The topic of year-round schooling has appeared multiple times in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly between 2019-2023. Based on analysis of past papers and current educational trends, this subject is likely to continue appearing in future tests, especially given its relevance to global education reforms.
Year-round school calendar concept showing continuous learning cycles
Sample Task and Analysis
Some people believe that schools should adopt a year-round calendar with shorter breaks spread throughout the year instead of having one long summer vacation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Task Analysis
- Topic: Educational system reform
- Focus: Year-round schooling vs. traditional calendar
- Task type: Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
- Key requirements: Clear position, well-developed arguments, relevant examples
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over restructuring the academic calendar has gained significant traction in recent years. While some advocate for distributing vacation periods throughout the year rather than maintaining the traditional long summer break, I strongly agree with this proposition due to its numerous educational and practical benefits.
First and foremost, a year-round school calendar can significantly reduce the “summer learning loss” phenomenon. When students experience an extended break from academic activities, they often forget substantial portions of previously learned material, requiring considerable review time when school resumes. By implementing shorter, more frequent breaks, educators can maintain academic continuity and knowledge retention. For instance, research in South Korea has shown that students in schools with distributed break periods demonstrate better information retention and require less review time compared to those following traditional calendars.
Moreover, this system offers practical advantages for both families and educational institutions. Parents often struggle to arrange childcare during the lengthy summer vacation, whereas shorter breaks are more manageable from a planning perspective. Additionally, school facilities can be utilized more efficiently throughout the year, reducing maintenance costs and allowing for more flexible scheduling of enrichment programs. In Singapore, schools implementing year-round calendars have reported improved resource utilization and increased participation in supplementary educational activities.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that transitioning to this system requires careful planning and consideration of potential challenges. Schools must ensure adequate cooling systems for summer operations, coordinate with community programs, and address teachers’ professional development needs. These considerations necessitate substantial initial investment but ultimately yield long-term benefits for the educational community.
In conclusion, while implementing a year-round school calendar presents certain challenges, its advantages in terms of academic continuity, practical family benefits, and resource efficiency make it a compelling option for modern educational systems. Educational institutions should seriously consider adopting this approach to better serve their students’ needs in today’s dynamic learning environment.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of whether schools should change their calendar system is an important topic today. I agree that schools should have shorter breaks throughout the year instead of one long summer vacation.
One main reason for this change is that students can learn better. When students have a very long summer break, they often forget what they learned before. This is a big problem because teachers need to spend lots of time teaching the same things again. For example, in my country, students usually forget much of their math skills during summer vacation.
Also, shorter breaks are better for working parents. Many parents find it difficult to take care of their children during the long summer break. They have to pay for expensive summer camps or leave children with grandparents. With shorter breaks, parents can plan better for their children’s care.
However, some problems might happen with this new system. Schools need more money for air conditioning in summer, and some teachers might not like having shorter vacation times. Also, some families like to take long trips during summer vacation.
In my opinion, having shorter breaks is better than one long summer break. It helps students learn better and makes life easier for parents. Schools should try to change their calendar system, even though it might be difficult at first.
Sample Essay Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced discussion of advantages and challenges
- Natural academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear arguments
- Simple but accurate language
- Limited use of complex structures
- Some repetition in vocabulary
- Basic examples without detailed elaboration
Key Vocabulary
- academic continuity (n) /ˌækəˈdemɪk kənˈtɪnjuːəti/ – continuous educational progress
- enrichment programs (n) /ɪnˈrɪtʃmənt ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – additional educational activities
- resource utilization (n) /rɪˈsɔːs ˌjuːtɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – efficient use of available resources
- learning loss (n) /ˈlɜːnɪŋ lɒs/ – deterioration of knowledge during breaks
- supplementary (adj) /ˌsʌplɪˈmentəri/ – additional or extra
- traction (n) /ˈtrækʃən/ – gaining acceptance or popularity
- retention (n) /rɪˈtenʃən/ – ability to keep or maintain something
Conclusion
The year-round school calendar remains a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. For practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of different school schedules on student performance
- Balancing academic and vacation time in education
- Modern approaches to educational scheduling
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
