The document discusses the argument for and against allowing chewing gum in schools. It begins by defining a formal argument as using facts and details to support a claim and persuade others to accept a viewpoint. The rest of the document is a student's argument that schools should allow chewing gum by presenting research that shows gum improves learning and focus by increasing brain activity and metabolism. It acknowledges the opposing views that gum is distracting and creates clean up issues, but provides evidence that gum is not unhealthy and may reduce cavities. It concludes by urging the school to change its policy based on the evidence that gum can help students perform better.