Some believe secondary students should learn International news as a subject at school, while some think it's a waste of time.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some believe secondary students should learn International news as a subject at school, while some think it's a waste of time.

International News School Subject Secondary Students Worth - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 8 · 390 words.

The inclusion of international news in secondary school curricula has sparked considerable debate. While some argue that it is a valuable educational tool, others contend that it wastes precious time that could be spent on core subjects. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe teaching global current affairs is largely beneficial.

On the one hand, those who oppose teaching international news raise valid concerns. They argue that secondary school students already face an overcrowded curriculum, with essential subjects like mathematics, science, and native language requiring significant attention. Introducing global news could distract students from these fundamentals, potentially harming their academic performance. Furthermore, some critics contend that international affairs often involve complex political and economic issues that may be too difficult for teenagers to fully comprehend. For example, understanding a conflict in the Middle East or trade negotiations between major economies requires substantial background knowledge that most 15-year-olds simply lack. This could lead to confusion or, worse, superficial understanding of serious global matters.

On the other hand, proponents of teaching international news present compelling arguments. First, exposure to global events helps students develop critical thinking skills and cultural awareness, which are increasingly important in our interconnected world. For instance, learning about climate change policies in different countries or technological innovations in Asia can broaden students' perspectives and inspire future career choices. Second, understanding international affairs prepares young people to become informed global citizens who can engage meaningfully with world issues. In an era of rapid globalisation, ignorance of other nations' realities is a significant disadvantage. Additionally, discussing current events can make learning more dynamic and relevant, potentially increasing student engagement across multiple subjects.

In my opinion, integrating international news into secondary education is a positive development, provided it is done appropriately. Rather than adding an entirely new subject, schools could incorporate global current affairs into existing lessons such as history, geography, or social studies. This approach would avoid overloading the timetable while still exposing students to important international perspectives. Moreover, teachers should select age-appropriate stories and present them in an accessible manner to ensure understanding without oversimplification.

In conclusion, while concerns about curriculum overload and complexity are understandable, the benefits of teaching international news far outweigh the drawbacks. When implemented thoughtfully, it equips students with essential skills and knowledge for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.

Слов: ~320

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptionally well-written essay that demonstrates high-level control of English. The arguments are balanced, the language is sophisticated and natural, and the structure is logical, comfortably reaching a high Band 8 level.

Task Response - 8

- Sufficiently addresses all parts of the task by discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. - Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples (e.g., climate change policies, Middle East conflicts). - The position remains consistent throughout the essay, though the specific 'as a subject' vs 'integrated' distinction could be more deeply explored in the body.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Logical organization with a clear introduction, balanced body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. - Smooth transitions between ideas using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Additionally'. - Excellent use of referencing and substitution to maintain flow without repetition.

Lexical Resource - 8

- Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally (e.g., 'overcrowded curriculum', 'superficial understanding', 'interconnected world'). - High level of precision in word choice and collocation (e.g., 'sparked considerable debate', 'engage meaningfully'). - Rare minor slips in word formation do not impact the overall professional tone.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- Wide range of complex structures used with high accuracy (e.g., conditional 'provided it is done', passive voice, and complex relative clauses). - Punctuation is used correctly throughout to enhance meaning. - Majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating sophisticated control.

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