Topic
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
University students should not be required to attend classes. Instead, they should be able to credits through a final test or paper.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Outlining
Put your brainstorming ideas into the outline format.
Sample
Thesis statement Students should attend a certain number of classes in order to pass.
Topic sentence 1 Going to class gives students a chance to learn, which is the point of college.
Example Professors often teach information in class that is not in the textbook, hold class
discussions, and answer students’ questions.
Topic sentence 2 It is simply unfair to some students to make attending classes optional.
Example Some students will attempt to get credits through a one-time test or paper while others attend class regularly to pass their courses.
Conclusion Universities should require students to attend classes in order to give them more
opportunities to expand their knowledge and to be fair to every student.
On your own
Thesis statement
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Topic sentence 1
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Example
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Topic sentence 2
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Example
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Conclusion
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Writing your draft
Based on the outline, write your draft.
Sample Essay
[Opening sentence] Is it desirable to make attending classes optional for university students? Some people believe so, but I disagree. [Thesis statement] Students should not be allowed to receive credits by just writing a paper or taking a test. Instead, they ought to attend a certain number of classes in order to pass.
[Topic sentence 1] Going to class gives students a chance to leam, which is the point of college [Supporting details] If students do not attend class, they will lose ample opportunities to get more knowledge. For example, professors often teach information in class that is not in the textbook. Many of them also hold class discussions for students to talk about various topics. In addition, students constantly ask their professors questions in class, and the professors’ explanations can provide them with much additional knowledge. Students who skip class, however, will miss these opportunities to interact with other students and increase their knowledge.
[Topic sentence 2] Furthermore, it is simply unfair to some students to make attending classes optional. [Supporting details] I firmly believe that all students should get equal treatment. However, if students are allowed to attend their classes only when they want to, some of them will choose to skip their classes and attempt to get credits through a one-time test or paper. This is definitely unfair to other students who try to attend classes regularly and take every test to pass their courses. Therefore, all the students should attend classes and do the same work in class.
[Restatement of the thesis] Attending classes should be mandatory for university students to get credits. [Summary] By skipping classes, they will lose valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge. Also, it simply is not fair for some students to skip class but still be allowed to complete their studies. [Closing] I know that when I attend college, I am going to do my best to attend every one of my classes.