Conflict resolution is a crucial skill in today’s interconnected world, and its importance is increasingly recognized in education systems globally. This topic has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions several times in recent years, and its relevance is likely to grow. Based on past exam trends, we can expect to see questions related to conflict resolution in schools, workplaces, or international relations. Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this theme:
Some people think that schools should teach children how to resolve conflicts between people. Others believe that this is not a school’s responsibility. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question touches on the importance of teaching conflict resolution in schools, a topic that has gained significant attention in educational debates. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views:
- Schools should teach conflict resolution skills to children
- Teaching conflict resolution is not a school’s responsibility
To answer this question effectively, you need to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide reasons and examples for each perspective
- Give your own opinion and justify it
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction, and there is ongoing debate about whether schools should take on the responsibility of teaching students how to manage disagreements effectively. While some argue that this skill should be part of the curriculum, others believe it falls outside the scope of formal education. In my opinion, schools play a crucial role in developing students’ conflict resolution abilities, complementing the lessons learned at home and in society.
Those who support teaching conflict resolution in schools argue that it is an essential life skill that prepares students for future challenges. By learning how to navigate disagreements constructively, students can develop better relationships, improve their communication skills, and contribute to a more harmonious society. Moreover, schools provide a controlled environment where students can practice these skills under guidance, which may not be possible in other settings. For instance, peer mediation programs in schools have shown success in reducing bullying and improving school climate.
On the other hand, opponents of this view contend that schools should focus on academic subjects and leave social skills to parents and other social institutions. They argue that the curriculum is already overcrowded, and adding conflict resolution would take time away from core subjects like mathematics and science. Additionally, some believe that conflict management styles vary across cultures, and it may be challenging for schools to teach a universally applicable approach.
In my view, schools have a responsibility to equip students with both academic knowledge and practical life skills, including conflict resolution. While parents and society play a significant role in shaping a child’s social abilities, schools are uniquely positioned to provide structured learning experiences and diverse perspectives on managing conflicts. By integrating conflict resolution into existing subjects or offering dedicated workshops, schools can help students develop critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in all aspects of life.
Furthermore, teaching conflict resolution in schools can contribute to the importance of cultural education in reducing global conflicts. As students learn to understand different viewpoints and find common ground, they become better prepared to address larger-scale conflicts in their future personal and professional lives.
In conclusion, while the debate continues, I firmly believe that schools should play an active role in teaching conflict resolution. By doing so, they not only enhance students’ interpersonal skills but also contribute to creating a more peaceful and understanding society. The benefits of such education extend far beyond the classroom, preparing students to be effective communicators and problem-solvers in an increasingly complex world.
(Word count: 416)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether schools should teach children how to resolve conflicts or not. Some people think it’s important for schools to do this, while others believe it’s not their job. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support teaching conflict resolution in schools say it’s an important skill for life. They think that if children learn how to handle disagreements early, they will have better relationships and be more successful in their future jobs. Schools can provide a safe place for students to practice these skills with guidance from teachers. For example, some schools have programs where older students help younger ones solve problems, which can be very effective.
On the other hand, people who are against this idea argue that schools should focus on academic subjects like math and science. They think that there isn’t enough time in the school day to teach everything, and conflict resolution should be taught by parents at home. Some also say that different cultures have different ways of dealing with conflict, so it might be hard for schools to teach one way that works for everyone.
In my opinion, I think schools should teach conflict resolution because it’s a very important skill in today’s world. While parents can teach some basic skills at home, schools can provide a more structured way of learning and practicing these skills. Also, schools have students from different backgrounds, which can help children learn how to deal with a variety of people and situations.
How to teach conflict resolution to children is an important topic that schools can address through various methods. They can include it in existing subjects like social studies or have special classes or workshops about it. This way, students can learn academic subjects and important life skills at the same time.
To conclude, I believe that teaching conflict resolution in schools is necessary and beneficial for students. It prepares them for challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives and helps create a more peaceful society.
(Word count: 339)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think schools should teach children how to solve problems between people. Other people think this is not what schools should do. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want schools to teach this say it’s good for children. They think if children learn how to fix problems with others, they will have better friends and do better in jobs later. Schools can help children practice this in a safe place. Some schools have big kids help little kids with problems, and this works well.
But some people don’t agree. They think schools should only teach things like math and reading. They say there’s not enough time to teach everything, and parents should teach about solving problems at home. They also say different families might solve problems in different ways, so it’s hard for schools to teach one way.
I think schools should teach how to solve problems with other people. It’s very important in today’s world. Parents can teach some things at home, but schools can teach it in a better way. Schools have many different kinds of people, so children can learn how to talk to many types of people.
The importance of teaching emotional intelligence in schools is related to this. If children learn how to understand their feelings and other people’s feelings, they can solve problems better.
In the end, I think teaching how to solve problems in school is good for children. It helps them be ready for life and work, and it can make the world a nicer place.
(Word count: 262)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout. Presents, extends, and supports main ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Skillfully manages paragraphing with a clear central topic in each paragraph. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary naturally and flexibly. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. Presents a relevant position.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently. Uses a range of cohesive devices, but may be overused or underused.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Some errors in word choice, but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places. Position is unclear at times.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression. Uses basic cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task. May make noticeable errors in spelling and word formation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Conflict resolution (noun) – /ˈkɒnflɪkt ˌrezəˈluːʃn/ – The process of finding a peaceful solution to a disagreement
- Inevitable (adjective) – /ɪnˈevɪtəbl/ – Certain to happen; unavoidable
- Harmonious (adjective) – /hɑːˈməʊniəs/ – Free from disagreement or dissent
- Interpersonal (adjective) – /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/ – Relating to relationships or communication between people
- Mediation (noun) – /ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn/ – Intervention in a dispute to resolve it; arbitration
- Empathy (noun) – /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Complementing (verb) – /ˈkɒmplɪmentɪŋ/ – Adding to or enhancing something in a way that improves its quality
- Constructively (adverb) – /kənˈstrʌktɪvli/ – In a way that has or is intended to have a useful or beneficial purpose
- Overcrowded (adjective) – /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪd/ – Filled with too many people or things
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of teaching conflict resolution is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic not only tests your ability to discuss different viewpoints but also allows you to showcase your knowledge of contemporary educational issues. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as the importance of teaching children about the environment or the role of schools in developing social skills.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your arguments, improve your structure, and expand your vocabulary, all of which are essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.