IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1232 - Secondary school children should study international news
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of the school subjects. Others, however, think that it is a waste of valuable school time and has no value.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Opinion: Secondary school children should study international news]
The power of global media to educate today's youth and shape their views is significant. While some opine that the global media and international news, as part of secondary education, have no value, others believe that international news should be studied by those pupils. This essay attempts to examine the issue by diving deep into both views. However, I believe that international news, as part of the secondary education syllabus, is important.
On the one hand, many critics of the inclusion of global media in secondary education argue that teenagers would be negatively affected by the global media’s focus on negative issues of international events like wars and civil unrest. This is because exposure to violence often leads to depression, and the youths may grow an apathy towards our history and global politics. For example, a few recent surveys explain that despondent teenagers usually cite the dismal state of the world as a source of their depression. Since mental health is an important objective of secondary education, it is, therefore, questionable whether the study of international news would benefit young students.
On the other hand, global media enriches young people's understanding of contemporary affairs and broaden their knowledge and horizons. This is because international affairs, as part of education, both make them conscious and knowledgeable and connect global youths on the same platforms. For example, a study run by Oxford sociologists showed that the media heavily influences teenagers’ knowledge of contemporary affairs which has a highly positive impact on making them aware of the world. This awareness makes them global citizens and encourages them to share ideas.
In conclusion, clearly, there are arguments for and against the study of global news in secondary schools. However, educators and authorities can make it more useful by adopting proper policy and teaching methods, and reap the benefits of teaching young students international news as part of their secondary education.
[Written by - Stephen]
Model Answer 2: [Opinion: International news should not be a school subject for secondary school students]
The inclusion of international news in the secondary syllabus is supported by many while opposed by others. This essay will explore both viewpoints but would argue that even though international news can be a great source of knowledge and information from time to time, it does not necessarily mean that it should formally be included in the school curricula.
Those who support teaching international news to secondary students form their view on the fact that it would enhance the knowledge and view of the learners making them aware of the world and issues surrounding it. This way we will have more conscious and responsible youths who would not be afraid to take responsibility to tackle important issues. For instance, youths who know about the important issues that are happening in the world are often not afraid to express their opinion and take action, no matter how small, to solve environmental, social and political problems.
On the other hand, the opposers of having international news in secondary school syllabus believe that most secondary school students have rather tender minds and hearts, and as such, they will not be able to make sense of the many negative and controversial things that take place all over the world daily. After all, we do not live in an ideal world. Most news media today provide “biased” news which sometimes could not be any farther from the truth, and these young children just do not have the required cultural, social, economic and political awareness to penetrate the biased news, to separate the facts from fiction. On top of that, secondary school children already have to study many difficult subjects, such as math, language, physics, chemistry, social science, history, and geography, and adding one more subject to that list would only create more pressure on those children.
In conclusion, the concept of adding international news in secondary school is both welcomed and opposed by many. If we analyse both views with an objective mind, we will have to agree that including international news as a school subject at a secondary level is not such a good idea, after all.
Model Answer 3: [Opinion: Secondary school children should study international news as part of their academic subjects]
In today's globalised world, many people emphasise the importance of studying international news, especially for young learners. While some argue that it is a waste of valuable academic time, others advocate its inclusion strongly. Personally, I support the idea that secondary school students should study international news as one of their academic subjects.
On the one hand, some argue that studying international news is not essential for students and can be a waste of their valuable school time. They argue that students should focus on subjects that are more directly relevant to their future careers. They also point out that when those young learners would be exposed to negative and heartbreaking global news on a daily basis, they would get mentally depressed and that would not only lower their academic performance but also negatively affect their psychology.
On the other hand, the proponents of studying international news think that it can broaden students' horizons and help them develop a more global perspective. It can expose them to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, which can help them become more tolerant and understanding of others. For example, students who study international news may learn about the challenges faced by people in different parts of the world and be motivated to contribute to global humanitarian efforts. Moreover, studying international news can help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and communication. It can also improve their language skills, as they may need to read and understand news articles in different languages. For instance, students who study international news can learn how to analyse and evaluate different perspectives on global issues and develop their own informed opinions.
In conclusion, studying international news is an essential part of a multi-skilled education for secondary school students. It can broaden their horizons, expand their critical thinking and analytical skills, and help them become more tolerant and understanding individuals. While it may not directly relate to their future careers, it is still essential.
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