In recent years, the topic of student autonomy in curriculum selection has gained significant attention in educational discourse. The question “Should students have the right to choose their curriculum?” has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting its relevance to contemporary education systems. This article will provide a detailed analysis of this topic, along with sample essays for different band scores, to help IELTS candidates prepare effectively for this potential exam question.
Analyzing the Topic
The debate over student choice in curriculum design touches on several key aspects of education:
- Student engagement and motivation
- Personalized learning
- Preparation for future careers
- The role of educators and educational institutions
- Balancing core knowledge with individual interests
Given its multifaceted nature, this topic is likely to continue appearing in IELTS exams. Let’s examine a specific question that has been reported in past IELTS tests:
Some people think that students should be allowed to choose their subjects of study at university, while others believe universities should decide which subjects students should study. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for student choice in university subjects
- Discuss arguments for university-determined curricula
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating your personal view.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 9 Essay Sample
The debate over whether students should have the freedom to choose their university subjects or if institutions should dictate the curriculum is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. While student choice can lead to increased motivation and personalized learning, there are also benefits to a structured, university-determined approach. In my opinion, a balanced combination of both methods would be most effective.
Proponents of student choice argue that allowing learners to select their subjects fosters greater engagement and passion for learning. When students pursue topics that genuinely interest them, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated, leading to deeper understanding and potentially better academic outcomes. Moreover, this approach aligns with the concept of personalized learning, acknowledging that individuals have diverse strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. By tailoring their education to their specific goals, students may be better prepared for their future professions.
On the other hand, those who support university-determined curricula contend that educational institutions possess the expertise to design well-rounded programs that provide students with essential knowledge and skills. Universities can ensure that graduates have a solid foundation in core subjects and are exposed to diverse disciplines, potentially broadening their perspectives and career options. Furthermore, a structured curriculum can help maintain educational standards and consistency across different institutions, which is particularly important for professions that require standardized knowledge bases, such as medicine or law.
In my view, the ideal approach would be a hybrid system that combines elements of both student choice and institutional guidance. Universities could establish a core curriculum of essential subjects while allowing students to choose from a range of electives or specialized tracks. This balanced approach would ensure that students receive a comprehensive education while still having the flexibility to pursue their interests and tailor their learning to their career goals.
Additionally, universities could implement a system of academic advising to help students make informed decisions about their subject choices. This guidance could help students understand the implications of their choices and ensure they are well-prepared for their future careers while still respecting their autonomy.
In conclusion, while both student choice and university-determined curricula have their merits, a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both would be most beneficial. By combining structure with flexibility, universities can provide students with a well-rounded education that caters to individual interests and aspirations while maintaining high academic standards.
(Word count: 379)
Band 7 Essay Sample
The question of whether students should be allowed to choose their university subjects or if universities should decide for them is a controversial topic. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support student choice argue that it increases motivation and engagement. When students study subjects they are interested in, they are more likely to be passionate about their learning. This can lead to better academic performance and a more enjoyable university experience. Additionally, allowing students to choose their subjects can help them tailor their education to their career goals, potentially making them more employable in the future.
On the other hand, proponents of university-determined curricula believe that educational institutions have the expertise to design well-rounded programs. Universities can ensure that students receive a balanced education, covering all necessary topics for their chosen field. This approach can prevent students from avoiding challenging but important subjects and ensure they have a solid foundation of knowledge.
In my opinion, a combination of both approaches would be most effective. Universities could set a core curriculum of essential subjects while allowing students to choose from a range of electives. This would ensure that students receive a comprehensive education while still having some freedom to pursue their interests.
Furthermore, universities could provide academic counseling to help students make informed decisions about their subject choices. This guidance could help students understand the implications of their choices and ensure they are well-prepared for their future careers.
In conclusion, while both student choice and university-determined curricula have their merits, a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both would be most beneficial. This would allow for a well-rounded education that caters to individual interests while maintaining high academic standards.
