Write an argumentative essay on the topic – “Why there should be more leisure facilities in the school?”.
Use appropriate sentence starters and give real-world evidence of these leisure facilities being implemented in schools worldwide. Add an opposing viewpoint and a rebuttal for the same. Include 3 arguments supporting the topic.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Argumentative Essay: The Importance of More Leisure Facilities in Schools
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced and academically rigorous environment, the need for more leisure facilities in schools has become increasingly apparent. Providing students with access to recreational spaces and activities not only promotes physical well-being but also enhances mental health and overall academic performance. This essay argues that schools should prioritize the inclusion of more leisure facilities to support the holistic development of students.
Real-world evidence:
According to a study conducted by the National Education Association in the United States, schools that offer a variety of leisure facilities, such as sports fields, gyms, and recreational clubs, have reported a significant decrease in disciplinary issues and an increase in student engagement and motivation.
Argument 1: Physical Health Benefits
To start with, the incorporation of more leisure facilities in schools can have a positive impact on students’ physical health. With the rise in sedentary lifestyles and obesity rates among children and adolescents, providing access to sports fields, swimming pools, and fitness centers can encourage regular physical activity. Research has shown that active students are more likely to have better cardiovascular health, improved motor skills, and lower rates of obesity.
Real-world evidence:
Schools in countries like Finland and Japan have successfully integrated leisure facilities such as outdoor sports courts and indoor swimming pools into their educational environments. As a result, students in these schools exhibit higher levels of physical fitness and overall well-being.
Argument 2: Mental Health Benefits
Additionally, leisure facilities in schools play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health. Engaging in recreational activities can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation among students. By providing spaces where students can unwind, socialize, and participate in leisurely pursuits, schools can contribute to creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
Real-world evidence:
Schools in Australia that have implemented mindfulness rooms, art studios, and music rooms as part of their leisure facilities have reported a decrease in student stress levels and an improvement in emotional well-being. Students have demonstrated enhanced creativity, focus, and resilience as a result of these initiatives.
Argument 3: Academic Performance Enhancement
Lastly, more leisure facilities in schools have been linked to improved academic performance. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activities and creative pursuits can enhance cognitive function, memory retention, and problem-solving skills. By offering diverse leisure options, schools can cater to students with varied interests and learning styles, leading to a more well-rounded educational experience.
Real-world evidence:
Schools in South Korea that have introduced art studios, music rooms, and maker spaces have witnessed an increase in student academic achievement and creativity. Students who are actively engaged in leisure activities demonstrate higher levels of motivation and academic success.
Opposing Viewpoint:
Some may argue that investing in leisure facilities detracts from academic rigor and the primary purpose of schooling. They may contend that limited resources should be allocated solely to academic programs rather than extracurricular amenities.
Rebuttal:
While academics are undoubtedly important, it is essential to recognize that holistic development encompasses more than just intellectual growth. By providing students with opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and creative expression through leisure facilities, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals who are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of more leisure facilities in schools is not just a luxury but a necessity for promoting the overall well-being and development of students. By prioritizing physical health, mental well-being, and academic success through recreational opportunities, schools can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
