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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that students in single-sex schools perform better academically. Others, however, believe that mixed schools provide children with better social skills for adult life.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

Write at least 250 words. 

Model Answer 1: [In favour of mixed schooling system]

The effectiveness of single-sex schools in comparison to mixed-gender schools in terms of academic performance and social skills requires thorough analysis, and this essay attempts to do just that. However, in my opinion, while only boys or only girls schools may be beneficial for academic performance, co-education academies provide a more comprehensive approach to education by developing students' social skills, which are crucial for their personal and professional lives in the future.

On the one hand, advocates of single-sex schools argue that separating boys and girls in school can improve academic performance as teachers can tailor their teaching style to the specific learning styles of either gender. Additionally, it can reduce distractions and create a more focused learning environment. For example, a study conducted by the National Association for Single-Sex Public Education showed that girls in such institutes tend to perform better in maths and science subjects than their counterparts in mixed schools.

On the other hand, supporters of mixed schools argue that such institutions provide a more realistic setting for children to develop social skills, which are important for their future professional and personal lives. Interacting with students from different genders can improve communication, understanding, and respect, which are essential for successful personal relationships and careers. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Illinois found that students who attended mixed-sex schools had better communication skills and higher emotional intelligence.

In conclusion, while single-sex schools may have some advantages in terms of academic performance, co-education schools provide a more comprehensive educational experience by preparing children for real-world situations. Therefore, I believe that mixed-sex schools are more beneficial for children in terms of their social development and future success.

Model Answer 2: [In favour of mixed schooling system]

Some people affirm that students in male or female-only schools have better chances for academic achievements, whereas, many others point out that co-ed schools offer students better social skills for their future. This essay will discuss both these views, but I am in favour of a mixed-sex school.

According to some, single-sex schools have fewer distractions. This is because if a school has only boys or girls, students would not be distracted by members of the opposite sex; hence, they can focus on their education and academic performance. For instance, many boys' or girls-only schools in India perform better in board exams, which reflects the fact that single-sex schools do better when it comes to the performance of their learners.

On the contrary, it is asserted by many that students studying at mixed schools have more chances to communicate with members of the opposite sex and learn how to interact with the opposite gender at an early age; therefore, their social skills would certainly be fostered. Moreover, mixed schools give students opportunities to deal with conflicts with the opposite gender, which strengthens students’ problem-solving skills. For instance, when a boy has a conflict with a girl, both of them must learn how to cope. This lesson must be learned sooner or later; and as a result, students benefit more if they can learn it sooner. This has a lasting impact on them to gain better social skills for their adult life.

In my opinion, mixed schools provide students with a real-life scenario where both genders co-exist. Specifically, students can learn in an organic environment in which boys and girls must know how to interact with each other and thus facilitating their social skills for better future performance.

In conclusion, I would concede that combined schools certainly support students better and prepare learners to become more socially adept. Overall, I am convinced that students should go to mixed schools for better professional, social and adult life.

[Written and submitted by Sienna]

Sample Answer 3: [In favour of single-sex schooling system]

The debate over whether single-sex schooling is superior to a “co-educational” system has been rumbling on for decades. But, after analyzing the views and opinions from both sides in an objective manner, it would be fairly easy to conclude that the “single-sex” option is better, and this essay will try to explain why that is the case.

According to a group of people, the “co-ed” schooling system provides students with better social skills. After all, in such a system, boys and girls can learn to behave with each other from a very young age and grow together to be cooperative. Besides, the interaction between boys and girls isolates some of the “less desirable aspects” of both sexes. For instance, employees who are from mixed-education settings become better team members in an office than their single-sex school counterparts.

According to others, students in the single-sex education system feel much more relaxed than their “co-ed” counterparts. Such relaxed feelings are cultivated in the absence of a “desire” to impress or attract the opposite sex. In other words, students in such an environment are more true to themselves and have the freedom to behave as they please, and as such, they are more willing to take risks since there is no fear of failing in front of members of the opposite sex. As a result, the classrooms are more often dynamic, free, and bursting with ideas and conversation - all are hallmarks of a great education.

Besides, many studies and research suggest that boys and girls tend to learn different things differently. For example, girls are usually ahead in reading, writing and spelling, while boys are ahead in mathematics. Boys need more intensive input in these areas of literacy, so only separating them would ensure that they are getting proper guidelines and lessons in these areas.

Therefore, from the discussion above, we can conclude that single-sex education should be a preferred option even though mixed education can sometimes provide better social skills to young learners.

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• Writing Task 2
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