Teaching empathy to children has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test papers. This theme intersects with broader discussions about importance of teaching children about empathy and tolerance and educational priorities in modern society.
Teaching empathy to children through classroom discussion and activities
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Task 2 question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people believe that teaching empathy to children is as important as teaching academic subjects in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the relative importance of empathy education
- Compare empathy education with academic subjects
- Provide relevant examples and supporting evidence
- Structure a coherent argument
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, I strongly agree that developing children’s empathy is equally crucial as teaching traditional academic subjects. This balanced approach to education creates well-rounded individuals capable of both intellectual and emotional intelligence.
Firstly, empathy serves as a fundamental life skill that shapes social interactions and professional success. While mathematical abilities and scientific knowledge are undoubtedly important, the capacity to understand and share others’ feelings enables children to build meaningful relationships and collaborate effectively in their future careers. For instance, in the medical field, doctors require both extensive academic knowledge and deep empathy to provide optimal patient care.
Moreover, empathy education can significantly reduce bullying and social conflicts in schools. When children learn to recognize and respect others’ emotions, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors. This creates a more positive learning environment where students can better focus on their academic studies, demonstrating how emotional and intellectual education complement each other.
Furthermore, in our globalized society, empathy helps bridge cultural differences and promotes international understanding. Similar to importance of teaching empathy in schools, this skill becomes increasingly valuable as students prepare to work in diverse, multicultural environments. Academic knowledge alone cannot guarantee success in such settings without the ability to understand and relate to people from different backgrounds.
In conclusion, teaching empathy deserves equal prominence alongside academic subjects in school curricula. This balanced approach prepares students not only for academic success but also for meaningful participation in society.
Students engaging in empathy-building exercises in modern classroom
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that teaching empathy to children is very important in schools today. This skill helps students become better people and work well with others.
First, empathy helps children make friends and be kind to others. When students understand how others feel, they don’t bully their classmates. For example, in my school, students who learned about empathy became nicer to each other and helped their friends more.
Second, empathy is needed for many jobs. Like should high schools teach practical skills, teaching empathy helps students prepare for work. Teachers, doctors, and business people all need to understand other people’s feelings to do their jobs well.
Also, academic subjects alone are not enough. Students need both knowledge and good character to succeed in life. Many smart people fail because they cannot work well with others or understand different viewpoints.
In conclusion, I think schools should teach both empathy and academic subjects. This helps students become successful and good people in society.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “interconnected,” “fundamental,” “optimal”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Relevant examples
- Cohesive devices used effectively
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition
- Limited range of linking words
- Examples are more personal/basic
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Empathy (n) /ˈempəθi/ – ability to understand others’ feelings
- Fundamental (adj) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – basic, essential
- Interpersonal (adj) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/ – relating to relationships between people
- Well-rounded (adj) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a balanced, complete development
- Multicultural (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl/ – including many cultural groups
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Similar topics might include questions about emotional intelligence in education or the balance between academic and social skills in schools.
