In recent years, the question “Should schools focus more on practical skills than academic knowledge?” has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This topic reflects the ongoing debate in education systems worldwide, particularly in countries like Vietnam, where there’s a growing emphasis on practical skills alongside traditional academic learning. Let’s explore this topic in depth and provide sample essays to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Topic
The frequency of this topic in IELTS exams has been steadily increasing. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a question related to the balance between practical skills and academic knowledge in schools. Here are some variations of this question that have appeared in past exams:
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Some people think that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects, while others believe practical skills are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Many people argue that schools should teach children practical skills like cooking and managing finances instead of academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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<blockquote><strong>In some countries, schools focus more on teaching academic subjects rather than practical skills. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?</strong></blockquote>
For our sample essays, we’ll focus on the third question, as it’s the most recent and likely to appear in future exams.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Understand the current trend in some education systems
- Evaluate whether this trend is positive or negative
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
- Consider both academic subjects and practical skills in your response
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. The examiners are looking for a well-structured, coherent argument that addresses all parts of the question.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend in some countries where schools prioritize academic subjects over practical skills. While this approach has its merits, I believe it is ultimately a negative development that may hinder students’ overall growth and preparedness for life after school.
Undoubtedly, a strong foundation in academic subjects is crucial for intellectual development and future academic pursuits. Subjects like mathematics, sciences, and literature provide students with essential knowledge and critical thinking skills. These disciplines form the basis for higher education and are often prerequisites for many professional careers. Moreover, academic subjects can foster analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are valuable in various life situations.
However, an overemphasis on academic subjects at the expense of practical skills can be detrimental to students’ overall development. Practical skills such as financial literacy, communication, and basic life skills like cooking or first aid are equally important for navigating adult life successfully. These skills are often undervalued in traditional academic settings but are crucial for personal and professional success. For instance, a student who excels in theoretical physics but struggles with basic budgeting may face significant challenges in managing their finances as an adult.
Furthermore, the modern job market increasingly demands a combination of academic knowledge and practical skills. Employers often seek candidates who can apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. By focusing solely on academic subjects, schools may inadvertently create a gap between what students learn and what the workforce requires. This misalignment can lead to difficulties in job placement and career advancement for graduates.
A balanced approach that integrates both academic subjects and practical skills would be more beneficial. Schools could implement programs that teach life skills alongside traditional subjects, or incorporate practical applications into academic lessons. For example, a mathematics class could include lessons on personal finance, or a science class could involve hands-on experiments that teach both scientific principles and laboratory skills.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are undoubtedly important, the trend of focusing on them at the expense of practical skills is a negative development. A more holistic approach to education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, would better prepare students for the challenges of adult life and the demands of the modern workforce.
(Word count: 367)
Band 6-7 Essay
In some countries, schools are putting more emphasis on teaching academic subjects rather than practical skills. In my opinion, this is a negative development because it doesn’t prepare students well for real life after school.
One reason why focusing only on academic subjects is not good is that students miss out on important life skills. For example, they might not learn how to manage money, cook basic meals, or fix simple things around the house. These are skills that everyone needs in daily life, no matter what job they have or what they studied in school.
Another problem with this approach is that it doesn’t help students who are not good at academic subjects. Some people are better at practical things, like working with their hands or solving real-world problems. If schools only focus on academic subjects, these students might feel left out or think they are not smart, which is not true.
However, academic subjects are still important. They help students develop critical thinking skills and prepare for university. Subjects like math, science, and literature give students knowledge that can be useful in many different careers. So, schools shouldn’t completely ignore academic subjects.
I think the best solution is to have a balance between academic subjects and practical skills. Schools could teach both types of skills. For example, they could have classes on personal finance alongside math, or teach cooking as part of science lessons. This way, students can learn academic knowledge and also gain practical skills that will help them in real life.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are important, focusing only on them is not a good idea. Schools should try to teach both academic and practical skills to prepare students better for life after school.
(Word count: 292)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more developed ideas and smoother transitions between paragraphs.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Examples: Both essays provide examples to support their arguments, but the Band 8-9 essay’s examples are more specific and elaborated.
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Balance: Both essays acknowledge the importance of academic subjects while arguing for the inclusion of practical skills, showing a balanced perspective.
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Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates better coherence with more advanced linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow of ideas.
Vocabulary and Grammar Tips
Key Vocabulary for This Topic:
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Practical skills (noun phrase): Abilities that are useful in real-life situations
Pronunciation: /ˈpræktɪkəl skɪlz/ -
Academic subjects (noun phrase): Traditional school subjects like math, science, literature
Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdemɪk ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/ -
Holistic (adjective): Considering the whole person or situation, not just one part
Pronunciation: /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ -
Curriculum (noun): The subjects taught in a school or course
Pronunciation: /kəˈrɪkjələm/ -
Critical thinking (noun phrase): The ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively
Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ -
Life skills (noun phrase): Abilities necessary for everyday life
Pronunciation: /laɪf skɪlz/ -
Workforce (noun): The people who work in a country or organization
Pronunciation: /ˈwɜːrkfɔːrs/ -
Theoretical knowledge (noun phrase): Understanding of concepts without practical application
Pronunciation: /θɪəˈretɪkəl ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ -
Vocational training (noun phrase): Education that prepares people for specific trades or crafts
Pronunciation: /voʊˈkeɪʃənəl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/ -
Well-rounded education (noun phrase): Education that covers a wide range of subjects and skills
Pronunciation: /wel ˈraʊndɪd ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/
Grammar Tips:
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Use conditional sentences to discuss hypothetical situations:
- “If schools focused more on practical skills, students might be better prepared for real-life challenges.”
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Employ comparative and superlative forms to contrast ideas:
- “A balanced approach is more effective than focusing solely on academic subjects.”
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Use modal verbs to express opinions and suggestions:
- “Schools should incorporate both academic and practical elements in their curriculum.”
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Utilize complex sentence structures with subordinating conjunctions:
- “While academic knowledge is important, practical skills are equally crucial for success in life.”
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Use passive voice when appropriate to vary sentence structure:
- “Practical skills are often undervalued in traditional academic settings.”
Conclusion
The debate over balancing practical skills and academic knowledge in schools is likely to remain a relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this theme, considering various perspectives and using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Remember to always address all parts of the question and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in education
- The importance of creativity in the school curriculum
- The value of learning new things in school
- The balance between sports and academics in schools
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.