Secondary School Children Should Study International News – IELTS Writing Task 2

In this IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion essay – ‘Secondary School Children Should Study International News,’ we delve into the impact of international news on children.

So let’s get started on this IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion essay so that we can understand why students should learn about international news and how it will impact their general knowledge. It will give us a clear insight into this topic.

Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of the school subjects. Others, however, think that it is a waste of valuable school time and has no value.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You should write at least 250 words.

Structural Breakdown

Type: Opinion Essay

Band 7 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 – Secondary School Children Should Study International News

There are divergent opinions regarding whether secondary school children should dedicate time to studying international news. Proponents argue that exposing students to global affairs fosters critical thinking skills and awareness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Conversely, opponents contend that such pursuits detract from more essential subjects and fail to directly contribute to academic success.

Advocates for incorporating international news into the curriculum emphasize its educational benefits. They assert that understanding current events on a global scale cultivates informed citizens who can actively participate in society. For instance, learning about geopolitical conflicts or economic trends provides context for historical events and fosters empathy towards people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure can inspire students to engage with complex issues and develop a broader perspective, essential for navigating an interconnected world.

However, detractors argue that the limited time in school should be dedicated to core subjects that directly impact academic achievement. They posit that while awareness of international events may be beneficial, it is secondary to mastering foundational skills like mathematics and language arts. Moreover, they raise concerns about the potential bias in reporting and the overwhelming nature of global news, which may confuse or distress young learners.

In my view, integrating international news into the curriculum offers significant educational value. Exposure to diverse perspectives and global issues enhances students’ critical thinking skills and fosters a sense of global citizenship. While it may require careful planning to ensure alignment with academic goals, the benefits of cultivating informed and engaged citizens outweigh the perceived drawbacks.

Vocabulary for Band 7

• Proponents: Supporters or advocates of an idea or cause.

Example: The proponents of the new policy argue that it will benefit the economy in the long run.

• Cultivates: Develops or encourages the growth of something.

Example: Reading diverse literature cultivates empathy and understanding towards different cultures.

• Geopolitical: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.

Example: The geopolitical landscape of the region shifted dramatically after the recent diplomatic negotiations.

• Detractors: People who criticize or oppose something.

Example: Despite the success of the project, there were detractors who doubted its long-term viability.

• Foundational: Forming the basis or groundwork of something.

Example: Learning basic arithmetic skills is foundational to understanding more complex mathematical concepts.

• Bias: Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

Example: The journalist’s article was criticized for its blatant bias towards a particular political party.

• Overwhelming: Very intense or strong; overpowering.

Example: The amount of homework given to students can be overwhelming and lead to stress.

• Alignment: Arrangement in a straight line or in correct relative positions.

Example: The project’s success was attributed to the team’s alignment with the company’s goals.

• Perceived: Recognized or considered as something.

Example: There is a perceived lack of transparency in the government’s decision-making process.

• Engaged: Involved or actively participating in something.

Example: The students were highly engaged in the class discussion about environmental sustainability.

Band 8 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 – Secondary School Children Should Study International News

The debate surrounding whether secondary school students should dedicate part of their curriculum to studying international news is multifaceted and warrants careful consideration. Advocates argue that exposure to global events is crucial for developing well-rounded individuals capable of navigating an increasingly interconnected world. Conversely, opponents suggest that such endeavors detract from core subjects and fail to directly contribute to academic success.

Proponents of integrating international news into the curriculum highlight its role in fostering global awareness and critical thinking skills. They contend that in today’s interconnected world, understanding global events is essential for informed citizenship and effective participation in society. For instance, learning about international conflicts or environmental issues not only broadens students’ perspectives but also cultivates empathy and a sense of responsibility towards global challenges.

However, critics raise valid concerns about the practicality of incorporating international news into an already packed curriculum. They argue that time spent on global affairs could be better allocated to mastering fundamental subjects like mathematics and language arts. Moreover, they caution against the potential bias in news reporting and the overwhelming nature of global events, which may lead to confusion or disengagement among students.

In my opinion, while the inclusion of international news in the curriculum presents challenges, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Exposure to diverse perspectives and global issues enriches students’ educational experiences, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an interconnected world. Furthermore, with thoughtful integration and interdisciplinary approaches, studying international news can complement traditional subjects, enhancing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills.

Vocabulary for Band 8

• Multifaceted: Having many different aspects or facets.

Example: The issue of climate change is multifaceted, involving scientific, economic, and social dimensions.

• Well-rounded: Having a broad range of skills or knowledge.

Example: A well-rounded education includes not only academic subjects but also extracurricular activities and life skills.

