Zola and Zoya are best friends who love playing soccer...

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 9.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.6
Word Count
332 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Zola and Zoya became close after being paired together for a competition neither of them wanted to enter. Their team is preparing for an important match, and Zola, as the team captain, has been tasked with organizing extra practice sessions. However, Zola recently received a new video game that she's been eager to play. She finds herself torn between dedicating time to organize and attend the practice sessions or spending her free time enjoying the new game. Zoya, who is also on the team, encourages Zola to prioritize the practice sessions, reminding her of the team's reliance on her leadership. Zola understands that her hard work and responsibility as a captain could lead to the team's success and her personal growth. Yet, the allure of the new game is strong, and she wonders if she can balance both. Zola The next move is up to them.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Integrity

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Organize extra soccer practice sessions.

B

Play the new video game instead.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does taking responsibility benefit Zola and her team?

  3. 3

    What opportunities might arise from Zola's hard work?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Zola in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

responsibility
integrity
decision-making
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
Civil Rights Advocacy
Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Zola and Zoya are best friends who love playing soccer... — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Zola and Zoya are best friends who love playing soccer... — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation