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
Schools increasingly focus on traditional subjects like history, but some believe more emphasis should be placed on practical skills that enhance employability. This essay argues that while traditional subjects remain crucial for developing analytical thinking, a stronger focus on job-oriented skills is essential in today’s competitive job market. The essay will discuss how teaching practical skills fosters employability and how an integrated curriculum combining both knowledge and practical expertise can best prepare students for their future careers.
Job-oriented skills play a crucial role in ensuring students can transition smoothly into the workforce. In the modern economy, employers value candidates who are equipped with practical abilities such as coding, communication, and critical thinking, which directly contribute to productivity. For example, in fields like technology and business, students proficient in software tools and public speaking have a distinct advantage in job interviews. Traditional subjects, although intellectually stimulating, often lack direct real-world application, leaving students underprepared for employment. Schools focusing more on skills development through vocational training, internships, and project-based learning enable students to build portfolios that showcase their competencies. Hence, introducing more job-specific training equips students with the tools necessary to meet the demands of evolving job markets.
That said, balancing traditional subjects with practical skills is vital to holistic education. Subjects like history foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and the ability to analyze complex issues—qualities essential for informed decision-making. A student with a background in both history and coding, for instance, not only understands technology but can also comprehend its broader societal impact. Furthermore, integrating job-related skills into traditional curricula can offer the best of both worlds. For example, history lessons could incorporate research and presentation skills, preparing students for analytical roles in marketing or journalism. Thus, instead of abandoning traditional subjects, educational institutions should aim for a blended approach, where both practical skills and academic knowledge complement one another, ensuring students are both employable and intellectually developed.
In conclusion, while traditional subjects like history develop critical thinking, an increased focus on practical skills is essential for enhancing employability in today’s competitive job market. A blended curriculum that merges practical expertise with academic knowledge offers the most comprehensive preparation for students. This approach ensures students gain not only intellectual enrichment but also the practical skills required for career success.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 2
While traditional subjects like history have long been cornerstones of education, there is growing support for shifting the focus toward teaching practical skills that can enhance students’ employability. This essay agrees with the view that education should prioritize job-relevant skills over conventional subjects. The following paragraphs will explore how focusing on vocational competencies better aligns with market needs and how practical education offers students a direct pathway to meaningful employment and financial independence.
One compelling reason for prioritizing practical skills in education is the evolving nature of the global job market. Modern industries increasingly demand technical expertise in areas such as programming, digital marketing, and data analysis, which are often not covered within traditional curricula. Graduates with hands-on skills enjoy a significant advantage when seeking employment, as they can contribute effectively from day one. For instance, students proficient in software development or graphic design can quickly secure freelance or full-time roles without requiring further training. In contrast, students focused solely on academic subjects may struggle to translate their knowledge into marketable skills. Aligning education with industry requirements ensures that students are not only prepared but also competitive in today’s fast-paced job landscape.
Additionally, practical education fosters independence and equips students with essential life skills. Learning to manage finances, communicate effectively, or troubleshoot technical issues prepares individuals to navigate everyday challenges confidently. Vocational training also encourages entrepreneurship by empowering students to create their own career opportunities, such as starting businesses or working as independent consultants. These pathways provide financial security and eliminate reliance on traditional employment structures. Moreover, skill-based education promotes student engagement by connecting learning to tangible outcomes, leading to better motivation and academic performance. Schools that integrate practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge offer students a holistic education that prepares them not just for jobs, but for sustainable careers and personal growth.
In conclusion, prioritizing practical skills equips students to meet modern job market demands and fosters independence and entrepreneurship. Shifting educational focus toward vocational competencies ensures students graduate with employable skills, financial security, and career flexibility. A curriculum that emphasizes practical education offers students not only a competitive edge but also the confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 3
Some argue that schools should prioritize teaching practical skills that directly prepare students for employment, rather than focusing on traditional subjects like history. However, this essay completely disagrees with that view. Traditional subjects not only nurture essential intellectual abilities but also equip students with transferable skills vital for long-term success. The following paragraphs will discuss how traditional education fosters critical thinking and adaptability, both of which are indispensable for thriving in today’s dynamic job market.
Traditional subjects such as history, literature, and science play a pivotal role in developing essential intellectual capabilities, including analytical thinking and problem-solving. For instance, history encourages students to evaluate events from multiple perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. These cognitive abilities are invaluable across various professional fields, including business, law, and management, where strategic thinking is required. Furthermore, traditional education teaches students how to learn, a skill that enables them to adapt to emerging trends and evolving industries. Unlike specific vocational training, which can become outdated with technological advancements, subjects like mathematics and history build a lifelong learning foundation. This ensures that students are not merely trained for their first job but are prepared for a career of continuous development and innovation.
In addition to intellectual development, traditional subjects cultivate soft skills such as communication, empathy, and cultural awareness, all of which are highly valued by employers. For example, literature encourages students to understand diverse human experiences, enhancing their emotional intelligence—a quality increasingly prioritized in modern workplaces. History and social sciences, on the other hand, instill teamwork and leadership abilities by involving students in debates and group projects. Research shows that employers prefer candidates who exhibit strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments. Additionally, by engaging with a broad curriculum, students develop a more rounded personality, making them adaptable to various roles throughout their careers. Thus, focusing exclusively on job-specific training could limit students' potential and undermine their versatility in an unpredictable job market.
In summary, traditional subjects foster critical thinking, adaptability, and interpersonal skills that are essential for long-term career success. A curriculum grounded in these disciplines equips students with the intellectual agility and emotional intelligence needed to navigate evolving professional landscapes. Therefore, rather than shifting focus solely to job-specific skills, maintaining a strong foundation in traditional subjects is vital for preparing students for future challenges.
Get your personalized IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score