We Must Wear Uniforms to School
How do/did you feel about having to wear a uniform to school?
Do you agree that students should wear uniforms to middle and high school?
For the past decade, schools, parents and students have clashed about whether students should wear uniforms or not. In 2007, court cases about an anti-Bush T-shirt in Vermont, an anti-gay T-shirt in San Diego and Tigger socks in Napa, California, went to court. This caused many to wonder if this debate will ever be resolved.
Meanwhile, researchers are divided over how much of an impact - if any - dress rules/policies have upon student learning. A 2004 book makes the case that uniforms do not improve school safety or academic discipline. A 2005 study, on the other hand, claims that in some Ohio high schools uniforms may have improved graduation and attendance rates, although no improvements were seen in academic performance.
The debate over uniforms in public schools encompasses many larger issues than simply what children should wear to school. It touches on issues of school improvement, personal freedom and more. It's no wonder the debate rages on.
Guessing meaning from context
Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. The answers are below the table.
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Opinions of 2 groups that are for and against, can’t agree |
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To be divided about something |
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To speak about/mention/speak briefly about something |
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An action where one thing/view/ideas hit each other strongly and cause damage |
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Confrontation, fight, disagree, opposing |
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A=7, B=2, C=1, D=6, E=3, F=8, G=4, H=5
Some example sentences using the new words to help you to better understand their meaning.
1. The FTA protestors and the police clashed.
2. Korea and Japan have not been able to resolve their differences about Dokdo.
3. The economists are divided over whether the economy will improve or not.
4. The government’s reduction on car import taxes has had a big impact on new car prices.
5. The scientists made a case that we must reduce CO2 or the Earth will get much hotter. On the other hand, others believe that global warming is not man-made.
6. The CEO’s speech touched on the need to increase sales this year.
7. People are raging about the increase in the price of fuel.
Some discussion questions using the new words to help you better understand the word meaning and how to use them correctly. Try to use the words in your answer.
1. Are there any times when schools and the government in Korea have clashed over school uniforms or other issues?
2. How do you think the debate about school uniforms can be resolved?
3. What issues are people in Korea divided over?
4. Do you think not wearing school uniforms in Korea would have a big impact? Why?
5. Can you make a case for why students should, or should not wear school uniforms? Use “on the other hand” in your answer to show the opposing view to what you think.
6. Why did the debate in the U.S. touch on other issues such as ‘personal freedom’? Is personal freedom as important to Koreans as to Americans (in the U.S.A. personal freedom is very important in all things and culture).
7. Why do you think that people rage about wearing or not wearing school uniforms in the U.S.A? Would people also rage about this issue in Korea?
ECK Education
