IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1258 - Time is spent on learning facts and not on learning practical skills
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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 say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
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.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
Education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' intellectual and practical abilities. Some argue that our current education system focuses excessively on memorising facts rather than developing practical skills, and I tend to agree with this view.
Undeniably, it is a fact that from primary to university education, learners are encouraged to memorise answers to questions and score higher in traditional exams. This can be reflected by the syllabus that our schools follow, and the way learners are encouraged to do better in the exams. For instance, parents, teachers and society will value those who are top scorers, and it does not matter how much they are prepared for the practical aspects of the lessons learned in their educational institutions. Moreover, parents would be happy to see their children studying rather than trying to explore or experiment. This lack of encouragement to explore and examine makes the situation worse.
Furthermore, the academic styles of most educational institutions and their lack of laboratories also reveal how our education is based on a traditional memorise-and-pass approach. Most education institutions have a scarcity of proper laboratories and necessary equipment for pupils to learn the practical aspects of studying. For instance, at our high school, we had to attend at least five theoretical physics classes each week while only one practical class for the same period. This lack of emphasis hindered our opportunity to experiment and learn the practical aspects of the lessons that were taught in our classes. It was as if we were supposed to read, memorise and pass the exam, and the practical aspect of our learning was the least important element of our education.
In conclusion, the way our educational institutions run and the syllabuses they follow, along with societal expectations from students evidently show that our education emphasises too much on teaching facts and information and not so much to teach us practical aspects of those facts and information. It is expected that our education system will be reorganised to emphasise more on practice, exploration and investigation.
Sample Answer 2: [Disagreement]
In education, the balance between learning facts and acquiring practical skills has become a contentious topic. While some argue that too much time is devoted to learning facts at the expense of practical skills, I strongly disagree with this perspective. I believe that both aspects are covered nowadays, and the modern education system offers a well-rounded education, complementing each other to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall academic excellence.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that facts form the foundation of knowledge in any subject. Without a solid understanding of fundamental facts, students may struggle to grasp complex concepts and build their expertise in a particular field. For instance, in mathematics, memorising basic arithmetic operations is essential before students can delve into higher-level calculus or statistics. Moreover, historical facts serve as critical reference points, enabling students to contextualise events and understand the evolution of societies and civilizations. From this regard, educational institutions emphasise just as much when it comes to theoretical aspects of education for many majors.
Moreover, a focus on hands-on education and experiments are also done in most schools and universities that are renowned for offering quality education. In today's dynamic and ever-changing job market, employers seek individuals with problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability, and many university courses aim to prepare learners for professional excellence. Practical skills, such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking have also been integrated into modern syllabi and it has been proven vital to empower students to navigate real-life challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
In conclusion, facts and theories provide the necessary groundwork for knowledge acquisition, practical skills equip students with the tools to navigate real-world challenges and contribute effectively to society. Modern education emphasizes both aspects to foster well-rounded individuals capable of taking practical and professional challenges.
Model Answer 3: [Agreement]
In the modern education setting, a major concern is the overemphasis on learning mere facts and figures, which are often not relevant in practical scenarios. I firmly agree with this view and believe that modern education should focus on developing practical skills rather than just teaching facts and information.
To commence with, traditional education systems prioritise the memorisation of facts over practical skills, and most schools still follow this traditional method of teaching. For instance, students spend countless hours memorising historical events and math formulas without understanding their real-life applications. This approach of emphasising theoretical knowledge over practical skills deprives students of a genuine understanding of the subject matter, and this is reflected when they enter the job market. With their theoretical knowledge, they often fail to deliver the expected output. In fact, when they fail to thrive in the real world or solve problems in their professional life, we can only blame our theory-based education system.
In addition, the current education system is failing to provide students with opportunities to acquire practical skills. For example, most schools and universities do not offer courses that provide hands-on experiences. As a result, students are unable to develop crucial practical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. This deficiency becomes more apparent when they are expected to use those skills to solve practical problems in real life.
In conclusion, educational institutions must revamp their curriculum and focus on practical skill development as they are currently too much theoretical. Schools can introduce more practical subjects, such as entrepreneurship and project-based learning, which will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Moreover, universities can introduce internships, apprenticeships, and other experiential learning programs to provide students with hands-on experiences.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
Do you agree or disagree?
Essay Type:
Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree).
The main question of this essay:
Do you agree or disagree that education systems currently place too much emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills?
Arguments in agreement (education overly emphasises facts and theory)
1. Lack of practical application:
Education often emphasises theoretical knowledge, neglecting practical skills essential for real-world situations. Students who learn primarily through theory may struggle to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. To illustrate, many graduates have strong academic records but struggle to adapt to workplace demands due to inadequate practical training in educational institutes.
2. Limited development of essential life skills:
Schools heavily focus on theoretical contents which hinder the development of essential life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. These skills are crucial in personal and professional life but are not always developed through textbook-based learning. For instance, employers frequently report that graduates lack problem-solving and communication skills despite excellent theoretical grades.
3. Reduced student engagement and motivation:
Theoretical classes with minimal practical engagement often lead to boredom and disinterest among learners. Hands-on activities make learning more interactive, stimulating curiosity and creativity. The reduced student engagement and lack of motivation outline that we have an education system which is too theoretical. For example, students often find science subjects more intriguing when they engage in laboratory experiments rather than only theoretical lectures.
4. Mismatch between education and the job market:
Many current education systems fail to align adequately with industry requirements, causing skill gaps in the workforce. Employers frequently prefer candidates with relevant practical experience, which many fresh graduates lack. For instance, engineering companies often prioritise applicants with internship or practical project experiences.
5. Ineffective assessment of practical competence:
Current education systems rely heavily on written examinations, neglecting the assessment of practical skills essential in real-life scenarios. As a result, students may achieve excellent grades but lack the ability to perform effectively in practical tasks. For instance, medical graduates must pass rigorous practical assessments before becoming competent doctors, not merely theoretical exams.
Arguments in disagreement (education does not overly emphasise theoretical knowledge)
1. Many educational institutions integrate practical skills into their curriculum:
Modern schools and universities often include practical training through workshops, internships, and project-based assignments alongside theoretical classes. This balanced approach helps students acquire hands-on experience. For example, many business schools mandate internships to ensure students gain workplace experience alongside theoretical studies.
2. Theory provides essential foundational knowledge:
Theoretical education creates a solid foundation for understanding complex practical applications and advanced topics. Without comprehensive theoretical knowledge, students may struggle to grasp advanced practical skills. To give an example, medical students need to master theoretical anatomy and physiology before performing practical surgical procedures.
3. Theoretical knowledge enhances critical thinking and analytical abilities:
Learning facts and theories helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for personal and professional success. Theoretical education encourages learners to analyse information deeply and critically evaluate situations. For example, philosophy and history classes, although theoretical, significantly improve students' reasoning and analytical skills.
4. Education systems increasingly adapt to modern demands:
Educational policies worldwide increasingly emphasise the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Recent reforms and initiatives have incorporated experiential learning methods to meet industry needs. As an example, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs often combine theoretical studies with practical experiments and fieldwork.
5. Assessment methods now test both theoretical and practical competencies:
Contemporary educational assessments no longer rely solely on memorization of facts; they increasingly include practical projects, presentations, and group tasks. Such assessment methods ensure students acquire both practical and theoretical knowledge. For instance, universities now frequently evaluate students using project-based assignments that demonstrate practical application rather than relying entirely on theoretical examinations.
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