It is a waste of time for high school students to study literature such as novels and poems

You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.

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?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1

In the present scenario, many people think that learning literature should not be an essential part of the high school curriculum. However, in my opinion, literature still serves a significant purpose. I will be explaining this in the forthcoming paragraphs.

The ones supporting this thought believe that other subjects should get more attention. There is no denying the fact that in the 21st century, the most important subjects for students’ future careers are related to the sciences, such as engineering and computer science, or the practical humanities, like a business. By choosing the trending subject, students can start early to beat the competition and grab a well-paying job, just after completing high school or college. In contrast, the novels and poems that students read in high school are usually completely forgotten within a few years and don’t teach any practical skills to help them earn well in the real world.

Despite this, the literature contains many important and fundamental truths about the human condition. Life is way more about a secure job and a high-paying career. This can be proved right from the fact that authors handle the philosophical and psychological side of life. For instance, the exploration of man’s search for meaning is related to everybody and cannot be replaced with an established career. Also, the way writers develop their writing helps impart the importance of artistic expressions among readers. In addition to this, it also helps readers experience a different world in comparison to the materialistic world that they are used to.

While those who don’t support the importance of novels might be claiming the same with a full-proof logic, irrespective of the argument, literature offers a different sense to the young mind, which further opens the doors to creativity and imagination.

In conclusion, the benefits of studying practical subjects don’t outweigh the deeper values of literature. It is therefore advisable that literature should be emphasised and taught in high school classrooms.

Structure of the essay

You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,

• Do you agree that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels or poems?

(or)

• Do you disagree with the fact that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels or poems?

Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.

Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.

Question Paraphrased – In the present scenario, many people claim that learning literature should no longer be an essential part of the high school curriculum.

Opinion – In my opinion, literature still serves a significant purpose.

A thesis statement – I will be explaining this in the forthcoming paragraphs.

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic: Most important subjects are related to science

Supporting points:

• Other subjects get more attention
• Students choose trending subjects to secure a well-paying job
• Novels and poems are usually forgotten as don’t teach practical skills

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic: Literature contains important truths about humans

Supporting points:

• Life is more than acquiring a career
• Great authors deal with the philosophical and psychological side of life
• Exploration of issues is relevant to everyone

Conclusion:

Reiterated that the benefits of studying practical subjects don’t outweigh the deeper values of literature and support the side taken in the introduction.

Sample Answer 2

Some people believe that it is a waste of time for students to study literature in high school. Personally, I couldn’t disagree more with this opinion.

Firstly, there is a range of benefits for high school students who study literature. Studying novels can give students a deeper insight into the history and culture of a particular place or time. For example, although the storyline in many novels may be fictional, the reader can still gain a good sense of the culture and customs of certain places and periods of time, and this is usually a much more entertaining way of understanding history compared to reading regular history books. Secondly, studying literature helps students to learn more about language, which increases their ability to express themselves and communicate with others. This is particularly important these days as the use of the internet and social media has had a myriad of negative impacts on people’s communication skills.

Furthermore, literature is a form of art, and it cannot be argued that the world needs artists to make it a better place to live. Without art, the world would be a ghastly, boring place. I believe that literature should be considered an important part of any high school curriculum as it helps to stimulate students’ artistic intelligence and provides them with a break from the monotony of logic-based subjects such as math and science. All subjects play an important role in the development of students, and literature is no exception. These days, there seems to be too much attention given to the importance of science and math-based subjects, as they are what many people believe drives a country’s economy, however, I believe that art and culture should be considered as important as the economy.

In conclusion, not only does literature hold an important place within a high school’s curriculum, but also within society itself, and therefore I believe it should be held in high regard.

Vocab Highlight

• to gain a good sense of something
• to increase an ability to express oneself
• a myriad of negative impacts
• to stimulate students’ artistic intelligence
• a break from the monotony
• logic-based subjects
• too much attention given to something
• something is no exception
• to drive a country’s economy
• to hold an important place
• to hold in high regard

Sample Answer 3

 I. Introduction:

– Paraphrase: As increasing attention is being directed towards education, an argument arises as to whether learning literature, namely novels and poems, is truly rewarding for high school students.

– Topic sentence: In my opinion, the teaching of literature in high school carries benefits as well as drawbacks, and whether it is worthwhile for students depends largely on the methods of delivery.

 II. Body:

 1. Paragraph 1: Learning literature the right way could do wonders for high school students in terms of developing their knowledge, analytical skills and writing ability.

 It is worth noting that the literary works of each historical era are set to reflect their respective reality. For example, “The Great Gatsby” gives its readers invaluable insights into 20th-century America. Therefore, students could actively gain historical knowledge by learning literature from the past.

 Moreover, when learners are required to analyze literary pieces on their own, they have to employ their analytical mind and thus sharpen it. Students would also grow their empathy and sensitivity for they have to pick up the author’s subtle cues in works of poetry.

 Finally, there is no better way of learning to write than reading. By analyzing literary devices and prose in the greatest works of literature, students advance in their own writing. In today’s times, being able to write well is crucial.

 2. Paragraph 2: Nevertheless, the teaching of literature could do more harm than good if students are not allowed to critically analyze the pieces in their own ways.

Unfortunately, this phenomenon is fairly common. In many institutions, students are required to conform themselves to textbook analysis and are unable to explore the works actively.

 Although the literature is supposed to mean differently to different people, students who diverge might receive a penalty of bad grades and the label of misunderstanding the piece.

 As high school students typically have high egos and are impressionable, this practice might put them off literature for life and build resentment in the classroom.

 III. Conclusion

– Restate your points

– Consideration: Ultimately, it is up to educational institutions to adopt the best teaching methods when it comes to literature for high schoolers.

