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The Best Way to Help Underachieving Pupils Is to Have Compulsory After-School Activities Which They Must Attend - Task 2 Sample Essays


The Best Way to Help Underachieving Pupils Is to Have Compulsory After-School Activities Which They Must Attend - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays

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Sample Essay 1 (Agreement)

Introducing compulsory after-school activities for underachieving pupils can be an effective way to boost their academic involvement and improve their grades. By ensuring consistent participation in structured extracurricular activities, schools can enhance student engagement and foster academic growth. This essay will argue that mandatory after-school programs significantly increase students' involvement in school life and contribute to academic improvement.


To begin with, compulsory after-school activities provide an organized environment that encourages academic focus and engagement. For underachieving students, these activities can include targeted academic support, such as tutoring or study groups, which help them grasp complex subjects more easily. In many cases, students who struggle in regular classroom settings benefit from the additional time and one-on-one guidance that after-school programs offer. Moreover, by participating in structured activities, students develop important skills such as time management, teamwork, and self-discipline, all of which positively influence their academic performance. For example, sports or creative arts programs teach students to work toward goals, fostering a sense of responsibility and perseverance, which can translate into improved academic results.


Furthermore, compulsory activities after school hours promote a sense of belonging and motivation. Many students underperform because they feel disconnected from the school community. By being required to participate in extracurricular programs, they engage more fully with their peers and teachers, leading to a stronger sense of school spirit. This increased involvement can reduce feelings of isolation and encourage students to invest more effort in their studies. In this way, after-school programs serve not only as an academic aid but also as a social support system that helps students thrive both academically and personally.


In conclusion, compulsory after-school activities offer underachieving pupils a structured opportunity to improve academically while fostering personal development. Through academic support and increased engagement, these programs play a crucial role in helping students become more involved in school life and ultimately improving their grades.


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Sample Essay 2 (Disagreement)

Compulsory after-school activities for underachieving students are often seen as a solution to improving their academic performance and engagement. While this approach might benefit some, it is not necessarily the most effective strategy for all students. This essay will argue that a more tailored approach, addressing individual needs and fostering intrinsic motivation, would yield better long-term results.


One argument for making after-school programs compulsory is that they provide a structured environment where students can receive additional support. Pupils who struggle academically may benefit from extra time spent on school-related activities, particularly when these sessions focus on reinforcing core concepts or developing study habits. For instance, supervised homework clubs or skill-building workshops could help students clarify misunderstandings and improve their performance. However, forcing students to attend such sessions could cause resentment, leading to disengagement rather than increased enthusiasm for learning. In many cases, students may feel further alienated if they are not intrinsically motivated to participate.


Moreover, compulsory after-school activities may fail to address the root causes of underachievement, such as personal or socio-economic factors. Many students fall behind due to issues beyond the classroom, including family obligations, emotional difficulties, or financial constraints. Requiring these students to attend after-school sessions could exacerbate their stress or reduce time available for other essential responsibilities. A more holistic approach, such as counseling services or flexible learning programs, might better address these underlying challenges, enabling students to achieve academic success on their own terms.


In conclusion, while compulsory after-school activities may offer some benefits, a more personalized and supportive approach would better help underachieving students. Addressing individual needs and promoting intrinsic motivation are crucial for fostering genuine academic improvement and engagement. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to be effective.


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