Essay 64 – Mathematics and philosophy ought to be optional or compulsory

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 64

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that because some children find some subjects such as mathematics and philosophy difficult they ought to be optional instead of compulsory.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer: [Disagreement]

There is a growing debate as to whether some courses such as mathematics and philosophy should be optional in lieu of mandatory since many young learners find these subjects strenuous. In the case, I put forward the view that these subjects ought to be obligatory.

To commence with, there are myriad reasons in favour of mathematics to be compulsory in preliminary education. The most prominent one is problem-solving skills set. Mathematics teaches how to think critically and logically about a situation; which in turn hones children’s competencies such as analytical ability, reasoning, problem-solving ability, creativity and even effective communication skills to mention but a few. Apart from it, these skills set underpin the study of other subjects. That is to say that mathematical procedures and notions are used to solve the problems in physics, geography, economics, computer science, accounting to name but a few. For instance, the knowledge of complex number is essential used to clarify many concepts in Electronics. Therefore, mathematics is the language of science.

Likewise, philosophy is of profound importance for young learners. The word stems from Greek words meaning love of wisdom. Philosophy uses the lens of reason and logic to analyze the approach in which we experience the world. Therefore, introducing philosophy to pupils at a young age provides them with a great opening to cultivate their sense of astonishment. Accordingly, it helps develop children’s’ ability to ponder on big question and think independently. A growing number of researches has discovered that children who participate in philosophy class once a week considerably boost their literacy and math skills.

In conclusion, mathematics and philosophy inculcate in children the attitude of reason, logic, curiosity, and so forth. Therefore, these subjects ought to be introduced into the preliminary curriculum.