GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 20
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).
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: (Agree)
Unpaid community service, according to many, prepares students for their university studies and is helpful for their future careers. I believe making it a requisite in the high school curriculum to help the community and develop pupils’ soft skills is an excellent idea.
No doubt a school should teach students morality, teamwork, and tolerance beyond their academic subjects like math, economics etc. When voluntary social works are mandatory for high school students, they can take up some important activities which are appraised by universities and employers. If unpaid community service is optional, students will not pay much attention to such social services. If we want our youth to serve the nation in the future, it is the right time to let them work for philanthropic causes, clean the neighbourhood and teach the juniors.
Moreover, through these programmes students can learn how to communicate, work in a team and manage their time. This, in turn, develops their organizational skills. Nowadays, unfortunately, teenagers mostly go home and watch TV, browse the internet or play video games; often the reason for silly ideas they come up with, ultimately fueling adolescent delinquency. Social interaction enhances young pupils’ understanding of their surroundings and helps build a better generation who are not corporate robots. Many developed countries’ initiatives to make voluntary social work a part of the secondary school curriculum is a great example and developing countries should follow it.
In conclusion, I concur that free community service should be a mandatory part of high school programmes as it serves society to a great extent, enhances pupils’ soft skills and help them become better human.
Model Answer 2: (Disagree)
Instilling social commitment among young students is seen as a valuable lesson by many who suggest that youths should be required to do voluntary community service as part of their academic syllabus. Since making it compulsory would create an antipathy feeling among them and kill valuable study time, I opine against it.
Glancing over the immense implications to youth students who would be forced to help the community members, clean the streets, help the elder and teach youngsters, many academics suggest that community service should not be mandatory. Why should we force them to do something so early in life that might backfire? For instance, research suggests that many students hate doing homework but these same groups of students love to finish the same amount of tasks when they are offered to do so in groups and are not forced. If we truly want our children to become aware of the sense of community, we should inspire and motivate them to help others, not dictate to them. This sense of being part of the community comes from the family, not from the hour of work they do in the open air.
‘When high school pupils engage in community service, they learn some soft skills like interaction, teamwork and time management’, argued by many who advocate compulsory social service for the student. If this is the case, we need to think twice. If schools are not already teaching these skills to students in the classroom and on school premises, we need to reform our education system, not add community service to the academic syllabus. While most schools struggle to finish the prescribed syllabus on time, they should not be burdened with more work. Afterschool work in the community kills time that students can use to study or play with others.
To conclude, helping others in the community and building a sense of responsibility towards the community we live in are two excellent qualities. Teachers should not seize students in helping community members but rather prepare them for the future so that these qualities grow in them even more acutely.
Sample Answer 3: (Agree)
In recent years, there has been a growing belief that high school programmes should include unpaid community service as a mandatory component. While some may argue that students are already burdened with academic responsibilities, I agree that community service should be an essential part of high school education for several reasons.
Firstly, community service provides young people with an opportunity to develop their character and enhance their social skills. For instance, volunteering at a local charity can enable students to understand the importance of helping others and cultivate empathy towards those who are less fortunate. Additionally, by engaging in community service, students can improve their communication and teamwork skills while working with people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure can help them develop a broader worldview and a better understanding of societal issues.
Secondly, compulsory community service can help bridge the gap between high school education and the real world. High school students who have had the opportunity to work with non-profit organizations or volunteer groups will have gained practical experience that they can apply in their future careers. This practical experience can also help students develop a sense of responsibility towards their community and instil a lifelong commitment to service.
Finally, community service can foster a sense of civic duty among young people. It can inspire students to become active participants in their community and be more engaged in social and political issues. By instilling these values at an early age, the community will have a more active and responsible citizenry in the future.
In conclusion, I believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory component of high school education. The benefits are immense, including character development, practical experience, and fostering a sense of civic duty. While there may be some logistical challenges, the positive impact on the community and society as a whole makes it a worthwhile endeavour.
Sample Answer 4: (Disagree)
Unpaid community service as a compulsory part of high school programmes is a topic of controversy. Some argue that it is a valuable experience for students, while others disagree. I am of the opinion that it should not be compulsory for high school students to engage in unpaid community service, and this essay will explain why.
Firstly, it is important to note that high school students already have numerous commitments such as academic studies, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. Adding compulsory community service to these commitments will only increase their workload and may lead to feelings of burnout and stress. It is essential to allow students to have a balance between their academic and personal lives.
Furthermore, community service should be a voluntary activity, and individuals should be able to choose where they dedicate their time and efforts. Mandating unpaid community service may lead to a lack of passion and dedication towards the cause. Students may feel obligated to complete the required number of hours, but they may not necessarily be motivated to contribute positively to the community.
Finally, students should be free to choose how they wish to contribute to society. Some students may be interested in community service, while others may be passionate about other forms of social engagement. For example, some students may prefer to take part in political campaigns, while others may choose to volunteer in local hospitals. Compelling students to participate in community service may limit their opportunity to explore their interests.
In conclusion, while unpaid community service is a valuable experience for students, I disagree that it should be compulsory for high school students. Students should have the freedom to choose how they wish to contribute to society, and it is essential to respect their choices.