Cultural diversity is a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years. Its importance in education makes it likely to continue as a test subject. Let’s explore some past questions and focus on a highly relevant prompt for practice.
Diverse students in classroom
Analyzing the Task
Some people think that schools should teach children the academic subjects that will be valuable for their future careers. Others believe that schools should teach children a wide range of subjects to give them a broad education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the debate between specialized and broad education, touching on cultural diversity indirectly. It requires discussing both perspectives and presenting a personal stance.
Sample Essay (Band 7-8)
The role of education in shaping future generations has long been debated, with some advocating for a focused curriculum tailored to career prospects, while others champion a more comprehensive approach. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own opinion.
Proponents of career-oriented education argue that schools should prioritize subjects directly relevant to students’ future professions. They contend that this approach would better prepare young people for the job market, equipping them with specific skills and knowledge required in their chosen fields. For instance, a student aspiring to become an engineer would benefit more from advanced mathematics and physics classes than from studying literature or art.
On the other hand, supporters of a broad education believe that schools should offer a wide range of subjects to provide students with a well-rounded knowledge base. They argue that this approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability – qualities essential in an ever-changing world. A diverse curriculum exposes students to various cultures, ideas, and perspectives, promoting tolerance and global awareness. For example, studying history and foreign languages can enhance cross-cultural understanding and communication skills.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, a balanced combination would be most beneficial. Schools should provide a strong foundation in core academic subjects while also offering a variety of electives to cater to different interests and talents. This approach would not only prepare students for their future careers but also help them develop into well-rounded individuals capable of navigating our increasingly interconnected and diverse society.
In conclusion, the ideal educational model should strike a balance between career-oriented subjects and a broad curriculum. By doing so, schools can equip students with both the specific skills needed for their chosen professions and the general knowledge and cultural awareness necessary to thrive in a globalized world.
(Word count: 298)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about what schools should teach children. Some people think schools should focus on subjects that will help students in their future jobs. Others believe schools should teach many different subjects to give students a wide education. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who support job-focused education say schools should teach subjects that will be useful for students’ careers. They think this will help students get good jobs in the future. For example, if a student wants to be a doctor, they should study more science and less art or music.
On the other hand, people who want a broad education say schools should teach many subjects. They believe this helps students think better and be more creative. Learning about different cultures and ideas can make students more understanding of others. For instance, studying history and languages can help students understand people from other countries better.
I think both ideas are important. Schools should teach the main subjects that students need for jobs, but also offer other subjects that students can choose. This way, students can learn what they need for their future jobs and also learn about other interesting things.
To conclude, I believe schools should teach both job-related subjects and a variety of other subjects. This will help students be ready for their careers and also be good citizens in our diverse world.
(Word count: 234)
Writing Tips for This Topic
Vocabulary: Use topic-specific terms like “curriculum,” “well-rounded education,” and “career-oriented subjects.”
Grammar: Employ conditional sentences to discuss hypothetical situations. For example:
- Band 7-8: “If schools focused solely on career-oriented subjects, students might miss out on developing crucial soft skills.”
- Band 6-7: “If schools only teach job subjects, students might not learn other important things.”
Structure: Clearly introduce both viewpoints, develop each with examples, and present a balanced conclusion.
Cohesion: Use linking words like “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in contrast” to connect ideas smoothly.
Argument Development: Support each point with relevant examples or explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – (of a person) having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
- Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
- Cross-cultural (adjective) /ˌkrɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl/ – relating to different cultures or comparing them
- Electives (noun) /ɪˈlektɪvz/ – optional subjects or courses that students can choose to study in addition to their required subjects
- Globalized (adjective) /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/ – developed or implemented on a worldwide scale
Conclusion
Promoting cultural diversity in schools is a crucial aspect of modern education, often reflected in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. While the sample essay focused on the broader topic of specialized versus comprehensive education, it indirectly addressed cultural diversity through the discussion of a well-rounded curriculum.
For future practice, consider these potential related topics:
- The role of foreign language education in promoting cultural understanding
- The impact of international exchange programs on students’ cultural awareness
- The importance of teaching local cultures alongside global perspectives in schools
Remember to apply the writing tips and key vocabulary discussed to enhance your essays on these topics. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!