IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Education & Travel & World
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some educators think international exchange programs would benefit teenagers in High School.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrases topic (exchange programs for high schoolers) and mentions differing views on benefits vs. drawbacks.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discusses advantages: promoting cultural awareness (direct experience of customs) and improving language skills (necessity to use foreign language).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discusses disadvantages: potential psychological effects (homesickness, loneliness from change) and academic disruption (different curriculum, difficulty adjusting).
Conclusion
Summarizes advantages and disadvantages. States that the disadvantages (mental stress, academic interruption) are more significant. Recommends consideration/preparation.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The idea of global exchange programs for high school students has sparked much discussion among teachers. Some believe the benefits of these programs greatly surpass the drawbacks, while others disagree.
Supporters of these programs assert that they promote cultural awareness among young people. By placing students in a foreign culture, they experience different customs and traditions firsthand, expanding their global perspective. Moreover, these programs are believed to improve students' language skills. The need to use a foreign language during the exchange often leads to significant language improvement, which can be beneficial for their future studies and careers.
On the other hand, opponents of these programs point out the possible psychological effects on the students. The sudden change to a different cultural and social setting can cause feelings of homesickness and loneliness, which might negatively impact their mental health. Also, the academic curriculum in the host country may be quite different from the home country. This difference could potentially hinder the students' academic progress, as they may find it difficult to adjust to the new educational system.
In conclusion, while global exchange programs provide cultural experiences and language improvement, the potential mental stress and academic interruption make the disadvantages more significant. Therefore, thorough consideration and proper preparation are essential before participating in such programs.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The concept of international exchange programs for high school students has been a topic of considerable debate among educators. While some educators posit that the advantages of such programs far outweigh the disadvantages, others hold a contrary view.
Proponents of international exchange programs argue that these initiatives foster cultural understanding among teenagers. By immersing students in a foreign culture, they gain firsthand knowledge of different customs and traditions, thereby broadening their worldview. Additionally, these programs are said to enhance the linguistic proficiency of students. The necessity to communicate in a foreign language during the exchange period often results in significant improvement in language skills, which can be advantageous in their future academic and professional pursuits.
However, critics of these programs highlight the potential psychological impact on the students. The abrupt transition to a different cultural and social environment can induce feelings of homesickness and isolation, which could adversely affect their mental health. Furthermore, the academic curriculum in the host country might differ significantly from that of the home country. This discrepancy could potentially disrupt the academic progress of the students, as they might struggle to adapt to the new educational system.
In conclusion, while international exchange programs offer cultural exposure and linguistic enhancement, the potential psychological distress and academic disruption render the disadvantages more substantial. Thus, careful consideration and adequate preparation are crucial before embarking on such programs.