Centre
WRITING
Mintlaw Academy
Name
W1 Transactional
No.

To discuss, argue etc.
Task
Should school uniform and dress codes be abolished?
Write an argumentative essay in which you examine the main issues and
points of view that are involved.
State your own opinions clearly, making sure that you support and justify
your views with appropriate evidence.
First Draft:
Skill Demonstrated – My Writing Targets
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
a)
b)
c)
Foundation
General
Credit
Show Awareness of Purpose/Genre
Develop Content in Appropriate Detail
Use a Range of Vocabulary/Language
Communicate Content Clearly
Proof Read Thoroughly
Write Accurately:
Express myself clearly in sentences
Organise main sections into paragraphs
Use a dictionary to check spellings
Redraft:



Done Well
Could Improve
Final Grade for Redraft
My Targets:
My Targets:
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
“School Uniform”
Writing to discuss, argue and express opinions.
Word Bank
Use the key words highlighted below to help you to develop the line of
thought in your essay. These words are designed to allow you to link your
points together and help you to express:
 strong opinions:
without doubt
unquestionably
 opposing points of view:
on the other hand
nevertheless
however
despite the fact
in spite of
although
 supporting points of evidence
moreover
for example
furthermore
in addition
for instance
similarly
 concluding points in your essay
in conclusion
overall
2
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION/OPENING
1. Type of opening
Consider whether your opening is going to be:



Personal
Factual
Dramatic
Your teacher will explain the difference between each of these.
2. Setting up the topic
Use the key words highlighted in bold below to help you to complete your
introduction to your essay.
 Mention the fact that this is an issue that causes a lot of strong feeling
and hot debate.
 Useful word – controversial
 The fact that there are many different points of view – those FOR and
those AGAINST.
 Introduce the groups of people/organisations that might be FOR a ban.
 Choose from - school pupils, teachers, schools, local authorities,
parents.
 Now list those groups of people/organisations that might be AGAINST a
ban.
 Finally, state your own view.
 You will develop your views throughout the rest of the essay.
3
SECTION 2 – BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What you have to write:
Points to consider:
1. Outline some of the facts about the
current situation regarding the issue
of uniform and dress codes in
schools.

What is acceptable according to the
dress code for pupils at Mintlaw
Academy?

The possible links between
appearance, behaviour and
reputation in a school environment.

The importance of dress code in
promoting school identity,
cooperation and a positive ethos.

Mention other workplaces in which a
dress code/uniform is required.
2. What are the intentions and purposes
of having a dress code at Mintlaw
Academy?
3. Which other jobs/professions require
individuals to wear uniforms or to
conform to a particular dress code?
SECTION 3 – REASONS WHY PEOPLE WEAR UNIFORMS
Possible Opening/Topic Sentence for this paragraph:
“There are many reasons why people are required to where
uniforms in their workplace and in other aspects of their daily
lives.”
What you have to write:
Points to consider:

Comfort
Safety
Hygiene
Image
Identification
Team Spirit
Cost
Smart Appearance
Convenience
Equality


Explain how each point opposite is
relevant.
Give evidence and/or examples for
each point that you make.
Use the facts you have discovered
and your own personal experience to
help you.
4
SECTION 4 – ARGUMENTS FOR ABOLISHING SCHOOL DRESS CODES
Possible Opening/Topic Sentence for this paragraph:
“Many people would argue strongly for the abolition of school
dress codes and uniforms.”
What you have to write:
Points to consider:

 People’s freedom and rights

Describe the people or groups who
would support this argument.
Explain how each point/aspect
opposite would be relevant to the
arguments for a ban.

Give evidence and/or examples for
each point that you make.

Use the facts you have discovered
and your own personal experience to
help you outline these arguments.

Be prepared to state your opinions
and points of view.

Remember to use linking words.
 Is it just another attempt to control
youngsters?
 Practicality - other clothes do the job
just as well!
 Comfort and convenience
 Clothing “competitions” still exist
outside school
 Uniform is “dull and ugly”
 Is a uniform really cheaper?
5
SECTION 5 – ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE ABOLITION OF DRESS CODES
Possible Opening/Topic Sentence for this paragraph:
“However, the arguments against the abolition of school uniforms
and dress codes are extremely convincing.”
What you have to write:
Points to consider:

 Smartness
Describe the people or groups who
would support this argument.
 Promotes school identity

Explain how each point opposite
would be relevant to the arguments
against a ban.
 Practical suitability in a variety of
working situations

Give evidence and/or examples for
each point that you make.
 Highlights differences between work
clothes for school and casual clothes
for leisure time and sport

Use the facts you have discovered
and your own personal experience to
help you outline these arguments.
 Helps minimise fashion competition
and harassment/bullying

Be prepared to state your opinions
and points of view.
 Aids school security – distinguishes
between school pupils and intruders

Remember to use linking words.
6
SECTION 6 – OVERALL CONCLUSION
Possible Opening/Topic Sentence for your final paragraph:
“Overall, I believe that the arguments for/against* the abolition
of school uniform are ....”
*Delete as appropriate.
What you have to write:
Points to consider:

Describe the points of view that you
would support in this argument.
How far are you persuaded by the
different arguments for and against the
abolition of school uniform?

Mention the arguments that have
persuaded you that there should be a
ban.
What are the possible solutions to this
controversial issue?


List the arguments that have
persuaded you that there should not
be a ban.
Use the facts you have discovered
and your own personal experience to
support your views.
How could the situation change in the
future?
Do you think certain changes should
happen in the future? Explain in detail.
7