The topic of skill-building in high schools has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and the current educational landscape, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects, while others believe schools should focus on teaching practical skills. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question encapsulates the ongoing debate about the role of high schools in preparing students for their future. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views on the focus of school education:
- Schools should prioritize academic subjects
- Schools should emphasize practical skills
To effectively answer this question, you need to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide reasons and examples for each view
- Present your own opinion
- Conclude with a balanced summary
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Education has always been a cornerstone of societal progress, and the debate over what schools should prioritize – academic subjects or practical skills – continues to spark discussions worldwide. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that a balanced combination of the two is essential for preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
Proponents of focusing on academic subjects argue that a strong foundation in traditional disciplines such as mathematics, sciences, and literature is crucial for developing critical thinking and analytical skills. These subjects provide students with a broad knowledge base that can be applied across various fields and professions. For instance, a solid understanding of mathematics and physics can lead to innovations in engineering and technology, while proficiency in literature and history can foster cultural awareness and communication skills.
On the other hand, advocates for practical skill-building contend that schools should emphasize real-world applications to better prepare students for the job market and daily life challenges. This approach focuses on teaching skills such as financial literacy, coding, and interpersonal communication, which are directly applicable in professional settings. For example, teaching students how to manage personal finances or create a basic website can provide immediate value and boost their employability upon graduation.
In my opinion, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between academic subjects and practical skills. Schools should aim to create a curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, allowing students to see the real-world applications of what they learn in the classroom. This could involve project-based learning where students apply mathematical concepts to solve environmental issues or use their language skills to create marketing campaigns for local businesses.
Moreover, this balanced approach would cater to diverse learning styles and interests, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to excel in areas that align with their strengths and passions. It would also better prepare them for the rapidly changing job market, where both deep knowledge and adaptable skills are highly valued.
In conclusion, while the debate between academic subjects and practical skills is ongoing, the most effective educational model is one that combines both elements. By providing students with a strong academic foundation and the ability to apply their knowledge practically, schools can equip the next generation with the tools they need to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex world.
High school students engaged in various learning activities
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The debate about what schools should focus on teaching has been going on for a long time. Some people think academic subjects are more important, while others believe practical skills are better. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support academic subjects say that subjects like math, science, and literature are very important. They help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, when students learn math, they learn how to solve complex problems, which can be useful in many jobs. Also, subjects like history and literature help students understand different cultures and improve their reading and writing skills.
On the other hand, people who think schools should teach practical skills argue that these are more useful in real life. They say that skills like managing money, cooking, or basic car maintenance are things everyone needs to know. For instance, if students learn how to budget their money in school, they will be better prepared for adult life. Also, learning practical skills can help students get jobs more easily after they finish school.
In my opinion, both academic subjects and practical skills are important, and schools should teach both. I think the best way is to have a mix of traditional subjects and practical lessons. For example, schools could teach math and then show how it’s used in everyday situations like shopping or paying bills. This way, students can learn the theory and also see how it’s applied in real life.
To conclude, while there are good arguments for both academic subjects and practical skills, I believe a balanced approach is best. Schools should aim to give students a strong foundation in academic subjects while also teaching them useful skills for their future lives and careers. This will help prepare students for whatever challenges they may face after they leave school.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
There is a big discussion about what schools should teach. Some people think schools should teach academic subjects, but others think practical skills are more important. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like academic subjects say they are very important. Subjects like math, science, and history help students think better. For example, when students study math, they learn how to solve problems. This can help them in many jobs later. Also, subjects like literature help students read and write better.
But other people think practical skills are more useful. They say skills like cooking, fixing things, or using computers are things everyone needs to know. For example, if students learn how to cook in school, they can make their own food when they live alone. Also, if they learn how to use computers well, it can help them get jobs easily.
I think both academic subjects and practical skills are important. Schools should teach both. Maybe they can teach math in the morning and then show how to use math to make a budget in the afternoon. This way, students learn both the subject and how to use it in real life.
In conclusion, I believe schools should teach both academic subjects and practical skills. This will help students be ready for anything they want to do after school, whether it’s going to university or starting a job. Schools should try to balance both types of learning to help students the most.
Students practicing practical skills in a classroom
Band Score Explanations
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout the essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There may be some errors in word choice, but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are 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.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Cornerstone (noun) /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/: A fundamental or essential part.
- Proponents (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənts/: Supporters or advocates of a theory or proposal.
- Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/: A high degree of skill or expertise.
- Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/: To assert or argue.
- Interpersonal (adjective) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/: Relating to relationships or communication between people.
- Employability (noun) /ɪmˌplɔɪəˈbɪləti/: The quality of being suitable for paid work.
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
- Adaptable (adjective) /əˈdæptəbl/: Able to adjust to new conditions or situations.
- Navigate (verb) /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/: To find a way through or to deal with a complex situation.
- Equip (verb) /ɪˈkwɪp/: To prepare or provide with the necessary items for a particular purpose.
In conclusion, the debate on whether high schools should focus more on academic subjects or practical skills remains relevant in the context of IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, a balanced approach that integrates both elements is often the most effective strategy. To further prepare for similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The role of technology in skill-building at high schools
- The importance of soft skills versus hard skills in high school education
- How high schools can better prepare students for the future job market
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and feel free to share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.