Schools should provide longer recess for middle school students. When students move their bodies, their brains get a break and return ready to learn, so focus and memory improve. In addition, schools that add more short breaks often report fewer behavior issues and calmer classrooms because students have time to release energy. Extra recess also helps students reach the daily activity goal recommended by health experts, which supports physical and emotional well-being. For example, our school's playground is fun, and I personally feel happier after playing outside, even though that is just my experience. Some people worry that longer recess takes away learning time, but short, active breaks can make the time in class more productive. Therefore, extending recess is a smart way to support both learning and health.

Which additional detail would best support the author's claim?

Homework should be optional on weekends. Students need time to rest and recharge so they return to school prepared to learn. Research shows that consistent sleep helps the brain store memories and improves problem solving, so having two nights without heavy assignments can actually support learning. In addition, many students spend weekends on responsibilities that matter: caring for siblings, working on projects, or participating in community events and sports. Optional weekend homework would let students balance these commitments without staying up late. Of course, some practice is helpful, but teachers can offer choice boards or optional review so motivated students can still practice. Saying weekends are just for fun is not a strong reason by itself; the better point is that balance reduces stress and keeps students ready for Monday.

Which concluding sentence best follows the argument?

Our middle school should start later in the morning. Adolescents need more sleep to stay healthy and focused, and very early start times make that hard. Schools that shift bell schedules often report better attendance and fewer tardies because students can wake up at a more natural time. In addition, alert students participate more, which can improve learning. I know I am not a morning person, and the bus is cold before sunrise, but those are personal details, not the main reason. The stronger point is that well-rested brains pay attention longer and remember more. A later start also helps families who have long commutes, since mornings feel less rushed. Overall, starting later is a practical change that supports health and academics.

Which additional detail would best support the author's claim?

School uniforms should be optional rather than required. Students learn best when they are comfortable, and allowing appropriate choices lets them express identity while still following a clear dress code. Families also face different budgets; buying specific shirts, pants, and shoes in certain colors can be expensive, especially when students grow fast. Some people argue that uniforms improve behavior and achievement, but the evidence is mixed. For instance, saying that hoodies are cool is not a strong point; what matters is whether uniforms actually affect learning. If uniforms do not improve attendance or grades, then making them optional respects student choice without harming academics. In addition, schools can maintain safety and fairness by enforcing reasonable guidelines for what is appropriate.

Which detail best supports the author's claim?

Schools should provide longer recess for middle schoolers. First, regular physical activity energizes the brain, which can lead to better focus in later classes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends daily recess because it supports healthy development and improves classroom behavior. In addition, unstructured play time lets students practice cooperation and conflict resolution. A teacher survey at our school noted fewer behavior issues on days when outdoor time was not cut short. Furthermore, moving around reduces stress after long periods of sitting. Some people say we need every minute for academics; however, brief exercise breaks can actually make learning time more productive. My cousin says playing tag is the best part of the day, and our new playground looks great, but those details matter less than the research on attention and health. Therefore, extending recess by just ten minutes would support both student well-being and academic success.

Which detail would best strengthen the author's claim?

Weekend homework should be optional. First, students need time to rest so they return on Monday ready to learn. Research from a university study found that too much homework increases stress and reduces sleep for adolescents. Additionally, weekends allow families to spend time together, which builds relationships that support learning. Our local library reports higher weekend attendance at teen programs when schools assign less work, suggesting students will choose meaningful reading when given time. On the other hand, some worry that practice will be lost; however, independent reading or finishing long-term projects can still happen by choice. It is also true that the weather is nicer on Saturdays, but that is not the main reason. The stronger point is that balance helps learning. For these reasons, making weekend homework optional would respect students' well-being while keeping learning goals in view.

Which concluding sentence best follows the argument?

Middle schools should start later in the morning. During adolescence, body clocks shift, making it hard to fall asleep early. As a result, early bells cut into the sleep students need for memory and mood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends later start times to align school with teen sleep patterns. In one nearby district, tardies and nurse visits dropped after the change, and teachers reported more alert participation. Moreover, safer travel in morning light benefits walkers and bus riders. Some people argue that after-school activities would be affected; however, districts that adjusted bus routes and practice times were able to keep activities running. My cat wakes me up before sunrise, but that anecdote does not explain most students' needs. Because sufficient sleep supports learning, shifting the schedule by even 30 minutes would improve attendance and attention across classes.

Which revision best uses a transition to clarify the relationship between the reason and the evidence?

Students should keep their phones off and stored during class. First, constant notifications pull attention away from the lesson, making it harder to remember new information. In a classroom pilot, a teacher found fewer interruptions when devices stayed in a central charging station. Second, limiting phones protects privacy by reducing sneaky photos and recordings. It also supports equity, because not everyone owns the newest device or has data, and lessons should not depend on that. While phones can be helpful for quick research, schools already provide laptops for academic tasks. My sibling texts me funny memes, but that does not prove phones help learning. Overall, a clear, consistent phone-off policy would reduce distractions and keep classrooms focused on respectful, face-to-face learning.

Which piece of evidence would be most relevant and credible to add?

Weekend homework should be optional because students need time to rest and reset so they can return on Monday ready to learn. Many middle schoolers balance practices, sibling care, and family responsibilities, so a short break from assignments can reduce stress. In addition, child health researchers report that even one extra hour of sleep is linked to better attention and mood in class. Some pilot schools that paused weekend homework noticed fewer stress-related visits to the nurse and no drop in report card grades. While a quick review can sometimes help, piling on packets does not guarantee deeper understanding; it can simply extend screen time and frustration. Furthermore, weekends allow students to read for pleasure or explore hobbies, which also builds knowledge and creativity. Therefore, allowing weekends free from required homework supports well-being without harming learning, and it helps students return focused for the week ahead.

Which detail best supports the author's claim that weekend homework should be optional?

Schools should start later in the morning because middle school students learn better when they get enough sleep. During adolescence, sleep cycles naturally shift later, so very early bells force students to wake before their brains are ready. As a result, many arrive tired, which hurts attention and memory. However, districts that moved the first bell back by about 45 minutes reported higher attendance, fewer tardies, and equal or slightly higher course grades. Nurses in those schools also saw fewer students seeking help for headaches and fatigue. Some people worry about buses or after-school activities, but several districts adjusted routes and practice times while keeping programs intact. When schools align schedules with students' biology, learners can participate fully in morning classes instead of fighting to stay awake. Altogether, the benefits to health and focus outweigh the scheduling challenges.

Which concluding sentence best follows from the argument in the passage?