Secondary Schools Aim To Provide A General Education Across A Range Of Subjects - IELTS Writing Task 2

Outline

Essay Type

• IELTS Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic of the essay.
• Mention clearly what the topic of the essay involves.

Body

• Paragraph 1 – First of all, fewer choices of subjects to study at school will create a window of opportunity for students to blossom socially. To further explain this, students will not constantly find themselves in a battle against time trying to complete their homework, prepare for new lessons, or review for upcoming exams.
• Paragraph 2 – It has been found that secondary students nowadays are feeling more stressed and overwhelmed than ever before, and the reason to explain this is quite self-explanatory. Today, many children consider their schools’ prisons and their teachers’ correctional officers who would not stop giving them dull assignments to complete.

Conclusion

• Conclude the essay by summarizing the topic and the final view.

Secondary Schools Aim To Provide A General Education Across A Range Of Subjects - Sample Answer 1

Although most children today enjoy the right to receive education, it is not within their power to decide what subjects they may study.  Regarding this matter, educational theorists still find themselves at loggerheads over whether secondary schools should impart knowledge of various fields, or concentrate on teaching only a few selected subjects relating to a certain sphere of education. From my perspective, I reckon that secondary educational content should be narrowed down for students.

First of all, fewer choices of subjects to study at school will create a window of opportunity for students to blossom socially. To further explain this, students will not constantly find themselves in a battle against time trying to complete their homework, prepare for new lessons, or review for upcoming exams. Instead, they will have more spare time to spend outdoors, be with their friends, or just be with themselves. In this way, their self-confidence or communication skills will be boosted significantly.

It has been found that secondary students nowadays are feeling more stressed and overwhelmed than ever before, and the reason to explain this is quite self-explanatory. Today, many children consider their schools prisons and their teachers correctional officers who would not stop giving them dull assignments to complete. When the inspiration to study is almost non-existent, it is understandably difficult for students to keep a good performance at school. Consequently, the quality of education, on the whole, will go downhill.

To conclude, I hold the firm belief that the schools should focus on a small choice of practical subjects so that the lives of secondary students should not be fettered down by any undue responsibility.

Secondary Schools Aim To Provide A General Education Across A Range Of Subjects - Sample Answer 2

The education system and the structure of the daily curriculum taught in schools differ vastly from region to region. It has been observed that secondary education is dominated by two major approaches, wherein a broad variety of subjects are taught in the course of study by several institutes, in others a more specialized range of disciplines is followed. In my opinion, a more particularized mode of study is more practical than a general one and I will elaborate on my views in the following paragraphs.

First and foremost, when the spectrum of subjects is narrowed down, the effort and time that needs to be invested also reduce, giving the students more room to breathe. At the same time, more focus and attention can be committed to learning as the degree of pressure is comparatively lower. Secondly, this framework facilitates a deeper understanding of a subject matter as opposed to gaining surface-level knowledge on several areas.

Furthermore, subjecting young individuals to the concepts of a specific field can help them have a better understanding of their preferences. Subsequently, the experience of choosing the stream of study for secondary school will instil a sense of responsibility in schoolchildren early on in life. Therefore, when faced with the dilemma of deciding on a career path further down the line, these experiences will prove to be immensely beneficial.

However, the need for a certain skill or knowledge on a distinct topic can arise out of thin air. In such cases, having a grasp of an array of subjects can be advantageous. That being said, such circumstances arrive rarely and such faculties can be obtained at any point in a person’s life.

Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that the method of schooling being followed is an outcome of the previously followed conventions to a great extent. Nevertheless, keeping the needs of the present generation in mind, pursuing an education for a particular career trajectory is the sensible approach.

Secondary Schools Aim To Provide A General Education Across A Range Of Subjects - Sample Answer 3

Education plays a crucial role in preparing young people for their future careers and personal development. While some countries emphasize a general education across various subjects, others encourage students to focus on a narrow range of subjects linked to a specific career. This essay will discuss both approaches and explain why I believe a general education is more suitable in today’s world.

A general education offers students a broad knowledge base and a wide range of skills. Learning different subjects, such as science, literature, and social studies, allows students to discover their interests and talents. For example, a student who enjoys both mathematics and art may find opportunities in fields like design engineering or architecture. Additionally, a broad education helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are valuable in any career.

On the other hand, focusing on a narrow range of subjects can prepare students for a specific profession more quickly. For instance, students who want to become doctors or engineers can gain specialized knowledge early. However, this approach limits flexibility, and if students change their career plans later, they may struggle to adapt.

In my opinion, general education is more appropriate today because the modern world requires adaptability and a wide set of skills. While specialization is useful, a broad foundation allows students to explore careers and handle the uncertainties of the future.

Secondary Schools Aim To Provide A General Education Across A Range Of Subjects - IELTS Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the "Secondary Schools Aim To Provide A General Education Across A Range Of Subjects - IELTS Writing Task 2."

• Secondary school – a school for children usually between ages 11–18.
  Example: Most secondary schools teach a variety of subjects to prepare students for higher education.

• General education – learning across a wide range of subjects, not focusing on one specific area.
  Example: General education helps students explore different interests before choosing a career.

• Specialized / narrow range of subjects – studying only a few subjects in depth, usually related to a career.
  Example: Some students prefer a specialized curriculum to prepare for a particular profession.

• Blossom socially – to develop social skills and confidence.
  Example: Participating in group activities helps students blossom socially.

• Self-confidence – belief in one’s own abilities.
  Example: Giving presentations in class can boost students’ self-confidence.

• Overwhelmed – feeling stressed or unable to manage tasks.
  Example: Students often feel overwhelmed during exam periods.

• Surface-level knowledge – basic understanding without deep insight.
  Example: Learning too many subjects at once can lead to surface-level knowledge.

• Instil a sense of responsibility – to teach someone to be responsible.
  Example: Assigning group projects can instil a sense of responsibility in students.

• Dilemma – a situation where a difficult choice has to be made.
  Example: Choosing a career path can be a dilemma for many teenagers.

• Practical subjects – subjects that provide skills useful for everyday life or a job.
  Example: Learning computer skills and accounting are considered practical subjects.

In summary, this blog provides three Band 9 sample answers for the opinion essay on whether secondary schools should offer a general education across multiple subjects. By studying these examples, along with the useful vocabulary and cohesive devices, you can learn how to clearly express your opinion, structure your arguments effectively, and enhance your chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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