The importance of teaching perseverance and resilience has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme aligns with the growing emphasis on character education and life skills in modern curricula. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question and analyze how to craft compelling responses.

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that schools should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that school should only teach academic skills. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This question indirectly addresses the importance of teaching perseverance and resilience, as these qualities are crucial for being good members of society. Let’s break down the key elements:

1. Two opposing views:
   • Schools should teach children how to be good members of society
   • Schools should only focus on academic skills
2. Task: Discuss both views and provide your opinion

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of society, and there is ongoing debate about whether schools should focus solely on academic skills or also incorporate lessons on being good citizens. While both aspects are important, I believe that a balanced approach that combines academic and social education is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Those who advocate for a purely academic focus argue that schools’ primary responsibility is to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers. They contend that subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts should take precedence over social education. This perspective emphasizes the importance of academic achievement in an increasingly competitive global job market. However, this view overlooks the fact that success in life often depends on more than just academic prowess.

On the other hand, proponents of teaching social skills in schools argue that education should prepare children to be responsible and contributing members of society. They believe that lessons on ethics, empathy, and civic responsibility are crucial for developing well-adjusted adults. This approach recognizes that academic knowledge alone does not guarantee success or happiness in life, and that interpersonal skills and character traits like perseverance and resilience are equally important.

In my opinion, schools should strive to balance both academic and social education. While academic skills provide the foundation for career success, social skills and character development are essential for navigating the complexities of life. By teaching perseverance and resilience alongside traditional subjects, schools can help students develop the grit and determination needed to overcome challenges in both their personal and professional lives. Moreover, these qualities are often transferable, enhancing students’ ability to excel academically as well.

In conclusion, while academic skills are undoubtedly important, schools should not neglect the teaching of social skills and character traits. A comprehensive education that combines both elements will better prepare students for the multifaceted challenges they will face in the future, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more balanced and harmonious society.

(Word count: 309)

Teaching perseverance and resilience in schools

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

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 they should focus only on academic skills. Both views have their merits, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.

Those who believe schools should teach children to be good members of society argue that education is not just about academic knowledge. They think schools should teach values like respect, responsibility, and cooperation. This can help create better citizens who contribute positively to society. For example, teaching children about teamwork can help them work better with others in their future jobs and personal lives.

On the other hand, people who think schools should only teach academic skills 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 worry that focusing on social skills might take time away from important academic subjects. These people might say that parents and families should be responsible for teaching social skills, not schools.

In my opinion, both views have valid points, but I believe a balanced approach is best. Schools should teach academic skills as their main focus, but they should also include lessons on being good members of society. Teaching perseverance and resilience, for example, can help students do better in their studies and in life. These skills can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

To conclude, while academic skills are very important, schools should not ignore social skills and values. A combination of both academic and social education will help create well-rounded individuals who can succeed in their careers and contribute positively to society.

(Word count: 278)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:

   • Band 8-9: “Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of society…”
   • Band 6-7: “The role of schools in society is a topic of much debate.”

3. Argument Development: The higher band essay provides more detailed explanations and examples, while the lower band essay offers simpler arguments.

4. Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated cohesion.

5. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more nuanced discussion and a clearer personal opinion.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ – of crucial importance
2. Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜː.tʃər/ – to help develop or grow
3. Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊ.nənt/ – a person who supports an idea or course of action
4. Civic responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈsɪv.ɪk rɪˌspɒn.sə.ˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the duties and obligations of citizens
5. Grit (noun) /grɪt/ – courage and resolve; strength of character
6. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
7. Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊn.dɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
8. Harmonious (adjective) /hɑːˈməʊ.ni.əs/ – free from disagreement or discord

Conclusion

The topic of teaching perseverance and resilience in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for similar questions, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of extracurricular activities in developing life skills
• The importance of teaching emotional intelligence in schools
• Balancing academic education with character development

Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar for your target band score. As a practical exercise, try writing your own essay on the question discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.