School Uniform

Today we are going to discuss the problem that has worried many generations of school children, their parents and their teachers. It is the problem of what to wear to school and what role the school uniform has had in some countries.

School uniforms originated in England. In fact, in most other European countries, school uniforms were never a part of school policy.

In England, the advantage of school uniforms have been a topic of discussion for many years. Yet, in recent years, the issue of school uniforms is becoming less unique to Britain and more intensely discussed in other countries. Schools around the world have many different approaches to how school children should dress. Some countries have national polices. Others have no policies at all.

In England, school uniforms were at first used to identify boys as members of a privileged elite. In other countries, such as France, school uniforms have been used to reduce class differences. Now the debate has spread to the United States, where uniforms have not traditionally been worn. Teenagers protest over school uniform. They were surveyed and voted to retain the existing dress code allowing them to wear their everyday dress. They think the school uniform will destroy the wonderful atmosphere of the American school and take away their individualism.

In some schools students wear a T-shirt with the school logo. There are no rules for jackets, trousers and shoes, and jeans are not banned — but students are asked to wear plain colors and to avoid brand names.

Some teachers back the idea that many parents cannot afford to buy the trendy clothes their children want to wear at school.

7. Match the words with their definitions.

  1. casual — (c) comfortable and informal
  2. conservative — (a) traditional
  3. chic — (e) in keeping with the latest trends of fashion
  4. sloppy — (b) careless, not neat
  5. eccentric — (d) highly individual; odd, unusual
  6. classic — (g) likely to remain popular for a long time
  7. flashy — (f) showy
  8. old-fashioned — (h) a style identified with a past era.
  9. retro — (j) not modern
  10. trendy — (i) In style at the moment

8. Complete the sentences with the words from the box.

  1. At a picnic, I’d wear casual.
  2. If I were going dancing at the fanciest club in town, I’d wear something chic.
  3. I’d wear a conservative suit to a job interview at a bank.
  4. If I were going to a costume party, I’d get something eccentric.
  5. When I’m alone at home, I can wear sloppy clothes if I want.

9. Match the clauses to make logical sentences.

  1. When I was a small child, (i) I enjoyed wearing what other people bought for me.
  2. As I got a little older, (g) I wanted to make my own choices.
  3. When I was a teenager, my parents permitted (d) me to buy what I wanted.
  4. My mother recognized my interest in clothing, and she encouraged (b) going to a fashion school in New York City.
  5. By the time I graduated from the high school, I knew that I would try (a) designing beautiful clothes for the best shops in the USA.
  6. My teachers recommended (e) me to learn more about it.
  7. I thought that the high cost of the school would prevent (f) me to study there for four years.
  8. Fortunately, I got a scholarship that allowed (c) me from going there.
  9. Now, five years after graduating, I’m a fashion designer. I love (h) to work in the fashion industry.