Schools are spending more time teaching traditional subjects such as history. Some people think they should rather spend more time teaching skills that can help students find a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
The curriculum that schools follow has become a matter of great concern as it directly influences the quality of education and learners' future career prospects. Some people believeopine that schoolsacademies should focus on job-oriented subjects that prepare pupils for successful careersa good career. In this essay, however, I will disagree with this notion and explain whynotion, and argue why it is necessary to emphasise traditional subjects, which are just as important as employment-oriented skills.
Schools should continue to prioritize traditional subjects as they offer a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, cultural awareness, and foundational knowledge. For instance, subjects such as literaturesubjects like literature, history, and philosophy provide students with a deep understanding of human experiences, ethical considerations, and the evolution of societies. These traditional subjects contribute to the development of analytical skills and help students contextualize contemporary issues. For example, studying historical events allows learners to draw parallels between past and present situations, enabling them to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful discussions about the world around them. A comprehensive education that includes traditional subjects prepares students not only for specific job roles but also equips them with the versatility and adaptability needed in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Moreover, it is essential for students to learn history, the arts, and similar subjectshistory, arts and similar subjects along with skill-oriented subjectsmaterials. Knowledge of culture and history allows students to become leaders rather than corporate robotsrather than becoming corporate robots. For instance, the contributions of explorers, leaders, and social workers arethe contribution of an explorer, leader and social worker is no less than that of a doctor or an engineer.
In conclusion, the primary objective of education is to prepare the young generation to build a better world through their diverse contributions, not just to become people focused solely on incomemoney-making machines. This is why arts and history are just as important as skill-related subjects in the national education curriculum.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The essay takes a clear position and develops a persuasive case that traditional subjects build analytical ability, cultural understanding, and adaptability beyond any single occupation. Its strongest feature is the sustained, well-organised development of the history example; the main limitation is a slightly repetitive second body paragraph and some overly loaded labels. Prioritise using that paragraph to compare traditional learning more directly with job-specific training.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
A clear disagreement is sustained through relevant, well-developed reasons, though the shorter second body paragraph adds limited new analysis of vocational skills.
Develop a direct comparison showing why adaptable knowledge from traditional subjects remains more valuable than narrowly job-specific training over time.
Coherence and Cohesion
The essay is logically sequenced in focused paragraphs, and cohesive devices support a clear progression from position to explanation and conclusion.
Reduce overlap between the two body paragraphs by assigning each a distinct purpose, such as transferable thinking skills and civic or cultural value.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is broad and precise overall, with effective academic phrasing, although terms such as academies, corporate robots, and money-making machines are less suitable.
Use neutral alternatives such as schools, narrowly trained employees, and preparation solely for employment.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately and flexibly, with only rare minor lapses that do not affect communication.
As a refinement, tighten a few long relative and participle clauses to make the argument more concise.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Schools are spending more time teaching traditional subjects such as history. Some people think they should rather spend more time teaching skills that can help students find a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.