The topic of mandatory volunteer work in schools has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually since 2019. This frequency suggests its continued relevance in future tests, particularly given the growing emphasis on social responsibility in education systems worldwide. The role of volunteerism in community building has become increasingly important in modern education systems.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question requires evaluating the merits of mandatory volunteer work in schools. As should students have mandatory volunteering remains a debated topic, candidates should clearly state their position and support it with relevant examples.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In recent years, there has been growing debate about whether community service should be an obligatory component of secondary education. I strongly agree with this proposition, as it offers numerous benefits for both students and society at large.
importance of volunteer work in building empathy is evident in how mandatory community service can positively shape students’ character development. When young people engage in unpaid work for community benefit, they develop crucial empathy and social awareness. For instance, students who volunteer at local food banks or elderly care homes gain first-hand experience of social issues and develop a deeper understanding of different socioeconomic circumstances.
Furthermore, compulsory volunteer work provides invaluable practical experience that enhances students’ personal and professional development. Through community service, teenagers acquire essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management – competencies that are highly valued by universities and future employers. For example, organizing community clean-up drives requires students to coordinate with various stakeholders, manage resources, and work collaboratively towards common goals.
role of volunteerism in skill development can be particularly impactful when integrated into the school curriculum. Mandatory volunteer programs can help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, making education more relevant and meaningful. Students might apply mathematical skills while managing donation drives or enhance communication abilities while working with diverse community members.
In conclusion, making community service mandatory in high schools offers substantial benefits that extend beyond individual growth to societal improvement. The combination of character development, practical skill acquisition, and real-world experience makes it an invaluable addition to educational programs.
High school students participating in community service activity
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many schools think about making students do volunteer work. I think this is a good idea because it helps students learn important things.
First, when students do volunteer work, they learn how to help others. They can work in places like hospitals or old people’s homes. This teaches them to be kind and understand other people’s problems. For example, in my country, students who help at animal shelters become more caring people.
Also, volunteer work helps students get good skills for their future jobs. They learn how to work with other people and how to solve problems. These skills are very important when they want to find jobs later. My friend did volunteer work at a local library and learned many useful things.
However, some students might find it hard to do volunteer work because they are busy with their studies. They might also have part-time jobs or other activities. But I think schools can help by giving students different choices about when and where to volunteer.
In conclusion, I believe making students do volunteer work is good because it helps them become better people and learn useful skills. Schools should try to include this in their programs.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Clear position throughout
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “socioeconomic circumstances,” “stakeholders”
- Complex sentence structures
- Coherent paragraphing with clear topic sentences
- Relevant examples
- Strong conclusion
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Basic but clear position
- Simple vocabulary with some errors
- Less sophisticated sentence structures
- Basic paragraph organization
- Simple examples
- Adequate conclusion
Key Vocabulary
- Compulsory (adj) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or rule
- Stakeholders (n) /ˈsteɪkhoʊldərz/ – people with interest in something
- Socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɑːmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- Initiative (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – an important action or plan
- Empathy (n) /ˈempəθi/ – ability to understand others’ feelings
Conclusion
The topic of mandatory volunteer work remains relevant for IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing essays on similar topics like:
- Should schools require students to participate in environmental projects?
- Is community service more important than academic subjects?
- Should volunteer work be a graduation requirement?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement.
