Education plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders and instilling ethical values. This topic, “the role of education in promoting ethical leadership,” has been increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, it is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question and analyze sample essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that schools should focus on academic subjects, while others think they should also teach ethics and moral values. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to discuss two opposing views on the role of education:
- Schools should focus solely on academic subjects.
- Schools should teach both academic subjects and ethics/moral values.
You are required to discuss both perspectives and then provide your own opinion on the matter. This type of question is common in IELTS Writing Task 2 and requires a balanced approach.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Education has long been debated as a tool for not only academic growth but also moral development. While some argue that schools should concentrate solely on academic subjects, others believe in the importance of teaching ethics and moral values alongside traditional curricula. This essay will explore both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this crucial issue.
Proponents of a purely academic focus in schools argue that the primary purpose of education is to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers. They contend that subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages are essential for economic progress and individual success in a competitive global market. Furthermore, they believe that moral education should be the responsibility of parents and religious institutions, not schools.
On the other hand, advocates for including ethics and moral values in school curricula argue that education should aim to develop well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society. They emphasize that ethical leadership is crucial for addressing global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and political corruption. By integrating moral education into schools, students can develop critical thinking skills about ethical dilemmas and learn to make responsible decisions.
In my opinion, while academic subjects are undoubtedly important, schools should not neglect the teaching of ethics and moral values. A balanced approach that combines both academic and ethical education is essential for nurturing future leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also morally upright. This integration can be achieved through various means, such as incorporating ethical discussions into existing subjects, offering dedicated ethics courses, or promoting extracurricular activities that focus on social responsibility.
In conclusion, the role of education in promoting ethical leadership is paramount in today’s complex world. By providing a holistic education that encompasses both academic excellence and moral development, schools can better prepare students to become ethical leaders who can navigate the challenges of the 21st century with integrity and wisdom.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The role of education in society has been a topic of debate for many years. Some people think schools should only teach academic subjects, while others believe they should also include ethics and moral values in their curriculum. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support focusing only on academic subjects argue that schools have limited time and resources. They believe that subjects like math, science, and languages are more important for students’ future careers. They also think that teaching moral values is the job of parents and religious institutions, not schools.
On the other hand, people who support teaching ethics and moral values in schools say that education should help create good citizens, not just smart workers. They believe that learning about ethics can help students make better decisions in life and become good leaders in the future. They also argue that many parents might not have the time or knowledge to teach these important lessons at home.
In my opinion, I think schools should teach both academic subjects and ethics. While academic knowledge is important, I believe that ethical education is equally crucial for creating a better society. Schools can include lessons on ethics in existing subjects or create new classes specifically for teaching moral values. This way, students can learn to be both smart and good people.
To conclude, education plays a vital role in shaping future leaders, and it should include both academic and ethical teachings. By doing this, schools can help create well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.
(Word count: 262)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:
- Band 8-9: “Proponents of a purely academic focus in schools argue…”
- Band 6-7: “Those who support focusing only on academic subjects argue…”
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does this more effectively and with greater variety.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed and nuanced arguments.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of vocabulary and more precise word choices. For instance:
- Band 8-9: “nurturing future leaders,” “moral development”
- Band 6-7: “create good citizens,” “teaching moral values”
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Ethical leadership (noun) /ˈeθɪkəl ˈliːdəʃɪp/ – Leadership that demonstrates appropriate conduct through personal actions and interpersonal relationships.
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Moral values (noun phrase) /ˈmɒrəl ˈvæljuːz/ – Principles or standards of behavior considered to be morally good or acceptable.
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Holistic education (noun phrase) /həʊˈlɪstɪk ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/ – An approach to education that focuses on developing the whole person, including intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual aspects.
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Integrity (noun) /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
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Social responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The obligation of individuals or organizations to act for the benefit of society at large.
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Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
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Ethical dilemma (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl dɪˈlemə/ – A situation that involves conflicting moral choices.
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Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – Having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects.
Conclusion
The role of education in promoting ethical leadership is a significant topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By understanding the key arguments and practicing with sample essays, you can improve your ability to write effectively on this subject. Remember to balance your discussion of both viewpoints and clearly state your own opinion.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The importance of character education in schools
- The role of universities in developing ethical business leaders
- Balancing academic achievement with moral development in education
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.
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