专八写作练习——学生应不应该穿校服

　　Part Ⅵ Writing (45 min)

　　In some elementary or secondary schools, students are asked to wear school uniform. When asked why, school authorities said that it is conducive to students teamwork and discipline. Do you share such justification? Write a composition of about 400 words to state your view.

　　In the first part of your essay you should state clearly your main argument, and in the second part you should support your argument with appropriate details. In the last part you should bring what you have written to a natural conclusion or make a summary.

　　You should supply an appropriate title for your essay.

　　Marks will be awarded for content, organization, grammar and appropriateness. Failure to follow the above instructions may result in a loss of marks.

　　Sample 1

　　Students Should Be Required to Wear School Uniform

　　Of all the great changes that have taken place in the system of compulsory education, school uniform of diverse patterns has proved to be a success. Today, however, a controversy towards school uniform stretches widely as it is feared that such uniform somewhat diminishes the individual personality of students. My opinion is that it is worth the praise it has received.

　　In the first place, school uniform helps students foster team spirit and strengthen the spirit of cooperation. Providing a sense of unity, the uniform makes everyone feel that he or she is influential and indispensable in the team. Regardless of performance in class or examination, one student is wearing the same clothes as the others and working on his share for the team responsibility. Naturally they will be willing to participate in the team and proud of their contributions. Brought up in this caring and inclusive environment, students will have an easy time functioning in new community and collaborating with coworkers.

　　In the second place, school uniform reinforces the sense of equality for a diversified student body. School uniform tends to narrow down the discrepancy between students from families of low and high economic status. In this sense it may help lift some psychological obstacles. Owing to school uniform, the bias against poor students will disappear gradually. Had it not been for school uniform, wearing shabby clothes would be a constant reminder of poor family conditions. And whats worse, they would feel ashamed of whom they are and the low self-esteem may have adverse impacts on study.

　　Last but not least, school uniform takes effect when accidents occur and the safety of students is endangered. The name or logo of school printed on uniform will help witness to know the victims identity and come to timely and efficient aid.

　　On the whole, students will benefit a great deal from their uniforms for the reasons ranging from their personality cultivation to aids in face of danger. Considering all above factors, it bears no reasoning to abandon school uniform.

　　Sample 2

　　Students Get Bored With School Uniform

　　Why not wear the school uniform just one day a week? The same clothing makes me feel bored, a high school student complained. And other complaints about school uniform are concerned with simple coloring, boring designs and poor quality. Although there exist advantages for wearing school uniform such as making students feel proud of their school, building a spirit of teamwork among students and so on to me, the negative points carry more weight than positive.

　　To begin with, school uniform contributes more to formality than to building the sense of teamwork among students. School authorities should spare energy in upgrading school infrastructure, equipment as well as teaching quality, to achieve the goal of establishing a sound reputation. Some concrete steps can be taken to create a harmonious atmosphere at school to attract students instead of forcing them to accept a specific label. A better indication should be created to remind the students of the schools honor and get them proud of the institution wherever they are. Therefore, it is the last thing in plan if students fail to have a sense of belonging and team spirit even wearing the same dress.

　　To make things worse, wearing dull school uniform deprives young people of the opportunity to unfold their specific properties. Teenagers in modern times possess a burning desire for individuality and uniqueness to differentiate themselves from their peers. As is said in the ancient wisdom, the way of dressing represents the personality of a man. Thus school uniform impedes the development of students individuality.

　　Worst of all, school uniform intensifies the family economic burden besides tuition and other charges of various sorts. With the quickening pace of economic development and inflation, it has become increasingly demanding to rear a child. In most cases, the annual expense on uniform is about 50 to 60 Yuan, a relatively low price which results in the unsatisfactory quality and design. For quite some families, it is still a burden on the finance. Under such paradoxical circumstances, why dont school authorities abandon the practice of promoting uniforms?

　　School uniform is not facilitative to teamwork and school reputation. Instead, it dampens students individuality and creates further burden for poor families. Hence Im firmly convinced that requirement of wearing school uniform will undergo a decline with higher awareness of self-respect and individuality.