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Mr. A's Writing Tools
writingtools.org
Writing Assignment
Social Media and Teen Mental Health
Standard: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, including introducing claims, acknowledging alternate or opposing claims, supporting with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using transitions, and providing a concluding statement.
What to Do
Assignment OverviewYou'll weigh evidence on whether social media does more harm than good for teen mental health and write an argumentative essay that defends a claim and answers the strongest opposing view. The Social Media Mental Health Debate
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By the time most students reach seventh grade, they have spent years on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. These apps promise connection, entertainment, and self-expression. But a growing number of researchers, parents, and even former tech employees are asking a difficult question: is social media hurting teenagers' mental health?
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The evidence suggesting harm is hard to ignore. A 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General warned that social media poses a "profound risk" to young people's mental health. Studies have found that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. The constant comparison to carefully filtered photos and highlight reels can make teens feel inadequate. Cyberbullying, which follows students home from school, has been linked to increased rates of self-harm among adolescents. Sleep disruption is another concern — many teens scroll through feeds late at night, losing hours of rest that their developing brains need.
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However, not all research paints such a bleak picture. Some psychologists argue that social media provides vital connections for teens who feel isolated, including those in rural areas or those who belong to marginalized communities. LGBTQ+ teens, for example, often find supportive communities online that they cannot access in their physical environment. Creative platforms allow young people to express themselves through art, music, and writing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media was one of the few ways teens could maintain friendships while schools were closed.
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Mental health experts point out that the impact of social media depends largely on how it is used. Passive scrolling — endlessly watching other people's content — tends to increase feelings of loneliness and envy. Active engagement — posting, commenting, and messaging friends — can strengthen relationships and boost well-being. The key may not be whether teens use social media, but how they use it and how much time they spend. Vocabulary Bank
Writing Steps
1
Analyze the Issue (Pre-Writing)
Analyze the passage and the issue:
- What is the main question or debate? - What are the key arguments on each side? - Which side do you find most convincing? You can use bullet points, notes, or sentences. Nearly every teenager uses social media daily. Some researchers say it causes anxiety and depression, while others argue it helps teens build friendships and find support. Read the passage below about this debate, then write an argumentative essay taking a clear position.
Before you argue, analyze the issue carefully. Note: This step helps you think. It will not be part of your final essay.
Scoring Guidance — Step 1
Look for:
Main Idea Detail / Evidence 1 Detail / Evidence 2 Detail / Evidence 3
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Paragraph 1: Introduction
Write your introduction paragraph (3-5 sentences):
- Provide context for the issue - State your claim clearly - Preview your main reason(s) Write your introduction paragraph.
A strong Grade 7 introduction: - Opens with context about why the issue matters - States a clear claim (your position) - Previews your main reason(s)
Scoring Guidance — Step 2
Role: introduction
Target: ~60 words
Look for:
Why does this issue matter?
What is your position?
What main reason supports your claim?
Try: 'I believe [claim] because [reason].
Sentence Starters
Many people wonder whether ___.
The question of ___ is an important one.
In this essay, I will argue that ___.
Target: about 60 words
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Paragraph 2: Evidence, Analysis & Opposing View
Write your body paragraph (6-10 sentences) that includes:
- Your strongest reason(s) for your claim - Specific evidence from the passage - Analysis explaining HOW the evidence supports your claim - A brief acknowledgment of the opposing view and why your position is stronger Use transitions: because, for example, however, on the other hand, despite this. Write your body paragraph — this is the core of your argument.
A Grade 7 body paragraph includes: 1. Reason(s) — why you believe your claim 2. Evidence — specific quotes or details from the passage 3. Analysis — explain HOW the evidence supports your claim 4. Acknowledge the opposing view — briefly mention what the other side thinks, then explain why your position is stronger
Scoring Guidance — Step 3
Role: body paragraph
Target: ~120 words
Look for:
What is your strongest reason?
What evidence from the passage supports it?
HOW does this evidence prove your point?
What does the other side think? Why is your position stronger?
Sentence Starters
One reason ___ is that ___. For example, ___.
A second reason is ___, which shows that ___.
Target: about 120 words
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Paragraph 3: Conclusion
Write your conclusion paragraph (3-5 sentences):
- Restate your claim (don't copy your introduction) - Summarize why your argument is convincing - Add a "why it matters" statement Write your conclusion paragraph.
A strong conclusion: - Restates your claim in a fresh way - Reminds the reader of the key reasoning - Explains why your argument matters
Scoring Guidance — Step 4
Role: conclusion
Target: ~50 words
Look for:
How can you restate your claim in a new way?
Why should the reader care?
What's the big takeaway?
Sentence Starters
For these reasons, ___.
In conclusion, ___ because ___.
The evidence clearly shows that ___.
Target: about 50 words
5
Revise and Refine
Review your 3-paragraph essay and revise for:
- Coherence: Do paragraphs connect logically? - Analysis: Are evidence-to-claim connections clear? - Opposing view: Did you acknowledge the other side? - Conventions: Fix any errors. You've written all three paragraphs!
Now revise and refine your essay: - Strengthen transitions between paragraphs - Ensure your evidence-to-claim connections are clear - Verify you acknowledged the opposing view - Fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Scoring Guidance — Step 5
Target: ~250 words
Look for:
Do your paragraphs flow logically?
Is your analysis clear?
Did you mention the opposing view?
Sentence Starters
In my opinion, ___.
One reason is ___. For example, ___.
This shows that ___ because ___.
Some people think ___; however, ___.
Target: about 250 words
Self-Check Rubric
Before You Turn InI completed the planning step
I wrote my introduction
My introduction is about 60 words
I wrote my body paragraph
My body paragraph is about 120 words
I wrote my conclusion
My conclusion is about 50 words
I completed Step 5: Revise and Refine
My revise and refine is about 250 words
I re-read my writing and fixed any spelling or grammar mistakes
I am proud of this work
ReflectionWhat was the hardest part of this assignment? What would you do differently next time? Want the AI-coached version of this assignment?
Get step-by-step AI feedback on student writing — free for teachers at writingtools.org. Same assignment, with grade-level rubric scoring, revision coaching, and printable reports.
writingtools.org/printables/argument7_social_media_mental_health_v1
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