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It Is Better for Children to Have Many Short Holidays during the Academic Year - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Essays


It Is Better for Children to Have Many Short Holidays during the Academic Year - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays

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Sample Essay 1

Some people argue that children benefit more from having several short holidays throughout the academic year, while others believe fewer, longer vacations are more advantageous. In my opinion, a balanced approach with shorter, frequent breaks would be more beneficial. This essay will discuss how short holidays help maintain students’ focus and momentum, while longer breaks risk disengaging them from academics.


On the one hand, multiple short holidays offer children regular intervals to rest and recharge. The academic calendar can be rigorous, and frequent short breaks allow students to avoid burnout while keeping their minds refreshed and mentally agile. For instance, a brief one-week break every few months helps students recuperate without losing their rhythm in learning or falling behind on assignments. Additionally, short vacations prevent the overwhelming backlog of studies that typically builds up over longer breaks, enabling children to stay consistently engaged with their schoolwork and avoid the stress of catching up. By promoting steady learning patterns, such holidays enhance academic productivity and mental well-being.


On the other hand, those who advocate for fewer but longer holidays argue that extended vacations provide children with ample time to relax, travel, or develop extracurricular skills at a deeper level. A long summer vacation, for instance, offers children a chance to explore hobbies or participate in camps, which can foster personal growth, creativity, and social development through meaningful experiences. However, while longer holidays do allow for significant downtime and relaxation, they may also lead to a loss of focus and academic momentum. After several weeks away from school, students often struggle to readjust to the structured academic environment, resulting in a slow return to full learning capacity and lower initial productivity.


In conclusion, while both short and long vacations offer distinct benefits, frequent short breaks throughout the academic year appear to be the more effective option. They strike a healthy balance by providing regular opportunities for rest without disrupting the flow of academic learning. Maintaining this continuity can help students stay focused and productive, enhancing their overall performance.


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Sample Essay 2

Some argue that children should have numerous short holidays throughout the academic year, while others believe that fewer, longer vacations are more beneficial. I agree with the latter view, as extended breaks provide children with the opportunity to unwind fully and explore non-academic interests. This essay will discuss both perspectives, focusing on why longer holidays are ultimately more beneficial for children’s overall development.


Advocates for shorter holidays argue that frequent breaks prevent students from feeling overwhelmed and help maintain a consistent learning pace. A week-long holiday every few months, for instance, allows students to refresh without losing focus on their studies or accumulating excessive stress. Additionally, short breaks reduce the risk of academic disengagement, as children do not have to readjust to the school environment after a long absence. This approach keeps students’ minds active and better prepared for continuous learning, thereby preventing the learning gaps and motivational loss that can arise during longer vacations.


However, supporters of longer holidays emphasize the importance of extended time for children to fully relax, pursue hobbies, and explore personal interests without feeling rushed. Lengthy breaks allow for deeper engagement in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, or traveling, which are essential for fostering creativity, independence, and critical life skills. A two-month summer vacation, for example, enables children to step away from academic pressure and return to school with renewed energy and enthusiasm, leading to improved focus. While there may be a risk of academic loss during longer holidays, structured activities and enrichment programs can mitigate this, ensuring that children continue learning in more diverse, informal ways that complement traditional schooling.


In conclusion, while both short and long vacations have their merits, I believe longer holidays are more advantageous. They offer children ample time to relax, develop non-academic skills, and come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. These extended breaks provide a holistic balance between rest and growth, benefiting children’s overall well-being.


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