GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 6
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [View: Supporting co-educational/mixed-sex school system.]
Opinions are split among many when it comes to whether boys and girls get benefits from being taught together or not. Many people prefer single-gender schools, while others argue that mixed schools bring more benefits. However, I incline to view that co-educational schools are the way forward.
Advocates of single-sex schools believe that boys and girls have different attitudes towards learning and teachers can employ particular techniques designed specially to match the gender. For instance, studies reveal that boys learn better when the classroom temperature is cool, while girls perform better in warm classrooms. So, the temperature in a single-gender classroom could be set to suit the different needs of male or female students. In addition, when students are not distracted by their opposite sex, they often find it easier to focus on academics. This means that students participate actively in classes where everybody is the same sex.
On the other hand, the proponents of mixed schools argue that co-ed schools prepare their students better for their future careers. That is to say that when boys and girls are taught in the classroom, they can develop teamwork skills with the opposite sex. This is an opportunity that completely lacks in single-gender classrooms. This opportunity is of paramount importance because it mirrors the real world. Moreover, mixed schools provide the chance to understand and communicate with the opposite sex. Boys and girls have different perspectives and in a mixed school, they manage to learn from each other.
In conclusion, the prime objective of education is to prepare students for future life. In co-educational schools, girls and boys learn from each other and can see the world in a different light from different perspectives. Mixed schools, thus, inculcate certain values and principles that are useful for their future.
Sample Answer 2: [View: Supporting separate/single-sex school system.]
Whether a single-sex or a uni-sex school is more advantageous and yields better results are open for debate. Single-sex schools are preferred by many since they believe that it ensures a better environment for education while the proponents of coeducation argue that boys and girls should be taught together for healthy competition and better mutual understanding. Personally, I prefer the single-sex school method.
The advocates of the mixed-education system often point out that when boys and girls study in the same school, they grow a mutual understanding. As a result, it ensures a wholesome work environment in the future. Moreover, this education system encourages positive competition and helps students excel not only in their studies but also in other important areas. For instance, when boys and girls are assigned to a project, they tend to learn how to work together. Reversely, they often compete to show their supremacy and thus excel in education and learning. But this is not the whole picture.
As a female, and as a student in both coeducational and separate schools, I must outline that I felt more comfortable being with girls than boys. In a perfect world, mixed-sex schools may produce far-reaching benefits, but not in a world where we are often shattered by the harsh reality. Single-sex schools have less violence, sexual discrimination and abuse. Bringing very young boys and girls together in schools has consequences that often lead to social degradation.
To conclude, despite some advantages, coeducation has severe problems. From my experience, I can say that a separate educational system is healthy, free of discrimination and abuse. I hope that parents would be very thoughtful before deciding to send their children to a particular school type.
Model Answer 3: [View: Boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools]
While some people support single-sex schools as they think it brings better results, others are in favour of mixed-gender schools. Personally, I believe that both genders benefit more from attending mixed schools. This essay will explore the arguments supporting both perspectives and present reasons why mixed schools provide a more conducive learning environment for students.
Supporters of separate schools argue that gender-segregated education allows for tailored teaching methods that cater to the specific learning needs of boys and girls. They claim that separating the genders eliminates distractions and allows teachers to focus on gender-specific teaching strategies. For instance, proponents suggest that boys may excel in more competitive and physical activities, while girls may benefit from a nurturing and collaborative learning environment.
Conversely, attending mixed schools provides numerous advantages for both boys and girls. First and foremost, mixed schools mirror the real-world setting, where individuals interact and collaborate with people of different genders. This fosters the development of social skills, empathy, and mutual respect, essential qualities for success in personal and professional relationships. For instance, in a mixed school, boys and girls have opportunities to work together on group projects, promoting teamwork and understanding.
I believe that mixed schools promote a diverse and inclusive learning environment, fostering the exchange of different perspectives and ideas. Besides, students learn to appreciate and respect different opinions, preparing them for the multicultural society they will encounter outside the educational setting.
In conclusion, while some argue for the merits of separate schools in terms of tailored teaching methods, I strongly believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. Mixed schools provide a realistic and inclusive setting that mirrors the real world, enabling students to develop social skills and learn from diverse perspectives.