Many Think That Religion Should be Taught in Schools - IELTS writing task 2 essay topics

Many Think That Religion Should be Taught in Schools discuss both views and essays related to the IELTS Writing Task 2 is given here. You have to read the topic, discuss both views and give your opinion. This article discusses 4 options for different bands to help you practice and enhance your writing and band score.

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Many think that religion should be taught in schools, while others think it should be avoided. Discuss both sides and give your opinion

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Sample Answer 1 Band 8 - Many think that religion should be taught in schools, while others think it should be avoided. Discuss both sides and give your opinion

Incorporating religious literacy as part of studies starting as early as  schooling has always been a debatable topic. While some argue that it could result in conflicts and have a risk of turning out to be controversial among parents and the school community, many believe that it could help in fostering cultural understanding of various religions and their traditions in students' minds who in turn will learn to appreciate the difference in beliefs of their peer group.

Careful planning which includes appropriate training and support for educators and  setting proper ground rules to students during the classroom interaction about religious topics is very important. Interactions in such a pre-set environment would help in development of a sense of community within the classroom.Additionally it would also promote empathy and mutual respect between the students.

This would not only help in the moral and ethical development of students but also encourages critical thinking as the students study and  learn to analyze various religious perspectives. This also contributes in mitigating the stereotyped ideas like discrimination and cultivates cross cultural collaboration and social cohesion. In such cases , School becomes a center of well rounded education,  where every student makes a meaningful discussion about various religious concepts and learns from one another without being judgemental.

To sum up , when the instructions given to the students are neutral and legally compliant , the learning environment becomes inclusive and students from all religious backgrounds feel being treated the same. Students who pass out from such an enriched learning experience would develop a harmonious community and contribute to a positive social change.

(264 words)

Model Sample Answer 2 Band 7.5 - Many think that religion should be taught in schools, while others think it should be avoided. Discuss both sides and give your opinion

In the current era of digital revolution, topics that are often considered as off-limits have been easily broken by the current generation by their intellectual rigour. One such thing is engaging talks about religion at school level. This is mostly ignored considering various reasons like students- parents discomfort , legal issues,  loss of focus in primary concepts of education etc.  But these risks can be mitigated by following respectful approaches and promoting healthy discourse about all religions without endorsing any specific one.

Many educational institutions are seen incorporating religions into their curricula to gear up the students with the right knowledge to enable them easily navigate through the current versatile global landscape. Including religious literature within the educational framework motivates the critical thinking about  the dimensions of various religions traditions in the younger minds and  enables them to show mutual respect to individuals from diverse background.This pedagogical approach also lays a strong foundation to cultivate requisite skills , nuanced understanding and explore inter religion faiths.

Additionally having religion as part of the academics would help in driving off the stereotyped ideologies and promoting peaceful cohesive society fostering social harmony and resilience. 
This also encourages the students to self examine their own beliefs , preconceived notions or misconceptions that they hold. Self examination would in turn result in correction and refinement of their understanding. In such situations educators have to provide a crucial role in providing guidance and reinforcing the right approach towards religious knowledge.

By empowering emerging  intellects , infusing religious stewardship encompassing ethical responsibility and cultural awareness , schools would in turn serve as incubators of global citizens who would uphold the integrity of various religions and promote peace on global scale.

(279 words)

Model Sample Answer 3 Band 7 - Many think that religion should be taught in schools, while others think it should be avoided. Discuss both sides and give your opinion

Integration of ideologies from different religions with the existing curriculum in the school is helpful for the young generation to face the current society that has emerging religious extremism. On the other hand, discussing religion in school requires strategic planning like encouraging non biassed discussion,  being ready to address the parents, safe handling of sensitive topics etc., to avoid any controversy and risk. During the discussion, when the sensitive topics are handled with utmost care students gain a better understanding and balanced perspectives.

Discussing religion in school has its own risks too. With the increased cultural diversity and multifaceted global development, students are being exposed to a lot of religious beliefs that are lined up. Students need to be open minded to accept the pros and cons discussed about a religion. They should also have patience to accept the things that need to be changed and embrace other religions too. 

On the contrary, religious literacy at school has to be considered a most important concept in the current trend, which enables the student to thrive in a culturally interconnected world. When students have a constructive discussion about various faiths, practices and beliefs in different religions, they get tolerant and get acceptance to build an inclusive environment around them.

To sum up, inclusion of religious literacy at the school level has its own pros and cons. However, handling the situation proactively by setting boundaries, engaging productive talks between the students etc would dilute the intensity of the topic rather students would learn ethical principles and moral values. They would contribute positively to the society by bridging various  religions and  creating an atmosphere that is equitable for all future generations irrespective of where they come from.

(284 words)

Model Sample Answer 4 Band 6.5 - Many think that religion should be taught in schools, while others think it should be avoided. Discuss both sides and give your opinion

Any kind of interaction about religion specific content is most of the time considered a taboo topic for discussion. Mainly because it deeply takes into account personal beliefs/ convictions which vary from person to person. Including such a sensitive topic as part of the curriculum at school could backfire if not handled carefully. Parents of the school students mostly have strong emotional connection to their own beliefs and In such circumstances interaction about religions could lead to disagreements or conflicts among school teachers, parents and students . 

However, it's also vital for students to have a respectful and open-minded conversation about various religions.  It would promote understanding and helping not only in bringing together people of different faiths but also creating empathy towards each other...

Schools help to create a strong foundation for every learning.  Talking about various religions at the school level fosters an understanding of cultural variance and inculcates a habit of respecting children from diverse religions. Having said this, it is also essential for the tutor to carry out the whole discussion in a balanced way aligning with the educational standards.

In today's world, where people across different religions work together, this kind of religious literacy at the school level helps in promoting coexistence. When school approaches this kind of topic it has to be done with high sensitivity, remembering to provide education about all religions and their history in a more inclusive way , also making sure none of the religions is given more emphasis than the others. The legal guidelines have to be followed while carrying out such discussion,  enabling respect to each and everyone's perspective and discouraging any kind of discriminatory talk.

To conclude, including religious literacy in curriculum, by infusing the principles in student's minds organically helps in preparing the children to live in a culturally interconnected world.

(300 words)

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