The topic of whether school curriculums should focus on global issues has become increasingly relevant in recent years. This subject frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting its importance in modern education. Based on past exam trends and current global concerns, it’s highly likely that questions related to this theme will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that school curriculums should focus on global issues such as climate change and resource shortages. Others believe schools should focus on basic subjects like mathematics and science. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question exemplifies the type of complex, multi-faceted topics that IELTS candidates are expected to address. It requires a balanced discussion of different viewpoints and a clear personal stance. Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views on what school curriculums should prioritize:
- Focus on global issues (e.g., climate change, resource shortages)
- Focus on basic subjects (e.g., mathematics, science)
To answer this question effectively, you need to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide reasons and examples for each perspective
- Present your own opinion
- Ensure a balanced argument
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s interconnected world, the debate over what schools should prioritize in their curriculums has become increasingly important. While some argue for a focus on global issues like climate change and resource scarcity, others advocate for maintaining emphasis on traditional subjects such as mathematics and science. In my opinion, a balanced approach that integrates both perspectives is crucial for preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Proponents of including global issues in school curriculums argue that this approach prepares students to be informed and engaged global citizens. By learning about climate change, students can understand the importance of including climate change in school curriculums and develop the skills needed to address this critical challenge. Moreover, studying resource shortages can foster awareness of sustainable practices and encourage innovative solutions. This knowledge is essential for creating a generation capable of tackling the complex problems our world faces.
On the other hand, those who support focusing on basic subjects contend that a strong foundation in mathematics and science is fundamental to academic and professional success. These subjects develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning – abilities that are valuable across all fields. Furthermore, proficiency in these areas is often necessary for pursuing higher education and careers in STEM fields, which are crucial for technological advancement and economic growth.
In my view, the optimal approach is to integrate global issues into the teaching of basic subjects. For instance, mathematics can be applied to analyze climate data, while science lessons can explore the mechanisms of climate change and potential solutions. This integration would allow students to gain a solid grounding in fundamental subjects while also developing an understanding of pressing global issues. Such an approach would not only enhance the relevance of traditional subjects but also equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address real-world problems.
In conclusion, while both perspectives have merit, I believe that a curriculum that combines focus on basic subjects with the study of global issues is most beneficial. This balanced approach ensures that students are well-rounded, possessing both the foundational knowledge and the global awareness necessary to thrive in our increasingly complex world.
The role of science in addressing climate change is pivotal, and integrating this understanding into school curriculums can significantly enhance students’ ability to contribute to solutions. By fostering this holistic education, we can prepare the next generation to be both academically proficient and globally conscious.
(Word count: 407)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that warrant a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive and progresses logically. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are linked effectively both within and between paragraphs.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Sophisticated word choices like “interconnected,” “proponents,” and “optimal approach” demonstrate lexical precision.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are handled with confidence, and there are no noticeable errors.
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Development and Support: Each main idea is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of understanding of the issue.
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its sophisticated argument, coherent structure, and excellent use of language.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about what schools should teach in their curriculums. Some people think schools should focus on global issues like climate change and resource shortages, while others believe traditional subjects like math and science are more important. In my opinion, both are important, but schools should focus more on global issues.
Those who support teaching global issues say it’s important for students to understand world problems. Climate change is a big issue that affects everyone, so students need to learn about it. Also, learning about resource shortages can help students understand how to save resources in their daily lives. This knowledge can help create a better future for everyone.
On the other hand, people who think schools should focus on basic subjects like math and science have good reasons too. These subjects are the foundation of education and help students develop important skills like problem-solving and logical thinking. Many jobs require good math and science skills, so learning these subjects can help students in their future careers.
I believe that while both are important, schools should give more attention to global issues. The world is changing fast, and students need to be prepared for future challenges. By learning about climate change and resource shortages, students can become more responsible citizens. Schools can still teach math and science, but they should try to connect these subjects to real-world problems.
For example, in science class, students could learn about the science behind climate change. In math class, they could use numbers to understand resource shortages. This way, students learn basic subjects while also learning about important global issues.
In conclusion, I think schools should focus more on teaching global issues, but not forget about basic subjects. This approach will help students be ready for the future and able to solve world problems.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and presenting a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, but the linking of ideas could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “responsible citizens”), but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range of structures is less varied than in higher band essays.
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Development and Support: Ideas are supported with some examples and explanations, but they could be more fully elaborated to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the issue.
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range. It shows a good understanding of the task and communicates ideas clearly, but lacks the sophistication and depth of a higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some key vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and parts of speech:
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Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
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Global issues (noun phrase) /ˈɡləʊbl ˈɪʃuːz/: Problems or concerns that affect the entire world, regardless of national boundaries.
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Resource shortages (noun phrase) /rɪˈsɔːs ˈʃɔːtɪdʒɪz/: A lack or scarcity of important materials or supplies.
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Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/: Having different parts or elements connected or related to each other.
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Proponents (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənts/: People who advocate for or support a theory or course of action.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources or causing ecological damage.
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Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/: Combine or coordinate different elements into a unified whole.
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Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/: Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
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Proficient (adjective) /prəˈfɪʃnt/: Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
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Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/: Featuring new methods or ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Conclusion
The topic of whether school curriculums should focus on global issues is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As demonstrated in the sample essays, a successful response requires a balanced discussion of different viewpoints, clear organization, and a well-supported personal opinion.
The impact of environmental education on youth is significant, and this topic may appear in various forms in future IELTS questions. Other potential questions might include:
- To what extent should environmental studies be mandatory in schools?
- How can education systems balance teaching traditional subjects with addressing contemporary global challenges?
- What role should schools play in preparing students to solve international problems?
To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you develop your ideas and refine your writing technique for the IELTS exam. Remember, The importance of healthy lifestyle choices extends to maintaining good study habits and regular writing practice to achieve your desired IELTS score.