MA Making an Argument 14

Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Some people believe that going to classes should be optional for university students, but I disagree. Students learn a lot more in classes than they can learn from books. In class they have the advantage of learning from the teacher, of interacting with their classmates, and of developing the responsibility it takes to be a good student.
When students attend class, they receive the benefit of the teacher’s knowledge. The best teachers do more than just go over the material in the class textbook. They draw their students into discussion of the material. They present opposing points of view. They provide additional information by inviting guest speakers or showing documentary films.
Going to class also teaches students how to work with other people. In class, students have to present their ideas to their classmates. They have to defend their ideas if their classmates disagree with them, but still remain friendly when the discussion is over. They have to learn to work in groups to complete class projects.
Attending classes teaches students responsibility. Having to be at a particular place at a particular time prepares them for getting a job. Having to complete assignments on time also helps develop responsibility.
Anyone can get information from books, but students get a great many more advantages when they attend class. They get the benefit of the teacher’s knowledge and experience, and even more than that, they learn how to work with others and to develop a sense of responsibility. These are not optional skills in life, so attending classes should not be optional at a university. (263 words)