Source: www.rubenvalero.com
Essay 4 – Model question
TASK
Your class has been involved in a discussion on whether a dress code should be introduced at the college where you are studying. You have made the notes below.
• image of college.
• health and safety.
• discipline.
‘Wearing more formal clothes will prepare students for the workplace.’
‘College isn’t work or school, so students should be free to wear what they want.’
‘Students are turning up to college in inappropriate clothes more frequently, so it’s time for a dress code.’
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the advantages in your notes. You should explain which of the advantages you think would be most important for the college to consider in deciding whether to introduce a dress code, giving reasons to support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed during the discussion but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 4 – Model answer
We often hear that it is important for young people to be able to express themselves by what they wear. At our college, our lack of clothing guidelines has led some students to dress in a way that compromises both safety and our reputation in the community. Items of concern include ripped clothing, hoods that obscure the face, offensive T-shirts and very high platform heels. In this essay, I will discuss two advantages of introducing a dress code at our college.
The image that we present to the community is important for a number of reasons, but primarily because overly casual dress makes it more difficult to place students in homestays and on work experience. Recently, this problem seems to have escalated as we have received some phone complaints about students’ scruffy appearance. Additionally, it has come to my attention that a few students have worn T-shirts with slogans that could be considered xenophobic. It seems obvious that implementing a dress code will improve the college’s image.
With regard to health and safety, three students have fallen down the stairs during the last month. One of them, who had been wearing a pair of stiletto heels at the time, unfortunately broke her leg. I have grave concerns that without a dress code outlining suitable footwear choices, further accidents may be inevitable.
In my view, keeping people safe at our school is our responsibility. Consequently, this is the most pressing reason why it is time to introduce a dress code, even if it is initially unpopular with the student body.
[+/- 255 words]