Body Paragraph #1 (Reason #1)
A. Topic Sentence: One reason to oppose school uniforms is that they limit students' freedom of self-expression and personal identity.
B. Evidence: In the article "Wearing a Uniform Actually Has Its Benefits," Kelly Davies, the business office manager at Havergal College, states that students at their school only wear their formal uniform once a week and on special occasions, allowing them to express themselves through their clothing choices on other days.
C. Analysis of evidence: This demonstrates that school uniforms can restrict students' ability to express their unique personalities and interests, limiting their self-expression and stifling their creativity. By denying them the freedom to choose their clothing, uniforms undermine their individuality and hinder their personal growth.
D. Transition to next paragraph: Another reason to oppose school uniforms is the potential negative impact they can have on students' confidence and overall well-being.
better answer for b
B. Evidence: In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Brynn Winegard, a professor and brain science expert, notes that being able to express oneself through clothing choices is an important aspect of identity development during adolescence. She explains that clothing can serve as a form of self-expression and contribute to a positive self-image.
Article 1: School Uniforms: Should Your School be Telling You What to Wear?
Samantha Gebicki was nervous about starting a new school in fourth grade. She was leaving
behind her close friends. She'd heard that the work was harder. But what upset her most?
"When I first saw the uniform," says Sam, who is now 12, "1 couldn't believe it." Every day, no
matter what, Sam would have to wear the same white shirt, plaid jumper, and (gulp) necktie.
There would be no more jeans. No more Gap T-shirts or leggings or Crocs. "I wanted to cry,"
she says.
Happier Students?
But is wearing a school uniform something to shed tears about? In fact, many experts insist that
school uniforms improve learning, keep schools safer, and (gasp) even make students happier.
It's no wonder the number of schools requiring uniforms is growing. Today, 18 percent of
students in the U.S. wear them. In the past, it was mostly private schools that required uniforms.
But more and more public schools are bringing on the jumpers and blue blazers. In New
Orleans and Chicago, the majority of students now wear uniforms. Principals in many high crime
areas say that uniforms can transform a school, making students and teachers safer.
Troublemakers can't hide dangerous objects under their clothes. Fights don't break out over
expensive clothing. Kids in gangs cannot wear gang colors or symbols to school. Even in quiet
towns, uniforms are catching on. When all students wear the same thing, kids don't have to
stress about having the latest brands. Why beg your parents for a pair of $150 Uggs if you can't
wear them to school?
Cost and Comfort
Still, some experts believe uniforms have drawbacks. Many are expensive. Some kids feel
uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing uniforms rather than clothes they choose for style
and fit. There's also the issue of how clothing can help us all—kids especially— express who we
are: a Mets fan or a Taylor Swift fanatic, one of the crowd or someone who dares to be different.
Finally, learning to choose clothes for school is important practice for later in life. As a teenager,
picking the right clothes for a job interview or college visit can mean the difference between
success and failure. Overall, though, education experts are united in their support for school
uniforms. And after four years of wearing her uniform, Sam Gebicki would agree. "1 do miss
being able to express myself through my clothes and seeing what my friends were wearing
every day," she says. "But it's nice to just get up and get dressed without worrying."
Article 2: Wearing a Uniform Actually Has Its Benefits
Dressing alike reinforces sense of belonging and makes mornings easier
Kids have been wearing uniforms to class for hundreds of years. One of the first references to school
uniforms dates back to 13th century England, when the Archbishop of Canterbury instituted the robe-like
cappa clausa as the new dress code for young academics. During the 16th century, Christ's Hospital
School in West Sussex, England, began doling out long blue coats and yellow knee socks to its students -
and its young academics still wear something similar today.
Blazers, button-down shirts and pleated skirts have been the norm at Canadian private schools for many
years.
And although the dress code hasn't changed much at most institutions, the debate about the merit of
school uniforms continues. Here are a few of the reasons students at Toronto's finest private schools
head to class in uniform.
Easier mornings
Not having to worry about putting together an outfit helps parents and kids get out the door faster. There
are no debates with tenacious kindergarteners over favourite dresses or butting heads with
fashion-conscious tweens over what's appropriate in the classroom. Everyone knows exactly what to
wear, from ties to Oxford shoes. Bonus: The cost of outfitting kids in a school uniform is probably
comparable to what many parents spend on regular back-to-school shopping. The price of most private
school uniforms runs from around $250 to $800, but many schools have used uniform programs that can
save up to half the cost. Plus, most kids only need a few sets to see them through the school year.
A sense of belonging
Uniforms can reinforce a sense of community amongst a school's student body, educators say. "Many
parents convey that their children have a sense of belonging and pride in the school uniform," says Rick
Parsons, principal at the Sterling Hall School for boys in North York. Seeing everyone, every day, wearing
the school colours can only boost school spirit.
Less emphasis on appearances
Pro-uniform educators point out that less focus on fashion in the classroom can make more room for
learning. It might also make life a little easier for kids, if they don't have to give as much thought to their
appearance. "I would suggest that many young people are saddled with a burden of presentation that
may be naturally informed by societal influences and pressures; it may be a reflection of their actual
identity or an identity that they wish to project," Parsons says. "In short, most students in uniform do not
worry about what they wear because there is no peer judgment."
They still get to dress up (and down)
"Havergal's formal uniform is worn once a week and on special occasions," says Kelly Davies, business
office manager at Havergal College, a private school for girls in North York. It consists of a blazer, kilt or
dress pants and a dress shirt. But on other days, girls can wear the school golf shirt, turtleneck or
sweater, she says. At Sterling Hall, boys can modify the uniform for special events such as Pink Shirt Day
(to support anti-bullying) or during sports playoff seasons to support the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto
Raptors teams.
