A.C.T.-like writing for October 29, 2009

Mr. Roark
Applied Grammar
Writing Sample: 5-point essay
30 minutes

In some high schools, teachers and parents have become concerned with disciplinary actions as they relate to athletes, as opposed to the students who are not part of the athletic programs. Some parents and teachers think all students should be subject to rules of the athletic handbook and experience consequences based on that language. Others feel sports are a privilege and not a right. Still others would like for the athletes to only be subjected to the overall rules of the school and not the athletic handbook. Despite the stricter athletic handbook in most high schools, there have been cases recently where high school athletes were allowed to participate in sporting events, despite misdemeanor or felony charges, and even convictions, perhaps because administrators feared legal action by lawyers of parents and students. In your opinion, should high school administrators hold athletes to a higher standard than typical students who do not participate in an athletic program?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about any of the points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.