Should Schools Teach Dialect as Correct?

The article argues that stigmatising double negatives is a social, not a grammatical, judgement — now you must hold both sides of the debate before deciding.

State the question

Write the debate question in one neutral, fair sentence — neither side should win from the wording alone.

Three arguments FOR

List three genuine reasons schools should accept non-standard forms like the double negative as correct — make them as strong as you can, even if you disagree.

Three arguments AGAINST

List three genuine reasons schools should teach only standard forms — make these strong too, without caricature.

The hardest point to dismiss

Look back at steps 2 and 3. Identify the single strongest argument on the side you do NOT instinctively favour — mark where you currently lean, then name the one point that genuinely troubles you.

Teach standard only

Accept all dialects

Your verdict

Commit to a position in one sentence — and name which side surprised you most during this exercise.

Why that word?

Discuss Before you write your verdict: tell your partner the one argument from step 4 — does hearing it aloud change your position?

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