ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuan Phi, December 22, 2024
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, December 23, 2024
Question: Some people think young people should be required to have full-time education until they are at least 18 years old. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
(IELTS Academic – December 21, 2024)
ANSWER (8.0+):
It is sometimes asserted that full-time education should be made mandatory for individuals under the age of 18. I largely agree with this assertion, given the acquisition of essential qualifications and social skills, although I acknowledge that some individuals may face personal challenges .
The primary rationale for supporting mandatory education is the importance of academic qualifications. These credentials are prerequisites not only for pursuing higher education but also for securing employment opportunities . For instance, in Vietnam, only full-time high school graduates are eligible to take university entrance exams or apply for even entry-level jobs, such as textile work. Consequently, those who fail to complete their education often face significant difficulties in achieving professional and personal growth .
Another reason why I believe people under 18 should be forced to study full-time relates to the development of crucial interpersonal skills. In many schools, students are provided with opportunities to participate in team projects, in which they are to interact with others to discover issues and discuss possible solutions for project completion. These capabilities, in turn, can allow them to navigate through life challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
However, I recognize the challenges some individuals may encounter when pursuing full-time education. For example, it is not uncommon for young people to work to support themselves or their families due to financial hardships . If they were to attend all mandatory lessons, it could exacerbate their financial struggles and place additional stress on their already challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, I mostly support the idea of making full-time schooling mandatory for people under 18, as it equips them with vital qualifications and skills for future success despite the possibility of financial struggles. In my opinion, governments should provide grants or other forms of financial assistance to ensure that all students can complete their education without undue hardships .
(Word count: 302)
WORD LIST
| ENGLISH | VIETNAMESE |
| Acquisition of essential qualifications | Attainment of the necessary qualifications |
| Personal challenges | Personal challenges |
| Compulsory education | Compulsory education |
| Credentials | Degree or certificate |
| Securing employment opportunities | Ensure employment opportunities |
| Professional and personal growth | Career and personal development |
| Navigate through life challenges | Overcoming challenges in life |
| Financial hardships | Financial difficulties |
| Place additional stress | Add pressure |
| Grants | Emergency aid |
| Undue hardship | Unnecessary difficulty |
