The topic of volunteering and its impact on community development has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually. Based on analysis from various IELTS preparation websites and past exam databases, this theme has shown consistent presence, particularly in recent years, suggesting its continued relevance for future tests.
Let’s examine a common IELTS task 2 question that focuses on the role of volunteer organizations in community support:
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 statement?
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on mandatory community service in schools
- Provide well-reasoned arguments supporting their stance
- Consider potential benefits and drawbacks
- Use specific examples to illustrate points
High school students participating in community service activities
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Integrating mandatory community service into high school curricula has become a topic of considerable debate. While some argue against forcing students to volunteer, I strongly believe that compulsory community service offers invaluable benefits that justify its inclusion in educational programs.
Mandatory community service provides students with essential life skills and personal development opportunities. Through importance of volunteer work in building empathy, young people learn compassion, responsibility, and leadership skills that cannot be taught effectively in traditional classroom settings. For instance, when students volunteer at local food banks or elderly care facilities, they develop empathy and understanding for different segments of society while gaining practical experience in project management and teamwork.
Furthermore, compulsory service programs contribute significantly to both individual and community development. Students who participate in these activities often discover new interests and potential career paths while simultaneously addressing crucial community needs. For example, a student volunteering at a literacy program might not only help underprivileged children improve their reading skills but also develop a passion for teaching or social work.
However, to ensure the effectiveness of mandatory service programs, schools must implement them thoughtfully. This includes offering diverse volunteering opportunities, providing proper guidance, and allowing students some flexibility in choosing their service activities. Such an approach maintains the educational value while respecting individual interests and capabilities.
In conclusion, the benefits of mandatory community service in high schools far outweigh any potential drawbacks. By making it a compulsory component of education, we invest in both our students’ personal growth and the betterment of our communities.
Students gaining practical experience through volunteer work
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that community service should be mandatory in high schools because it helps students and society. This essay will discuss the main reasons why I support this idea.
Firstly, when students do volunteer work, they learn important things about life. They can see how other people live and understand different problems in society. For example, when students help at a homeless shelter, they learn about poverty and feel more grateful for what they have.
Secondly, the role of volunteer work in community development is very important. When students volunteer, they help make their community better. They can clean parks, help old people, or teach young children. This helps solve many problems in society.
However, some students might not like being forced to do volunteer work. They might be too busy with homework and other activities. But I think schools can make programs that are not too difficult and give students choices about what they want to do.
In conclusion, I believe mandatory community service in high schools is a good idea because it helps students learn important lessons and makes communities stronger.
Essay Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and coherent arguments
- Well-developed examples
- Balanced perspective
- Advanced cohesive devices
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear arguments
- Simple but accurate language
- Limited range of vocabulary
- Some repetition
- Basic cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary
- compulsory (adj.) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or rule
- underprivileged (adj.) /ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪdʒd/ – lacking basic rights and benefits
- implementation (n.) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – the process of putting a plan into action
- compassion (n.) /kəmˈpæʃən/ – sympathy and concern for others
- betterment (n.) /ˈbetəmənt/ – improvement or enhancement
Consider practicing with similar topics like should students have mandatory volunteering to enhance your writing skills. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
