Discursive essay – must haves
Model essay:
Present your stance agreeing or disagreeing with the following stance:
Uniforms should be banned from schools.
I agree with the narrative that uniforms should be banned from schools.(stance)
While uniforms are intended to promote discipline and equality, critics argue that
they restrict individuality, fail to address the root causes of bullying, and place a
financial burden on families. This essay argues that uniforms should be banned
because they suppress personal expression, provide limited benefits, and are often
impractical or costly. (road map)
Firstly, one of the main problems with school uniforms is that they limit students'
ability to express themselves. P Adolescence is a time when individuals are learning
who they are and how they want to be seen in the world. Clothing is one of the ways
young people explore and express their personalities. Forcing students to wear
identical outfits sends the message that individuality should be hidden. E A 2023
report from the British Psychological Society noted that students who felt restricted in
expressing themselves—especially through appearance—showed higher levels of
frustration and disengagement from school. E When students are allowed to express
who they are, they tend to feel more comfortable, confident, and motivated. L In my
personal experience, I felt that my uniform often impacted my mood, leaving me
feeling happier on civvies days than on normal uniform days. O
In addition to social concerns, uniforms can be expensive and impractical. P While
it’s often said that uniforms save money by reducing the need for many outfits, they
are usually sold by specific suppliers at high prices. Many families end up spending
more on uniforms than they would on ordinary school-appropriate clothing. E A 2022
report in The Guardian revealed that families in the UK were spending over £100 per
child on school uniforms, compared to about £60 for regular clothes. This cost places
extra pressure on low-income households, especially those with multiple children. E
Furthermore, uniforms are often uncomfortable and not suited to different weather
conditions, leaving students distracted or miserable during class. L I recall having to
buy more uniform than that which was required as I felt cold during winter. This led to
the overall costs of uniform being a lot higher than if I had just worn normal clothing.
O
That said, some of the arguments for uniforms cannot be ignored. A shared dress
code can help certain schools with larger behaviour issues or where students come
from widely varying backgrounds. P In such cases, uniforms may temporarily reduce
visible differences that lead to tension. However, these benefits are not guaranteed
and often depend more on a school’s overall culture and leadership. Uniforms alone
cannot create a positive learning environment—it requires respect, inclusivity, and a
focus on students' emotional and academic needs. Ex. Another common argument in
favour of uniforms is that they prevent bullying. P However, this oversimplifies a
much deeper issue. While uniforms may hide some external signs of wealth or
difference, they cannot eliminate bullying altogether. E A 2021 survey across South
African schools found that 65% of students who wore uniforms still experienced
bullying, often based on body type, appearance, or behaviour. Uniforms may make
students look the same, but they do not remove the real reasons some learners are
targeted. E True anti-bullying measures require education, empathy, and strong
school support systems—not just matching outfits. L
In conclusion, while uniforms may offer minor advantages in some settings, they are
not a one-size-fits-all solution. (stance) They limit personal expression, fail to
eliminate bullying, and can be financially demanding. (road map) Education should
be about encouraging individuality, fostering mutual respect, and making all students
feel included. For these reasons, schools should reconsider the use of mandatory
uniforms and move towards more flexible, student-friendly dress codes.
Important aspects:
Introduction:
Stance
Road map
Body:
Point
Explain
Evidence
Link
Own voice
Counter argument:
PEELO
+/- as long as body paragraphs
Conclusion:
Re-iterate stance
Reasons why you still support your stance (road map)
Extra credit:
3+ body paragraphs
Linking words (example, explain, continuation, contrast, conclude)
Rubric: