Question

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes became the first president to make a strong case for universally available public education. “Universal suffrage should rest upon universal education,” he said in his inaugural address, adding that “liberal and permanent provision should be made for the support of free schools.” Hayes, a Republican, didn’t worry that some poor kid might benefit from access to “free stuff,” nor did he believe that the children of wealthy elites should be excluded from the universal nature of the program. For him, education was the basis for full economic and political participation, and full participation was the basis for all prosperity. An education should be available to all regardless of anyone’s station.

Today, there is universal access to free, public schools across the United States for kindergarten through 12th grade. That didn’t happen by presidential decree. It took populist pressure from the progressive movement, beginning in the 1890s, to make widespread access to free public schools a reality. By 1940, half of all young people were graduating from high school. As of 2013, that number was 81 percent. But that achievement is no longer enough. A college degree is the new high school diploma.

[What Bernie Sanders’s rise means for American politics]

In the 1950s and 1960s, it was possible to graduate from high school and move right into a decent-paying job with good benefits. Strong unions offered apprenticeships, and a large manufacturing sector provided opportunities for those without an advanced degree. A couple with a sole breadwinner could buy a home, raise a family and send their kids to college. That was the American dream. Unfortunately, today, for too many Americans, it’s not a possibility.

An important pathway to the middle class now runs through higher education, but rising costs are making it harder and harder for ordinary Americans to get the education they want and need. In 1978, it was possible to earn enough money to pay for a year of college tuition just by working a summer job that paid minimum wage. Today, it would take a minimum wage worker an entire year to earn enough to cover the annual in-state tuition at a public university. And that’s why so many bright young people don’t go to college, don’t finish or graduate deeply in debt. With $1.3 trillion in student loans, Americans are carrying more student debt than credit card or auto-loan debt. That’s a tragedy for our young people and for our nation.

Summarize the above article and then give your point of view. (2 different paragraphs)

Answer 1

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes, the Ex-President of USA in his inaugural speech spoke about the universally & freely available public education for all American citizens irrespective of class. The education is considered to be the only way to economic & political prosperity. Though, not as per public decree but due to populist pressure, for the first time in American history, universal free access to education up to 12th grade, came in existence only in 1894. This helped realize the Great American Dream. In 1950s and 1960s, it was easy for people graduating from high school to secure decent paying jobs with benefits. From 50% young Americans graduating from high school in 1940, the number rose to 81% by 2013.

But, free education up to 12th grade started appearing insufficient during the turn of 20th century. The college education became a necessity in order to secure jobs. With college education being a costly affair, it is not possible for many Americans to afford it. As a result of this, many bright young Americans drop-out or become college graduate being deeply in debt. Today the situation is such that student loans amounted to $1.3 trillion, higher than credit card or auto loans.

My Opinion - Looking at the technological advancement and changing nature of the jobs, it is in my opinion that government should subsidize college education. Government should draw out plans to waive off student debt considerably. The US government should bring policy of "Study now for free and pay when you get job". This will help bring many talented American youth in mainstream economy and help bring new innovations, research & development, which will once again help Americans realize the Great American Dream.