The topic of education’s role in promoting social justice has gained significant traction in recent IELTS examinations. Based on trends observed in past tests and current global discourse, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent tests:
Some people believe that the main purpose of schools is to educate children to become good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question touches on the broader theme of education’s role in society, including its potential to promote social justice. It presents two perspectives on the purpose of education:
- To create good citizens and workers (societal benefit)
- To benefit individuals
The task requires you to express your opinion on whether schools should prioritize societal benefits over individual benefits. This connects directly to the concept of social justice, as education can be seen as a tool for creating a more equitable society.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Education has long been viewed as a cornerstone of societal progress, but opinions differ on its primary purpose. While some argue that schools should focus on producing good citizens and workers, I believe that the ultimate goal of education should be to benefit individuals, which in turn leads to societal advancement.
Firstly, education that prioritizes individual growth fosters critical thinking and personal development. By encouraging students to explore their interests and develop their unique talents, schools empower them to become well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to society in diverse ways. This approach not only benefits the individual but also creates a more dynamic and innovative workforce, which is crucial for societal progress.
Moreover, focusing on individual benefits does not preclude the development of good citizens and workers. In fact, by nurturing personal growth, schools inherently cultivate qualities such as responsibility, empathy, and civic-mindedness. Students who are encouraged to think independently and critically are more likely to engage actively in democratic processes and contribute positively to their communities.
However, it is important to acknowledge that schools play a vital role in social cohesion and workforce preparation. A balanced approach that combines individual development with an understanding of societal responsibilities is ideal. This can be achieved through curricula that include both personal growth opportunities and civic education, ensuring that students understand their role in the broader social context.
In conclusion, while the creation of good citizens and workers is undoubtedly important, I believe that the primary focus of education should be on benefiting individuals. By doing so, schools can create well-rounded, critically thinking individuals who are naturally inclined to contribute positively to society. This approach not only fulfills the needs of the individual but also serves the broader goals of social progress and justice.
(Word count: 292)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The purpose of education is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think schools should mainly focus on making good citizens and workers, while others believe education should benefit individuals. In my opinion, both aspects are important, but I think schools should prioritize individual benefits.
Firstly, when schools focus on helping each student grow and develop their skills, it can lead to better outcomes for society. For example, if a student is good at art, encouraging this talent can help them become a successful artist in the future. This not only makes the individual happy but also contributes to the cultural richness of society.
Secondly, education that benefits individuals can also create good citizens indirectly. When students feel supported and valued in school, they are more likely to care about others and their community. They might volunteer or participate in local projects, which helps society as a whole.
However, it’s true that schools need to teach students about being good citizens and workers too. This can be done through subjects like civics and career education. But these shouldn’t be the main focus of education.
In conclusion, while creating good citizens and workers is important, I believe schools should prioritize individual benefits. This approach can lead to happier, more successful individuals who naturally become good citizens and contribute positively to society.
(Word count: 218)
Education for Individual Benefit
Key Points to Consider When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases such as “cornerstone of societal progress,” “fosters critical thinking,” and “civic-mindedness.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but maintains grammatical accuracy.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays maintain a logical flow of ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay shows more sophisticated use of linking words and phrases.
Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more in-depth analysis and considers multiple perspectives.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
Social justice (noun) /ˈsəʊʃl ˈdʒʌstɪs/ – fairness in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society
Civic-mindedness (noun) /ˈsɪvɪk ˈmaɪndɪdnəs/ – the quality of being aware of and caring about one’s community and society
Empowerment (noun) /ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/ – the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights
Critical thinking (noun) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
Societal advancement (noun phrase) /səˈsaɪətl ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – the progress or development of society as a whole
Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
Civic education (noun phrase) /ˈsɪvɪk ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃn/ – education in the rights and duties of citizenship
Social cohesion (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃl kəʊˈhiːʒn/ – the willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper
Conclusion
The role of education in promoting social justice is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen, it can be approached from various angles, such as the balance between individual and societal benefits of education. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with prompts like:
- “Education should focus more on teaching social responsibility than academic subjects. Do you agree or disagree?”
- “Some people believe that education is the key to reducing inequality in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “Should schools play a role in addressing social issues, or should they focus solely on academic subjects?”
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.
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