• Warrants: Justifies or deserves a particular action or course of action.

Example: The seriousness of the situation warrants immediate intervention from authorities.

• Informed citizenship: The state of being knowledgeable and engaged in civic affairs and responsibilities.

Example: Education plays a crucial role in fostering informed citizenship by teaching students about their rights and responsibilities.

• Broadens: Makes or becomes wider or more extensive.

Example: Traveling broadens one’s horizons by exposing them to new cultures and ways of life.

• Valid concerns: Legitimate worries or issues that merit attention or consideration.

Example: The company’s employees raised valid concerns about workplace safety following the accident.

• Allocated: Distributed or assigned (resources, time, etc.) for a particular purpose.

Example: The budget was allocated towards improving infrastructure and public services.

• Interdisciplinary: Involving two or more academic disciplines or fields of study.

Example: The research project took an interdisciplinary approach, combining biology, chemistry, and engineering.

• Thrive: To grow or develop well, or to be successful or make steady progress.

Example: Small businesses can thrive in a supportive community with access to resources and mentorship.

• Analytical: Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning.

Example: The scientist employed analytical methods to interpret the experimental data and draw conclusions.

Band 9 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 – Secondary School Children Should Study International News

The discourse surrounding the integration of international news into secondary school curricula reflects a nuanced understanding of the educational landscape. Proponents champion the inclusion of global affairs as a means to foster global citizenship and critical thinking skills among students. Conversely, skeptics argue that such endeavors detract from essential subjects and fail to provide tangible academic benefits. However, a comprehensive analysis suggests that exposure to international news not only enhances students’ understanding of the world but also cultivates empathy and prepares them for active participation in a globalized society.

Advocates of incorporating international news into the curriculum underscore its role in shaping informed and engaged citizens. They assert that exposure to global events nurtures curiosity and encourages students to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives. By analyzing geopolitical conflicts, economic trends, and cultural phenomena, students develop the analytical skills necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Moreover, understanding global interdependencies fosters empathy and a sense of responsibility towards addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and social injustice.

On the contrary, critics caution against the potential pitfalls of dedicating valuable school time to studying international news. They argue that the primary focus should be on core subjects that directly contribute to academic achievement. Furthermore, they raise concerns about the objectivity of news sources and the potential for bias to influence students’ perceptions of global events. Additionally, the sheer volume of information available may overwhelm students, detracting from their ability to engage meaningfully with the material.

In my estimation, the integration of international news into secondary school curricula is imperative in preparing students for the complexities of the modern world. Exposure to diverse perspectives and global issues not only enhances students’ critical thinking skills but also fosters empathy and cultural competency. To mitigate concerns about time allocation and bias, educators can employ interdisciplinary approaches and teach media literacy skills alongside the study of international news. By doing so, schools can empower students to become informed, active participants in shaping the future of our interconnected world.

Vocabulary for Band 9

• Nuanced: Characterized by subtle distinctions or complexities.

Example: The author’s nuanced portrayal of the character’s emotions added depth to the story.

• Skeptics: People who doubt or question something.

Example: Despite overwhelming evidence, there are still skeptics who deny the reality of climate change.

• Tangible: Perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real.

Example: The company’s success was evident in the tangible increase in profits and market share.

• Comprehensive: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

Example: The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the economic downturn.

• Nurture: Care for and encourage the growth or development of.

Example: Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their children’s talents and interests.

• Geopolitical: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.

Example: The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is characterized by complex power dynamics and regional conflicts.

• Interdependencies: Mutually dependent relationships or connections between different elements.

Example: In a globalized economy, there are numerous interdependencies between countries’ financial systems and markets.

• Pitfalls: Hidden or unsuspected dangers or difficulties; a trap or a hazard.

Example: One of the pitfalls of fame is the loss of privacy and constant scrutiny by the media.

• Mitigate: Make it less severe, serious, or painful.

Example: Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

• Empower: Give someone the authority or power to do something.

Example: The organization aims to empower marginalized communities by providing access to education and resources.

Connectors That’ll Improve Your Writing Task 2 Score For The Topic ‘Some People Dislike Changes in their Society and in their Own Lives’

Connectors play a crucial role in linking ideas and creating a smooth flow of information within a text. Here is a list of common connectors that can be used in the provided answers:

• Furthermore
• Conversely
• Moreover
• However
• On the contrary
• Additionally
• To mitigate
• By doing so
• Nonetheless
• In my estimation
• In contrast
• Nevertheless

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Secondary School Children Should Study International News – it is time for you to try writing on your own.

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