Below is a sample outline and a well-developed 5-paragraph college-level essay in MLA 8th ed. on the topic: “Should College Education Be Free?” This sample is intended to help students write better essays.
MLA Essay: Should College Education Be Free?
Sample MLA Essay Outline: Should College Education Be Free?
- Introduction
- Hook: Engage the reader with a thought-provoking statistic or anecdote about the rising costs of college education.
- Background: Provide context on the current state of college affordability and the impact on students and society.
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state the stance on whether college education should be free, outlining the key arguments that will be discussed i.e. “Examining the economic benefits, implications for access and social equality, and the potential alleviation of the student debt burden, it becomes evident that making college education free is a vital step towards fostering a more equitable and economically sustainable society.”
- Body Paragraphs
- Economic Benefits of Free College Education
- Argument: Free college education can lead to a more skilled and competitive workforce.
- Supporting Evidence: Present statistics on increased earning potential for college graduates and the positive impact on the economy.
- Counterargument: Address potential concerns about the economic feasibility of providing free college education.
- Access to Education and Social Equality
- Argument: Free college education promotes equal opportunities for all socio-economic backgrounds.
- Supporting Evidence: Share data on the current disparities in access to higher education and how free college initiatives can address these issues.
- Counterargument: Acknowledge concerns about the potential strain on resources and explore ways to mitigate these challenges.
- Reduction of Student Debt Burden
- Argument: Free college education alleviates the financial burden of student loans on graduates.
- Supporting Evidence: Provide statistics on the growing student debt crisis and its impact on individuals and the economy.
- Counterargument: Discuss potential alternative solutions to reduce student debt without making college entirely free.
- Conclusion
- Recap: Summarize key arguments supporting the case for free college education.
- Call to Action: Encourage readers to consider the long-term societal benefits of investing in higher education and reflect on the potential for positive change.
- Closing Statement: Reiterate the importance of addressing the accessibility and affordability of higher education for the overall well-being of individuals and society.
