Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on campus life.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

A common topic of debate at universities is mandatory attendance policies for lectures. Some professors require students to attend every class to get a good grade, believing it ensures engagement and discipline. Others feel that as long as students complete their assignments and pass exams, attendance should be optional. What is your opinion on this? Should university class attendance be mandatory? Why or why not?

Student response 1:

I support mandatory attendance. Going to class is essential because it allows for direct interaction with the professor and other students, which you can't get from just reading a textbook. Moreover, it creates a structured learning environment that helps students stay on track and not fall behind.

Student response 2:

I think attendance should be optional. University students are adults and should be responsible for their own learning. For example, some students may have jobs or other obligations, and they might learn more effectively by studying on their own time. Their final grade should reflect their knowledge, not their presence in a chair.