Secondary School Children Should Study International News - IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, this opinion essay is one of the most common question types. In this part of the writing module, you are then presented with a statement on a particular topic, and you must give your opinion on whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree with it. 

The main goal is to present a clear argument that is supported by relevant examples and explanations. In order to achieve a higher band score, your response as an essay should have a strong thesis statement, proper organization, and certain well-developed ideas that directly address the question.

In this 'IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay: Secondary School Children Should Study International News ,' we will explore an expert-written sample answer that will address the underlying views behind this issue and discuss it along with effective examples. 

Let’s have a look at the IELTS Opinion essay - In Every Country has Different Ways of Dealing With the Poor - with a band 9 sample answer!

Tips to Answer the IELTS Opinion Essay on Tips to Answer IELTS Opinion Essays

In an IELTS opinion essay, you must write your opinion about a topic and back it up with proper proof and examples. If you use a proper structure and a good ideation strategy, you can improve your chances of scoring a higher band score! 

Check out our important IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ for the IELTS opinion essays now! 

• Try to spend 5 minutes to mind map a proper idea before writing.
• You must stick to one viewpoint throughout the essay.
• Use a single main idea to support the topic in each of the two body paragraphs.
• Try to express your opinion throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
• The introduction of it must be short with a maximum of 50 words.
• Each of the body paragraphs must explain the main idea that you opted for. 
• Stick to two body paragraphs and they can be around 100 words each. 
• Keep the word count of your entire essay more than 250 words and less than 280 words. 
• Check the essay to avoid IELTS Grammar and spelling errors which can affect your score.

Question

Structure Breakdown

Band 8 Sample Answer for Secondary School Children Should Study International News  of Dealing With the Poor - IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

There are divergent opinions regarding whether secondary school children should dedicate time to studying international news. Proponents argue that exposing students to global affairs fosters critical thinking skills and awareness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Conversely, opponents contend that such pursuits detract from more essential subjects and fail to directly contribute to academic success.

Advocates for incorporating international news into the curriculum emphasize its educational benefits. They assert that understanding current events on a global scale cultivates informed citizens who can actively participate in society. For instance, learning about geopolitical conflicts or economic trends provides context for historical events and fosters empathy towards people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure can inspire students to engage with complex issues and develop a broader perspective, essential for navigating an interconnected world.

However, detractors argue that the limited time in school should be dedicated to core subjects that directly impact academic achievement. They posit that while awareness of international events may be beneficial, it is secondary to mastering foundational skills like mathematics and language arts. Moreover, they raise concerns about the potential bias in reporting and the overwhelming nature of global news, which may confuse or distress young learners.

In my view, integrating international news into the curriculum offers significant educational value. Exposure to diverse perspectives and global issues enhances students’ critical thinking skills and fosters a sense of global citizenship. While it may require careful planning to ensure alignment with academic goals, the benefits of cultivating informed and engaged citizens outweigh the perceived drawbacks.

Band 9 Sample Answer for Secondary School Children Should Study International News  of Dealing With the Poor - IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

The importance of global media seems to increase every year, so much so to the point of introducing news channels into the classrooms. I believe this to be dangerous and potentially damaging due to the nature of the media.

Firstly, considering the importance of education in modern society, it is extremely worrisome and dangerous to consider substituting school subjects with international news. This is because there is no correct, balanced, unbiased news source. For example if a child spent their school days watching FOX NEWS, they would potentially have a skewed opinion of the world due to its unabashed right wing credentials. Therefore, changing a child’s information diet from traditional subjects such as music or geography to watching a potentially partisan news channel is an extremely risky idea.

Secondly, if international news were to become a new subject it could have a detrimental emotional impact on young minds. In general the majority of news is negative, hence the expression ‘if it bleeds it leads’. For example, studies by the EFE News Agency show that 85% of headlines are negative in nature, usually referring to natural disasters, war, famine, etc. The logic of having these types of stories beamed into a school, to those of an impressionable age has to be challenged.

Although a majority of people see it as an exposure to international standards for students, it is going to be nothing but a deterrent in a positive growth.

To conclude, due to the risk from political influences, and the harsh reality of global news, I am strongly in favour of maintaining the current curriculum.

Vocabulary to Use in the ‘Secondary School Children Should Study International News  of Dealing With the Poor’ - IELTS Writing Task 2

Following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the Opinion Essay: Secondary School Children Should Study International News.

• Proponents: Supporters or advocates of an idea or cause.

Example: The proponents of the new policy argue that it will benefit the economy in the long run.

• Cultivates: Develops or encourages the growth of something.

Example: Reading diverse literature cultivates empathy and understanding towards different cultures.

• Detractors: People who criticize or oppose something

Example: Despite the success of the project, there were detractors who doubted its long-term viability.

• Foundational: Forming the basis or groundwork of something.

Example: Learning basic arithmetic skills is foundational to understanding more complex mathematical concepts.

• Bias: Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

Example: The journalist’s article was criticized for its blatant bias towards a particular political party.

• Overwhelming: Very intense or strong; overpowering.

Example: The amount of homework given to students can be overwhelming and lead to stress.

• Alignment: Arrangement in a straight line or in correct relative positions.

Example: The project’s success was attributed to the team’s alignment with the company’s goals.

• Perceived: Recognized or considered as something.

Example: There is a perceived lack of transparency in the government’s decision-making process.

• Engaged: Involved or actively participating in something.

Example: The students were highly engaged in the class discussion about environmental sustainability.

In this essay, we have explored a sample answer on the topic, ‘Secondary School Children Should Study International News’ highlighting the causes and potential solutions. Along with these answers, we have also introduced useful vocabulary that will help in expressing ideas more effectively in your IELTS writing. 

By understanding the key factors, implementing the right solutions, and using appropriate vocabulary, you can improve your IELTS writing skills and tackle similar topics with confidence.

Also check: 

• IELTS writing practice test
• Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS map vocabulary