GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 302
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Schools should only offer subjects that are beneficial to students’ future career success. Other subjects, such as music and sports, are not important.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Education is a crucial aspect of a student’s development, shaping their knowledge, skills, and perspectives. While some argue that schools should focus solely on subjects directly linked to future career success, overlooking the significance of other subjects like music and sports, I firmly disagree with this viewpoint because I believe that a well-rounded education that encompasses diverse subjects, including music and sports, positively impacts on students’ overall growth and future success.
One of the main benefits of including music in the school curriculum is its positive impact on students’ cognitive development. Numerous studies have shown that learning music enhances critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. For instance, a research study conducted by the University of California revealed that students involved in music education demonstrated higher levels of spatial-temporal skills, which are essential for subjects like mathematics and science.
Likewise, the inclusion of sports in the school curriculum plays a pivotal role in students’ holistic development. Engaging in physical activities not only promotes physical well-being but also instils essential life skills. Participating in sports cultivates teamwork, leadership, resilience, and discipline, which are vital qualities in the workplace. Additionally, sports provide a platform for students to learn about fair play, sportsmanship, and respect for rules—a foundation for ethical behaviour and social integration. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Illinois highlighted that students involved in sports exhibited higher levels of self-confidence and time management skills, both of which are beneficial for future career endeavours.
In conclusion, restricting schools to offer only subjects directly linked to career success is a narrow perspective that neglects the holistic development of students. By including subjects such as music and sports in the curriculum, students are provided with opportunities to develop cognitive abilities, teamwork, discipline, resilience, and other essential life skills.
Model Answer 2: [View: Disagreement]
It is often argued that schools ought to excise non-academic subjects like music and sports from their curriculum so that pupils can emphasize their focus on academic subjects which are helpful for their career prospects. While it is true that academic subjects are of vital importance, my opinion is that exclusively emphasizing just on academic subjects is not a good idea.
Firstly, with respect to health, non-academic activities are advantageous not only for students’ physical health but equally for their mental health. For example, after sitting long hours in mandatory classes, children should be involved in extracurricular activities such as drawing or playing sports to relieve stress. This, in turn, develops concentration power and improves learning ability. Devoting solely to academic areas is not only detrimental to health but also decreases their capability. Most importantly, non-academic activities, for example, sports, can provide children with transferable skills, making them useful to a future employers.
Secondly, not all children need to be excellent in academic fields to have success in their future careers. There is, for instance, no point in getting grades all A’s in science-related subjects if one wants to become an artist or an athlete. By encouraging pupils to participate in non-academic activities, schools can reveal their hidden talents in other areas. Not only will this help the students but also the society as this promotes the diversity of occupations. To give an example, many successful artists, singers, poets, and sportsmen did not have enviable academic results. Yet, the world cherishes their performance and talent.
To conclude, I refute the argument that concentrating wholly on academic subjects is more helpful than non-academic subjects for children in developing their career prospects. Schools should concentrate on bringing out the best in students, not just preparing them to become office executives.