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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should schools have a longer school day or year?

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Topic: Should schools have a longer school day or year?

Model Answer:
The contemporary education system is under continuous scrutiny due to various factors including the changing socio-economic environment and the evolving needs of students. One aspect that has generated considerable debate among educators, policymakers, and parents is whether schools should have a longer school day or year in order to effectively address these issues. In this essay, I will analyze both the pros and cons of extending the school day and the school year, as well as provide my own perspective on this matter.

Advocates for a longer school day argue that it would enable students to cover more curriculum content in depth, thereby improving their academic performance. A longer school day could also provide students with additional time for extracurricular activities, socialization, and peer interaction. Furthermore, extending the school day might help alleviate the burden on working parents who often struggle to balance work commitments with the need to provide supervision for their children after school hours.

On the other hand, opponents of a longer school day assert that it could negatively impact students' overall well-being and mental health due to increased stress levels and fatigue. Extending the school day might also lead to overreliance on teachers as caretakers, rather than focusing on their primary role as educators. Some argue that a shorter school day allows children time for self-directed learning and personal development outside of the structured school environment.

In contrast, supporters of a longer school year claim that it would provide students with more opportunities to explore different subjects and develop a broader range of skills. A longer school year could also help reduce the academic pressure experienced by students during exam periods, as there would be more time for learning and revision throughout the year. Additionally, extending the school year might alleviate some of the burden on working parents by providing them with more flexibility in terms of managing their work-life balance.

However, critics of a longer school year argue that it could lead to burnout among students and teachers alike due to the increased workload. Moreover, a longer school year might result in reduced opportunities for extracurricular activities, which are essential for the holistic development of students. Some even suggest that a shorter school year allows children to recharge and engage in personal interests outside of school.

In conclusion, whether schools should have a longer school day or year is a complex issue with both advantages and disadvantages. It ultimately depends on the priorities and values of each community and educational institution. While a longer school day may offer more time for academic learning and extracurricular activities, it could also result in negative consequences such as increased stress and burnout. Similarly, a longer school year might provide students with a broader range of experiences but at the cost of overburdening both students and teachers. Ultimately, striking a balance between the length of the school day and year is essential to ensure that the educational experience remains effective, engaging, and conducive to the holistic development of students.

Band Score: 8.5 (Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Presentation of Ideas)

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