You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many parents today organize extra classes for their children after school and at the weekends.
Do you feel that this is a worthwhile thing to do, or do you feel children have enough education at school?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 1
In recent times, a growing number of parents have taken to supplementing their children's formal education with additional classes outside school hours, including weekends. Advocates argue that such supplemental education can be invaluable, while detractors suggest that the existing school system suffices for a child's educational needs. This essay will explore both perspectives, highlighting the potential benefits of extracurricular academic enrichment as well as the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to children's education.
On one hand, extra classes offer targeted learning opportunities that can address individual needs and learning gaps which may not be fully covered in the conventional classroom setting. These sessions can provide personalized attention and tailored instruction, enabling students to master complex concepts at their own pace. Furthermore, in a world increasingly characterized by global competition, additional tutoring can give students a competitive edge, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge in key areas such as mathematics, science, and languages. Such advantages underscore the value of supplementary education in fostering academic excellence and preparing students for future challenges.
Conversely, it is crucial to acknowledge that children's well-being extends beyond academic achievements. Overburdening young learners with excessive academic demands can lead to stress, burnout, and a diminished enthusiasm for learning. The significance of play, social interaction, and leisure in promoting holistic development cannot be overstated. These activities are essential for physical health, emotional resilience, and the cultivation of social skills. Hence, while the pursuit of academic excellence is commendable, it must not come at the expense of children's overall happiness and growth.
In conclusion, while extra classes can provide valuable supplementary learning opportunities, it is imperative to strike a judicious balance between academic pursuits and the broader aspects of child development. A harmonious blend of formal education, personalized learning, and ample time for rest and recreation can pave the way for well-rounded, fulfilled individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 2
Some believe that pupils should not be obliged to attend extra lessons set up by their parents outside of school hours. I feel that kids shouldn't require extra scheduled courses on the weekends since it can prevent them from going beyond the textbook.
Children who anticipate taking more lessons over the weekend may not pay full attention in class, hoping to make up for it in the weekend classes. As a result, time spent in school classes will be mostly squandered as students grow less focused, which will eventually lead to a dependency on private tuition. Well, putting in a few additional hours on the weekends could result in the kids getting a better score, but there are some drawbacks. Class time, study hours, teaching-learning strategies, and the study load are all placed on the pupils according to their proven academic ability. School activities are planned based on academic studies and scientific research. Adding extra lessons on the weekends might put a tremendous amount of strain on developing brains and cause long-term, irreversible harm.
In addition, devoting too much time to after-school sessions may be detrimental to students' mental health since it prevents them from engaging in sports or other extracurricular activities. For instance, some students enthusiastically join dynamic organizations like sports clubs, art schools, cultural groups, and volunteer groups. In fact, if students focus their whole attention during class, they will not need to attend any additional sessions on the weekends. Furthermore, taking additional classes may make students bored, drain their mental resources, and negatively impact their overall academic performance, which in turn lowers their self-esteem. As a result, going to classes again on the weekends feels almost like waste of time because it involves practicing the same things all over again, which prevents them from developing their talent and interests.
In conclusion, children's study time, learning style, and class load are all best suited for their age; adding more study pressure might have a long-term negative impact on their physical and mental stability. Additionally, keeping children occupied with academic material on the weekends may prevent them from advancing their diverse skill sets.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 3
In today's fast-paced educational landscape, many parents find themselves at a crossroads, deliberating whether to supplement their children's learning with extra classes beyond the school curriculum. This decision, driven by the desire to provide the best possible foundation for their offspring, brings us to an intriguing debate: Is this additional educational investment beneficial, or does it simply burden students with an excess of structured learning? Herein, we shall explore the merits of additional academic support against the sufficiency of traditional schooling, examining the balance between academic rigor and the holistic development of a child.
Advocates for extracurricular academic classes argue that they offer a tailored learning experience, addressing individual weaknesses that the broad strokes of mainstream education might overlook. In an era where personalized attention in crowded classrooms is a rarity, these classes provide a much-needed scaffold, enabling students to grasp complex concepts at their own pace. For instance, supplementary mathematics sessions can demystify abstract theories, translating them into comprehensible insights for those who find this subject a challenge. Moreover, such classes often introduce advanced topics not covered in the standard curriculum, thereby giving students a competitive edge in examinations and future academic pursuits.
Conversely, critics of this approach suggest that the existing educational framework, if engaged with fully, provides ample opportunity for learning and development. They argue that an overemphasis on academic achievements undermines the importance of social interaction, physical activity, and creative pursuits, which are equally crucial for a child's comprehensive growth. The case of Scandinavian countries, where students spend fewer hours in formal education but outperform their global counterparts in academic assessments, exemplifies the effectiveness of balanced educational methodologies that prioritize well-rounded development over rote learning.
In conclusion, while additional academic classes can bridge educational gaps and cater to individual learning needs, they should not detract from the essence of childhood, which equally values academic, physical, and emotional growth. A harmonious blend of formal education and extracurricular learning engagements seems to be the most prudent approach, ensuring that children emerge as well-rounded individuals equipped for the complexities of the modern world.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score