IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should schools teach practical life skills, such as cooking and finance, alongside academic subjects?
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Task 2 Topic: Should schools teach practical life skills, such as cooking and finance, alongside academic subjects?
In recent years, there has been an increasing debate about whether schools should incorporate practical life skills, such as cooking and financial management, into their curricula in addition to traditional academic subjects. Some argue that these skills are essential for students' personal development and overall well-being, while others maintain that the primary role of education is to focus on building a strong foundation in core subjects. In this essay, I will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating practical life skills into the school curriculum and provide my own perspective on the matter.
Model Answer:
In today's rapidly changing world, it is essential for individuals to not only be proficient in academic subjects but also possess a set of practical life skills that enable them to navigate through various challenges and responsibilities. While traditional education has long been centered around core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, the importance of incorporating practical life skills such as cooking and finance into the school curriculum has become increasingly apparent.
On one hand, proponents of this idea argue that teaching practical life skills can greatly contribute to students' overall well-being and personal development. For example, learning how to cook not only develops culinary skills but also promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging students to consume nutritious meals. Additionally, acquiring financial management skills can help individuals make informed decisions regarding budgeting, saving, and investing, which are crucial for maintaining a stable financial future.
On the other hand, critics of this approach argue that schools should focus on providing a strong foundation in core academic subjects, as these are necessary for students to succeed in higher education and their careers. They contend that practical life skills can be easily acquired outside of school through extracurricular activities, workshops, or family guidance. Furthermore, they argue that limited resources should not be diverted from core subjects, which may result in a decline in the overall quality of education.
In my view, schools should indeed incorporate practical life skills such as cooking and finance into their curricula, alongside academic subjects. While it is essential to build a strong foundation in core subjects, equipping students with practical life skills will enable them to lead more fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society. However, it is crucial to strike the right balance between academic and practical education, ensuring that both aspects are given due importance.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I believe that schools should incorporate practical life skills into their curricula alongside traditional academic subjects. This approach will not only prepare students for a more holistic future but also contribute to their overall well-being and personal development.
Scoring according to IELTS standards:
Task Response:
9 - The candidate has fully understood the question and provided a comprehensive answer. The response is thorough, detailed, and covers all aspects of the question.
Coherence and Cohesion:
8 - The candidate's answer demonstrates a clear and logical progression of ideas, with each paragraph related to the preceding one. Sentences are generally well-structured, but there may be some repetition or minor inconsistencies.
Lexical Resource:
9 - The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary, including less common and more sophisticated words, which contribute to a clear and precise expression of ideas. Some words may not be completely accurate in terms of grammar or usage, but they are generally effective in conveying meaning.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
8 - The candidate demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures with few errors. There may be some minor inaccuracies in grammar, tense consistency, or subject-verb agreement, but these do not significantly affect the clarity of expression.
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