There has been a growing debate in recent years about whether or not school should start later in the morning. Proponents of later start times argue that it would benefit students' health and academic performance, while opponents argue that it would be inconvenient and costly to implement. In this essay, I will examine both sides of the argument and ultimately argue that school should start later in the morning.
One of the main arguments for later start times is that it would be beneficial for students' health. Adolescents have a natural tendency to stay up late and sleep in late, a pattern known as "delayed sleep phase syndrome." This can lead to a lack of sleep, which can have serious negative consequences for their physical and mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight, have poor mental health, and suffer from a range of other health problems. Starting school later in the morning would allow students to get more sleep, which would help them stay healthy and focused during the school day.
Another argument for later start times is that it would improve academic performance. Studies have shown that students who get enough sleep perform better academically than those who do not. When students are sleep deprived, they are more likely to be unable to concentrate, have difficulty learning new information, and make more mistakes. By starting school later in the morning, students would be more alert and able to focus on their studies, which would lead to better grades and overall academic performance.
Opponents of later start times argue that it would be inconvenient and costly to implement. They argue that it would require changes to bus schedules, extracurricular activities, and work schedules, which could be difficult and expensive to coordinate. Additionally, some argue that later start times would disrupt the traditional school day and make it more difficult for parents to manage their schedules.
Despite these concerns, I believe that the benefits of later start times outweigh the costs and inconveniences. While it may require some adjustments and logistical challenges, the long-term benefits for students' health and academic performance make it worth the effort. Moreover, many school districts have already successfully implemented later start times, demonstrating that it is possible to make the change.
In conclusion, school should start later in the morning. The evidence shows that it would be beneficial for students' health and academic performance, and while there may be some logistical challenges to overcome, the benefits make it worth the effort. By prioritizing the well-being and academic success of our students, we can create a stronger and more successful educational system.
In "Lord of the Flies," William Golding presents a group of young boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island after their plane crashes. The boys are forced to fend for themselves and create their own society, but as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the boys' attempts at creating order break down as they succumb to their primal instincts and the influence of the "beast," an entity that represents the primal, animalistic side of human nature.
One of the main characters in "Lord of the Flies" is Ralph, the protagonist and leader of the group. At the beginning of the novel, Ralph is chosen as the leader because of his charisma and ability to think logically. He is level-headed and tries to maintain order on the island, but as the novel progresses, his leadership is challenged by Jack, the antagonist and leader of the hunters. Ralph is ultimately unable to maintain control over the group, and his inability to keep the boys from descending into savagery reflects the theme of the inherent dangers of power and the corrupting influence it can have on individuals.
Another important character in "Lord of the Flies" is Piggy, Ralph's loyal friend and advisor. Piggy is physically weaker than the other boys and is often bullied and ostracized because of his glasses, which he uses to start fires. Despite this, Piggy is intelligent and has a strong sense of right and wrong. He advises Ralph on important decisions and tries to keep the boys focused on their rescue, but his efforts are often overshadowed by the more aggressive and dominant personalities of Ralph and Jack. Piggy's death at the hands of the other boys is a turning point in the novel and represents the complete breakdown of order and the loss of innocence among the group.
Another significant character in the novel is Simon, a quiet and introspective boy who is deeply in tune with the natural world around him. Simon is the only one who fully understands the true nature of the "beast" and tries to tell the other boys, but they do not listen. Simon's insights and wisdom are often overlooked by the other boys, and his death at the hands of the group is a symbol of their descent into savagery and the loss of reason.
In conclusion, the characters in "Lord of the Flies" represent different aspects of human nature and the dangers of power and the loss of civilization. Ralph represents the rational, civilized side of humanity, while Jack represents the primal, animalistic side. Piggy represents the voice of reason and Simon represents the natural world and inner wisdom. Together, these characters illustrate the theme of the novel: the inherent dangers of power and the corrupting influence it can have on individuals.