G/O Middle Box Introductory paragraph Topic: School Uniforms Hook/Lead: “Nervously, I shuffled through my closet, sweat starting to gather on my fleeked out brows…what was I going to wear??” Background information: The topic of school uniforms has been a nationwide debate since the early 90s, and it affects schools to this day. Just five years ago, Allentown School District, my hometown’s district, implemented district wide uniforms. Claim: Despite the argument that school uniforms take away freedom of expression, it is clear that schools would benefit from having required uniforms due to overall mental health benefits and improvements in academic achievement.

GO Outer Box Topic Sentence: Two major benefits of school uniforms is that it reduces bullying and improves school spirit. (MENTAL HEALTH) Supporting Details (including textual evidence): 1.) Gang violence and bullying instances have decreased throughout the city of Chicago; Chicago School System teacher survey- “Only the Strong Survive” page 3 2.) Schools in which students dress the same report tangible school spirit; Scientific study on “human homogony”- “Homogony in Schools” page 1 3.) Students that wear uniforms feel more secure about their appearance and social status; “Homogony in Schools” page 3 Concluding Sentence: Often times, kids can feel lost during their middle school years, but schools that require uniforms can help ease anxiety and create a positive learning atmosphere that enables them to find themselves.