WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge.
Write about the following topic:
The best way to help underachieving pupils is to have compulsory after-school activities which they must attend. This way they will become more involved in school and their grades will improve. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
As a professional, I understand the importance of addressing underachievement in pupils, but I believe that compulsory after-school activities may not be the most effective solution. While it is true that providing additional support and engagement opportunities for underachieving students is crucial, forcing them to attend after-school activities may not yield the desired results.
Firstly, it is important to recognize that students have diverse needs and circumstances outside of school. Some may have family responsibilities, part-time jobs, or other commitments that make it difficult for them to attend compulsory after-school activities. By imposing such a requirement, we risk adding to their stress and burden, which could have a negative impact on their overall well-being and academic performance.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of after-school activities in improving academic performance is not guaranteed. While some students may benefit from the additional support and structure provided by these activities, others may feel resentful and unmotivated, leading to minimal or no improvement in their grades. It is crucial to consider the individual needs and preferences of students, rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Instead of making after-school activities compulsory, I believe that a more effective approach would be to offer a variety of voluntary activities that cater to the diverse interests and learning styles of students. By providing a range of options, such as tutoring, sports, arts, and clubs, students can choose activities that resonate with them and align with their strengths and passions. This voluntary approach can foster a sense of autonomy and ownership in students, leading to greater engagement and motivation to succeed academically.
In addition, it is essential to address the underlying factors contributing to underachievement, such as learning difficulties, socio-economic barriers, or lack of support at home. By providing targeted interventions and personalized support, we can better equip underachieving students to overcome their challenges and thrive academically.
In conclusion, while the intention to support underachieving pupils is commendable, I believe that compulsory after-school activities may not be the most effective strategy. Instead, a voluntary and personalized approach, coupled with targeted interventions and support, can better address the diverse needs of underachieving students and facilitate their academic improvement.
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