Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?

It is often argued that primary schools place too much emphasis on 1formal academic learningacademic learning. I largely agree with this view, and I believe that play serves an essential role in education.

It is true that formal learning is necessary. Primary school children have not yet developed systematic knowledge across subjects, meaning that without the intervention of schools, they would struggle to acquire basic literacy or problem-solving skills such as arithmetic, reading, and 2foreignother languages. However, this is not to say that formal learning itself is harmful. The problem arises when it becomes the only focus of primary education. Firstly, examinations are the main concern.When teachers assess whether students have mastered key skills, quizzes are often used as the primary tool. With an excessive number of tests, students may memorise facts mechanically instead of developing a genuine understanding. Additionally, to cope with exams, children will spend 3a large amount of timemuch time studying, thus 4leaving little time for leisure and playreducing relaxation and entertainment. Children lack recreational activities, social interaction and exploration over time, which imposes excessive stress on them and allows them to loss interests of studying, thereby developing psychological problems. Students’ mental well-being is more crucial than other factors.

5Play does not have to be separated from learning. However, I don’t believe so. 6To begin withFirst of all, play-based learning can cultivate children’s creativity and imagination. Because primary school pupils are naturally active and can find it difficult to concentrate for long periods, incorporating play into lessons 7helps sustain their engagement and enables them to absorbhelps sustain their engagement and helps them absorb core concepts. 8FurthermoreWhat’s more, when children play together, they learn to share, negotiate, and resolve small conflicts. These social skills are as important as reading and writing for their future development. Last but not least, playing is obviously so interesting that it can 9alleviate boredomrelieve dullness and stress, and improve motivation to 10studystudying, which can lay the foundation for 11lifelong learninglong-term study.

In conclusion, 12primary schools should not focus solelymost primary schools should not only focus on formal learning, but also incorporate play into the curriculum. I believe that incorporating play into lessons is an effective way to support children’s overall development.