Unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school program..(Task 2 Essay Band 9)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood, or teaching sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

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Sample Essay 1

The notion of integrating compulsory unpaid community service into high school curricula is gaining traction. This essay staunchly supports this initiative, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering social responsibility and skill development among students.

Firstly, mandatory community service acts as a crucible for nurturing social responsibility. Adolescence is a critical period for character building; thus, engaging in activities such as volunteering for charities, environmental clean-ups, or neighborhood beautification projects instills a profound sense of civic duty and empathy towards others. For instance, a comprehensive study by the Department of Education found that students who actively participated in community service exhibited a 30% higher rate of civic engagement in later life compared to their peers. This significant correlation underscores the invaluable value of early exposure to altruistic endeavors, cementing the foundation for a conscientious, community-minded citizenry that values contribution over personal gain.

Moreover, community service offers unparalleled life lessons and skill acquisition opportunities. Tasks like teaching sports to younger children or assisting in local community centers not only cultivate leadership and patience but also significantly enhance communication skills and emotional intelligence. These experiences, often unfolding outside the conventional classroom setting, provide a practical and immersive framework for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Consequently, students emerge as well-rounded individuals, equipped with a diverse skill set that transcends mere academic achievements. The versatility and resilience gained through such exposure are indispensable in today's rapidly evolving job market, where adaptability, teamwork, and soft skills are increasingly recognized as critical components of professional success.

In conclusion, the incorporation of compulsory unpaid community service into high school programs is a commendable strategy that yields multifaceted benefits. It not only fosters a sense of social responsibility among the youth but also equips them with essential life skills. Therefore, this initiative merits widespread adoption, promising to sculpt well-rounded individuals poised to contribute significantly to society.

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Sample Essay 2

The proposition that unpaid community service should form an integral part of high school education sparks a compelling debate. I assert that this inclusion not only enriches student experience but is imperative for holistic development. The ensuing discourse will explore the enhancement of social awareness and personal growth facilitated by such programs.

Compulsory community service initiates a journey towards heightened social consciousness. Engaging with diverse communities and confronting real-world issues head-on, students develop a profound understanding of societal dynamics and the challenges faced by various groups. A notable example is the "Books for All" initiative, where students not only collected books for underprivileged communities but also interacted with recipients, gaining insights into the transformative power of literacy. This direct involvement fosters a deep-rooted empathy and a global perspective, attributes that are indispensable in nurturing responsible global citizens.

Furthermore, the skills and competencies developed through community service are unparalleled. Beyond the apparent benefits of teamwork and communication, students learn to navigate complex situations, solve problems creatively, and lead initiatives. These are not merely academic exercises but life skills that prepare them for future challenges and opportunities. The success story of a student-led environmental conservation project, which not only revitalized a local park but also secured governmental funding for further community projects, exemplifies the practical application and value of these experiences. Such achievements underscore the potential of community service to act as a catalyst for personal and communal growth.

In sum, the integration of mandatory unpaid community service within high school curricula stands as a vital component of education that extends beyond traditional learning. It is a vehicle for instilling a sense of civic duty, empathy, and a suite of practical skills in the youth. By fostering socially conscious and capable individuals, we lay the groundwork for a more compassionate and proactive society.

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Sample Essay 3

Some people think that social services which are not remunerated, such as being involved in activities of a charity, developing the neighbourhood, or teaching children how to play sports, should be mandatory in high school syllabi. However, I strongly disagree with this statement because students cannot afford to spend their scarce time in cocurricular activities, which could turn them to unfair means in exams.

Normally at high school, students are engaged in studying so many subjects that their time cannot be used to carry out social services. In fact, if they want to achieve good grades in academy, which can be very useful to enrol in prestigious universities afterwards, they need to spend many hours attending diverse lectures, consulting with teacher regarding complex issues, reading out the related texts to decipher the deep ideas, doing the regular group and individual project work. Furthermore, students have to get involved in outdoor physical activities with their peers in order to maintain a good physical condition and develop an appropriate team attitude. As they go through all these issues simultaneously, it is too difficult for them to take part in obligatory social work.

In addition, it is well known that each student has a unique approach to community engagement. Specially during teen age and early youth, when a student’s personality is forming, his or her quest for freedom does not permit them to get involved in social service by force. Furthermore, if social services were included as obligatory in high school activities, they would become more attached to people and work rather than their study, which could lead them towards finishing the school with less subject knowledge and poor grades. As the students know that a smart academic record is important for their further study or job security, they might resort to different unfair means in exams to avail their desired score.

In conclusion, if welfare activities were enforced in high school programmes, the students’ academic performance would be damaged, because it would consume a major share of their study time, which results in the lack of exam preparation. Thus, these knock-on effects connect and could convert into the possibility of students’ use of unfair means in the exams.

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