Subtopic 1

My first point in defending making public schools single-gender is the fact that boys and girls separated from one another relieves the pressures and tensions associated with the opposite sex during teenage years. When boys and girls are together in a classroom, the focus shifts away from academics and instead falls to a carefully sculpted appearance and even more carefully monitored behaviors and actions. When around boys, girls are more likely to worry about their clothes, hair, and makeup, as well as their attempts to flirt, than they are in a class of only girls. Shy girls in particular are less likely to speak up or ask questions, for fear of being mocked or overpowered by a male-dominated classroom or discussion. Boys as well react differently when girls are present. When around girls, boys get distracted flirting and often refrain from answering questions for the sake of appearing macho. In classes with only other boys, boys are more likely to ask for help when needed, and tend to react more calmly in a class situation when not trying to dominate or disrupt the discussion to get a reaction out of other students, particularly girls. Separating the two groups will help to eliminate distraction and improve focus and the amount of knowledge gained.