Sample LNAT Essay: What disciplinary sanctions should teachers be allowed to use?

Posted by Catherine Robinson on October 17, 2023

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Scroll to the bottom of the page to find a sample LNAT essay on discipline in schools.

What is the LNAT essay?

The LNAT essay is a 40-minute written task that assesses your ability to construct a persuasive argument. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

Understand the question

Before you start writing, take the time to carefully read and understand the essay question. Identify the key terms and concepts, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is being asked. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you address the question directly.

Plan your essay

Planning is crucial when it comes to writing a successful LNAT essay. Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and organise your thoughts. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your essay has a logical flow.

Structure your essay

A well-structured essay is easier to read and understand. Start with an introduction that provides an overview of your argument and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Then, develop your argument in the body paragraphs, using evidence and examples to support your points. Finally, conclude your essay by summarising your main points and restating your thesis.

Use evidence and examples

When writing your LNAT essay, it is important to support your arguments with evidence and examples. This will make your essay more persuasive and convincing. Use relevant facts, statistics, and real-life examples to back up your claims and strengthen your argument.

Be concise and clear

In a time-limited task like the LNAT essay, it is important to be concise and clear in your writing. Avoid unnecessary repetition and wordiness. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively. It is much better to write in plain and simple language than convoluted flowery language.

Practice, practice, practice

Like any skill, essay writing requires practice. Take the time to practice writing LNAT essays under timed conditions. This will help you improve your time management skills and help familiarise yourself with the format and requirements of the test.

Seek feedback

After writing practice essays, seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Example essay: What disciplinary sanctions should teachers be allowed to use?

The question of what disciplinary sanctions teachers should be allowed to use is a topic of considerable debate. Some argue for a more permissive approach, emphasising the need for teachers to have a wide range of disciplinary tools at their disposal, while others advocate for a more restrictive approach, highlighting the potential harm that can result from certain disciplinary measures. One school of thought suggests that teachers should have the authority to use a variety of sanctions, including detention, suspension, and expulsion, to maintain classroom order and discipline. However, this view is misguided because it overlooks the potential negative consequences of punitive measures, fails to consider alternative strategies, and neglects the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment. Therefore, it will instead be argued that teachers should prioritise non-punitive, restorative, and educational approaches to discipline.

It is crucial to emphasise that punitive disciplinary measures can have lasting negative consequences on students' emotional well-being and academic development. For this reason, teachers should prioritise non-punitive approaches to discipline. Instead of resorting to punitive measures like detention or suspension, teachers can employ restorative justice practices, such as conflict resolution, peer mediation, and community-building activities. These approaches encourage students to reflect on their actions, make amends, and learn from their mistakes. One argument in favour of punitive measures asserts that they are necessary for addressing serious offenses and maintaining order in schools. However, this view can be refuted. While maintaining discipline is essential, punitive measures should be a last resort. Serious offenses can still be addressed through non-punitive means, such as counselling, mentorship, and educational interventions. The punitive measures that do exist, like expulsion, can disproportionately affect marginalised students and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

Some argue that punitive measures act as a deterrent, discouraging students from engaging in disruptive behaviour. However, this argument is flawed. Studies have shown that punitive measures are often ineffective as deterrents, and they can further marginalise students who already face challenges. Moreover, there are alternative ways to instil discipline and responsibility, such as restorative justice practices and ongoing communication with students. Education should not only be about academic knowledge but also about character development and responsible citizenship. Teachers play a vital role in shaping students' values and behaviour. Therefore, it is essential that disciplinary sanctions align with educational goals. Educative measures, such as teaching conflict resolution, empathy, and social skills, should take precedence over punitive actions.

Critics argue that punitive measures are necessary when dealing with uncooperative students and, further, that failing to implement such measures would disadvantage the students who refuse to engage in class. Nevertheless, this view can be refuted. Instead of punitive actions, teachers can work to build trust, establish clear expectations, and communicate effectively with students. These actions can often resolve issues more effectively than punitive measures, which are likely to exacerbate the problem.

In conclusion, teachers should prioritise non-punitive, restorative, and educational approaches to discipline. Punitive measures can have detrimental consequences on students' well-being and academic development. While there may be arguments for using punitive measures in specific situations, they should be a last resort. By fostering a positive and supportive learning environment and aligning disciplinary sanctions with educational goals, teachers can create a space where students feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn and grow.

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