Least Authority/Expertise:
I have the least authority in school, because I am following rules and learning from teachers rather than making decisions or leading.

i. Students should get free bus passes

Rank: 1. Helps the environment 2. Reduces traffic 3. Students pay tuition 4. Riding the bus is fun

Reason: I picked “helps the environment” as the strongest reason because taking the bus instead of driving cars can reduce pollution and make the air cleaner. This is a logical reason because it affects everyone, not just students.

ii. Classes should start later

Rank: 1. Students would be more focused 2. Teenagers wake up later 3. Teachers are tired 4. Cafeterias sell more breakfast

Reason: “Students would be more focused” is strongest because studies show that when teens get more sleep, they pay better attention in class and do better on tests. This is a logical reason because it is supported by research, not just opinion.

iii. Everyone should learn how to cook

Rank: 1. Cooking is healthier 2. Saves money 3. Impress friends 4. Cooking shows are popular

Reason: I picked “cooking is healthier” because making your own food usually means you eat fewer unhealthy ingredients than fast food or takeout. This makes the argument logical and useful for anyone, not just people who like cooking.

iv. Reading fiction improves critical thinking

Rank: 1. Helps imagine perspectives 2. Builds empathy 3. Builds vocabulary 4. Some novels are boring

Reason: “Helps imagine perspectives” is strongest because reading stories lets you understand other people’s thoughts and feelings. This improves critical thinking, which is a skill you can use in school and in life.

v. Voting should be mandatory

Rank: 1. More participation 2. Makes elections fairer 3. Other countries do it 4. Some people don’t care

Reason: I picked “more participation” because when more people vote, elections represent the whole population better. This is logical because it affects democracy, not just one person.

vi. Homework should be reduced

Rank: 1. Students get stressed 2. Too busy with jobs 3. Extra practice helps 4. Teachers spend too much time grading

Reason: “Students get stressed” is strongest because too much homework can make students feel overwhelmed and tired, which can hurt learning. This reason is logical because it is based on real effects, not just feelings.

vii. Social media does more harm than good

Rank: 1. Creates anxiety 2. Spreads misinformation 3. Wastes time 4. Helps connect with friends

Reason: “Creates anxiety” is strongest because research shows social media can make people compare themselves to others and feel nervous or stressed. This is logical because it is based on studies, not just personal opinion.

viii. Video games should be considered a sport

Rank: 1. Require skill 2. Players practice a lot 3. Big audiences 4. No physical activity

Reason: “Require skill” is strongest because competitive gaming needs strategy, quick thinking, and practice, just like traditional sports. This is logical because skill and effort are measurable and important.

ix. College students should take at least one art class

Rank: 1. Creativity helps any career 2. Builds problem-solving 3. Reduces stress 4. Some students don’t like art

Reason: Creativity helps is strongest because being creative is useful in almost every job, not just art related careers. This is logical because it shows a clear, practical benefit for everyone.

A. What makes this space different from others?

Forest Hill Gardens is different because it’s very quiet and peaceful compared to busy parts of Queens. The houses look old and pretty, with lots of trees and gardens. The streets are clean and calm. People here seem to follow some quiet, respectful rules like no loud noises or trashing the place. The history is important its a nice neighborhood, and that shows in how the place looks and feels. It feels like a place to relax and be private, not a place for big crowds or parties other then at forest stadium

B. Who can enter this space and who cannot?

Not everyone can enter Forest Hill Gardens easily. It is kind of a private neighborhood un like the other side of forest hills thats more public. you probably need to own or rent a house here to really be part of it. People who live here probably feel safe and welcome, The people in charge are the community managers or the cooperative board who keep the place nice and make rules.

C. What do you know about this space?

how i know this area is do to the fact i live in forest hills but on the other side of forest hills

I know that Forest Hill Gardens is a quiet, pretty, and old neighborhood. I know this because I walked around and saw the style of houses, trees, and gardens. I also looked up some info online about its history as a special planned community. But I don’t know much about who lives there exactly, or if everyone there feels welcome all the time. To learn more, I could talk to people who live here, or check history books or websites about the neighborhood. Also, businesses or local groups probably share info that makes this place look nice and peaceful.

Reflection: How walking research helps me understand this place

Walking slowly and paying attention helped me see things I wouldn’t notice if I just drove by or looked at pictures. I noticed the quiet, the trees, and how well the place is taken care of. It helped me understand that this neighborhood is about privacy, safety, and history. Walking helped me feel how the space makes people feel calm and comfortable. It showed me how space and people’s lives connect.