IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
Education has long been a contentious topic, with debates raging over its purpose and value. People hold a range of opinions about whether education should be focused on helping individuals to become useful for society, or if it should help them to achieve their own ambitions. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument before concluding with a personal opinion.
On the one hand, it is thought that education should have a social purpose, and should help individuals to better serve their society. This means that the emphasis should be on teaching skills and knowledge that are relevant to the needs of the wider community. For example, in many countries, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals and teachers. If the education system was designed to address this issue, it could help to ensure that the right skills are developed to meet the needs of the population. Ultimately, this could lead to a more prosperous and harmonious society.
On the other hand, many people believe that the primary purpose of education should be to help individuals to realise their ambitions. By giving people the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their own goals, it could help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to make the most of their potential. This could lead to a more prosperous and equitable society, as everyone has the chance to improve their life prospects. Furthermore, as people strive to achieve their ambitions, they may contribute to society in a range of ways, from creating new businesses to participating in charitable activities.
In conclusion, both sides of the argument have merit, and there is no single answer to the debate about the purpose of education. In my opinion, education should strive to achieve a balance between helping individuals to become useful to society, and helping them to achieve their ambitions. By focusing on both these objectives, it could help to ensure that everyone has the skills and knowledge they need to live a fulfilling and productive life.