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
In today's rapidly changing world, many people believe that schools should focus more on teaching practical skills that can help students secure a job. However, I strongly believe that traditional subjects such as history and literature are equally important and should continue to be taught in schools.
Firstly, studying traditional subjects provides students with a well-rounded education. Subjects such as history, literature, and philosophy are essential for developing critical-thinking, analytical, and communication skillscritical thinking, analytical and communication skills. These subjects can help students understandhelp students to understand the complexities of the world and develop a broader perspective on different cultures and societies. For instance, studying history can teach students about the mistakes made by past civilizations and howcivilizations, and how these mistakes can be avoided in the future. Similarly, studying literature can help students appreciatehelp students to appreciate different writing styles and the underlying themes of different literary works.
Secondly, traditional subjects are often prerequisites for many careers. Fields such as law, journalism, and international relations require a strong foundation in history, literature, and social sciences. By studying these subjects in school, students are well-prepared for college and eventually for their chosen careerseventually for their chosen career paths. For example, studying history can prepare students for careers in journalism, where they must understand current events and their historical context. Similarly, students who study literature are better prepared for careers in writing, publishing, and academiacareers in fields such as writing, publishing, and academia.
Lastly, focusing solely on job-specific skills can limit students' potential for growth and self-improvement. While teaching practical skills is important, it should not come at the expense of broader education. Students need to learn more than just how to get a job; they need to develop skills that will help them succeed in all aspects of their lives. A well-rounded education can help students to become informed, engaged citizens who are capable of contributing to their communities meaningfullyin meaningful ways.
In conclusion, while schools need to teach practical skills, traditional subjects should not be overlooked. These subjects provide a foundation for critical-thinking, analytical, and communication skillscritical thinking, analytical skills, and communication that are essential for success in both academic and professional life.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The essay’s strongest feature is its clear, nuanced position that practical skills matter but should not displace traditional subjects, supported by distinct arguments about intellectual development, career preparation, and citizenship. Its main limitation is minor repetition rather than any substantial weakness; the highest-priority improvement is to make the comparison with job-specific training more explicit in each body paragraph while preserving the essay’s strong control and organization.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The task is fully addressed with a clear position, three well-developed reasons, relevant examples, and a conclusion that directly reflects the argument.
For further refinement, compare one traditional subject directly with one practical skill to show how a balanced curriculum would work in practice.
Coherence and Cohesion
Paragraphing is purposeful, progression is clear, and cohesive devices support the argument without becoming intrusive.
Vary the repeated paragraph openings “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Lastly” with more content-led transitions.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is flexible, precise, and appropriately academic across education, careers, cognitive skills, culture, and citizenship.
Reduce minor repetition of “subjects” and “students” through selective use of clear substitutes rather than unnecessary synonyms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately and naturally, with only rare minor lapses that do not affect communication.
For maximum polish, check optional concision in phrases such as “help students to understand” and maintain parallel lists consistently.
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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.