The topic of inclusive education policies frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in agree/disagree and discussion essays. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2018-2023, this theme has appeared approximately 15-20% of the time, making it a crucial topic for IELTS candidates to master. Let’s examine a recent question that exemplifies this topic.
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Question Analysis
Some people believe that schools should create an inclusive environment where children of all abilities and backgrounds learn together. Others think schools should group students according to their academic abilities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for inclusive education
- Examine benefits of ability-based grouping
- Present and justify their own position
The benefits of flexible education systems complement our discussion of inclusive education policies, as both concepts focus on adapting education to meet diverse student needs.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether schools should embrace inclusive education or implement ability-based grouping has garnered significant attention in educational circles. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that inclusive education, when properly implemented, offers greater benefits to society.
Proponents of inclusive education argue that this approach fosters social development and mutual understanding. When children of different abilities and backgrounds learn together, they develop empathy, respect for diversity, and crucial social skills. Moreover, inclusive classrooms better reflect real-world environments where people of varying capabilities must collaborate effectively.
However, advocates of ability-based grouping contend that this method allows teachers to tailor instruction to specific learning needs. High-achieving students can advance at a faster pace, while struggling students receive targeted support without feeling overwhelmed. This approach, they argue, optimizes academic outcomes for all students.
Nevertheless, I support inclusive education because its benefits extend beyond academic achievement. The benefits of cultural diversity in educational settings demonstrate how mixed-ability classrooms prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world. Furthermore, research indicates that with proper support and differentiated instruction, most students can thrive in inclusive environments.
In conclusion, while ability-based grouping may offer some advantages, inclusive education better serves society’s long-term interests by promoting both academic and social development. Schools should focus on implementing effective support systems rather than segregating students based on abilities.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of how to group students in schools is an important topic in education. There are different opinions about whether schools should mix all students together or separate them by their academic abilities. I will discuss both sides and give my view.
Some people think all students should learn together in the same classroom. They say this helps children understand each other better and learn to work with different types of people. For example, when smart students help weaker students, both groups can benefit. Also, no student feels left out or different from others.
Other people believe schools should group students based on their academic level. They think teachers can teach better when students in one class have similar abilities. Fast learners can move ahead quickly, and slower students can get extra help. This might help students learn more effectively.
In my opinion, mixing students together is better. When students learn with others who are different from them, they learn important life skills. Also, separating students might make some feel bad about themselves.
To conclude, while both methods have good points, I think inclusive education is better because it helps students develop both academic and social skills.
Key Vocabulary
- inclusive (adj) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – including everyone or all types of people
- differentiated instruction (n) /ˌdɪfəˈrenʃieɪtɪd ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ – teaching adapted to different student needs
- segregate (v) /ˈseɡrɪɡeɪt/ – to separate groups of people
- empathy (n) /ˈempəθi/ – ability to understand others’ feelings
- collaborate (v) /kəˈlæbəreɪt/ – to work together
High-scoring Sentence Structures
- “While both approaches have their merits, I believe that…” (Concession + Opinion)
- “Not only does inclusive education promote academic achievement, but it also develops social skills.” (Not only… but also structure)
- “The more diverse the classroom environment is, the better prepared students will be.” (Correlative comparison)
Use the comment section below to practice writing your own essay on this topic. Include specific examples from your country’s education system to support your arguments.