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IELTS Writing Task 2 topics: Education
Education questions usually ask what schools and universities are for and what they should teach. Many set two options against each other, such as exams and coursework.
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- OpinionOnline courses vs classroomsSome people believe that online courses will eventually replace traditional classroom teaching at all levels of education.
- DiscussionUniversity purposeSome people think that universities should focus on preparing students for employment. Others believe that the main purpose of a university is to provide knowledge for its own sake.
- Advantages and disadvantagesSchool uniformsIn many countries, children must wear a school uniform.
- OpinionBanning homeworkSome teachers believe that homework should be banned for primary and secondary school students because it adds unnecessary pressure.
- OpinionCompulsory foreign languagesAll students should be required to learn a foreign language throughout their time at school.
- Problem and solutionShortage of qualified teachersIn many countries there is a shortage of qualified teachers, and many experienced teachers leave the profession early.
- DiscussionSmartphones in schoolSome people think that students should be allowed to use smartphones in school. Others believe they should be banned from classrooms.
- DiscussionLife skills vs academicsSome people think that schools should teach students practical life skills, such as cooking and managing money. Others believe schools should focus on academic subjects.
- Advantages and disadvantagesAdults returning to educationMore adults are returning to education later in life to study new subjects.
- Two-part questionCompetition for universityMany young people see a university degree as essential for a good career, and competition for places is growing.
- OpinionFree university educationUniversity education should be free for all students, paid for by taxes.
- DiscussionExams vs continuous assessmentSome people think that exams are the fairest way to assess students. Others believe that continuous assessment through coursework and projects is better.
- OpinionEarly formal educationChildren should begin formal education, such as reading and writing lessons, at a very young age.
- OpinionCreativity over memorisingSchools should spend less time on memorising facts and more time teaching creative and critical thinking.
- DiscussionArt, music and sport at schoolSome people think that subjects like art, music and sport are less important in school than maths and science. Others believe they are equally valuable.
- Advantages and disadvantagesSmaller class sizesSome schools are reducing class sizes so that each teacher has only a small number of students.
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