Education and School Uniforms

OPINION/ ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

ESSAY ANALYSIS: “School uniforms must be compulsory”. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Individualism is a fundamental value in the United States. All Americans believe in the right to express their own opinion without fear of punishment. This value, however, is coming under fire in an unlikely place – the public school classroom. The issue is school uniforms. Should public school students be allowed to make individual decisions about clothing, or should all students be required to wear a uniform? School uniforms are the better choice for three reasons. Firstly, wearing school uniforms would help make students lives simpler. They would no longer have to decide what to wear every morning, sometimes trying on outfit after outfit in an effort to choose. Uniforms would not only save time but also would eliminate the stress often associated with this chore. Secondly, school uniforms influence students to act responsibly in groups and as individuals. Uniforms give students the message that school is a special place for learning. In addition, uniforms create a feeling of unity among students. For example, when students do something as a group, such as attend meetings in the auditorium or eat lunch in the cafeteria, the fact that they all wear the same uniform would create a sense of community. Even more important, statistics show the positive effects that school uniforms have on violence and truancy. According to a recent survey in Hillsborough County, Florida, incidents of school violence dropped by 50 percent, attendance and test scores improved, and student suspensions declined approximately 30 percent after school uniforms were introduced. Finally, school uniforms would help make all the students feel equal. People’s standards of living differ greatly, and some people are well-off while others are not. People sometimes forget that school is a place to get an education, not to promote a “fashion show”. Implementing mandatory school uniforms would make all the students look the same regardless of their financial status. School uniforms would promote pride and help to raise the self-esteem of students who cannot afford to wear stylish clothing. Opponents of mandatory uniforms may say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express their individuality. This point has some merit on the surface. However, as stated previously, school is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and fashion. Society must decide if individual expression through clothing is more valuable than improved educational performance. It’s important to remember that school uniforms would be worn only during school hours. Students can express their individuality in the way they dress outside of the classroom. In conclusion, there are many well-documented benefits to implementing mandatory school uniforms for students. Studies show that students learn better and act more responsibly when they wear uniforms. Public schools should require uniforms in order to benefit both the students and society as a whole. 1. The topic of the essay is school uniforms. What is the hook in the first paragraph?

2. What is the thesis statement?

3. Topic sentence: Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 each give a reason for requiring school uniforms. These reasons can be found in the topic sentence of each paragraph. What are the reasons? Paragraph 2: Paragraph 3: Paragraph 4: 4. Supporting sentences: In paragraph 4, what supporting information does the writer give to show that uniforms make students equal?

5. Which paragraph presents a counterargument (an argument that is contrary to, or the opposite of, the writer’s opinion)? What is the counterargument?

6. The writer gives a refutation of the counterargument (shows that it is wrong). What is the writer’s refutation?

7. Write the sentence from the concluding paragraph of “The School Uniform Question” that restate the thesis.

8. Reread the concluding paragraph. What is the writer’s opinion about this issue?