school

Sample Answer 1: Band 8

In the present scenario, many people think that learning literature should not be an essential
part of the high school curriculum. However, in my opinion, literature still serves a significant
purpose. I will be explaining this in the forthcoming paragraphs.

The ones supporting this thought believe that other subjects should get more attention. There
is no denying the fact that in the 21st century, the most important subjects for students’ future
careers are related to the sciences, such as engineering and computer science, or the practical
humanities, like business. By choosing the trending subject, students can start early to beat the
competition and grab a well-paying job, just after completing high school or college. In contrast,
the novels and poems that students read in high school are usually completely forgotten within
a few years and don’t teach any practical skills to help them earn well in the real world.

Despite this, the literature contains many important and fundamental truths about the human
condition. Life is way more about a secure job and a high-paying career. This can be proved
right from the fact that authors handle the philosophical and psychological side of life. For
instance, the exploration of man’s search for meaning is related to everybody and cannot be
replaced with an established career. Also, the way writers develop their writing helps impart
the importance of artistic expressions among readers. In addition to this, it also helps readers
experience a different world in comparison to the materialistic world that they are used to.

While those who don’t support the importance of novels might be claiming the same with a
full-proof logic, irrespective of the argument, literature offers a different sense to the young
mind, which further opens the doors to creativity and imagination.

In conclusion, the benefits of studying practical subjects don’t outweigh the deeper values of
literature. It is therefore advisable that literature should be emphasized and taught in high
school classrooms.

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Structure of the essay

 

You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,

• Do you agree that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such
as novels or poems?

(or)

· Do you disagree with the fact that it is a waste of time for high school students to study
literature, such as novels or poems?

Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.

Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.

Question Paraphrased – In the present scenario, many people claim that learning literature
should no longer be an essential part of the high school curriculum.

Opinion – In my opinion, literature still serves a significant purpose.

A thesis statement – I will be explaining this in the forthcoming paragraphs.

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic: Most important subjects are related to science

Supporting points:

• Other subjects get more attention
• Students choose trending subjects to secure a well-paying job
• Novels and poems are usually forgotten as don’t teach practical skills

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic: Literature contains important truths about humans

Supporting points:

• Life is more than acquiring a career
• Great authors deal with the philosophical and psychological side of life
• Exploration of issues is relevant to everyone

Conclusion:

Reiterated that the benefits of studying practical subjects don’t outweigh the deeper values of
literature and support the side taken in the introduction.

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Topic – School :

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Q. Did you go to a secondary/high school near to where you lived? [Why/Why not]
Answer: Yes, I did attend a high school which was close to where we lived.  In fact, it was very much within the walking distance which would take me only about 8 to 10 minutes to reach my school at a moderate pace. I attended that high school primarily because of the convenience, safety and security. Having lived close to my high school, it would always be easy for me to commute back and forth from my home without getting tired. Besides, my father had to live away from us because of holding a government service, so living close to high school would provide my father with a greater sense of safety and security for me as I wouldn’t need to travel far to attend my school.

Q. What did you like about your secondary/high school? [Why?]
Answer: Getting an opportunity to study in a high school, after passing the elementary/primary school, is completely a new experience with new teachers, new books and new library to be accustomed to.  However, one of the best things, which I really liked about my school, was that it had plenty of open space in and around it with beautiful garden and a lake with crystal clear water for students like us to enjoy during the breaks in between our classes. Another thing that I really liked was our school would provide funds for us to organize picnics every month so that we could travel to some remote picnic spots (not too far from our school, of course), like in a park or forest site, and enjoy the outdoors while enjoying some delicious meals, cooked by none other than ourselves. Of course, the best thing about my high school was the opportunity, I got, to make friends who I still treasure to this date.

Q. Tell me about anything you didn’t like at your school.
Answer: Well, my high school was great for me for the most part except the fact I didn’t exactly like the idea of wearing the same shirt, the pant and the same shoes every day. Neither did I ever like the fact that my school offered us the same “boring” tiffin every late morning. Another thing that I really dislike about my school was that I had to face more “bullies” than I was perhaps ready to deal with.

Q. How do you think your school could be improved? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Again, I liked my high school, for the most part, as it always tried its best to bring the “best” among us academically. But, it didn’t exactly encourage us enough to take part in “extracurricular” activities such as creating a school debate team or culture clubs. So, my high school certainly would need some improvements on those fronts. Besides, little works on to fixing and repairing some of the old building structures (by the way, it was a really old high school) of the high school would also go a long way to improve the “looks and sights” of an otherwise great school.

Q. How old were you when you started school?

I began my formal education at the age of six. I studied in a small local primary school and that was my only choice back then because that was the only school in town. To be honest, the authorities in my hometown didn’t care much about children’s education.

Q. How did you get to school each day?

Well, normally, my father or mother would drive me to school. But sometimes, when they were occupied with their jobs, they would just ask a relative, or even an acquaintance to take me instead. People really trusted each other back then.

Q. Tell me something about your school.

Well, it was located only 10 minutes away from my house, so I was never late for class. And because it was a school for gifted students, the competition was fierce, which, somehow, was a great source of motivation for me to try my best in studying.

Q. Did you enjoy it? (Why?/Why not?)

Yes, I did. As I said earlier, my school was extremely close to my house so I wasted no energy on travelling. Moreover, all teachers were wonderfully supportive and always available to help me with my problems.

Q. What were some of the most popular activities at primary school?

Well, at that time, mostly children played together in the playground. Besides studying in class, sometimes we had ceremonies to commemorate national heroes who died fighting for our country’s freedom. These events often included a singing contest, which I enjoyed tremendously.

Q. Have you ever returned to see your old school again?

Well, in all honesty, ever since I graduated from primary school, I never had a chance to go back. My old school has been reconstructed, so it might be significantly different now from the one I knew. However, I’m planning to visit it in the near future with some old friends, and I bet that will be amazing.

Q. Are you still in contact with any of the friends you had in primary school?

Yes, but not so many. This is mainly because most of my childhood friends have left town to find career opportunities in other parts of the country. I rarely go back home, but when I do, there are still some friends from primary school that I contact and we always have wonderful time together.