Uniforms: Fair or Restrictive?

Primary SchoolChallengingDiscursive Writing

The Prompt

Do you wear a school uniform? Some schools love them, and others don't! In this writing task, you're going to be like a detective, exploring both sides of the 'uniform' argument. This is called 'discursive writing' – it means looking at different viewpoints fairly.

Think about why some people believe school uniforms are a great idea. They often say uniforms help everyone feel equal, so no one feels left out because of their clothes. It can also reduce 'peer pressure' – that feeling that you must wear certain trendy clothes to fit in. Uniforms can make getting ready for school quicker and simpler too!

On the other hand, many people think uniforms aren't so good. They might argue that uniforms stop you from showing your unique personality and style – it limits your 'self-expression'. Sometimes, uniforms can be uncomfortable or expensive for families to buy, especially if children grow quickly.

Your job is to explore both these ideas carefully. Write about the good things about uniforms and the not-so-good things. Remember to explain why each point is important. At the end, you can share your own balanced opinion, explaining which side you lean towards and why, based on all the points you've discussed.

💡 Writing Tips

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Think of reasons why uniforms are a good idea (e.g., everyone looks the same, no fashion worries).
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Now think of reasons why uniforms are not so good (e.g., can't show your style, might be uncomfortable).
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Use connecting words like 'however', 'on the other hand', 'also', and 'furthermore' to link your ideas.
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Plan your writing: start with an introduction, then write a paragraph for arguments 'for' uniforms, a paragraph for arguments 'against' uniforms, and finish with a conclusion.
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Try to give a balanced opinion at the end, explaining which side you lean towards and why.

📝 Sample Answer

Many schools in the UK ask children to wear a uniform, and it's something lots of people have strong feelings about! Some think it's a brilliant idea, while others believe it's not fair. One big reason people like uniforms is that everyone looks the same. This can help stop children from being teased about their clothes and makes everyone feel more equal. It also means you don't have to worry about what to wear each morning, which can save time. When everyone wears the same uniform, it can make you feel like you're part of a team, which is a nice feeling. However, uniforms also have their downsides. A lot of children feel that uniforms stop them from showing their own unique style and personality. If you love bright colours or certain designs, a uniform might feel boring and restrictive. They can also be quite expensive for parents, especially when children grow quickly and need new sizes. Sometimes, uniforms aren't very comfortable, which can make school days harder. Overall, I think uniforms have some good points, like promoting equality and making school mornings easier. But they also take away a bit of our chance to be ourselves through our clothes. Perhaps a compromise, like a uniform with a choice of colours or styles, could be a fair way forward.

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