The topic of education’s role in preparing students for future employment is increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This theme reflects the growing emphasis on practical skills and career readiness in modern educational systems. Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to appear frequently in upcoming IELTS exams. Let’s examine a related question that has appeared in past IELTS tests:
Some people think that schools should teach children skills that will help them in their future careers. Others believe that the main purpose of education should be to teach academic subjects. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks us to consider two perspectives on the purpose of education:
- Teaching career-oriented skills
- Focusing on academic subjects
We need to discuss both viewpoints and provide our own opinion. The essay should be balanced, covering both sides of the argument before stating a personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether schools should prioritize practical skills for future careers or focus on traditional academic subjects is a contentious one. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced curriculum that incorporates elements of both is the most beneficial for students.
Proponents of career-oriented education argue that schools should equip students with skills directly applicable to the job market. In today’s rapidly evolving economy, technical and soft skills such as coding, critical thinking, and adaptability are increasingly valuable. By focusing on these areas, schools can better prepare students for the challenges they will face in their professional lives. Moreover, this approach can lead to improved employability and a smoother transition from education to work.
On the other hand, advocates for a strong academic foundation contend that a broad-based education in subjects like mathematics, literature, and sciences provides students with a well-rounded knowledge base. This comprehensive approach fosters intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the world. Such an education can be invaluable in developing critical thinking abilities that are applicable across various career paths and life situations.
In my opinion, the ideal educational system should strike a balance between these two approaches. While it is crucial to prepare students for future employment, this should not come at the expense of a solid academic foundation. Schools should integrate career-oriented skills into the curriculum alongside traditional subjects, creating a synergy between theoretical knowledge and practical application. For instance, a science class could incorporate hands-on experiments and real-world problem-solving tasks, thereby teaching both academic concepts and practical skills simultaneously.
Furthermore, education should aim to develop adaptable learners who can thrive in an ever-changing job market. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning, schools can prepare students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of career evolution and personal growth.
Students Preparing for Future Careers
In conclusion, while the debate between career-oriented and academic education is valid, I believe the most effective approach is to combine elements of both. By doing so, we can create an educational system that not only prepares students for immediate employment but also equips them with the broad knowledge and adaptable skills necessary for long-term success in an increasingly complex world.
(Word count: 365)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about what schools should teach students. Some people think schools should focus on teaching skills for future jobs, while others believe academic subjects are more important. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support teaching job skills say it’s important for students to be ready for work after they finish school. They think subjects like computer skills, communication, and problem-solving are very useful for finding a job. This can help students get employed more easily when they graduate. Also, learning these skills can make students more confident about their future careers.
On the other hand, people who prefer academic subjects believe that a good general education is more valuable. They say subjects like math, science, and literature help students develop important thinking skills. These subjects can make students smarter and better at understanding complex ideas. This knowledge can be useful in many different jobs and situations in life.
In my opinion, both types of education are important. I think schools should try to teach both job skills and academic subjects. This way, students can learn practical skills for work and also gain a good general knowledge. For example, schools could teach traditional subjects but also include projects that relate to real jobs. This would help students understand how their learning can be used in the real world.
I also believe that schools should teach students how to learn new things throughout their lives. The job market is always changing, so it’s important for people to be able to adapt and learn new skills. If schools can teach this ability, it will help students in their future careers no matter what jobs they choose.
In conclusion, I think the best approach is to combine both job skills and academic subjects in education. This will give students a good balance of practical skills and general knowledge, preparing them well for their future careers and lives.
(Word count: 320)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is well-managed, and a range of cohesive devices is used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The essay maintains consistent control of complex language.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent approach to the task, though with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay:
- Task Response: All parts of the task are addressed, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. The main ideas are relevant, but some may be inadequately developed or unclear.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized, with clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively, though not always with full flexibility.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to allow some flexibility and precision. There may be occasional errors in word choice or spelling, but they do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. While there are some errors, they do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contention (noun) /kənˈten.ʃən/ – disagreement or argument
- Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒr.ə.taɪz/ – to decide which of a group of things are the most important
- Employability (noun) /ɪmˌplɔɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the skills and abilities that allow you to be employed
- Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪn.ə.dʒi/ – the combined power of a group of things when they are working together
- Adaptable (adjective) /əˈdæp.tə.bəl/ – able to change or be changed to fit different situations
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪk.jə.ləm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Evolving (adjective) /ɪˈvɒlv.ɪŋ/ – developing gradually
- Invaluable (adjective) /ɪnˈvæl.ju.ə.bəl/ – extremely useful; indispensable
Conclusion
The topic of education’s focus on preparing students for the future job market is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects of this theme, such as:
- The role of technology in education and career preparation
- The balance between soft skills and technical skills in the curriculum
- The importance of entrepreneurship education in schools
To practice, try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.