Recent IELTS examination trends show that education reform topics appear frequently, particularly focusing on global perspectives. Let’s examine some high-scoring sample essays on this critical subject that has appeared in various forms across recent test papers.
The role of governments in education reform represents a significant aspect of this topic that test-takers should be prepared to address.
Some people believe that the education system should prepare students for future careers, while others think it should focus on developing general knowledge and life skills. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Purpose of education system
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key elements to address:
- Career preparation
- General knowledge and life skills
- Personal stance with justification
Education system balancing career preparation and life skills development
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether education should prioritize vocational preparation or holistic development has become increasingly relevant in our rapidly evolving world. While both approaches have merit, I believe a balanced combination is essential for students’ success.
Career-focused education undeniably offers significant advantages. In today’s competitive job market, specialized skills and professional knowledge are crucial for employment prospects. For instance, programs incorporating industry-specific training, internships, and technical skills development enable graduates to transition smoothly into their chosen professions. This approach particularly benefits students from developing nations where economic mobility is a primary concern.
However, focusing solely on career preparation may be shortsighted. Educational policy reforms suggest that general knowledge and life skills form the foundation for adaptability and lifelong learning. Critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities are invaluable across all career paths and life situations. Moreover, understanding history, literature, and sciences helps students develop a broader worldview and make informed decisions as citizens.
In my opinion, the most effective educational approach combines both elements. Schools should integrate career-oriented components while maintaining a strong foundation in general education. This balanced approach prepares students not only for their initial career but also for future career changes and personal growth. For example, many successful entrepreneurs combine technical expertise with creative thinking and interpersonal skills developed through general education.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Education is very important for students’ future. Some people think schools should teach job skills, but others want general knowledge and life skills. Both ideas have good points.
Career preparation is important because students need jobs after graduation. When schools teach job skills, students can find work easily. For example, computer programming classes help students get IT jobs. Many companies want workers with specific skills.
On the other hand, general knowledge and life skills are also useful. Students need to know about many subjects like science and history. They also need skills like teamwork and communication. These help them in any job and in daily life. For instance, good communication helps in all careers.
I think schools should teach both things. Students need job skills to work, but they also need general knowledge to be good citizens. Schools can teach both by having different types of classes. This way, students can learn everything they need.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed ideas
- Coherence: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary (“holistic development,” “economic mobility”)
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but simpler vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- holistic (adj.) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – comprehensive, complete
- vocational (adj.) /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl/ – related to skills needed for a job
- adaptability (n.) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – ability to adjust to new conditions
- shortsighted (adj.) /ʃɔːˈsaɪtɪd/ – lacking foresight
- integral (adj.) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ – essential or fundamental
Notable Sentence Structures
- Complex Conditional: “While both approaches have merit, I believe…”
- Parallel Structure: “…not only for their initial career but also for future changes”
- Cause-Effect: “This balanced approach prepares students for…”
role of education in addressing climate change demonstrates how education systems must evolve to address global challenges.
We encourage readers to practice writing their own response to this question and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
