The topic of whether students should have the right to choose their subjects in high school is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current educational debates, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a specific question related to this theme and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that in high school, students should be allowed to choose the subjects they want to study. Others believe that students should be required to study all subjects. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that students should choose their subjects
2. Discuss the view that students should study all subjects
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all three parts in your essay to achieve a high score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay for Band 8

High school education plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ future academic and career paths. While some argue that students should have the freedom to select their subjects, others contend that a comprehensive curriculum covering all subjects is more beneficial. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of subject choice argue that it allows students to focus on their strengths and interests, potentially leading to higher motivation and better academic performance. When students study subjects they are passionate about, they are more likely to engage deeply with the material and develop expertise in specific areas. This specialization can be advantageous for future university applications and career prospects. Moreover, giving students agency in their education can foster a sense of responsibility and self-direction, valuable skills for adulthood.

On the other hand, advocates for a comprehensive curriculum argue that exposing students to a wide range of subjects provides a well-rounded education. This approach ensures that students develop a broad knowledge base and discover potential interests they may not have considered otherwise. A diverse subject range can also help students develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to make connections across different disciplines. Additionally, studying all subjects can prevent premature specialization, allowing students more time to make informed decisions about their future academic pursuits.

In my opinion, a balanced approach combining elements of both views would be most beneficial. Schools could offer a core curriculum of essential subjects while allowing students to choose a certain number of electives. This compromise would ensure that all students receive a foundational education while still having the opportunity to explore their interests and strengths. Such a system could be implemented gradually, with more choice offered in the later years of high school as students become better equipped to make informed decisions about their education.

In conclusion, while both perspectives have merit, a hybrid system that combines a core curriculum with elective options offers the best of both worlds. This approach would provide students with a solid educational foundation while still allowing for personalization and exploration of individual interests.

(Word count: 329)

High school students choosing subjects

Band 8 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including phrases like “pivotal role,” “comprehensive curriculum,” and “premature specialization.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with clear explanations and examples.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

In recent years, there has been a debate about whether high school students should be allowed to choose their subjects or if they should study all subjects. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Some people think students should choose their subjects in high school. They say this is good because students can focus on what they like and are good at. For example, if a student loves science, they can take more science classes and maybe become a scientist in the future. Also, when students choose their subjects, they might be more interested in learning and get better grades.

However, other people believe students should study all subjects. They think this gives students a better overall education. If students learn many different things, they might find new interests they didn’t know about before. Also, studying all subjects can help students develop different skills that are useful in life, like math for managing money or history for understanding the world better.

In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas is best. Schools could have some subjects that everyone must take, like math, science, and language. But they could also let students choose some extra subjects they like. This way, students get a good general education but also have some freedom to study what they enjoy.

To conclude, while there are good points for both letting students choose subjects and making them study everything, I believe a combination of both approaches would be most beneficial for high school students.

(Word count: 253)

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates competence but falls short of excellence in several areas:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication seen in higher band scores.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy, but there’s room for more variety.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be elaborated on more thoroughly.

Students studying diverse subjects

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
2. Elective (noun) /ɪˈlektɪv/ – a course that a student can choose to take, rather than one that is required
3. Specialization (noun) /ˌspeʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – concentration on and becoming expert in a particular subject or skill
4. Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
5. Agency (noun) /ˈeɪdʒənsi/ – the capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own free choices
6. Foundational (adjective) /faʊnˈdeɪʃənl/ – serving as a basis or groundwork for something
7. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
8. Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else

These vocabulary items can help elevate your essay and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of English in your IELTS Writing Task 2 response.

Conclusion

The topic of student subject choice in high school is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:

• The impact of early subject specialization on career prospects
• The role of elective subjects in fostering student motivation
• Balancing core subjects with electives in the high school curriculum

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about the content of your arguments, but also how you structure your essay, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate grammatical accuracy. Practice writing essays on this topic and others, and don’t hesitate to share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.

Should all students be required to learn a second language? is another interesting topic related to curriculum choices that you might want to explore for additional practice.