Willey
Persuasive Essay Outline: Willey
I.
II.
Introduction
a. Attention Getter
In a society where students are supported by the Supreme Court for
wearing hateful t-shirts and inflammatory messages, a school policy such a
dress code or school uniforms is necessary to keep kid’s self-esteem and
safety a priority (3). President Clinton stated, “…schools should be able to
require their student to wear school uniforms” (2).
b. Background
School districts around the world have debated the benefits and pitfalls of
school uniforms. Although there is no data on the improvements of student
achievement, researchers are split on whether implementation on such a dress
code would be effective.
c. Thesis
Even though school uniforms violate student freedoms such as First
Amendment, a more positive school environment is created.
Counter-Argument
a. Topic Sentence introducing the counter-argument (Counter-transition
statement: Even though, However, On the other hand, although, yet)
Although a student may feel safe and positive in a school with a uniform
policy, their student identify may be compromised.
b. One reason and explanation why the counter has a point (Use a time
transition statement to introduce this.)
For an example, according to the First Amendment Rights, students should be
able to voice their opinion on political issues. In one instance, a student wore
an anti-Bush t-shirt which the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the student (3).
c. Another reason and explanation why the counter has a point (Use a time
transition statement to introduce this.)
In addition, a student was also defended while wearing an anti-gay t-shirt for
the same reason. Courts supported their rights because it was not effecting the
well-being of another student (3).
d. Concluding statement (Sum up the counter…then state why your choice is
best without using “I”.)
Even though these two instances were a clear violation of the First
Amendment, a clear dress code or student uniform is beneficial for a
successful learning environment.
Willey
III.
IV.
Body Paragraph One:Sense of Belonging
a. Topic Sentence (Introduce your first point, and start with a transition
statement).
First off, a group or community that wears a uniform will instantly have a
sense of belonging.
b. Give one example or detail that supports your point
For an example, the student who sits alone at the lunch table or the kid who
can’t find a club he or she identifies with, they will have sense of community
when they are dressed the same.
c. Use citations or paraphrased material to support your statement (Lead up
to or out of cited material) *page number
According to EducationBug.org, “The wearing of school uniforms
emphasizes membership and group identity, fostering a community
spirit”(2).
d. Give another example or detail that supports your point
Another example of uniforms creating bonding would be team, clubs or
officials who wear the same piece of clothing in unison.
e. Use citations or paraphrased material to support your statement (Lead up
to or out of cited material) *page number
For instance, “Five Reasons Why a Uniform is Important” states, “…uniforms
create solidarity” (1).
f. Concluding Statement (Try using a “Concluding” transition word)
All in all, wearing a uniform can create the same unity and spirit that happens
when a soccer player, police officer or McDonald’s employee has when they
put their attire on.
Body Paragraph Two: Better Attendance
a. Topic Sentence (Introduce your second point, and start with a transition
statement).
Another example that supports school uniforms is better attendance.
b. Give one example or detail that supports your point
For instance, a student will not have to spend time in the morning picking out
their outfits.
c. Use citations or paraphrased material to support your statement (Lead up
to or out of cited material) *page number
One school district in Ohio limited the color choices students can wear. This
selection process will be easier for a student getting ready for school which
will in turn help them show up on time for class (3).
d. Give another example or detail that supports your point
Another reason students with school uniforms will show up for school is
better self-esteem.
e. Use citations or paraphrased material to support your statement (Lead up
to or out of cited material) *page number
For example, uniform school attire will “Diminish social and economic
barriers,” according to Marian Wilde” (2).
f. Concluding Statement (Try using a “Concluding” transition word)
The implementation of uniforms has been proven to increase attendance
because students are on time and have less anxiety about clothing.
Willey
V.
VI.
Body Paragraph Three: A uniform is easier than dress code
a. Topic Sentence (Introduce your third point, and start with a transition
statement).
Lastly, a school uniform is easier for school districts to enforce.
b. Give one example or detail that supports your point
For example, in school districts like Ithaca, students are given a handbook
with rules that may need interpretation.
c. Use citations or paraphrased material to support your statement (Lead up
to or out of cited material) *page number
Similarly, a school in Napa, California a debate over the wearing of Tigger
socks went to the Supreme Court because the wording a handbook was
unclear (1).
d. Give another example or detail that supports your point
In addition, a uniform attire rule will not invite students to push their limits
and wear things that may be inappropriate but supported by their First
Amendment Rights.
e. Use citations or paraphrased material to support your statement (Lead up
to or out of cited material) *page number
In San Diego, a student with an anti-gay t-shirt was supported by the Supreme
Courts’ ruling even though his shirt was offensive (3).
f. Concluding Statement (Try using a “Concluding” transition word)
Even though students rights protected by the First Amendment may be
violated, uniform dress eliminates decoding handbook rules and offensive tshirts supported by freedom of speech.
Conclusion
a. Restate your thesis statement
It is clear that school uniforms can create a successful learning environment.
b. Give the audience a convincing reason about why your choice is the
correct one.
Students will have a sense of belonging. Putting on a uniform will give
students a “team” to identify with. Attendance may increase because
students’ self-esteem may be related to their clothing or students will have less
outfit choices to think about when they wake up in the morning. Finally,
school districts will have less of a headache decoding dress code policies. A
clear uniform will give less interpretation of wording.
c. Give the audience something to think about
An atmosphere for successful learning is the groundwork that needs to be in
place so that students can learn to the best of their abilities. Less distractions
with clothing will create room for a students’ educational well-being.