Choosing subjects in high school is a crucial decision that can significantly impact a student’s future academic and career path. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Based on past exam trends and the relevance of this issue, we can expect to encounter questions related to subject selection in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a sample question and explore different approaches to answering it effectively.

Some people think that students should be free to choose which subjects they study at high school. Others believe that all students should follow a basic curriculum with the same subjects. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents two contrasting views on high school subject selection:

1. Students should have the freedom to choose their subjects.
2. All students should follow a standardized curriculum.

The task requires us to discuss both perspectives and provide our personal opinion. This type of question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which is common in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Should schools teach practical life skills is a related topic that often comes up in discussions about curriculum design. While our focus here is on subject selection, the debate around practical skills in education is equally important for IELTS preparation.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The debate over whether high school students should have the liberty to select their subjects or adhere to a standard curriculum is a contentious issue in education. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced combination of core subjects and electives would be most beneficial for students’ overall development.

Proponents of student choice argue that allowing teenagers to select their subjects fosters motivation and engagement. When students pursue topics that genuinely interest them, they are more likely to excel academically and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Moreover, this approach acknowledges that individuals have diverse talents and aspirations, potentially leading to more specialized skills that can benefit society in the long run.

On the other hand, advocates for a standardized curriculum contend that all students should acquire a broad foundation of knowledge. A uniform set of subjects ensures that everyone receives a well-rounded education, covering essential areas such as mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities. This approach aims to produce well-informed citizens capable of critical thinking across various disciplines, regardless of their future career paths.

In my opinion, the ideal solution lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. Schools should offer a core curriculum of fundamental subjects to provide students with a solid educational foundation. Simultaneously, they should allow for a selection of electives that cater to individual interests and potential career paths. This hybrid model ensures that all students gain essential knowledge while also having the opportunity to explore their passions and strengths.

Furthermore, incorporating career counseling into the curriculum can significantly enhance students’ ability to make informed decisions about their subject choices. The importance of career counseling in high school cannot be overstated, as it helps students align their interests with potential future professions.

In conclusion, while the freedom to choose subjects and the necessity of a standard curriculum both have their advantages, a combined approach offers the best of both worlds. By providing a mix of compulsory core subjects and optional electives, schools can ensure a comprehensive education that also caters to individual strengths and interests, ultimately preparing students for success in their future endeavors.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether high school students should choose their own subjects or follow a set curriculum is a topic of much debate. There are good arguments on both sides, and I will discuss these before giving my own view.

Those who support student choice say it’s better because students will be more interested in what they study. When teenagers can pick subjects they like, they usually work harder and get better grades. Also, it helps them prepare for their future careers by focusing on areas they want to work in later.

However, others believe a fixed curriculum for all students is better. They say this makes sure everyone learns important basic knowledge in all main subjects. This helps create well-rounded individuals who can think about different topics. It also means students don’t miss out on subjects that might be useful later, even if they don’t seem interesting now.

In my opinion, a mix of both approaches would work best. I think schools should have some compulsory subjects that everyone must take, like math, science, and language. But they should also let students choose some subjects based on their interests. This way, students get a good general education but also get to study things they enjoy.

It’s also important to think about including sports in the curriculum. Should sports be a mandatory subject in schools is another question that often comes up in these discussions, as physical education plays a crucial role in students’ overall development.

To conclude, while there are benefits to both letting students choose and having a fixed curriculum, I believe a combination of the two is the best solution. This balanced approach ensures students learn essential skills while also developing their individual interests and talents.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

The topic of high school students choosing subjects or following a set curriculum is very important. Some people think students should pick their own subjects, but others say all students should study the same things. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who say students should choose their subjects think it’s good because students will like what they study more. When students study things they are interested in, they often do better in school. Also, it can help them get ready for jobs they want in the future.

But other people think all students should study the same subjects. They say this is better because everyone learns important things in all main subjects. This helps students know about many different topics, which is good for their future.

I think both ideas have good points. Maybe the best way is to have some subjects that all students must take, like math and language, but also let students choose some other subjects they like. This way, students learn important things but also get to study what they enjoy.

It’s also worth considering whether schools should teach practical skills. Should students learn practical life skills in school is a related topic that often comes up in discussions about curriculum design.

In conclusion, I believe a mix of required subjects and subjects students can choose is the best way. This helps students learn important things and also follow their own interests.

Analysis of the Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices and each paragraph has a clear central topic.

3. Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully covered than others. The format of the essay is appropriate.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others. Cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately.

3. Lexical Resource: It has a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. There are some errors in word choice but they do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they rarely reduce communication.

Band 5-6 Essay:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially. The format is appropriate but the conclusion is weak.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The overall structure is evident but not always logical. Paragraphs are generally coherent but ideas may lack focus.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. Errors occur when attempting less common words.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.

IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria chart

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college

2. Elective (noun) /ɪˈlektɪv/ – an optional course of study

3. Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects

4. Standardized (adjective) /ˈstændərdaɪzd/ – made to conform to a standard

5. Specialized (adjective) /ˈspeʃəlaɪzd/ – concentrated on or limited to a particular field of study

6. Critical thinking (noun) /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment

7. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something

8. Diverse (adjective) /daɪˈvɜːs/ – showing a great deal of variety; very different

9. Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – forming a necessary base or core; of central importance

10. Engagement (noun) /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – the action of engaging or being engaged

Conclusion

The topic of subject selection in high schools is a complex and frequently debated issue that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and being able to articulate them clearly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in your exam.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of vocational subjects in high school curricula
2. The impact of subject choices on future career prospects
3. The balance between academic and non-academic subjects in schools

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you improve your writing skills and boost your confidence for the actual exam.