Practice Exam Argumentation

                                        "Students Who Push Burgers" By Walter S. Minot

      This article was published in the Christian Science Monitor on November 22, 1998. To summarize the article, Mr. Minot was an English Professor with a strong conviction that American high school and college students are spending too much time working for luxuries instead of focusing on their school effort (25). Mr. Minot bases the article off of a conversation with a university student who is working 30 hours per week and has neglected to hand in an assignment (7). As a highly educated man with high regards to education, one can see why Mr. Minot would rather American students focus on their studies and score high on tests. A strong basis of this article comes from Mr. Minot's 1950's (19) focused mind set. Clearly, we no longer live in the sheltered life of the 50's where only one parent in the household worked and most wants and needs were met. Most high school and college students can benefit from working to build life skills, independence and time management.

       Young adults need life skills to function properly in society today. Working provides a learning environment, teaches money management and social skills that will provide for more adequate communication skills. When the students are working, most of the time they are working to pay for a car (9), but in some cases the individual is working just to get by or to buy necessities. Being able to work for something, even if it is a material item will build confidence and a sense of achievement. It will also teach very important mathematical skills and financial budgeting.

       Independence is crucial for the young adult population. Independence will build character and will help mold the individual into the person he or she will be. Choices are made and consequences come with them. Another important factor is learning responsibility. A job will certainly establish this character trait. There are deadlines to meet with school work as well as with a job. This makes for a well rounded individual who will be entering the work world that is full of deadlines and commitments. Students can combine studying habits with work, some students may not be able to keep up with studying after work (31), but I believe most will if they are dedicated and passionate about their schoolwork.

       Most parents, myself being one of them, are convinced that their children learning the valuable lesson of earning money for what they need or want will benefit them in the long run. (27). The general home income these days is being stretched to the limit, if a high school student or college student is working, this is contributing. I believe most parents want their child or children to study hard and be the best student possible, but a parent also knows that their child is growing up and needs to learn life skills and valuable social experiences that are going to help guide them into adulthood. Not all students are alike, some will work full time and fail at school, while others with achieve success in both areas. American education will not decline if students work (37).


       In conclusion to my argument against Mr. Minot's article, I feel that a student who works hard can learn life long skills needed to adapt to real life situations, be responsible, independent and gain critical thinking skills which can come from school and work. This balance will create character and confidence that is needed in today's world therefore, young adults who work and study can establish a positive step towards adulthood.