Coding education in schools has become a hot topic in recent years, with many arguing that it should be a mandatory part of the curriculum. This subject has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, and its frequency is likely to increase in the future due to the growing importance of technology in our lives. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Students learning coding in classroom
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that all school children should be taught how to code (create computer programs). To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question asks for your opinion on whether coding should be a mandatory subject for all students in schools. It’s an “agree or disagree” type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Key points to consider:
- The scope: “all school children” implies this would apply to students of all ages and backgrounds
- The subject: coding, or creating computer programs
- The extent of your agreement or disagreement
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s digital age, the suggestion that all school children should learn coding has gained significant traction. While I largely agree with this view, I believe it should be implemented with some caveats.
There are compelling reasons to include coding in the school curriculum for all students. Firstly, coding develops crucial problem-solving and logical thinking skills that are valuable across various disciplines. When children learn to code, they essentially learn how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts – a skill that translates well into other areas of study and life. Secondly, in an increasingly technology-driven world, having a basic understanding of how software works can be considered a form of digital literacy. This knowledge empowers students to be not just consumers of technology, but potential creators and innovators.
However, the implementation of mandatory coding education should be carefully considered. It’s crucial to adapt the complexity and depth of coding lessons to different age groups and learning capacities. For younger children, coding could be introduced through fun, interactive games and simple visual programming languages. As students progress, they could be gradually exposed to more complex concepts and languages. Moreover, schools must ensure that adding coding to the curriculum doesn’t come at the expense of other essential subjects like literature, arts, or physical education, which are vital for a well-rounded education.
Another important aspect is the provision of adequate resources and teacher training. Many schools, particularly in less affluent areas, may struggle to provide the necessary computer equipment and internet access. Additionally, there’s a need for teachers who are not only proficient in coding but also skilled in teaching it effectively to students of various ages and abilities.
In conclusion, while I strongly support the inclusion of coding in school curricula, I believe it should be done thoughtfully and equitably. The goal should be to provide all students with a foundational understanding of coding that enhances their problem-solving skills and digital literacy, without overwhelming the educational system or neglecting other crucial areas of learning.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement but with some reservations, which is clearly stated in the introduction.
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Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph focuses on a main idea, supported by explanations and examples.
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Cohesion and coherence: The essay flows logically, with clear transitions between ideas (“However”, “Moreover”).
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Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (“compelling reasons”, “digital literacy”, “implementation”, “adapt the complexity”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately (“While I largely agree”, “It’s crucial to adapt”, “The goal should be to provide”).
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Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both the benefits of coding education and the potential challenges in implementation.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether all school children should learn coding. I partially agree with this idea, as it has both advantages and disadvantages.
On the one hand, teaching coding to all students can be beneficial. Firstly, coding skills are becoming increasingly important in many jobs. By learning to code at school, children can be better prepared for their future careers. Secondly, coding can help develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are useful not only in computer-related fields but in many aspects of life.
However, there are also some drawbacks to making coding mandatory for all students. One major issue is that not all children may be interested in or suited to coding. Forcing them to learn it might lead to frustration and a dislike for the subject. Additionally, schools may not have enough resources, such as computers and qualified teachers, to provide quality coding education to all students.
Another point to consider is that adding coding to the curriculum might take time away from other important subjects. Schools need to find a balance between teaching traditional subjects and new skills like coding.
In conclusion, while teaching coding to all school children has its benefits, it also presents some challenges. Perhaps a better approach would be to offer coding as an optional subject or to incorporate basic coding concepts into existing math or science classes, rather than making it mandatory for everyone.
(Word count: 249)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, which is stated in the introduction.
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Arguments: The essay presents both advantages and disadvantages of mandatory coding education, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Cohesion and coherence: The essay has a clear structure with separate paragraphs for advantages and disadvantages. Transitions are used (“On the one hand”, “However”), but they are less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied than in the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are made (“drawbacks”, “mandatory”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good accuracy. However, it lacks the sophisticated structures seen in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Task response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, presenting a balanced view of the issue. However, the ideas are less fully explored compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary
- Coding (noun) – /ˈkəʊdɪŋ/ – The process of creating computer programming code
- Mandatory (adjective) – /ˈmændətɔːri/ – Required by law or rules; compulsory
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
- Digital literacy (noun phrase) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use information and communication technologies effectively
- Problem-solving (adjective) – /ˈprɒbləm ˌsɒlvɪŋ/ – The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues
- Logical thinking (noun phrase) – /ˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – A process of using consistent reasoning to come to a conclusion
- Resources (noun) – /rɪˈzɔːsɪz/ – A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on
- Drawbacks (noun) – /ˈdrɔːbæks/ – Features that make something less useful or attractive; disadvantages
- Incorporate (verb) – /ɪnˈkɔːpəreɪt/ – To include or absorb something as part of a whole
Conclusion
The topic of mandatory coding education in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Future questions might explore related themes such as:
- The age at which coding education should begin
- The impact of coding education on other subjects
- The role of technology in education more broadly
- The skills needed for future job markets
To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays on these topics, considering different perspectives and potential impacts. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question.
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 IELTS Writing skills and receive feedback from others.
