Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life - IELTS Writing Task 2

With increasing competition, extra-curricular activities, such as sports, music, art, volunteering, and debate clubs, play a major role in shaping students beyond academics and helping them stand out in the crowd. However, there are differences in opinion when it comes to its relevance in a student’s life. As a result, preparing the essay topic, Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life, will help you familiarise yourself with mastering opinion essays like this and expressing your viewpoint confidently.

In this article, we examine sample answers for the IELTS opinion essay on the topic ‘Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life?’, along with an outline and relevant IELTS vocabulary, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.

Essay Question for Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life

Outline for IELTS Opinion Essay

Given below is the outline for an IELTS opinion essay that will help you to understand how to write them for an IELTS band score of 7 and above.

Sample Answers for Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life IELTS Writing Task 2

The following three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic, Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life, will be a guide for those aiming to achieve a high writing band score.

Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life - Sample Answer 1

In recent years, extra-curricular activities have gained considerable attention in the field of education. While many educators argue that they are vital for a child’s growth, I firmly believe that academic study should remain the primary focus, and too much emphasis on activities outside the classroom can be counterproductive.

Firstly, the purpose of schooling is to impart academic knowledge, which is imperative for success in higher education and career development. Extra-curricular activities, although enjoyable, can overindulge students and reduce the time they devote to essential subjects like mathematics, science, and languages. For example, I have discerned cases where students active in multiple clubs often performed poorly in examinations due to a lack of preparation. This can leave them bewildered when competing with peers who concentrated solely on academics.

Moreover, participation in numerous activities may make learners lethargic rather than energized. Instead of achieving balance, students may become exhausted from juggling between academics and sports or arts, leading to reduced productivity. Owing to the increasing competition in today’s world, students who fail to prioritize academics risk missing out on opportunities that require high test scores.

In conclusion, while extra-curricular activities may have limited recreational value, they should not overshadow the academic mission of schools. Academic excellence is crucial, and students must not be distracted from their main purpose of education.

Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life - Sample Answer 2

Education is not limited to textbooks and classrooms; rather, it encompasses all aspects of personal development. I believe that while academics are essential, extra-curricular activities play a complementary role that should not be underestimated.

To begin with, activities beyond academics exemplify the holistic growth of a child. Sports, arts, and music invigorate students, quench their thirst for creativity, and encourage teamwork. For instance, school theatre or debate clubs inculcate confidence, leadership qualities, and communication skills, which are equally imperative for future success. Furthermore, such involvement often brings rejuvenation to students who might otherwise feel lethargic or mentally drained due to constant academic pressure. Participation in cultural events, inter-school competitions, or even volunteering clubs enables learners to explore their hidden talents, thereby broadening their horizons. In this sense, extra-curriculars exemplify how learning extends beyond the boundaries of books.

On the other hand, it is undeniable that focusing only on these activities without maintaining balance can hinder academic performance. Students who overindulge in athletics or cultural clubs may struggle with examinations, thus creating long-term challenges in pursuing higher education or securing scholarships. Nevertheless, this does not imply that such activities should be discouraged. Instead, schools should structure them in a way that complements academic learning. For example, moderate participation in sports not only improves physical fitness but also sharpens concentration, time management, and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to perform better in their studies.

In conclusion, extra-curricular activities are not an obstacle but rather a support system in student life. When carefully balanced with academic pursuits, they inculcate essential life skills, provide mental rejuvenation, and exemplify holistic education. Thus, both academics and extra-curriculars are imperative for the overall growth of learners, preparing them not just for examinations but also for the challenges of real life.

Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life - Sample Answer 3

Not all students are good at academics, and it is imperative for students to exercise regularly. Therefore, besides studying, keeping their physical and mental growth in mind becomes a vital part of their lives. So, I ultimately favour the phenomenon that extracurricular activities are essential in students’ lives.

In the first place, scholars should not focus on books alone as their brain gets lethargic. They should have insight into their hidden talents because such engagements will not only invigorate them to find their passion but also help them find their desired dreams sometimes. Additionally, spending all the time with books can lead to numerous problems related to health. For example, being studious can be stressful, which results in depression and, in the worst-case scenario, suicide.

Moreover, the teachers should exemplify people who have not performed well in academics to understand that one can excel through extracurricular activities as well. To cite an example, the legendary cricketer M.S. Dhoni spent most of his time on the ground rather than in his classroom. Had he not been given the exposure, then he might not be one of the finest cricketers in the world. Moreover, there is no such rule that only graduates have a better life.

However, it can be discerned that as per human nature, small children are always bewildered and have an immense curiosity to know. They keep on asking questions to quench their curiosity. Studies can aid to attain knowledge about everything. The books on different subjects help us learn about other things present around us. Accordingly, it is crucial to inculcate studying in students. But it should be kept in mind that the brain needs rejuvenation after a certain time, for which co-curricular activities are also necessary.

To conclude, I would like to state that giving more time to books is necessary along with participating in extracurricular activities. However, the students should not overindulge in extracurricular activities to have a well-adjusted life.

Vocabulary to Use for Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life - IELTS Writing Task 2

Given below is an advanced vocabulary word list for IELTS with some important words related to the topic, Do You Think Extra-Curricular Activities are Important in a Student’s Life, that have been used in the above sample answers.

In summary, the role of extra-curricular activities in a student’s life is a matter of balance. While opponents argue that they distract learners, it is undeniable that these activities inculcate vital life skills, invigorate creativity, and provide rejuvenation. For IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, the key is to acknowledge both perspectives, use strong academic vocabulary, and present a clear, justified opinion. So, whether you argue against or advocate balance, remember that clarity, coherence, and precise language are imperative for achieving a higher band score.

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