Sample Answer 4

Although some might think that high school students should focus more on other subjects but literature, I strongly disagree that students should stop studying novels and poems.

The first reason why students should continue learning about literature is that they can improve their communication skills. For example, students can expand their vocabulary, learn new ways of expressing themselves, and know how to put forth a logical argument. Many great writers have confirmed that the secret to better writing is via extensive pursuing. Learning about literature also helps with verbal communication, as students can pick up slang from a novel to use in real life. Also, there are many characters in famous Vietnamese works used to refer to certain qualities, such as using Hoan Thu to represent a jealous person.

The second reason students should learn more about literature is that students can learn a lot about Vietnamese culture. Because literature reflects peoples’ lives in a certain region during a certain period, much is revealed through studying novels and poems. For example, students can learn what lives were like from reading Chi Pheo, a famous short story. They can imagine what philosophy the villagers were practicing and what they did for a living. Moreover, students can interpret how much influence other cultures have on Vietnam through reading. An example of this is by examining the language used in literature to see where those words originate.

In conclusion, there are multiple reasons why literature should be a big part of the curriculum. I strongly disagree with the opinion that learning literature is a waste of time.

Sample Answer 5

Many today claim that learning about literature should no longer be a key component of the high school curriculum. In my opinion, there are practical reasons for this sentiment but literature still serves a purpose.

Proponents of this reform argue other subjects deserve prioritisation. There is little doubt that in the 21st century, the most important subjects for students’ future careers relate to the sciences, such as engineering and computer science, or the practical humanities, like business. The earlier that students begin specialising, the more likely they are to have a head start on the competition and secure a well-paying job immediately after graduating high school or university. In contrast, the novels and poems that students read in high school are usually completely forgotten within a few years and do not teach any tangible skills that will help them advance in the real world.

Nonetheless, literature contains many of the most important and fundamental truths about the human condition. Life is about more than a career and great authors tackle the most fundamental philosophical and psychological questions. For example, the masters of 19th century Russian literature, including Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, are primarily concerned with human psychology and how this fits into a larger context of man’s search for meaning. Their exploration of these issues is relevant to everyone and cannot be replaced with a steady career. Moreover, the way in which great writers develop their themes, the aesthetic quality of their writing itself, imparts to careful readers the importance of artistic expression and may help them see outside the narrow modern confines of accumulating the most material wealth.

In conclusion, the utilitarian benefits of studying practical subjects do not outweigh the deeper values of literature. It is therefore advisable that literature be emphasised in high school classrooms.

Analysis

1. Many today claim that learning about literature should no longer be a key component of the high school curriculum. 2. In my opinion, there are practical reasons for this sentiment but literature still serves a purpose.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion.

1. Proponents of this reform argue other subjects deserve prioritisation. 2. There is little doubt that in the 21st century, the most important subjects for students’ future careers relate to the sciences, such as engineering and computer science, or the practical humanities, like business. 3. The earlier that students begin specialising, the more likely they are to have a head start on the competition and secure a well-paying job immediately after graduating high school or university. 4. In contrast, the novels and poems that students read in high school are usually completely forgotten within a few years and do not teach any tangible skills that will help them advance in the real world.

1. Write a topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it specifically.
4. Use a counter-example to fully develop your main idea.

1. Nonetheless, literature contains many of the most important and fundamental truths about the human condition. 2. Life is about more than a career and great authors tackle the most fundamental philosophical and psychological questions. 3. For example, the masters of 19th century Russian literature, including Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, are primarily concerned with human psychology and how this fits into a larger context of man’s search for meaning. 4. Their exploration of these issues is relevant to everyone and cannot be replaced with a steady career. 5. Moreover, the way in which great writers develop their themes, the aesthetic quality of their writing itself, imparts to careful readers the importance of artistic expression and may help them see outside the narrow modern confines of accumulating the most material wealth.

1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Start a specific example.
4. Develop the example.
5. Develop it fully to finish the paragraph.

1. In conclusion, the utilitarian benefits of studying practical subjects do not outweigh the deeper values of literature. 2. It is therefore advisable that literature be emphasised in high school classrooms.

1. Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
2. Add a final thought.

Vocab Highlight

claim argue

no longer not anymore

key component crucial part

curriculum what you’re learning at school

practical reasons real justifications

sentiment feeling

serves a purpose has a reason

proponents supporters

reform change

deserve prioritisation warrants valuing highly

there is little doubt that it is clear that

21st century 2000 – 2100

relate to has to do with

sciences chemistry, math, biology, physics, etc.

engineering figuring out how things work

computer science learning about computers

practical humanities business and economics

business learning about money, economics

specialising focusing on one area

head start getting ahead

competition fighting

secure safe

well-paying making good money

immediately after right following that

in contrast however

completely forgotten not remembered

tangible skills concrete abilities

advance getting ahead

real world reality

fundamental truths important facts about life

human condition people living in the world

tackle deal with

fundamental philosophical basic relating to life and death

psychological questions issues about the human mind

masters the best at something

19th century Russian literature books from Russia in the 1900s

Tolstoy Leo Tolstoy, writer of War and Peace

Dostoevsky Fyodor Dostoevsky, writer of The Brothers Karamazov

primarily concerned mainly to do with

human psychology how people think

fits into relates to

larger context what it concerns

man’s search for meaning finding a purpose in life

exploration finding out about

relevant related to

replaced instead of

steady career good job

moreover also

the way in which how it is done

develop their themes explore their concerns

aesthetic quality beauty, art

imparts gives

careful readers conscientious

artistic expression self-expression

see outside the narrow modern confines expand their worldview

accumulating the most material wealth getting richer

utilitarian benefits get something real from it

outweigh more important than

deeper values very important

advisable should be done

emphasised focused on