You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.
It is believed that schools should focus more on practical skills than theory. How far do you agree? Why?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.
Write at least 250 words.

MODEL ANSWER:

The immense necessity of teaching practical skills at schools is being orchestrated often in the modern society.I definitely feel there is some truth in this, though objections prevail.

To begin, it is understood the formal education at school relies on the theory and it starts very early, even at the elementary level. One reason behind this is the extent of knowledge acquisition at a very short period. For example, school students have an academic curriculum which suits his age. However, as age advances he needs to cover vast syllabi. Another reason is that, teachers find it easier to convey the lessons to the students if they focus on theory rather than making them excel in practical skills. Theoretical knowledge acquisition, thus plays a vital role at schools.

However, many feel that the existing pattern of education projects less towards the practical skill training, which is of cardinal importance in the current job market. For example, a student often gets theory classes for a language, but rarely gets an opportunity to communicate in that particular language which is a vital skill needed for an employ. Similarly, problem solving skills are less-focused in schools, which can be developed by solving puzzles and playing chess. If this skill was taught at school, many could have successfully taken-up the challenge of work stress or even could have sustained in a toxic work atmosphere. Finally, when practical skills are learned at an early age, it can increase the productivity of a person even if he fails to find an employer in his future.

To conclude, though the primary focus of education at school should focus on theory, I feel more attention should be given to practical skills owing to the demanding job industries.