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Are Movies Better at Home or in the Theater?

Lucia thinks going to the movie theater is exciting. Noah thinks watching movies at home is relaxing. What do you think?

By Catherine Schmitt

From the October/November 2025 Issue

Featured Skill: Supporting an Argument,

Art by Tom Garrett; Shutterstock.com (All other Images)

Dear Noah,

Watching a movie with you is the best. I know we usually watch movies at my house. But I have a few reasons we should go to the movie theater instead this weekend!

To start, the snacks are better at the theater. Nothing beats the taste—or smell—of fresh buttery popcorn. We can also slurp a cherry slushie or order pizza!

Second, going to a movie is more exciting. We can get tickets to see
a thrilling blockbuster, like Wicked: For Good! The movie is brand-new,
so we’ll see it before anyone can spoil the ending for us.

Art by Tom Garrett; Shutterstock.com (All other Images)

Finally, it’s easy to get distracted at home. My little sister might
start crying. My dog could start barking. In the theater, we can get caught up in the full experience. The huge sound system means we can hear everything clearly. Plus, we’ll be able to see the action better on a big screen. No home TV can compare!

Should I ask my mom to get us tickets?

Your theater-loving pal,

Lucia

Art by Tom Garrett; Shutterstock.com (All other Images)

Dear Lucia,

I would love to see Wicked: For Good with you! But let’s wait until it’s streaming. I vote we watch How to Train Your Dragon at home this weekend! Here’s why.

First, it’s way more comfortable to watch movies from the couch. We can wear our matching pj’s and cozy slippers. I can even bring my fluffy blanket.

Next, going to the movies is expensive! I’ve done some research. The average cost of a ticket is about $11. A bag of popcorn costs about $9. But it’s only about 75 cents to buy a bag of popcorn at the store. Stores also have way more snack options. My mom even offered to make us a fresh pizza. (We can pick whatever toppings we want!)

Art by Tom Garrett; Shutterstock.com (All other Images)

Besides, I find movie theaters more distracting than watching movies at home! Other moviegoers often slurp drinks loudly or talk during important scenes. At home, we can pause the movie if someone starts talking. We can also take breaks if we need to use the bathroom or grab more snacks. That way, we won’t miss any of the action.

Should I start making the popcorn?

Your comfy companion,

Noah

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What do you think?

Go back to the letters and write down reasons to support each side of the debate. Then study the points on both sides. State your opinion in one sentence, which can be the introduction to an opinion paragraph.

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Can't Miss Teaching Extras

Don’t stop popping popcorn just yet! Learn the difference between its and it’s while exploring different movie snacks around the globe in “Movie Snacks Around the World.”

For another debate on where kids like to hang out, read “Outdoor Play vs. Video Games,” about which is better: screen time or fresh air.

Do the movie-lovers in your class also love screen time? Have your classroom weigh in on tech-related debates: “Should Lulu Have a Phone?”, “Is TikTok Good for Kids?”, and “Is Fortnite OK For Kids?” Afterward, click on the Resources Tab for in-depth Skill Builders (including an opinion writing activity).

1. PREPARING TO READ

Have students preview the text features. Ask:

What is the topic of the debate? (Students can use the debate title and subhead as clues.)

What do you think the two sides of the issue are?

2. READING THE DEBATE

Read the debate as a class or in small groups.

Have students read the debate a second time. Prompt them to mark the types of support the author presents to back up each side, including:

Facts and statistics (F/S)

Quotes from experts (Q)

Stories or examples (EX)

3. DISCUSSING

As a class or in groups, have students discuss:

What is your opinion? What evidence do you find the most convincing?

For more-advanced students: Do you think the author agrees with one point of view more than the other on this issue? What is your evidence?

4. CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Distribute the “Opinion Writing Kit” skill builder which guides students to write a three- paragraph essay on the debate topic.

OR

Stage a classroom debate, offering students practice speaking in front of a group.

For more-advanced students: Have each side conduct additional research for the debate.

5. CHECK COMPREHENSION

Have students complete the comprehension quiz.

6. PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE POLL

Students can vote for which side they support and see what other Storyworks 3 readers think in our online poll at Storyworks 3 Digital.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARD

RI.1, RI.2, RI.6, RI.8, W.1, W.4, W.10, SL.1

Text-to-Speech