controversy (noun) major disagreement or dispute among many people

• Sample Sentence: The biggest controversy in the sixth grade last year was whether or not students would be required to wear school uniforms.

• Turn and Talk: Why is there so much controversy surrounding school uniforms?

justify (verb) to show to be right; to explain

• Sample Sentence: Carl justified his decision to punch Roger by explaining that Roger punched him first.

• Turn and Talk: Do you think a person can justify responding to violence with more violence?

perspective (noun) point of view, way of looking at things

• Sample Sentence: Each of my friends has a unique perspective about which teacher is the best.

• Turn and Talk: What’s your perspective on whether or not people should be able to keep wild animals as pets?

bias (noun) the belief that some people or ideas are better than others; prejudice

• Sample Sentence: Jonas’ bias against school uniforms comes from his experience in a very strict private school.

• Turn and Talk: Do you expect history books to have bias? Why or why not?

*bias (verb) to influence someone for or against something

• Sample Sentence: Raphael didn’t want to bias his friends against the band, so he decided not to mention that they don’t write any of their songs.

• Turn and Talk: Does hearing about musicians’ bad behavior bias you against their music?

debate (noun) a discussion of a problem where different sides are presented

• Sample Sentence: In Ms. Miles’ classroom, students had a debate about whether junk food should be sold in schools.

• Turn and Talk: Can you think of a debate that caused you to change your mind? What was it about?

*debate (verb) to argue about an issue; to consider different options in order to make a decision

• Sample Sentence: Cecelia debated whether to drive or take the bus to the concert.

• Turn and Talk: Have you ever debated cutting your hair short or growing it long? What was your decision?

*alternate part of speech