IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1179 - Schools are spending more time teaching traditional subjects
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic.
Schools are spending more time teaching traditional subjects such as history. Some people think they should rather spend more time teaching skills that can help students find a job.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [Disagreement]
School curriculums may vary from school to school, but their primary objective is the same everywhere which is to educate and enlighten students. However, some people claim that schools should focus more on job-oriented subjects rather than teaching traditional ones like arts and history. I personally disagree with this view and believe that traditional subjects are just as important as skill-oriented subjects.
To begin with, ‘job-oriented subject’ is itself an inexplicit term. Some would say that subjects that enhance practical skills like computing or gardening are job-oriented subjects, but no one can assure that all students in a class will become computer engineers and specialists in planting and gardening. That is why forcing pupils to study subjects that they do not feel interested in would bring negative results.
Moreover, schools are meant to nurture young students’ creativity and foster their talent to let them explore their true potential. From this perspective, imposing job-related subjects is like suppressing the potential of the future generation. If schools can bring diversity among students and inform them about different perspectives of life, the students will themselves choose their careers and transcend in future.
Finally, Arts and History are as much important as any science and technical subjects are. The study of history empowers us to be prepared for the future and learn from mistakes made by our ancestors. Similarly, arts and other traditional subjects allow us to learn to appreciate life. We revere Van Gauge and Leonardo da Vinci as much as we admire Sir Isaac Newton and Einstein. The world needs great artists and historians no less than it needs talented scientists and engineers.
To conclude, schools should equally focus on traditional subjects and skill-oriented subjects and nurture students’ hidden potential to prepare the future generation to become leaders, not corporate slaves.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
Some people opine that in today's competitive job market, schools must provide their students with skills that will help them find employment. While traditional subjects such as history and literature have their value, there is a growing need for students to be taught practical skills that will make them more employable. I firmly believe that schools should focus on teaching job-related skills, in addition to traditional subjects.
One advantage of teaching job-related skills in schools is that it prepares students for the workforce. For instance, in many countries, the demand for jobs in technology-related fields is increasing rapidly. By teaching students coding and other computer-related skills, schools can help them be better prepared for a technology-driven job market. Similarly, teaching students entrepreneurial skills such as financial planning, marketing, and business management can enable them to start their own businesses, which can be an excellent source of employment.
Moreover, teaching job-related skills can help reduce unemployment rates in many countries. By equipping students with practical skills, they become more employable and can find jobs more easily. This can reduce the number of unemployed individuals in society, which has many social and economic benefits. For instance, lower unemployment rates can lead to less poverty and crime, which is beneficial for the whole society. Lastly, teaching job-related skills can help students realize their potential and make a meaningful contribution to society. By providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, they can be confident in their abilities and feel more engaged in society.
In conclusion, while traditional subjects such as history and literature have their importance, teaching job-related skills is even more important in modern times. By equipping students with practical skills, they become more employable and can find jobs more easily, leading to a more productive and prosperous community. Therefore, schools should devote more time to teaching job-related skills.
Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
In today's rapidly changing world, many people believe that schools should focus more on teaching practical skills that can help students secure a job. However, I strongly believe that traditional subjects such as history and literature are equally important and should continue to be taught in schools.
Firstly, studying traditional subjects provides students with a well-rounded education. Subjects such as history, literature, and philosophy are essential for developing critical thinking, analytical and communication skills. These subjects can help students to understand the complexities of the world and develop a broader perspective on different cultures and societies. For instance, studying history can teach students about the mistakes made by past civilizations, and how these mistakes can be avoided in the future. Similarly, studying literature can help students to appreciate different writing styles and the underlying themes of different literary works.
Secondly, traditional subjects are often prerequisites for many careers. Fields such as law, journalism, and international relations require a strong foundation in history, literature, and social sciences. By studying these subjects in school, students are well-prepared for college and eventually for their chosen career paths. For example, studying history can prepare students for careers in journalism, where they must understand current events and their historical context. Similarly, students who study literature are better prepared for careers in fields such as writing, publishing, and academia.
Lastly, focusing solely on job-specific skills can limit students' potential for growth and self-improvement. While teaching practical skills is important, it should not come at the expense of broader education. Students need to learn more than just how to get a job; they need to develop skills that will help them succeed in all aspects of their lives. A well-rounded education can help students to become informed, engaged citizens who are capable of contributing to their communities in meaningful ways.
In conclusion, while schools need to teach practical skills, traditional subjects should not be overlooked. These subjects provide a foundation for critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication that are essential for success in both academic and professional life.
Model Answer 4: [Disagreement]
The curriculum that schools follow has become a matter of great concern as it directly influences the quality of education and learners' future career prospects. Some people opine that academies should focus on job-oriented subjects that prepare pupils for a good career. In this essay, however, I will disagree with this notion, and argue why it is necessary to emphasise traditional subjects, which are just as important as employment-oriented skills.
Schools should continue to prioritize traditional subjects as they offer a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and foundational knowledge. For instance, subjects like literature, history, and philosophy provide students with a deep understanding of human experiences, ethical considerations, and the evolution of societies. These traditional subjects contribute to the development of analytical skills and help students contextualize contemporary issues. For example, studying historical events allows learners to draw parallels between past and present situations, enabling them to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful discussions about the world around them. A comprehensive education that includes traditional subjects prepares students not only for specific job roles but also equips them with the versatility and adaptability needed in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Moreover, it is essential for students to learn history, arts and similar subjects along with skill-oriented materials. Knowledge of culture and history allows students to become leaders rather than becoming corporate robots. For instance, the contribution of an explorer, leader and social worker is no less than that of a doctor or an engineer.
In conclusion, the primary objective of education is to prepare the young generation to build a better world through their diverse contributions, not just to become money-making machines. This is why arts and history are just as important as skill-related subjects in the national education curriculum.
[Written by - Kanika]
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