IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering the Art of Teaching Global Citizenship to Children

In recent years, the concept of global citizenship has gained significant traction in educational circles. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of teaching children about global citizenship has become a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a compelling essay on this crucial topic.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that schools should focus on teaching children about their local culture and history, while others think it’s more important to teach them about global citizenship. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 format: discussing two contrasting views and providing your own opinion. The topic centers on the debate between local cultural education and global citizenship education in schools. Let’s break down the key elements:

1. View 1: Schools should focus on teaching local culture and history
2. View 2: Schools should prioritize teaching global citizenship
3. Your task: Discuss both views and provide your own opinion

When approaching this question, it’s essential to consider arguments for both perspectives and then formulate a balanced opinion that acknowledges the merits of each view.

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Here’s a high-quality sample essay that addresses the question effectively:

In an increasingly interconnected world, the debate between focusing on local cultural education versus global citizenship in schools has become more prominent. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that a balanced curriculum incorporating elements of both is the most beneficial for students.

Proponents of local cultural education argue that it provides students with a strong sense of identity and roots. By learning about their local history and traditions, children develop a deeper understanding of their heritage and place in society. This knowledge can foster pride in one’s community and help preserve unique cultural practices that might otherwise be lost in the face of globalization. Moreover, a solid grounding in local culture can serve as a foundation for understanding and appreciating other cultures.

On the other hand, advocates for global citizenship education emphasize the importance of preparing students for an interconnected world. Teaching children about global issues, diverse cultures, and international cooperation equips them with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a globalized society. This approach can promote empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and a sense of shared responsibility for global challenges such as climate change and inequality. Furthermore, global citizenship education can enhance students’ critical thinking skills by exposing them to diverse viewpoints and encouraging them to consider complex global issues.

In my opinion, the ideal approach is to integrate both local cultural education and global citizenship into the school curriculum. By providing a strong foundation in local culture while simultaneously fostering a global perspective, schools can help students develop a well-rounded worldview. This balanced approach allows children to appreciate their own heritage while also understanding their place in the broader global community. For example, students could learn about local environmental issues and then explore how these connect to global climate change, thus bridging the gap between local and global concerns.

Moreover, this integrated approach can help students develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. By learning to value both their local identity and their role as global citizens, children can become more adaptable, empathetic, and open-minded individuals. This, in turn, can lead to more effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration in their future personal and professional lives.

In conclusion, while both local cultural education and global citizenship are important, I believe that a balanced curriculum incorporating both elements is the most effective approach. By fostering a strong sense of local identity alongside a global perspective, schools can prepare students to be proud of their heritage while also being active and responsible global citizens.

(Word count: 398)

Teaching global citizenship to children

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates writing at the Band 6-7 level:

In today’s world, there is a debate about what schools should teach children. Some people think schools should focus on local culture and history, while others believe teaching global citizenship is more important. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

People who support teaching local culture and history say it’s important for children to know about their roots. When kids learn about their own culture, they feel proud of where they come from. This can help them feel more confident and understand their place in society. Also, learning about local history can help preserve traditions that might be forgotten if not taught in schools.

On the other hand, those who think global citizenship is more important argue that the world is becoming more connected. They say that children need to learn about other cultures and global issues to be successful in the future. Learning about global citizenship can help kids understand different perspectives and become more tolerant of others. It can also help them see how they can contribute to solving world problems like climate change.

In my opinion, both local culture and global citizenship are important, and schools should teach both. I think children need to know about their own culture to have a strong sense of identity. But they also need to learn about the wider world to be prepared for the future. Schools could teach local history and traditions while also including lessons about other cultures and global issues.

For example, schools could have projects where students learn about their local environment and then connect it to global environmental issues. This way, students can see how local and global issues are related. By learning both local and global topics, children can become well-rounded individuals who are proud of their heritage but also understand their place in the world.

In conclusion, I believe that schools should find a balance between teaching local culture and global citizenship. This approach will help children develop a strong sense of identity while also preparing them to be responsible global citizens.

(Word count: 329)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

When tackling this type of essay, keep the following points in mind:

1. Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, and a conclusion with your opinion.
2. Balance: Give equal attention to both perspectives before presenting your own view.
3. Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make your essay more convincing.
4. Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
5. Vocabulary: Employ a range of vocabulary related to education and global citizenship.
6. Grammar: Use a variety of sentence structures and tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some important vocabulary words related to this topic:

1. Global citizenship (noun) /ˈɡləʊbl ˈsɪtɪznʃɪp/ – The idea of being a member of the global community and taking responsibility for global issues.

2. Cultural heritage (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.

3. Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ – Mutually joined or related.

4. Cross-cultural understanding (noun) /krɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ – The ability to understand and appreciate different cultures.

5. Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

6. Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

7. Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The state of being diverse; variety.

8. Adaptable (adjective) /əˈdæptəbl/ – Able to adjust to new conditions or situations.

9. Worldview (noun) /ˈwɜːldvjuː/ – A particular philosophy of life or conception of the world.

10. Cultural identity (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentəti/ – The identity or feeling of belonging to a group.

Conclusion

Teaching children about global citizenship is a complex and important topic that is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By understanding the key arguments and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a compelling essay on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the importance of cultural diversity in education or the role of schools in promoting global awareness.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.