Uniforms Argumentative Essay

1. In the first essay about school uniforms, what is the writer’s claim?

• A. School uniforms prevent all problems in schools.

• B. School uniforms should not be required because they are expensive.

• C. School uniforms should be required because they improve safety, equality, and discipline.

• D. School uniforms are colorful and stylish.

2. In the second essay, which sentence is a counterclaim to the idea that uniforms help students?

• A. “In Long Beach, California, crime and discipline problems dropped sharply after uniforms were introduced.”

• B. “Uniform costs can range from $25 to as high as $500 per year, and for low-income families, this can mean the difference between affording food or school clothing.”

• C. “Teachers strongly believe in this benefit, with 83 percent agreeing that uniforms can prevent bullying.”

• D. “A peer-reviewed study concluded that schools with uniforms experienced 12 percent fewer firearm-related incidents.”

3. Which piece of text evidence was used in the pro-uniform essay to show that uniforms improve safety?

• A. “Students thrive in environments where diversity and creativity are celebrated.”

• B. “According to data reported by the district, assault and battery incidents decreased by 34 percent, fighting by 51 percent, robbery by 65 percent, and even sex offenses by 74 percent after the policy was introduced.”

• C. “Some families in England have skipped meals to afford school uniforms.”

• D. “Rachel Shanks of the University of Aberdeen has argued that uniforms clash with freedom of expression.”

4. Which sentence from the essays shows the use of argumentative techniques by combining a claim with evidence?

• A. “Uniforms are an unnecessary obstacle that fail to address the deeper challenges schools face.”

• B. “In Sparks, Nevada, students reported feeling safer and less pressured to focus on appearance after uniforms were introduced.”

• C. “Uniforms are blue and white.”

• D. “I think uniforms are kind of boring.”

5. Why did the writer of the pro-uniform essay include arguments from the other side (such as students disliking uniforms)?

• A. To confuse the reader with too many opinions

• B. To show fairness and then explain why the pro-uniform position is stronger

• C. To make the essay shorter and easier to write

• D. To avoid using statistics or quotes