Discussion: Pros and cons of strong role models

The final part of your exam asks you to discuss the pros and cons of having strong role models, taking your starting point in “The Shape of a Star” by Jen Knox. Your answer should include at least two of the following terms: for some reason, partly, instead, although, in comparison, in other words, yet.

First of all, it is important to understand that a role model is a person who usually displays an exemplary behavior, who is successful in different areas and who is often looked up to or imitated by others, especially by youngsters. For some reason, children who lack one of the two parents are most prone to admiring someone and making him/her their role model.

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Pros

Generally, a good role model should have a set of positive values that can inspire others. In other words, they should teach young people the necessary lessons that can make them become the best versions of themselves.

In the story, Estelle was a firm believer in the idea that one can never stop evolving, as there are always things to improve and things to learn:

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Cons

Although Estelle clearly inspired some of her students and even her daughter, she was also tough and cruel with some of them and could not be satisfied with anything less than perfection: “She had me working on the same flag for weeks, said she wouldn’t accept anything less than perfection. Most kids dropped.” (ll. 12-13)

This is actually a con of having a strong role model, as children or youngsters can sometimes be made to feel like failures or they can feel that they will never rise up to the status of their role model.

Also, one of the strongest consequences of having a role model is the risk of becoming obsessed with that person.

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