The topic of skill-based education in high schools is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been seen in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that schools should focus on teaching practical skills such as cooking, car maintenance, and financial management instead of traditional academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question directly addresses the importance of financial education for entrepreneurs and other practical skills in high school education. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to discuss your opinion on whether schools should prioritize practical skills over traditional academic subjects. Key points to consider:

1. The types of practical skills mentioned: cooking, car maintenance, financial management
2. The contrast with traditional academic subjects
3. The extent to which you agree or disagree with this idea

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

In today’s rapidly changing world, there is an ongoing debate about the most effective approach to education. While some argue that schools should shift their focus towards teaching practical skills like cooking, car maintenance, and financial management, I partially agree with this view, believing that a balanced approach incorporating both practical skills and traditional academic subjects is most beneficial for students.

On one hand, there are compelling reasons to include more practical skills in the curriculum. Firstly, these skills are directly applicable to daily life and can significantly enhance students’ independence and self-sufficiency. For instance, understanding financial management can help young adults make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing, which are crucial for long-term financial stability. Similarly, basic cooking skills can promote healthier eating habits and reduce reliance on processed foods. Moreover, in an increasingly competitive job market, practical skills can give graduates an edge, making them more versatile and employable.

However, it would be shortsighted to completely replace traditional academic subjects with practical skills. Academic subjects like mathematics, sciences, and literature provide a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are invaluable in any career path. These subjects also foster creativity, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of the world, which are essential for personal growth and civic engagement. Furthermore, many higher education programs and professional careers still require a strong academic background, and neglecting these subjects could limit students’ future opportunities.

The optimal solution lies in striking a balance between practical skills and academic subjects. Schools could integrate practical skills into existing curricula, for example, by incorporating financial literacy into mathematics courses or combining cooking with chemistry lessons. This approach would allow students to see the real-world applications of academic concepts while developing essential life skills. Additionally, schools could offer elective courses or after-school programs focused on practical skills, giving students the flexibility to pursue areas of personal interest without compromising their academic education.

In conclusion, while practical skills are undoubtedly important, they should complement rather than replace traditional academic subjects. By adopting a balanced approach, schools can equip students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical abilities needed to thrive in the modern world. This holistic education will better prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities they will face in their personal and professional lives.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about what schools should teach. Some people believe that practical skills like cooking, fixing cars, and managing money should be the main focus, instead of traditional subjects. I partially agree with this idea, but I think both types of education are important.

There are good reasons to teach practical skills in schools. Firstly, these skills are useful in everyday life. For example, if students learn how to cook, they can make healthy meals for themselves when they live alone. Also, understanding how to manage money is very important for adult life. It can help people avoid debt and save for the future. These skills can make students more independent and ready for real life after school.

However, traditional subjects are also very important and shouldn’t be ignored. Subjects like math, science, and literature help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are useful in many different jobs and situations in life. Also, many university courses and jobs still require knowledge of these traditional subjects. If schools only taught practical skills, students might have fewer options for their future education and careers.

I think the best solution is to have a mix of both practical skills and traditional subjects in schools. Schools could add some practical lessons to their normal classes. For example, they could teach financial management as part of math class. They could also offer extra classes after school for students who want to learn more practical skills. This way, students can learn both types of skills without missing out on important academic knowledge.

In conclusion, while practical skills are very useful, I believe schools should teach both these skills and traditional subjects. This balanced approach will help students be ready for daily life challenges and also prepare them for further education and different career options. By learning both types of skills, students will be better prepared for their future.

Sample Essay for Band 5-6

Some people think schools should teach practical skills like cooking, fixing cars, and managing money instead of normal subjects. I think this is partly a good idea, but not completely.

Teaching practical skills in school is good because these skills are useful in real life. If students learn to cook, they can make their own food when they live alone. Learning about money is also important because it helps people use money wisely. These skills can help students be more independent when they finish school.

But normal subjects like math, science, and English are also important. These subjects help students think better and solve problems. Many jobs need people who know these subjects well. If schools only teach practical skills, students might have problems getting into university or finding good jobs later.

I think schools should teach both practical skills and normal subjects. They could add some practical lessons to normal classes. For example, they could teach about money in math class. Or they could have extra classes after school for students who want to learn practical skills. This way, students can learn both kinds of skills.

In conclusion, I think schools should teach both practical skills and normal subjects. This will help students be ready for daily life and also for future study or jobs. Learning both types of skills is the best way to prepare for the future.

Students learning practical skills in a modern classroom

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Demonstrates excellent organization with logical paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice and spelling
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
• Shows coherent organization but may lack some clarity or cohesion in places

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary, which may be repetitive or inappropriate at times
• Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures
• Shows some organization but lacks overall progression and may have repetition or absence of proper linking

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
2. Self-sufficiency (noun) /ˌsɛlf səˈfɪʃənsi/ – The ability to provide for oneself without help from others
3. Versatile (adjective) /ˈvɜːrsətl/ – Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
4. Holistic (adjective) /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
5. Integration (noun) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ – The action or process of combining two or more things in an effective way
6. Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
7. Analytical skills (noun phrase) /ˌænəˈlɪtɪkl skɪlz/ – The ability to examine and understand information or situations
8. Elective (noun) /ɪˈlɛktɪv/ – A course that a student can choose to take, rather than one that is required

In conclusion, the topic of skill-based education in high schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Future questions might explore related themes such as:

• The role of technology in skill-based education
• Balancing academic and vocational education in secondary schools
• The impact of skill-based education on employment rates and economic growth

To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one. You can post your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.