Environmental education for children has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As a key issue in modern society, it frequently appears in various forms on the IELTS exam. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people think that schools should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that school should only teach children academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question, while not directly mentioning environmental education, allows us to explore the broader topic of teaching children about societal responsibilities, including environmental awareness.
Analyzing the Question
The question presents two contrasting views on the role of schools:
- Schools should teach children how to be good members of society (which can include environmental responsibility).
- Schools should focus solely on academic subjects.
To answer this question effectively, we need to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide our own opinion
- Support our arguments with relevant examples
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing this question:
In today’s rapidly changing world, the debate over the role of schools in shaping children’s development has intensified. While some argue that schools should focus exclusively on academic subjects, others believe that educational institutions have a responsibility to teach children how to be good members of society. In my opinion, a balanced approach that incorporates both academic learning and social responsibility is crucial for a well-rounded education.
Those who advocate for a purely academic focus in schools argue that the primary purpose of education is to equip students with knowledge and skills in subjects such as mathematics, science, and literature. They contend that these core subjects form the foundation for future career success and personal development. Moreover, proponents of this view might argue that social and civic education should be the responsibility of parents and communities, not schools.
On the other hand, supporters of a more holistic approach to education emphasize the importance of teaching children how to be responsible citizens. They argue that schools play a vital role in shaping the values and behaviors of future generations. This perspective holds that education should go beyond academic subjects to include lessons on ethics, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. For instance, incorporating environmental education into the curriculum can help children understand the importance of sustainability and their role in protecting the planet.
In my view, the most effective approach is to integrate both academic subjects and lessons on social responsibility into the school curriculum. This balanced method ensures that children receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for both their careers and their roles as active citizens. For example, schools could incorporate environmental themes into science classes, teaching students about ecosystems while also discussing the impact of human activities on the environment. Similarly, history and social studies courses could explore civic responsibilities and the importance of community engagement.
By adopting this integrated approach, schools can foster critical thinking skills that allow students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems. This not only enhances their understanding of core subjects but also prepares them to be informed and responsible members of society.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are undoubtedly crucial, I believe that schools have a responsibility to educate children on being good members of society, including environmental awareness. A well-designed curriculum that balances both aspects will ultimately produce well-rounded individuals capable of excelling in their careers and contributing positively to their communities and the world at large.
(Word count: 398)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Here’s a sample essay that would score in the Band 6-7 range:
The role of schools in society is a topic of much debate. Some people think schools should teach children how to be good members of society, while others believe schools should only focus on academic subjects. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, those who support teaching only academic subjects in schools argue that this is the main purpose of education. They believe that subjects like math, science, and languages are most important for children’s future careers. They think that social skills and being a good citizen should be taught at home by parents.
On the other hand, people who think schools should teach children how to be good members of society believe that education is about more than just academic knowledge. They argue that schools have a responsibility to prepare children for all aspects of life, including how to behave in society. This could include teaching about things like the environment, respecting others, and being a responsible citizen.
In my opinion, I think that schools should teach both academic subjects and how to be good members of society. I believe this because children spend a lot of time in school, and it’s a good place for them to learn about both academics and social responsibilities. For example, schools could teach about the environment in science classes, or about being a good citizen in history classes.
By teaching both academic subjects and social skills, schools can help create well-rounded individuals who are prepared for their future careers and for being active members of society. This approach can help children understand how their academic knowledge relates to real-world issues.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are very important, I believe that schools should also teach children about being good members of society. This balanced approach will help prepare children for all aspects of their future lives.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and expressions, such as “rapidly changing world,” “holistic approach,” and “environmental stewardship.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Grammar: The higher-band essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler sentence structures but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does this more effectively and with greater variety.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced discussion.
Vocabulary to Remember
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Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
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Stewardship (noun) /ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
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Civic (adjective) /ˈsɪvɪk/ – relating to a city or town, especially its administration; municipal
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
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Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
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Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
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Incorporate (verb) /ɪnˈkɔːpəreɪt/ – to include or absorb something as part of a whole
Conclusion
The topic of environmental education and its place in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions that explore the role of schools in society and the balance between academic and social education.
Some potential future topics might include:
- The importance of environmental education in primary schools
- Balancing technology education with environmental awareness
- The role of schools in promoting sustainable lifestyles
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for success in Task 2.
For more tips on IELTS Writing, you might find our articles on how to teach conflict resolution to children and the importance of teaching respect for others helpful in expanding your understanding of related topics.