Leadership skills in children have become an increasingly important topic in recent years, reflecting the growing emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals from a young age. This subject has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, and its relevance is likely to continue in future exams. Let’s explore a sample question and provide a high-scoring essay response to help you prepare for this potential topic.
Some people think that schools should focus on developing leadership skills in children. Others believe that schools should concentrate on teaching academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents two contrasting views on the role of schools in children’s education:
- Schools should prioritize developing leadership skills in children.
- Schools should focus on teaching academic subjects.
The task requires you to discuss both perspectives and provide your own opinion. This is a classic example of an IELTS Writing Task 2 question that tests your ability to analyze different viewpoints and express your thoughts clearly and coherently.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Leadership skills and academic knowledge are both crucial aspects of a child’s education, and the debate over which should take precedence in schools is a complex one. While some argue that schools should prioritize leadership development, others maintain that the focus should remain on traditional academic subjects. In my opinion, a balanced approach that integrates both elements is the most beneficial for students.
Those who advocate for a greater emphasis on leadership skills in schools argue that these abilities are essential for success in the modern world. They contend that qualities such as communication, decision-making, and teamwork are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts. Furthermore, proponents of this view believe that early exposure to leadership roles can boost children’s confidence and prepare them for future challenges. For instance, group projects and student council positions can provide practical experiences that develop these crucial skills.
On the other hand, supporters of a traditional academic focus argue that a strong foundation in subjects like mathematics, science, and literature is fundamental to a child’s intellectual growth. They assert that these disciplines provide the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for future academic and career success. Additionally, they worry that shifting too much attention to leadership development might compromise the depth of knowledge students acquire in core subjects, potentially hindering their ability to compete in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.
In my view, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. Schools should strive to integrate leadership development into the existing curriculum rather than treating it as a separate entity. For example, collaborative projects in science classes can foster both academic knowledge and teamwork skills simultaneously. Similarly, encouraging students to present their work to the class can enhance both subject understanding and public speaking abilities. By adopting this integrated approach, schools can ensure that students develop a well-rounded skill set that includes both strong academic foundations and essential leadership qualities.
In conclusion, while the debate between focusing on leadership skills versus academic subjects is valid, I believe that the most effective educational strategy is one that combines both elements. By doing so, schools can prepare students not only to excel academically but also to become capable leaders in their future endeavors.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
In today’s world, there is a debate about what schools should focus on teaching children. Some people think schools should teach leadership skills, while others believe academic subjects are more important. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support teaching leadership skills in schools say it’s important for children’s future. They think skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making are very useful in life and work. For example, if children learn to lead group projects in school, they might be better prepared for similar tasks in their future jobs. Also, learning leadership can help children become more confident and able to solve problems.
On the other hand, people who prefer focusing on academic subjects argue that these are the foundation of education. They believe subjects like math, science, and literature help children think critically and solve complex problems. These skills are necessary for higher education and many careers. They worry that if schools spend too much time on leadership skills, children might not learn enough about important academic subjects.
In my opinion, both leadership skills and academic subjects are important for children’s education. I think schools should try to teach both. For example, they could include leadership activities in regular classes. Students could work on group projects in science class, which would teach them both science and how to work in a team. This way, children can learn academic subjects and develop leadership skills at the same time.
To conclude, while some people prefer schools to focus on leadership skills and others on academic subjects, I believe a balanced approach is best. By teaching both, schools can help children become well-rounded individuals ready for future challenges.
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
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Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “invaluable,” “proponents,” and “compromise.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Grammar: The higher-scoring essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but remains grammatically correct.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the band 8-9 essay does so more skillfully and with greater variety.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced discussion of the topic.
Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to this topic:
- Leadership skills (noun phrase) – /ˈliːdəʃɪp skɪlz/ – Abilities related to guiding and directing others
- Academic subjects (noun phrase) – /ækəˈdemɪk ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/ – Traditional school disciplines like math, science, and literature
- Well-rounded (adjective) – /wel ˈraʊndɪd/ – Having a wide range of skills and experiences
- Integrate (verb) – /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – To combine or incorporate into a larger unit
- Collaborative (adjective) – /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving working together with others
- Critical thinking (noun phrase) – /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue
- Proponent (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for a theory or course of action
- Compromise (noun/verb) – /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ – An agreement reached by mutual concession
In conclusion, the topic of developing leadership skills in children is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the balance between soft skills and academic knowledge, the role of extracurricular activities in education, or the importance of practical skills versus theoretical learning. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and coherent argumentation.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and gain valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.