Argument – Session 10

Exercise 1:
Should the dress code be adopted in college?
I believe that it would be beneficial for our schools to adopt dress codes. Although some may
argue that this action would restrict the individual student’s freedom of expression, I do not
agree. Our right to express ourselves is important, but in our society none of us has unrestricted
freedom to do as we like at all times. We must all learn discipline, respect the feelings of
others, and learn how to operate in the real world in order to be successful. Dress codes would
not only create a better learning environment, but would also help prepare students for their
future.
Perhaps the most important benefit of adopting dress codes would be creating a better learning
environment. Inappropriate clothing can be distracting to fellow students who are trying to
concentrate. Short skirts, skimpy tops are fine for after school, but not for class room. T-shirts
with risky images or profanity may be offensive to certain groups. Students should express
themselves through art or creative writing, not clothing. With fewer distractions, students can
concentrate on getting a good education which can help them later on.
Another benefit of having a dress code is that it will prepare students to dress properly for
different places. When you go to a party you do not wear the same clothes you wear to a place
of worship. Likewise, when you dress for work, you do not wear the same clothes you wear at
the beach. Many professions even require uniforms. Having a dress code in college will help
students adjust to the real world.
Lastly, with all the peer pressure in college, many students worry about fitting in. If a dress code
(or even uniforms) were required, there would be less emphasis on how you look, and more
emphasis on learning.
In conclusion, there are many important reasons our colleges should adopt dress codes.
Getting an education is hard enough without being distracted by inappropriate t-shirts or
dresses. Learning to dress for particular occasions prepares us for the real world. And students
have enough pressure already without having to worry about what they are wearing.
Exercise 2:

To avoid head injuries (TBI), all games of tackle football should be changed to flag football.
Critics argue that no one would be able to take the game seriously, but changing a game of
brute force to a game of strategy and athletic prowess will only make it more of a sport. The
switch to flags will also benefit both the players and team owners since it will significantly
reduce the number of players who develop long-term or degenerative brain injuries. That
welcome change can prolong a player's career and life. In doing so, teams will also save money
on disability insurance. Over the past few years, physicians and researchers have discovered
how destructive tackle football can be. A recent New York Times article cited one of these
studies: Researchers from Boston University examined the brains of deceased people who had
been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries: "Of the group of 85 people, 80 percent (68
men) -- nearly all of whom played sports -- showed evidence of chronic traumatic
encephalopathy, or C.T.E." (Belson, 2012). 55 of the males with C.T.E. were tackle football
players. Instead of training to become a human blockade for someone, the new players will
need to be both strong and agile. That goal will reduce obesity and promote healthier lifestyles
among players and their fans. Flag football would even be more of a crowd pleaser than tackle
football since each team would have unique flags that would make excellent souvenirs and
promote audience interaction if a fan were chosen to carry the flag out before his/her team. No
matter what, playing it safe with flags will require more skill from the players and give fans more
ways to contribute to their teams.

[Reference: Belson, K. (2012, December 3). "Study Bolsters Link Between Routine Hits and Brain
Disease." The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com.]