Some people think that it is better for older schoolchildren to study a large number of subjects and develop a range of knowledge. Others argue that they should study a smaller number of subjects and focus on details.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people think that it is better for older schoolchildren to study a large number of subjects and develop a range of knowledge. Others argue that they should study a smaller number of subjects and focus on details.

Older Schoolchildren Study Large Number of Subjects vs Focus on Details - 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 ยท 256 words.

There is an ongoing debate about whether older school students should study many different subjects or focus on just a few areas in greater depth. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that studying a smaller number of subjects in detail is more beneficial for students in the long run.

On the one hand, those who support a broad curriculum argue that learning a wide range of subjects helps students become well-rounded individuals. When children study different areas such as science, history, languages, and arts, they gain a broader understanding of the world around them. This general knowledge can help them make more informed decisions in everyday life and keeps their future career options open, since they have not specialised too early.

On the other hand, I agree with those who believe that focusing on fewer subjects in depth is a more effective approach. When students concentrate on a smaller number of areas, they are able to develop a much deeper understanding of those subjects rather than learning everything at a surface level. This prepares them more effectively for university and professional life, where specialised knowledge and skills are highly valued. For example, a student who studies mathematics and sciences in depth is far better prepared for an engineering career than one who has covered ten different subjects briefly.

In conclusion, although studying many subjects has some advantages, I believe that focusing on a limited number of subjects in depth gives students the specialised knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong essay that clearly addresses the prompt with a balanced discussion and a distinct personal position. The language is natural, the structure is logical, and the grammatical control is high, placing it firmly in the Band 8.0 category.

Task Response - 8

- Sufficiently addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the 'broad' and 'narrow' approaches. - Presents a clear position throughout the response, concluding with a preference for depth. - Ideas are well-supported and relevant, though further expansion on specific 'real-world' examples in the first body paragraph could elevate it to Band 9.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information is organized very logically with a clear progression from introduction to conclusion. - Paragraphing is used effectively, with each body paragraph containing a clear central topic. - Cohesive devices are used naturally and transition between the 'broad' and 'deep' viewpoints smoothly.

Lexical Resource - 8

- Uses a wide range of vocabulary to convey precise meanings (e.g., 'well-rounded individuals', 'specialised too early', 'highly valued'). - Shows good control of collocations and stylistic awareness. - Spelling and word formation are accurate with virtually no errors.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of structures is used with a high degree of accuracy. - The majority of sentences are error-free, utilizing complex forms like conditional structures and comparative clauses. - Punctuation is accurate throughout, supporting the flow of the arguments.

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