The topic of developing soft skills in schools has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exam questions, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects, while others believe that developing soft skills is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question directly addresses the debate between academic subjects and soft skills in education, making it an excellent example to analyze and practice with.

Analyzing the Question

The question presents two contrasting views on what schools should prioritize:

1. Focus on teaching academic subjects
2. Emphasize developing soft skills

To answer this question effectively, you need to:

• Discuss both perspectives
• Provide your own opinion
• Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high band score essay.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the debate over whether schools should prioritize academic subjects or soft skills has gained significant traction. While both aspects of education have their merits, I believe that a balanced approach incorporating both is crucial for students’ overall development and future success.

Proponents of focusing on academic subjects argue that a strong foundation in core disciplines such as mathematics, sciences, and languages is essential for students’ intellectual growth and future career prospects. They contend that academic knowledge forms the backbone of professional expertise and is crucial for advancing in fields like medicine, engineering, and research. Furthermore, academic subjects help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are valuable in various life situations.

On the other hand, advocates for emphasizing soft skills argue that abilities such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are increasingly important in the modern workplace. They point out that in an era of rapid technological change, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is more valuable than static knowledge. Soft skills also enhance students’ emotional intelligence and social competence, which are crucial for personal relationships and professional networking.

The importance of soft skills in modern education cannot be overstated. These skills complement academic knowledge and help students apply their learning in real-world contexts. For instance, a brilliant scientist with poor communication skills may struggle to convey their ideas effectively, while a mediocre student with excellent interpersonal skills might excel in a collaborative work environment.

In my opinion, schools should strive for a balanced curriculum that integrates both academic subjects and soft skills development. This approach would prepare students more comprehensively for the challenges of the 21st century. Academic subjects provide the necessary knowledge base, while soft skills enable students to apply this knowledge effectively in diverse situations.

Balanced curriculum integrating academic subjects and soft skills

One effective way to achieve this balance is through project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems that require both academic knowledge and soft skills. For example, a project on climate change could involve scientific research, data analysis, teamwork, and public speaking, thereby fostering a holistic learning experience.

In conclusion, while the debate between academic subjects and soft skills continues, the ideal approach lies in harmoniously blending both aspects of education. By doing so, schools can equip students with a robust knowledge base and the essential skills to navigate the complexities of modern life and work, ultimately preparing them for long-term success and adaptability in an ever-changing world.

(Word count: 395)

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for the following reasons:

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

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive and progresses logically. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, 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. Key terms and phrases like “rapidly evolving world,” “intellectual growth,” “emotional intelligence,” and “holistic learning experience” demonstrate advanced vocabulary usage.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It demonstrates consistent control of complex language structures.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-elaborated with examples and explanations, showing depth of understanding and critical thinking.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

These days, there is a big discussion about what schools should teach. Some people think schools should focus on subjects like math and science, while others believe soft skills are more important. I think both are necessary for students.

People who support teaching academic subjects say that these are the foundation of education. They believe that subjects like math, science, and languages help students get good jobs in the future. For example, if you want to be a doctor or an engineer, you need to be good at science and math. Also, these subjects help students think logically and solve problems.

On the other hand, those who favor soft skills say that these are very important in today’s world. Soft skills include things like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. They argue that in many jobs, how you work with others is just as important as what you know. For instance, a person with good communication skills might do better in a job interview than someone who only has good grades.

The importance of teaching soft skills in schools is growing. These skills help students in their personal lives too, not just in work. They can make friends more easily and handle difficult situations better.

Students practicing soft skills in a classroom

In my opinion, schools should teach both academic subjects and soft skills. I think this is the best way to prepare students for the future. Schools could include projects where students use both types of skills. For example, they could work in teams on a science project, which would teach them about science and also how to work together.

To conclude, while some people prefer academic subjects and others prefer soft skills, I believe a mix of both is best. This way, students can learn important information and also develop skills that will help them in many areas of life.

(Word count: 345)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range band score (6-7) for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent and there is a clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, but not always with complete accuracy or sophistication.

3. Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “adaptability”), but with less precision and sophistication than the higher band essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and somewhat developed, but with less depth and critical analysis compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Soft skills (noun) /sɒft skɪlz/ – personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively with others
2. Academic subjects (noun phrase) /ækəˈdemɪk ˈsʌbdʒekts/ – traditional areas of study in schools, such as mathematics, sciences, and languages
3. Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
4. Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment
5. Interpersonal skills (noun phrase) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl skɪlz/ – the ability to communicate or interact well with other people
6. Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
7. Project-based learning (noun phrase) /ˈprɒdʒekt beɪst ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ – a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge
8. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college

In conclusion, the topic of developing soft skills in schools is likely to remain a significant theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays that balance discussion of both academic subjects and soft skills, providing clear arguments and relevant examples. Remember to structure your essay well, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and clearly state your own opinion.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as the importance of arts education in developing creativity or why education should focus on preparing students for the future job market. These themes often intersect with the discussion of soft skills and can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of educational issues commonly addressed in IELTS Writing Task 2.

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.