Task 2 · · 18 samples

There is a lot of pressure on young people today to succeed academically. As a result, some people believe that non-academic subjects, such as physical education and cookery, should be removed from the school syllabus so that children can concentrate on academic work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Physical education can support students’ health and give them a way to manage the stress of academic demands.
  • Cookery teaches practical independence and helps students make informed choices about food.
  • Limited school time supports careful curriculum planning, but does not necessarily justify removing non-academic subjects altogether.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the pressure to succeed academically and state clearly whether you agree with removing non-academic subjects.
  2. Explain one benefit of physical education and connect it to students’ wellbeing or development.
  3. Explain one practical benefit of cookery and why it matters beyond the classroom.
  4. Acknowledge limited teaching time and propose balancing subjects instead of eliminating them.
  5. Restate your position and briefly summarise why a broad curriculum is valuable.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a balanced curriculum
A programme of study that includes different kinds of subjects rather than focusing on only one area.

A balanced curriculum can give students time to develop academic knowledge and practical skills.

manage academic stress
Deal with pressure arising from schoolwork or academic expectations.

Physical activity may help young people manage academic stress.

practical skills
Useful abilities that can be applied to everyday tasks and responsibilities.

Cookery lessons help pupils develop practical skills they can use at home.

allocate teaching time
Decide how available classroom time is divided among subjects or activities.

Schools can allocate teaching time carefully without removing non-academic subjects.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

291 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of young individuals. It is often the case that career aspirations are determined during the early years of schooling, with some aspiring to pursue scientific professions while others aim for careers in sports. Nevertheless, there is a prevailing belief that non-academic subjects should be excluded from the syllabus altogether. I disagree with this propos…

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AI-completed learning example

332 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, education of young students has become a topic of crucial importance for communities around the world. Parents and professors discuss about what should be included in a comprehensive school program for young generations to be successful in their future. Many people in modern societies believe that academic subjects should be the foremost priority of schools. However, I do not believe that this priority requ…

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AI-completed learning example

344 words · Illustrative target band

It is argued that outdoor activities should be removed from schools so that the students to focus more on their studies. This essay strongly disagrees with this, because outdoor activities not only play a vital role in keeping them physically and mentally healthy but also help to strengthen their problem-solving abilities. To begin, physical education gives pupils regular opportunities to move and cooperate, rather t…

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