(Word count: 295)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Nowadays, there is a debate about who should choose university subjects – students or universities. Some people think students should choose, while others believe universities should decide. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
When students choose their subjects, they can study what they like. This makes them more interested in learning and they might get better grades. Also, they can choose subjects that help them in their future job. For example, if someone wants to be a doctor, they can choose subjects related to medicine.
However, if universities choose the subjects, they can make sure students learn everything they need. Universities know what is important for each course. They can make students study difficult subjects that are necessary, even if students don’t like them. This can give students a good education.
In my opinion, I think both students and universities should choose subjects together. Students can pick some subjects they like, but universities should also make them study some important subjects. This way, students can enjoy their studies but also learn everything they need.
For example, a student studying business could choose some subjects like marketing or finance that they like. But the university could make them study some maths and economics too, because these are important for business.
In conclusion, I believe a mix of student choice and university choice is best. This can make students happy and give them a good education at the same time.
(Word count: 234)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the task. Key strengths include:
- Coherent structure: Clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion with a well-supported opinion.
- Sophisticated vocabulary: Use of phrases like “intrinsically motivated,” “personalized learning,” and “hybrid system.”
- Complex sentence structures: Varied and accurately used.
- Logical flow: Ideas are well-developed and connected smoothly.
- Clear position: The writer’s opinion is evident and well-supported.
Band 7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills and addresses the task well. Strengths include:
- Clear structure: Introduction, discussion of both views, and a conclusion with the writer’s opinion.
- Good vocabulary: Use of words like “controversial,” “motivation,” and “expertise.”
- Variety in sentence structures: A mix of simple and complex sentences.
- Coherent arguments: Ideas are generally well-developed.
- Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated and supported.
Areas for improvement:
- Further development of ideas with more specific examples
- More sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates an adequate attempt at addressing the task. Strengths include:
- Basic structure: Introduction, some discussion of both views, and a conclusion with an opinion.
- Simple vocabulary: Appropriate for the task but limited in range.
- Simple sentence structures: Mostly accurate but lacking variety.
- Basic arguments: Ideas are presented but not fully developed.
- Opinion stated: The writer’s view is given but could be better supported.
Areas for improvement:
- More detailed discussion of each view
- Better use of linking words for cohesion
- Expansion of vocabulary range
- More complex sentence structures
- Fuller development of ideas with specific examples
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – The right or condition of self-government
- Personalized learning (noun phrase) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ – An educational approach that aims to customize learning for each student’s strengths, needs, skills, and interests
- Intrinsic motivation (noun phrase) /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃən/ – The drive to do something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable
- Academic standards (noun phrase) /ækəˈdemɪk ˈstændədz/ – The benchmarks for learning that describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level
- Well-rounded education (noun phrase) /wel ˈraʊndɪd ˌedjʊˈkeɪʃən/ – An education that provides a broad spectrum of knowledge across various subjects
- Core curriculum (noun phrase) /kɔː kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The set of courses that all students are required to complete
- Elective (noun) /ɪˈlektɪv/ – An optional course of study
- Academic advising (noun phrase) /ækəˈdemɪk ədˈvaɪzɪŋ/ – The process of providing students with guidance on academic, social, or personal matters
- Employability (noun) /ɪmˌplɔɪəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being suitable for paid work
Conclusion
The question of whether students should have the right to choose their curriculum is a complex and relevant topic in modern education. As demonstrated in the sample essays, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. To prepare for potential IELTS Writing Task 2 questions on this topic, candidates should:
- Understand the key arguments for and against student choice in curriculum
- Practice writing balanced essays that discuss both viewpoints
- Develop a clear personal opinion supported by logical reasoning
- Expand their vocabulary related to education and curriculum design
- Work on essay structure and coherence
For additional practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of vocational education versus traditional academic subjects
- The impact of technology on curriculum design
- The balance between specialization and general education in university programs
Remember to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and receive valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.