Debating and public speaking skills have consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, particularly in education-related topics. Based on analysis of past papers, this theme appears approximately once every 4-5 months, making it a highly relevant topic for IELTS candidates. Let’s examine a recent question that exemplifies this topic.
Task Analysis and Sample Essays
Some people think that schools should teach students to become good team members, while others believe that schools should focus on developing individual learning skills and encourage students to work independently. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of Question Requirements
- Topic: Educational methods and priorities
- Task: Discuss both views + opinion
- Key areas to cover: Team skills vs. individual learning
- Format: 4-5 paragraphs, 250-280 words
Band 8 Sample Essay
In contemporary education, there is ongoing debate about whether schools should prioritize collaborative skills or independent learning abilities. While both approaches have merit, I believe a balanced combination of these methodologies would be most beneficial for students’ development.
Those who advocate for team-based learning argue that it prepares students for real-world scenarios. In professional environments, employees rarely work in isolation; instead, they must collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with colleagues to achieve common goals. Through group projects and team activities, students develop essential social skills, learn to compromise, and understand the dynamics of collective problem-solving. Additionally, team-based learning helps students develop emotional intelligence and leadership capabilities, which are increasingly valued in today’s workplace.
Conversely, proponents of individual learning emphasize its role in developing self-reliance and critical thinking. When students work independently, they learn to trust their judgment, develop personal problem-solving strategies, and take responsibility for their learning outcomes. This approach helps cultivate important traits such as self-discipline, time management, and personal accountability. Furthermore, individual work allows students to progress at their own pace and develop a deeper understanding of subjects through independent research and reflection.
In my view, schools should implement a hybrid approach that incorporates both methodologies. Modern education should prepare students for a world that requires both collaborative capabilities and individual competence. By alternating between group projects and independent assignments, schools can help students develop a comprehensive skill set that includes both social competencies and personal capabilities. This balanced approach ensures that students are well-equipped for various situations they may encounter in their academic and professional futures.
Students demonstrating both individual and group work approaches
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is a discussion about whether schools should focus on teaching students to work in teams or develop individual skills. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and I will discuss them in this essay.
Teaching students to be good team members has many benefits. First, when students work in groups, they learn how to communicate with others. Also, they understand how to share responsibilities and help each other. For example, in my country, schools that use group projects help students become more social and friendly. Moreover, team activities make learning more fun and interesting for many students.
On the other hand, individual learning is also important. When students work alone, they become more independent and confident. They learn how to solve problems by themselves and don’t always need help from others. This is good because in real life, sometimes we need to work alone. Also, individual work helps teachers see each student’s progress better.
I think schools should use both methods because they are both useful. Some lessons are better for group work, while others need individual focus. If schools use both ways, students will learn different skills that they need for their future. This will help them be successful in both their studies and their future jobs.
Key Vocabulary
- Contemporary (adj) /kənˈtempəreri/ – belonging to or occurring in the present
- Methodology (n) /ˌmeθəˈdɒlədʒi/ – a system of methods used in a particular area of study
- Advocate (v) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or suggest an idea
- Proponent (n) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for something
- Hybrid (adj) /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ – something that combines different elements
- Competencies (n) /ˈkɒmpɪtənsiz/ – skills or abilities
- Self-reliance (n) /ˌself rɪˈlaɪəns/ – ability to depend on oneself
Writing Analysis
Band 8 Essay Analysis
- Strong coherence and cohesion
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced discussion with well-supported arguments
- Precise and academic language use
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Basic but clear organization
- Limited range of vocabulary
- Simple but accurate sentence structures
- Some repetition in ideas
- Less sophisticated examples and explanations
Conclusion and Practice Suggestions
Similar topics you might encounter could include:
- The role of debate clubs in schools
- Public speaking as a mandatory subject
- Individual vs. group presentations in education
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Remember to focus on maintaining a clear structure, using appropriate academic vocabulary, and developing your arguments thoroughly.
