Gender equality in education is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, we can expect this subject to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question and explore sample essays at different band levels to help you prepare effectively.
Some people think that schools should teach children academic subjects only, while others believe that schools should teach children other skills, such as how to promote gender equality. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that schools should focus solely on academic subjects
- Discuss the view that schools should teach additional skills like promoting gender equality
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach throughout your essay.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Gender equality education in schools has become a topic of heated debate in recent years. While some argue that academic subjects should be the sole focus of school curricula, others contend that schools have a responsibility to teach additional life skills, including how to promote gender equality. In my opinion, a balanced approach that incorporates both academic knowledge and essential life skills is crucial for the holistic development of students.
Those who advocate for a purely academic focus in schools argue that the primary purpose of education is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers and higher education. They believe that dedicating time to subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages is essential for students to compete in an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world. Moreover, they contend that issues such as gender equality should be addressed at home or through extracurricular activities, allowing schools to concentrate on their core educational mission.
On the other hand, proponents of a more comprehensive education system argue that schools play a vital role in shaping students’ values and preparing them for life beyond academics. They believe that teaching skills like promoting gender equality is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By incorporating these lessons into the curriculum, schools can help students develop empathy, critical thinking, and social awareness – qualities that are essential for success in both personal and professional spheres.
In my view, schools should strive to strike a balance between academic subjects and life skills education. While it is undoubtedly important to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects, ignoring crucial social issues like gender equality would be a disservice to their overall development. By integrating lessons on gender equality into existing subjects, schools can foster a more inclusive learning environment and prepare students to be responsible, empathetic citizens without compromising on academic rigor.
In conclusion, while the debate between focusing solely on academics and incorporating life skills education is ongoing, I believe that a balanced approach is the most beneficial for students. By teaching both academic subjects and essential skills like promoting gender equality, schools can better prepare students for the complex challenges they will face in the future.
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common expressions (e.g., “heated debate,” “holistic development”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
In today’s world, there is a debate about what schools should teach. Some people think schools should only focus on academic subjects, while others believe schools should also teach other skills like promoting gender equality. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support teaching only academic subjects argue that this is the main job of schools. They say students need to learn subjects like math, science, and languages to get good jobs in the future. They think there is not enough time to teach other skills because academic subjects are already very important and take a lot of time.
On the other hand, people who want schools to teach other skills say that education is not just about getting good grades. They believe schools should help students become good citizens. Teaching about gender equality can help students understand and respect others, which is important in life and work.
In my opinion, I think schools should teach both academic subjects and important life skills like promoting gender equality. While academic knowledge is crucial, understanding social issues is also very important. Schools can include lessons about gender equality in subjects like history or literature, so students learn about it without taking time away from other subjects.
To conclude, both academic subjects and life skills are important for students. I believe schools should find a way to teach both, as this will help students become successful and responsible adults in the future.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be developed further.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could benefit from more detailed explanations and examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Gender equality (noun) /ˈdʒendər iˈkwɒləti/ – The state of equal rights and opportunities for all genders
- Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – Considering the whole person or situation, not just parts
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects taught in a school or course
- Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of others
- Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Including all types of people without exception
- Extracurricular (adjective) /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələr/ – Activities or education outside the normal school curriculum
- Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – Extremely thorough and careful
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
Conclusion
The topic of gender equality in education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of education in promoting social equality
- The importance of teaching life skills in schools
- Balancing academic and non-academic subjects in the curriculum
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
To further enhance your understanding of gender equality in various contexts, you may want to explore related topics such as the importance of gender diversity in leadership roles and how to promote gender equality in STEM fields. Additionally, for a broader perspective on education and cultural influences, you might find it helpful to read about how cultural heritage influences modern education.
