GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 292
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe school children should be given multiple short vacations while others believe they should get one long vacation.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Some people opine that schools should give students several short vacations, while others feel that one long vacation would reap more benefits to students. This essay discusses both viewpoints. In my opinion, however, multiple short vacations are much better because they avoid the loss of previously learned academic skills and keep students and teachers refreshed on a regular basis.
Many academics argue that students ought to get one long vacation each year. This is because they feel that a long break allows students to work and save some money. These students can derive enormous experience from the opportunity which, in turn, offers them some vital life lessons as well as a taste of independence. A part-time job, for example, teaches pupils the value of money. Apart from that, one long vacation is good for younger students to explore and try new things. A case in point is summer camp. During summer camp, they take part in a pool of group activities, thus developing lifelong skills. For instance, while playing sports like football or basketball, a student can learn how to work as a team member, communicate with others, and solve problems on their own.
Others, on the contrary, think that children should get multiple short vacations round the year, and I concur with this notion. The primary reason is that it helps to avoid the loss of knowledge from previously-learnt academic subjects. In other words, frequent short vacations can augment retention rates. Several studies confirm this notion, as pupils show losses in language and math skills over the long vacation. Moreover, several short vacations offer both teachers and students time to recharge and regroup. Many teachers who teach in year-round schools report that it gives them a break when they need it desperately. Studies support this claim since schools with multiple short holidays have a low turnover of staff.
To conclude, although one long vacation provides students with the opportunity to engage in a part-time job and develop many soft skills, I find that frequent short vacations are better for children. It is expected that schools would use their vacations prudently to benefit both pupils and educators.