Topic 1: Increasing travels between countries enable people to learn different cultures or to increase tension between people from different countries

Topic 81: Wearing uniforms is popular in schools, but some people argue that it might cause damage to children's individuality. What is your opinion?

Wearing school uniforms is a norm in elementary and secondary schools in many countries. Although students are advised to follow this convention, it is a subject of debate whether wearing uniforms should be made compulsory or not. In my opinion, designating and standardising student wardrobe has numerous advantages.

One of the most significant benefits obtaining from a uniform is that it eliminates economic inequalities and reduces the competition among students for showing off stylish clothes. Parents need not shop for expensive and varied wardrobes for their children. There will be less distraction at school and children will not strive to keep up with the fashion. Students from low income families would not feel isolated or inferior to others, while those from high income families would not become the target of bullies. It is because all students look as plain as their peers. A child's education should not be damaged by their inability to afford stylish clothes. Their performance at school should be recognised based on individual characters rather than on their economic status.

School uniforms are meanwhile believed to have positive effects on discipline. Students are discouraged from wearing make-up, jewellery or trendy clothing. When children are required to wear uniforms and conform to a dress code, they conjure up thoughts of order and safety. They will take their schooling more seriously. In addition, with obscene and gang-related clothing being forbidden, the school would find it much easier to combat the gang, decrease drug use, improve attendance and solve other discipline problems.

School uniforms are sometimes viewed as a symbol of restrictive culture and a significant determinant of children's self-expression, potentially suppressing students' individuality. However, this concern is groundless, because uniforms can vary according to the season, environment and occasion. It is not common that students wear different seasonal and activity uniforms within the same classroom during the day. After school, they can wear whatever street clothes they like. The impact of uniforms is therefore very limited on children's individuality.

As suggested above, wearing school uniforms should be retained as a rule, not only because it unifies students and makes the rich and poor look alike, but also because it can instil a sense of discipline in children. The fear that school uniforms can suppress individuality is ungrounded.

1. 
   norm = normal ways of behaving
   
2. 
   designate = choose = appoint = specify
   
3. 
   wardrobe = clothes = clothing
   
4. 
   inequality = disparity = inequity
   
5. 
   bully = intimidator
   
6. 
   conform to = abide by = comply with = follow
   
7. 
   dress code = rules about clothes
   
8. 
   conjure up = recall
   
9. 
   obscene = sex-related
   
10. 
    unify = bring together
    
11. 
    suppress = stifle = repress = hold back