Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Importance of Soft Skills in Modern Education – Sample Essays and Analysis

In recent years, the topic of soft skills in modern education has gained significant attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This trend reflects the growing recognition of the importance of these skills in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current educational trends, we predict that questions related to soft skills will continue to appear frequently in future tests.

Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this important topic:

Some people think that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects, while others believe that schools should also teach soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question presents a balanced argument concerning the role of schools in teaching academic subjects versus soft skills. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the perspective that schools should focus on academic subjects
2. Explore the view that schools should also teach soft skills
3. Provide a personal opinion on the matter

Now, let’s examine three sample essays that address this question, each targeting a different band score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In the contemporary educational landscape, there is an ongoing debate about whether schools should prioritize academic subjects or incorporate soft skills into their curriculum. While both viewpoints have merit, I believe that a balanced approach integrating both academic knowledge and soft skills is crucial for preparing students for future success.

Proponents of a purely academic focus argue that schools’ primary responsibility is to impart subject-specific knowledge. They contend that a strong foundation in core subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and languages is essential for students to excel in higher education and specialized careers. This perspective emphasizes the importance of academic rigor and standardized testing as measures of educational success. Furthermore, advocates of this approach may argue that soft skills are better learned through real-life experiences outside the classroom.

On the other hand, those who support the inclusion of soft skills in school curricula highlight the changing demands of the modern workplace. They argue that skills like effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability are increasingly valued by employers across various industries. By teaching these skills alongside academic subjects, schools can better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century job market. Moreover, proponents of this view contend that soft skills enhance students’ ability to apply academic knowledge in practical situations, thereby improving overall learning outcomes.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines academic subjects with soft skills development is the most effective educational strategy. While a strong academic foundation remains crucial, the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and adapt to new situations is equally important in today’s rapidly evolving world. Schools should strive to create an integrated curriculum that seamlessly blends traditional academic subjects with opportunities to develop and practice soft skills. This could be achieved through project-based learning, group assignments, public speaking exercises, and other interactive teaching methods.

In conclusion, while the debate between academic focus and soft skills development in schools continues, I believe that the most effective educational approach is one that combines both elements. By equipping students with both strong academic knowledge and essential soft skills, schools can better prepare them for the diverse challenges they will face in their future personal and professional lives.

(Word count: 345)

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common words and idiomatic expressions.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.

Importance of Soft Skills in Education

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

There is a debate about what schools should teach students. Some people think schools should only teach academic subjects, while others believe soft skills are also important. In my opinion, both academic subjects and soft skills should be taught in schools.

Those who support focusing on academic subjects say that schools should teach things like math, science, and languages. They think these subjects are important for getting into university and finding good jobs. They believe that students can learn soft skills outside of school, like through sports or hobbies.

On the other hand, people who want schools to teach soft skills say that things like communication and teamwork are very important in today’s world. They think that these skills help students do better in their future jobs and in life. They also say that soft skills can help students learn academic subjects better.

I think schools should teach both academic subjects and soft skills. Academic subjects are important for knowledge and future studies. But soft skills are also necessary for success in work and life. Schools could teach soft skills by having students work in groups or give presentations.

In conclusion, while some people think schools should only focus on academic subjects, and others think soft skills are also important, I believe a mix of both is best. This will help students be ready for both further education and their future careers.

(Word count: 244)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent with some logical organization, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but there is less variety and precision compared to higher band scores.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are some errors.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, people have different ideas about what schools should teach. Some think schools should only teach subjects like math and science. Others think schools should also teach soft skills like talking to people and working in teams. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who think schools should only teach subjects say it’s important for students to learn these things. They think subjects help students get good jobs in the future. They also think students can learn soft skills at home or with friends.

But other people think soft skills are also important. They say that talking well and working with others is needed in many jobs today. They think schools should teach these skills to help students in their future work.

I think both ideas are good. Schools should teach subjects because they are important. But they should also teach soft skills because they help in life and work. Maybe schools can do both by having students work together on projects.

In conclusion, I think schools should teach both subjects and soft skills. This will help students be ready for their future.

(Word count: 182)

Explanation of Band 5-6 Score

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a lower mid-range response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and the writer’s opinion is not clearly expressed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is some organization of ideas, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice and usage.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mainly uses simple sentence structures with frequent errors, though the meaning remains clear.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
2. Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – Combine (one thing) with another so that they become whole
3. Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
4. Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɔrətaɪz/ – Designate or treat (something) as more important than other things
5. Contemporary (adjective) /kənˈtempəreri/ – Belonging to or occurring in the present
6. Proponent (noun) /prəˈpoʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for or supports a theory or course of action
7. Rigour (noun) /ˈrɪɡər/ – The quality of being extremely thorough and careful
8. Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more people working together for a special purpose

In conclusion, the topic of soft skills in modern education is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of technology in developing soft skills
2. The balance between academic and practical skills in higher education
3. The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.