Parsons says one of the biggest misconceptions he hears is that uniforms are disliked by students. "In
most cases, students do not think about it or worry about it because everyone's in the same boat," he
says.
In most cases, students don't think about wearing a uniform because everyone else is, too, says Rick
Parsons, principal at the Sterling Hall School.
In the article "Wearing a Uniform Actually Has Its Benefits," the author discusses the merits of school uniforms and provides reasons why students at Toronto's private schools wear uniforms. One of the main advantages mentioned is the ease and convenience of uniforms, particularly in the mornings. With a uniform, parents and children don't have to spend time and energy deciding on outfits, avoiding debates and clashes over fashion choices. This allows for a smoother start to the day and helps everyone get out the door faster. Additionally, the cost of outfitting kids in a school uniform is often comparable to regular back-to-school shopping, with many schools offering uniform programs that save parents money. The author mentions that most kids only need a few sets of uniforms to last them throughout the school year.
Another benefit highlighted in the article is the sense of belonging and community that uniforms can foster. By seeing everyone wearing the same uniform every day, students develop a stronger sense of unity and school spirit. The author cites educators who have conveyed that students take pride in wearing the school uniform and feel a sense of belonging to the school community. This sense of belonging can contribute to a positive school environment and enhance overall student experiences.
Finally, the article points out that uniforms can help reduce the emphasis on appearances in the classroom, allowing for more focus on learning. The absence of peer judgment based on clothing choices can alleviate some of the pressure students may feel to present themselves in a certain way. The author suggests that many young people may be burdened by societal influences and pressures related to their appearance, but with uniforms, students do not have to worry about what they wear or face peer judgment. This can create a more accepting and inclusive environment for all students.
Overall, the article argues that wearing school uniforms has practical benefits such as convenience and cost-effectiveness, as well as social and emotional benefits like fostering a sense of belonging and reducing appearance-related pressures.
against
In the article "School Uniforms: Should Your School be Telling You What to Wear?" and "Body Paragraph #1 (Reason #1)" provided earlier, the author presents reasons against school uniforms. One of the main arguments is that school uniforms limit students' freedom of self-expression and personal identity. According to the first article, students like Samantha Gebicki feel restricted and upset by the uniform requirements, as they are unable to wear clothing that reflects their unique personalities and interests. This lack of choice can stifle creativity and hinder personal growth.
The second article acknowledges that uniforms can make mornings easier and help parents and children get ready faster. However, it counters this benefit by pointing out that uniforms can be expensive and uncomfortable for some students. The article also emphasizes the importance of clothing in expressing one's identity. It suggests that by imposing uniforms, students are denied the opportunity to express themselves through their clothing choices, such as showing support for a sports team or showcasing their individuality.
Additionally, the second article argues that learning to choose clothes for school is valuable practice for later in life when students will have to make choices regarding their attire for job interviews or college visits. By removing this aspect of decision-making, students may not develop the necessary skills for making appropriate clothing choices in various contexts.
In conclusion, these arguments against school uniforms assert that they restrict students' self-expression, limit their personal identity development, and hinder their ability to make choices. The articles suggest that uniforms may sacrifice individuality and creativity in favor of convenience and conformity.
Body Paragraph #1 (Reason #1)
A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the first reason that supports your claim/thesis):
First of all, one reason to oppose school uniforms is that they limit students' freedom of self-expression.
B. Evidence (one-two sentences- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):
According to the first article, students like Samantha Gebicki feel restricted and upset by the uniform requirements, as they are unable to wear clothing that reflects their unique personalities and interests. (“School Uniforms: Should Your School Be Telling You What To Wear?”)
C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?):
This demonstrates that school uniforms can restrict students' ability to express their unique personalities and interests, limiting their self-expression and restraining their creativity. By denying them the freedom to choose their clothing, uniforms take advantage of their individuality and hinder their personal growth.
D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the second reason that supports your claim in the second body paragraph):
Transition to next paragraph: Another reason to oppose school uniforms is the potential negative impact they can have on students' confidence and overall well-being.
for when against them
Body Paragraph #2 (Reason #2)
A. Topic Sentence (one sentence where you write the second reason that supports your claim/thesis):
___________________________________________________________________________________
B. Evidence (one-two sentences- quote or paraphrase from one of your sources. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here):
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
C. Analysis of evidence (one-three sentences- how does your evidence prove the claim?): ____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly introduce the counterclaim/rebuttal that you will write in the third body paragraph):
___________________________________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph #2 (Reason #2)
A. Topic Sentence: Another reason to oppose school uniforms is their potential negative impact on students' confidence and overall well-being.
B. Evidence: In the article "Wearing a Uniform Actually Has Its Benefits," the author mentions that some kids may feel uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing uniforms rather than clothes they choose for style and fit.
C. Analysis of evidence: This indicates that uniforms can diminish students' confidence and self-esteem, as they are forced to adhere to a specific dress code that may not align with their personal preferences. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and hinder their overall well-being.
D. Transition to next paragraph: However, proponents of school uniforms argue that they promote equality and unity among students.
Body Paragraph #3 (Counterclaim/Rebuttal):
A. Address counterclaim (one-two sentences about the opposing viewpoint, “Some people think that…”):
_______________________________________________________________________________
B. Evidence/support for counterclaim (one-three sentences with evidence about the counterclaim. Remember to include a parenthetical/in-text citation using the parenthetical/in-text citations linked here): _________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
C. Disprove counterclaim (one-three sentences of why the counterclaim is wrong- “However, they are wrong because…”):
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
D. Transition to next paragraph (one sentence, briefly transition to the conclusion):