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IELTS Recent Questions: Some believe secondary students should learn international news as a subject at school, while others think it’s a waste of time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

  • Writer: Envertiz Academy Blogger
    Envertiz Academy Blogger
  • Jun 6
  • 4 min read

Girl with IELTS recent question and IELTS band score

IELTS recent questions serve as one of the most valuable resources for IELTS students preparing for their IELTS exam. Consistent practice with these updated questions ensures you remain familiar with the current test format, boosts your confidence, and helps you perform optimally during the actual exam. Whether you are studying independently or enrolled in IELTS coaching, incorporating IELTS recent questions into your routine guarantees that your preparation is focused, relevant, and up to date.


Now, let’s examine a recent IELTS practice question to see how this approach benefits your preparation in practice.


Some believe secondary students should learn international news as a subject at school, while others think it’s a waste of time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.


IELTS Band Score - 6


Some people argue that secondary school students should study international news as a separate subject, while others believe that it would be a waste of time. In my opinion, it should not be a separate subjects in schools.


On one hand, learning about international news can help students become more aware of what is happening around the world. It can teach them about different cultures, politics, and global problems. This knowledge can make students more open-minded and prepare them for the future when they might need to deal with international matters. For example, understanding climate change or world conflicts could help students become more responsible citizens.


On the other hand, some people think that teaching international news is not necessary at school. They believe that students already have a lot of subjects to study, such as maths, science, and languages. Adding another subject could make them feel stressed and tired. Furthermore, some news topics might be too complicated or upsetting for young learners, which could have a negative effect on them.


In my opinion, although international news is important, it should not be a separate subject. Instead, teachers could include world news in subjects like geography or social studies. This way, students can still learn about important global issues without having too much pressure.


In conclusion, while international news has many benefits, it should not be an extra burden on students. Schools should find a balanced way to include it without increasing their workload too much.

 

  

 IELTS Band Score - 7.5


There is an ongoing debate regarding whether international news should be taught as a dedicated subject to secondary school students. While some advocate for its inclusion, others argue that it is an unnecessary addition to an already heavy curriculum. I think that it should not be as a particular subject.


Proponents of introducing international news into the school syllabus argue that it fosters global awareness and critical thinking skills among young individuals. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding international affairs enables students to become informed citizens who can engage thoughtfully with global issues such as climate change, political conflicts, and economic developments. Moreover, exposure to diverse perspectives helps cultivate empathy and reduces cultural biases, which are essential qualities in the modern world. For instance, awareness of humanitarian crises in different regions can inspire students to contribute positively to society.


Conversely, opponents believe that focusing on international news is neither age-appropriate nor essential at the secondary level. They argue that teenagers should prioritize core academic subjects like mathematics, sciences, and native languages, which directly influence their future career opportunities. Additionally, the complexity and often distressing nature of global news could potentially overwhelm or demotivate students. Critics also point out that with the wide availability of digital media, students can independently access news outside of formal education if they wish.


Personally, I believe that while teaching international news is important, it need not become a standalone subject. Instead, integrating global current affairs into existing subjects such as social studies, history, or language classes would strike an effective balance. This approach would enrich students' education without placing additional pressure on them.


In conclusion, although understanding world events has undeniable value, careful integration rather than the introduction of a new subject would better serve secondary school students’ educational needs.

 

 Points to Remember:

 

Arguments for Teaching International News:


  1. Global Awareness:

    • Students become more informed about global issues like climate change, wars, pandemics, and economic trends.

  2. Critical Thinking Skills:

    • Analysing news promotes critical thinking, comprehension, and discussion abilities.

  3. Better Citizenship:

    • It prepares students to be responsible global citizens who understand international relations and cultures.

  4. Career Preparation:

    • Knowledge of global affairs can benefit students interested in careers in politics, journalism, business, or international relations.

 

Arguments Against Teaching International News:


  1. Curriculum Overload:

    • Students already have a heavy workload; adding another subject may cause stress.

  2. Questionable Relevance:

    • Some believe students should focus on core subjects like science, math, and language skills at this age.

  3. Information Bias:

    • News sources can be biased, and teaching news without critical media literacy could misinform students.

  4. Short Attention Span:

    • Younger students may lack the maturity to engage deeply with complex international topics.


To be fully prepared for the IELTS exam, it is crucial to stay informed of recent IELTS questions. Envertiz Academy offers trustworthy access to the most up-to-date resources, supporting you to prepare efficiently and maintain an edge throughout your IELTS preparation.

 
 
 

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