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Agree or disagree Education Essay #489
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Extra-curricular activities should be mandatory in schools.

Do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
282 words · 5 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase topic (mandatory ECAs). State strong agreement and overall benefit (comprehensive education).

There exists a school of thought that advocates for the compulsory inclusion of extra-curricular activities in the school curriculum. I wholeheartedly concur with this perspective, believing it to be instrumental in fostering a well-rounded education.

Body 1 · View 1

Topic sentence: ECAs encourage physical health. Point 1: Tackle childhood obesity (due to inactive lifestyle). Point 2: Instill lasting love for fitness/healthy habits.

The first argument in favour of this view is that extra-curricular activities play a pivotal role in promoting physical health among students. For instance, sports and outdoor games can help combat the growing issue of childhood obesity, a problem that has been exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle of the digital age. Moreover, these activities can also serve to instill a lifelong appreciation for fitness and wellness, thereby setting the foundation for healthy habits in adulthood.

Body 2 · View 2

Topic sentence: ECAs improve social skills. Point 1: Encourage teamwork and cooperation. Point 2: Help build leadership skills (decision-making, delegation). Mention importance for society/work.

Secondly, these activities can significantly enhance a student's interpersonal skills, which are crucial in today's interconnected world. Participating in team sports or group projects, for example, can foster teamwork and cooperation, skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional settings. Furthermore, these activities can also help students develop leadership skills, as they often involve roles that require decision-making and delegation.

Body 3 · Opinion

Topic sentence: ECAs help develop interests/talents. Point 1: Reveal hidden abilities/passions (music, drama, art). Point 2: Offer break from academic stress, improve mental health/wellness.

The third argument pertains to the role of extra-curricular activities in cultivating a diverse range of interests and talents among students. Involvement in activities such as music, drama, or art can unearth hidden talents and passions, thereby enriching the student's personal and academic life. Additionally, these pursuits can provide a much-needed respite from academic pressures, contributing to improved mental health and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Summarize main points (physical health, social skills, nurturing interests). Restate strong agreement, emphasize ECAs are essential, not just additional.

In conclusion, I firmly uphold the view that extra-curricular activities should be made compulsory in schools, given their role in promoting physical health, enhancing interpersonal skills, and fostering a diverse range of interests. These activities, I believe, are not merely supplementary to education, but integral to it.

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