The question of whether schools should start later for students has been a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the growing global discussion around student sleep patterns and academic performance, this topic is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question on this subject and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that schools should start later in the morning so that students can get more sleep. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on a proposed change to school schedules. The key points to address are:
- The suggestion that schools should start later in the morning
- The reason given: to allow students to get more sleep
- Your level of agreement or disagreement with this idea
It’s important to clearly state your position and provide well-reasoned arguments to support it. Remember to consider both sides of the argument before reaching a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Sleep is crucial for students’ well-being and academic performance, and the idea of starting school later to accommodate their sleep needs has gained traction in recent years. I strongly agree that schools should consider later start times, as this change could lead to significant benefits for students’ health, academic performance, and overall quality of life.
Firstly, later school start times align better with adolescents’ natural sleep patterns. Research has consistently shown that teenagers’ circadian rhythms shift during puberty, causing them to feel alert later at night and sleepy in the early morning. By starting school later, we would be working with, rather than against, students’ biological clocks. This could result in improved alertness, better concentration, and enhanced learning outcomes during school hours.
Moreover, allowing students to get more sleep can have profound effects on their physical and mental health. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical development. When students are well-rested, they are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, sufficient sleep strengthens the immune system, reducing the likelihood of illness-related absences. These health benefits could contribute to a more positive and productive learning environment.
Critics might argue that later school start times could disrupt family schedules and after-school activities. However, the potential benefits far outweigh these temporary inconveniences. Families and communities can adapt to new schedules, especially when the change results in healthier, happier, and more successful students. Furthermore, the positive effects of adequate sleep could extend beyond the classroom, potentially reducing behavioral issues and improving students’ social interactions.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that starting school later to allow students more sleep time is a necessary and beneficial change. By aligning school schedules with students’ biological needs, we can create an educational environment that prioritizes their health, well-being, and academic success. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial that our educational systems adapt to support the needs of students in the most effective way possible.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea of starting school later so that students can get more sleep is an interesting one. I partly agree with this suggestion because it could have some benefits, but I also think there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
On the one hand, starting school later could help students get more sleep, which is important for their health and learning. Many teenagers have trouble falling asleep early at night, so they often don’t get enough rest when they have to wake up early for school. If schools started later, students might be more alert and focused in class, which could improve their grades and overall well-being.
However, there are some problems that could arise from changing school start times. For example, it might be difficult for parents who need to go to work early in the morning. They might not be able to drop their children off at school if it starts later. Also, after-school activities like sports and clubs might have to be rescheduled, which could be inconvenient for students and coaches.
Another point to consider is that starting school later might not actually solve the problem of students not getting enough sleep. Some students might just stay up even later if they know they can sleep in, so they might not end up getting more rest anyway.
In conclusion, while starting school later could have some benefits for students’ sleep and learning, there are also potential challenges to consider. I believe that a balanced approach is needed, perhaps with some flexibility in school start times or other solutions to help students get enough sleep without disrupting other aspects of their lives and schedules.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I think starting school later is a good idea because students need more sleep. Many students are always tired in the morning and this makes it hard for them to learn well.
One reason why later school times are good is because teenagers often can’t sleep early at night. Their bodies make them want to stay up late and wake up late. If school starts later, they can sleep more and be more awake in class. This might help them get better grades.
Also, when students get enough sleep, they are healthier. They don’t get sick as much and they feel happier. This is good for their studying and for their life outside school too.
But there are some problems with starting school later. Parents might have trouble taking their children to school if it starts later because they have to go to work. And some after-school activities might need to change their times, which could be difficult.
In conclusion, I think starting school later is a good idea because it can help students sleep more and learn better. But it’s important to think about how to solve the problems it might cause for families and activities.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Clear position with well-developed arguments
- Excellent use of cohesive devices and paragraph organization
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately (e.g., “circadian rhythms,” “cognitive function”)
- Complex sentence structures with few errors
- Addresses all parts of the task with relevant, extended ideas
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Clear overall position but less consistently argued
- Good paragraph organization with some cohesive devices
- Adequate range of vocabulary with some errors that don’t impede communication
- Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors
- Addresses all parts of the task but with less fully developed ideas
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Position is present but not always clear
- Basic paragraph organization with limited use of cohesive devices
- Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition
- Mostly simple sentences with errors that sometimes impede communication
- Addresses the task but with limited development of ideas
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Circadian rhythm (noun) /sərˈkeɪdiən ˌrɪðəm/ – the natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle
- Adolescent (noun) /ˌædəˈlesnt/ – a young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult
- Cognitive function (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈfʌŋkʃn/ – mental abilities such as thinking, learning, and remembering
- Puberty (noun) /ˈpjuːbəti/ – the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity
- Alertness (noun) /əˈlɜːtnəs/ – the state of being aware and ready to react
- Inconvenience (noun) /ˌɪnkənˈviːniəns/ – trouble or difficulty caused to one’s personal requirements or comfort
- Fatigue (noun) /fəˈtiːɡ/ – extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion
- Well-being (noun) /ˌwel ˈbiːɪŋ/ – the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
In conclusion, the topic of later school start times for students is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this topic and related subjects such as importance of sleep hygiene for students and should schools include financial education in their curricula. Consider exploring other potential education-related topics like the impact of technology on learning, the role of physical education in schools, or the benefits of extracurricular activities. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.