.02 Should colleges use affirmative action?

2.03 Should schools or parents be responsible for sex education?

2.08 Who is responsible for childhood obesity?

2.09 Nuclear power: our energy future or danger to society?

2.11 Should English be the official language of the United States?

2.14 Should American students be required to learn a second language?

2.19 Should voting be compulsory in local and national elections in the United States?

2.20 Should there be amnesty for undocumented immigrants?

3.06 When should the U.S. send troops to other countries?

3.08 Should the government regulate genetic testing?

3.09 Should the U.S. have tighter regulations on genetically modified food?

3.10 Should people continue to eat meat?

3.17 Should everyone have access to medical marijuana?

3.20 Should the U.S. have stricter gun regulations?