AWA – Argument #6
A recent nationwide study of high schools reveals that the percentage of students who graduate on time is higher for private schools than for public schools. For this reason, Bedford Falls parents who want their children to graduate from high school in time should send their children to private schools.
The argument that Bedford Falls parents should send their children to private schools so that they can graduate in time based on a statistical fact is not entirely convincing. Though the statistical data may be correct, it may not necessarily true for schools in Bedford Falls. Thus there are many more answers that need to be provided to plug the holes in this argument.
Firstly, the statistical data presented, is based on a nationwide survey. It may be true that of all students graduating in the country, those that pass out in time are from private schools. But this may not necessarily be true of Bedford Falls. It is highly possible that students of public schools in Bedford Falls, graduate in time and have a better track record than those students who belong to the private schools. Sufficient data about schools located in the Bedford Falls should be provided before a convincing conclusion can be made of the argument presented.
Secondly, there has been no analysis presented regarding the reasons behind students not graduating in time from public schools. It could be possible that the public schools which are the cause of the result of the survey attract students from families who cannot afford private schools. The students who come to these schools may have to work after school to support their families and hence are unable to graduate in time. This may not be a problem in Bedford Falls where the median income of families is sufficiently high and the children can focus completely on their studies to graduate in time. Hence, there is no comparison data present in the argument between similarities and /or dissimilarities between families in Bedford schools and those nationwide.
Lastly, there is no direct comparison between the public schools and private schools in Bedford Falls. This is a very important and critical piece of information that is missing from this argument. It is highly possible that both types of schools here have the same curriculum and have teachers who are equally capable. If such is the scenario than it does not matter where the parents send their children to study because their graduating in time will then solely be based on their involvement and commitment.
Thus, the argument is not fully convincing in the manner present. The comparison should be between the schools in Bedford Falls and the conclusion should not entirely be based on a nationwide survey. The nationwide survey can be a result of more generic demographic information that may not pertain to Bedford Falls.
