In
the letter, the author argues that Buckingham College should build a number of
new dormitories to prevent pressing housing issue. Although the argument may
seem convincing at first, the lack of evidence leads me to conclude that the
argument is flawed in many aspects.
First,
the author needs to supplement the argument with concrete evidence whether the
students will double over the next 50 years. It is plausible that the current growing
trends were aberrations. Perhaps there could have been an influx of population
from near towns due to special circumstances such as natural catastrophe.
Moreover, since a plethora of factors may contribute to the population trends
such as birth rate and economy downturn, the enrollment trends should be viewed
in the long run.
Next,
specific evidences are required for the author to argue that the students will
likely to enroll the dormitories given the increasing price of off-campus
housing. Although the cost of off-campus housing increases, it is possible that
students decide to go to school directly from their homes instead of enrolling
the dormitories. Also, they could decide to share a house with other students.
Without considering alternative explanations, the author cannot conclude that the
students will need new dormitories.
Finally,
the author needs to provide more evidence that the new dormitories would
attract more prospective students. Common sense tells me that there are more
crucial factors for students to determine which school to attend. Other factors
such as prestige of school, research and teaching quality of faculties, graduates’
success records in a job market, school curriculum, and school facilities could
be more pivotal. It is too hasty to adamantly conclude that more students will
enroll Backingham College only because of new dormitories.
In
summary, the author needs to provide more explanations on the aforementioned
loopholes. In order to bolster the argument, the author needs to provide more
details on the enrollment trends, alternative housing options, and other factors
that could appeal students to enroll.