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 experience or knowledge.

Model Answer:

Whether single-sex schools render more benefits than mixed school settings has sparked a heated debate. Some people affirm that students in male or female-only schools have better chances for academic achievements, whereas many others argue that co-ed schools offer students better social skills for their future. Personally, I am in favour of the latter view.

Admittedly, single-sex schools have fewer distractions. The reason for this is if a school only has boys or girls, students would not be distracted by members of the opposite sex at school; hence, they can focus on their learning. Even so, these students still have access to the other gender after school, which means in reality, they must meet the other gender anyway. Consequently, the benefits of single-sex schools are quite limited.

On the contrary, convincing arguments can be made that mixed schools provide a more comprehensive learning environment for children. To start with, students studying at mixed schools have more chances to communicate with members of the opposite sex. In other words, children learn how to talk to the other 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 other gender, which strengthens students’ problem-solving skills. For instance, when a boy has a conflict with a girl at school, both of them must learn how to cope. This lesson must be learned sooner or later; as a result, students benefit more if they can learn it sooner. Finally, 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.

In conclusion, I would concede that single-sex schools have some advantages. Despite that, combined schools certainly support students in a much better way. Overall, I am convinced that students should go to mixed schools for better professional, social and adult life.

TỪ VỰNG CÙNG CHỦ ĐỀ 

• Dismiss gender misconceptions: phá bỏ những hiểu lầm về giới tính

• Differentiate between rude and chivalrous manners: phân biệt cách cư xử thô lỗ và hào hiệp

• Treat/regard somebody as equal to somebody: Đối xử /coi ai đó bình đẳng với ai đó

• Gender’s perspectives on various issues: góc nhìn của giới tính về nhiều vấn đề khác nhau

• The curriculum should be tailored: chương trình giảng dạy nên được điều chỉnh

• Focus better during tutorials: tập trung tốt hơn trong quá trình học tập

• Misconduct: hành vi sai trái