Critical thinking and problem-solving skills have become increasingly prominent themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of exam questions over the past two years. This trend reflects the growing emphasis on these cognitive abilities in academic and professional contexts. Based on recent exam patterns, here are some relevant question types that have appeared:
Just as Educational technology tools have transformed modern education, the focus on critical thinking has reshaped IELTS writing tasks. Let’s analyze a recent exam question:
Some people believe that schools should focus more on teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than traditional academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Question Analysis
This is an agree/disagree essay that requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the role of critical thinking in education
- Compare critical thinking with traditional academic subjects
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Provide a balanced discussion
Students engaging in critical thinking exercise during classroom discussion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
In recent years, there has been growing debate about whether educational institutions should prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving over conventional academic disciplines. While I acknowledge the vital importance of these cognitive skills, I believe that they should complement rather than replace traditional subjects.
Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities are undoubtedly essential in today’s rapidly evolving world. These skills enable students to analyze complex situations, make informed decisions, and find innovative solutions to challenges they encounter. Moreover, like Debating and public speaking skills, these abilities are transferable across various professional fields and life situations, making them invaluable for future success.
However, traditional academic subjects provide the fundamental knowledge base upon which critical thinking skills can be developed. Mathematics teaches logical reasoning, while history develops analytical capabilities through the study of cause and effect. Sciences foster experimental thinking, and literature enhances perspective-taking abilities. These subjects offer the context and content necessary for meaningful critical analysis.
Furthermore, similar to how Entrepreneurial education in schools enhances practical skills, the integration of critical thinking within traditional subjects creates a more robust educational framework. The ideal approach would be to teach conventional subjects while explicitly incorporating critical thinking methodologies into their delivery.
In conclusion, while critical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial, they should be taught alongside rather than instead of traditional academic subjects. The most effective educational approach combines both elements to prepare students comprehensively for future challenges.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many people think schools should teach more critical thinking and problem-solving instead of normal subjects. I partly agree with this idea because both types of education are important for students.
On one hand, critical thinking and problem-solving are very useful skills. Students need these skills to solve real-life problems and make good decisions. For example, when students learn how to think critically, they can better understand complex information and avoid being tricked by fake news on social media. These skills also help them in their future jobs.
However, traditional subjects are also necessary. Subjects like math, science, and history give students basic knowledge they need. Without understanding these subjects, students cannot think critically about complex topics. Just like Multilingualism benefits for cognitive development?, traditional subjects help build strong foundations for learning.
I think schools should teach both traditional subjects and critical thinking together. Teachers can include problem-solving activities in normal lessons. For instance, in science class, students can do experiments and solve real problems. This way, they learn both subject knowledge and thinking skills.
Therefore, I believe schools should not completely replace traditional subjects with critical thinking. Instead, they should find ways to teach both effectively.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Clear position with sophisticated arguments
- Excellent paragraph organization
- Advanced vocabulary and complex sentences
- Smooth transitions between ideas
- Strong examples and explanations
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Clear but simpler position
- Basic paragraph structure
- Limited vocabulary range
- Some repetition in ideas
- Basic examples
Key Vocabulary
- cognitive abilities (n.) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – mental skills
- conventional disciplines (n.) /kənˈvenʃənl/ – traditional subjects
- innovative solutions (adj.) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – new and creative answers
- transferable skills (adj.) /trænsˈfɜːrəbl/ – abilities useful in different situations
- analytical capabilities (n.) /ˌænəˈlɪtɪkl/ – ability to examine things in detail
- experimental thinking (adj.) /ɪkˌsperɪˈmentl/ – scientific way of thinking
- perspective-taking (n.) /pəˈspektɪv/ – seeing from different viewpoints
- methodology (n.) /ˌmeθəˈdɒlədʒi/ – system of methods
Similar to Prioritizing life skills over academic subjects in schools, this topic continues to be relevant in IELTS examinations. For practice, try writing your own essay about whether schools should teach financial literacy or traditional mathematics. Share your essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
