Many people feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account.

To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Vocabulary:

1. Practical skills (noun) - abilities that are useful for daily life, particularly for performing tasks that require a certain level of manual dexterity or specialized knowledge.

Example: In addition to academic subjects, schools should also emphasize practical skills such as cooking and gardening.

2. Vocational training (noun) - a form of education that focuses on teaching practical skills required for a particular profession or trade.

Example: Some high schools offer vocational training programs in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, and auto mechanics.

3. Life skills (noun) - abilities that are essential for coping with the challenges of everyday life, such as communication, problem-solving, and time management.

Example: It is important for schools to teach life skills such as financial management and decision-making.

4. Entrepreneurship (noun) - the activity of starting a business venture and assuming financial risks in the hope of making a profit.

Example: Schools can promote entrepreneurship by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to start and run a successful business.

5. Critical thinking (noun) - the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information in a logical and objective manner.

Example: Critical thinking skills are essential for making informed decisions and solving complex problems.

6. Digital literacy (noun) - the ability to effectively use technology for communication, information retrieval, and problem-solving.

Example: In today's digital age, it is important for students to develop strong digital literacy skills.

7. Financial literacy (noun) - the ability to understand and manage one's personal finances, including budgeting, investing, and debt management.

Example: Schools can teach financial literacy skills to help students make informed decisions about their money.

8. Practicality (noun) - the quality of being useful or effective in real-life situations.

Example: Learning practical skills such as car maintenance and home repairs can be very practical for students.

9. Problem-solving (noun) - the ability to find solutions to difficult or complex issues.

Example: Teaching problem-solving skills can help students navigate challenges and overcome obstacles in their lives.

10. Resourcefulness (noun) - the ability to find creative solutions to problems by making the most of available resources.

Example: Resourcefulness is an important skill for students to learn, as it can help them find ways to overcome challenges with limited resources.

Ideas:

1. Agree: Students need practical skills for everyday life. Learning practical skills such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account can be extremely useful for students in their daily lives. These skills can help them save money, solve problems, and become more self-sufficient. For example, knowing how to change a flat tire or fix a leaky faucet can save students money on repairs, while learning to manage a bank account can help them make informed financial decisions.

2. Agree: Practical skills can help students prepare for their future careers. Many careers require practical skills, and learning these skills in school can give students a head start in their future careers. For example, if a student wants to become a carpenter, learning woodworking skills in school can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in that profession.

3. Disagree: Schools should focus on academic subjects. Some people argue that schools should focus on academic subjects such as math, science, and English, rather than practical skills. They argue that students need a strong foundation in these subjects to succeed in college and in their careers. However, this argument ignores the fact that practical skills can also be important for success in life and in certain careers.

4. Disagree: Practical skills are better learned outside of school. Some people argue that practical skills are better learned outside of school, through apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training. While it's true that hands-on experience can be valuable for learning practical skills, schools can also provide a structured environment for students to learn these skills and practice them in a safe and supportive setting.

5. Agree: Practical skills can help students develop important life skills. Learning practical skills such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account can also help students develop important life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. For example, learning to fix a broken piece of furniture requires problem-solving skills, while managing a bank account requires critical thinking and communication skills.

6. Agree: Practical skills can help students become more self-sufficient. Learning practical skills can also help students become more self-sufficient and independent. This can be especially important for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or who may not have access to resources such as a car mechanic or a handyman. For example, if a student learns how to change the oil in their car, they may be less reliant on others for car maintenance and repairs.

Sample answer 1:

In contemporary society, the debate around the relevance of practical skills in schools has gained momentum. Some people believe that schools should prioritize teaching practical skills such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account, arguing that these skills are essential for everyday life and can help students become more self-sufficient. However, others believe that schools should focus solely on academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and English, as these subjects are considered more critical for academic and career success. In this essay, I will examine the arguments for and against teaching practical skills in schools and provide my perspective on the matter.

On one hand, there is a compelling argument in favor of teaching practical skills in schools. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that learning practical skills can help students become more self-sufficient and less reliant on others. For example, knowing how to change a tire or fix a broken faucet can save students money on repairs and make them more self-reliant. Additionally, teaching practical skills such as managing a bank account can help students make informed financial decisions and avoid financial problems later in life.

Moreover, practical skills can also help students prepare for their future careers. Many professions require practical skills, and learning these skills in school can give students a head start in their future careers. For example, if a student wants to become an electrician, learning electrical skills in school can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in that profession.

On the other hand, some people argue that schools should prioritize academic subjects over practical skills. They claim that students need a strong foundation in academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and English to succeed in college and in their careers. However, this argument overlooks the importance of practical skills in everyday life and certain professions. Furthermore, practical skills can also help students develop important life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.

In conclusion, while academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and English are undoubtedly important, I believe that practical skills are equally important for students to learn in school. Teaching practical skills such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account can help students become more self-sufficient, better prepare them for their future careers, and develop important life skills. As such, I believe that schools should strike a balance between teaching academic subjects and practical skills, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all areas of their lives.

Sample answer 2:

There is a prevailing sentiment among the populace that it is incumbent upon schools to impart practical skills, including but not limited to car maintenance, furniture repair, and financial management, to their students. It is my unequivocal belief that practical skills are just as important as academic subjects in today's educational system. The notion that students should only focus on subjects such as mathematics, science, and English disregards the importance of practical skills in everyday life and certain professions. In this essay, I shall expound on the arguments for and against teaching practical skills in schools, while elucidating my own stance on the matter.

Advocates of practical skills contend that they are crucial for students to become self-sufficient and less reliant on others. Mastery of skills such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account can save students money on repairs and help them make informed financial decisions, thereby inculcating the vital life skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Additionally, such practical skills are valuable to individuals intending to pursue careers in fields that require them, such as electricians or mechanics.

On the other hand, proponents of the academic-centric approach argue that a strong foundation in academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and English is indispensable for students to succeed in college and the workplace. However, this argument neglects the importance of practical skills and the need for students to acquire them to meet the demands of daily life and certain professions.

In conclusion, to dismiss the relevance of practical skills in schools is an egregious oversight. An education that equally emphasizes academic subjects and practical skills would be more well-rounded and provide students with the essential skills needed to succeed in all areas of their lives. As such, schools should strike a balance between teaching academic subjects and practical skills to produce students who are more self-reliant, better equipped for their future careers, and adept at tackling challenges in their everyday lives.