READ THE FOLLOWING THREE CLAIMS AND SELECT ONE TO CREATE AN ARGUMENT.
1. College athletes should (or should not) be paid.
2. All schools should (or should not) provide fine arts education. (art, dance, music, theater)
3. Standardized tests should (or should not) be eliminated.
I will create an argument for claim number 1: "College athletes should be paid."
Introduction:
College athletics have become a major source of revenue for academic institutions, especially in popular sports like football and basketball. While athletes receive scholarships for their athletic abilities, the debate revolves around whether they should also be compensated financially. This argument aims to establish that college athletes should be paid for their contributions.
Body:
1. Exploitation of Athletes:
College athletes, especially those in high-revenue sports, generate substantial income for their universities through ticket sales, merchandise, and television contracts. However, the athletes themselves are not allowed to profit from their own abilities. This arrangement is inherently unfair as it perpetuates the exploitation of these individuals while allowing others to financially benefit from their skills and talents.
2. Time Commitment:
Participating in college athletics demands a significant amount of time and dedication. Athletes spend countless hours training, practicing, and competing, limiting their ability to engage in other part-time jobs to support themselves financially. By providing them with a reasonable salary, athletes can focus more on their studies and have a better overall college experience.
3. Financial Hardship:
Many college athletes come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Without the means to support themselves or their families, they often struggle to cover basic expenses and remain under financial stress. Providing them with a fair salary would alleviate this burden, granting them the opportunity to focus on their academics and athletic endeavors without such hardship.
4. Expanding Opportunities:
Paying college athletes would create a more inclusive environment in which individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can participate in college sports. Presently, financial constraints sometimes force talented athletes to choose between accepting a scholarship offer and pursuing a potential professional career elsewhere. By providing financial compensation, universities would level the playing field and attract a broader pool of talented athletes.
Conclusion:
College athletes' contributions to their universities, coupled with the financial hardships they face, warrant their inclusion in the financial benefits generated by college athletics. Paying athletes would not only provide them with a fair compensation for their dedication and performance but also enhance the overall college experience for student-athletes. It is time to acknowledge their value, reward their efforts, and ensure that they have the necessary financial support to succeed both on and off the field.