IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should schools teach practical life skills, such as cooking and finance, alongside academic subjects?
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1713205415
Task 2: Should schools teach practical life skills, such as cooking and finance, alongside academic subjects?
Model Answer:
In today's fast-paced world, the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education cannot be overstated. While traditional academic subjects are essential for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, it is also crucial to teach practical life skills such as cooking and finance in schools. This essay will discuss the benefits of including these practical skills in a comprehensive educational curriculum, as well as address potential drawbacks and alternative approaches to this concept.
One of the primary arguments in favor of incorporating practical life skills into the curriculum is that they provide students with valuable knowledge and skills that are applicable to their everyday lives. For instance, learning how to cook not only enables students to prepare healthy meals but also helps them develop essential life skills such as time management, creativity, and resourcefulness. Similarly, understanding basic financial concepts can help students make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing, which are crucial for their future financial stability.
Moreover, teaching practical life skills in schools has the potential to reduce the burden on parents who may not have the time or expertise to teach these skills at home. By incorporating these topics into the curriculum, educators can ensure that all students receive a consistent and comprehensive education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
On the other hand, some argue that schools should focus solely on academic subjects, as they are essential for preparing students for higher education and career success. Critics contend that adding practical life skills to the curriculum could detract from time spent on core subjects such as mathematics, science, and literature. Additionally, it is suggested that these skills can be taught outside of school through extracurricular activities, community programs, or family-led instruction.
Despite these arguments, a balanced approach to education should prioritize both academic achievement and practical life skills. Incorporating practical life skills into the curriculum allows students to develop a comprehensive skillset that will benefit them throughout their lives. Furthermore, by teaching these skills alongside traditional academic subjects, educators can create a more engaging learning experience that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in students.
In conclusion, schools should teach practical life skills such as cooking and finance alongside academic subjects to ensure students receive a well-rounded education. This approach not only equips students with valuable knowledge and skills for their everyday lives but also promotes critical thinking, resourcefulness, and creativity. While there may be concerns about the potential impact on academic focus, a balanced curriculum that includes both practical life skills and traditional subjects can ultimately benefit students in their personal, professional, and social development.
Scoring:
- Task Response:
9 (The candidate fully addresses all parts of the task.)
- Coherence and Cohesion:
8 (The essay is well organized, and ideas flow logically from one to another.)
- Lexical Resource:
7.5 (Vocabulary is mostly appropriate, varied, and accurate, but may have some inaccuracies or inappropriate choices.)
- Grammar:
7 (There are few grammatical errors and the essay is generally easy to understand.)
- Presentation of Argument:
8.5 (The candidate presents a clear and strong argument with some excellent use of evidence and examples.)
Overall
Score:
8.125
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