IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample - School Subjects

Some people believe that teenagers should concentrate on all school subjects. Others believe that teenagers should focus on the subject that they are best at or that they find the most interesting. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping a student’s future, and there is an ongoing debate about whether teenagers should focus on all school subjects or specialize in the ones they excel at or find most engaging. While a broad education fosters holistic development, specialization maximizes individual potential. This essay examines both perspectives before presenting my stance.

On the one hand, a broad-based education equips students with diverse knowledge and skills.  Firstly, studying multiple subjects fosters intellectual versatility, allowing students to adapt to various career paths. For example, proficiency in both science and literature strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills, which are valuable in any profession. Secondly, exposure to different fields helps teenagers make informed career choices, as many are uncertain about their future paths. Lastly, learning all subjects cultivates essential life skills—mathematics enhances problem-solving abilities, while history promotes cultural awareness and critical reflection.

Conversely, subject specialization enables students to focus on their strengths, leading to greater academic success and personal fulfillment. Specializing allows students to develop deeper expertise and innovation, which is highly relevant in today’s knowledge-driven economy. Moreover, passion-driven learning fosters motivation and engagement, often resulting in higher academic performance. For instance, a student with a strong aptitude for computer science who dedicates more time to programming may gain a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, excessive emphasis on weaker subjects can lead to frustration and burnout.

A balanced approach is ideal. While teenagers should acquire a fundamental understanding of core subjects, they should also have the flexibility to focus on their interests. A hybrid model, combining a broad education with gradual specialization, ensures students develop essential skills while honing their strengths.

In conclusion, integrating both approaches offers the best solution, allowing students to build a strong foundation while pursuing their passions in greater depth.

Glossary

1. Pivotal – rất quan trọng, then chốt

2. Holistic development – sự phát triển toàn diện

3. Broad-based education – giáo dục nền tảng rộng

4. Intellectual versatility – sự linh hoạt trong tư duy

5. Analytical skills – kỹ năng phân tích

6. Critical thinking – tư duy phản biện

7. Exposure – sự tiếp xúc, trải nghiệm

8. Informed career choices – lựa chọn nghề nghiệp có căn cứ

9. Knowledge-driven economy – nền kinh tế dựa trên tri thức

10. Passion-driven learning – học tập dựa trên đam mê

11. Excessive emphasis – nhấn mạnh quá mức

12. Honing their strengths – rèn luyện thế mạnh