How do I write a strong essay arguing that college athletes should not be paid?

To craft a compelling essay arguing that college athletes should not be paid, it's important to start with a clear thesis and organize your points logically. Since you’re working on this for AP Lang, your reasoning, evidence, and sophistication of argument will matter a lot.

Starting with scholarships and benefits is a solid foundation. You can expand this by explaining that many college athletes receive tuition, room, board, and access to top-tier facilities and coaching. You might cite statistics showing the average value of these scholarships and discuss the academic and career resources athletes receive that aren’t available to all students.

Next, consider the impact on amateurism and educational mission. One argument against paying athletes is that it blurs the line between college and professional sports. Colleges are primarily educational institutions, and prioritizing pay could undermine academics. For example, you could reference NCAA statements or academic studies warning about the risk of shifting focus away from education.

Another strong angle concerns fairness and equity. If athletes in revenue-generating sports (like football and basketball) are paid, what about athletes in sports that don’t earn much? Would this create resentment among teams, or even cause some sports to be cut due to budget constraints? This issue has been discussed in articles from publications like The Atlantic when colleges reevaluated athletics budgets during the pandemic.

Using current events is extremely effective. For example, you can mention the recent Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) changes, which already let athletes profit from endorsements and sponsorships. Argue that these opportunities allow athletes to earn money without the college directly paying them—a compromise solution that maintains amateur status.

For organization, try this structure:
1. Introduction and thesis.
2. Explanation of existing benefits (with concrete examples or stats).
3. Amateurism and educational focus (reference NCAA positions or scholar opinions).
4. Equity/fairness across sports (use recent college sports budget discussions).
5. NIL changes and their impact (cite specific athletes or news stories).
6. Counterargument (briefly acknowledge the pro-pay side and explain why your side is stronger).
7. Conclusion reaffirming your main points.

Make your essay shine by adding specific examples, data, and thoughtful analysis. For instance, point out a real athlete who used their scholarship to jumpstart a successful non-sports career. Or, reference a school where lesser-known sports were cut after escalating football spending. These details make your argument more persuasive and memorable.

Finally, always tie your points back to your thesis and connect them logically. If you want more resources, look for articles in The Atlantic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, or major newspapers’ sports sections covering recent NCAA decisions. Good luck—you’re on the right track!