It Is A Waste Of Time For High School Students To Study Literature

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write at least 250 words.

Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems

To what extent do you agree or disagree?


Sample Answer:

It is often argued that literature, such as novels and poems, is a waste of time in high school classrooms. While I do recognise the benefits of focusing on other subjects, I strongly disagree with this view. I will outline my reasons for this in the following essay.

First of all, studying literature can help students to develop their analytical skills and critical thinking. To understand a novel or poem, students must be able to examine the text in order to draw conclusions and make interpretations. This encourages them to form opinions and consider the implications of the text, two skills which are invaluable for higher education. Additionally, it can help to improve their writing, as they learn to express their ideas more effectively and fluently.

Furthermore, literature can be used to open up a dialogue about important issues. Students are encouraged to recognise the themes and ideas expressed in a text and to consider their relevance to their own lives. This can be a great way to introduce them to a range of topics, such as gender roles, social justice and environmental issues. Through literature, students can learn to think more deeply and discuss issues in a more informed manner.

Finally, literature can be a great way to develop a student’s creativity. By exploring the ideas and characters in a novel or poem, they can learn to think more imaginatively and develop their own stories. This can be a great way to explore different writing styles and to express their own ideas in a unique way.

In conclusion, I believe that literature should remain an important part of any high school curriculum. It can help to develop important skills, open up a dialogue about important issues and foster creativity. For these reasons, I would strongly argue that it should not be seen as a waste of time.