Over the past decade, questions about teaching social skills have frequently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in education-themed tests. Based on analysis of past papers, this topic has emerged in approximately 15% of education-related questions since 2018, making it a significant recurring theme that test-takers should prepare for.
Let’s examine a recent question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people believe that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects rather than spending time on teaching social skills to students. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the role of social skills education
- Compare the importance of academic subjects versus social skills
- Provide supporting arguments and examples
- Present a well-structured response
The importance of teaching social responsibility has become increasingly relevant in modern education, making this topic particularly pertinent.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In my opinion, I strongly disagree with the notion that schools should prioritize academic subjects over social skills education. While academic knowledge is undoubtedly important, the development of social competencies is equally crucial for students’ future success.
Firstly, social skills are fundamental to professional success in the modern workplace. Today’s employers consistently emphasize the importance of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and emotional intelligence. For instance, a brilliant programmer who lacks the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues may struggle to advance in their career despite their technical expertise. Similarly, The importance of teaching financial independence goes hand in hand with developing social skills that enable successful professional relationships.
Moreover, social skills are essential for mental well-being and personal development. Students who develop strong interpersonal abilities are better equipped to handle relationships, manage conflicts, and maintain healthy social connections. This aspect of education becomes particularly relevant when considering The importance of teaching global awareness, as students must learn to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Furthermore, academic and social skills education are not mutually exclusive. Many educational activities can develop both simultaneously. For example, group projects can enhance both subject knowledge and teamwork abilities. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive student development without sacrificing either aspect of education.
In conclusion, while academic subjects remain important, schools must maintain a balanced approach that includes social skills development. This comprehensive education better prepares students for both their professional and personal lives.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I disagree with the idea that schools should only focus on academic subjects instead of teaching social skills. Both types of education are important for students.
First, social skills help students get jobs in the future. Many companies want workers who can work in teams and talk well with others. For example, if someone is good at math but cannot work with other people, they might have problems at work. The role of schools in teaching responsibility shows why these skills matter.
Second, social skills help students make friends and be happy. When students know how to talk to others and understand feelings, they can make good relationships. This is important for their life outside school too.
Also, students can learn both academic subjects and social skills together. When they do group work in class, they learn the subject and how to work with others at the same time. This shows that schools don’t have to choose between academic subjects and social skills.
In conclusion, I think schools should teach both academic subjects and social skills because both are important for students’ futures.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Clear position, fully developed ideas
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization, effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary use
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Clear but simpler arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization
- Lexical Resource: Limited but adequate vocabulary
- Grammatical Range: Simple structures, some errors
Key Vocabulary
- interpersonal abilities (n.) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsnl əˈbɪlətiz/ – social interaction skills
- comprehensive (adj.) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- mutually exclusive (adj.) /ˈmjuːtʃuəli ɪkˈskluːsɪv/ – cannot occur together
- fundamental (adj.) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – basic, essential
- competencies (n.) /kəmˈpiːtənsiz/ – skills or abilities
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex with relative clause: “Students who develop strong interpersonal abilities are better equipped to handle relationships.”
- Conditional structure: “If someone is good at math but cannot work with other people, they might have problems at work.”
- Complex with multiple clauses: “While academic knowledge is undoubtedly important, the development of social competencies is equally crucial for students’ future success.”
Now it’s your turn! Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments below. Focus on developing clear arguments and using appropriate vocabulary to express your ideas effectively.