You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of high school programmes(for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children) To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words.

It is argued that voluntary social services like charity should be compulsorily included in the curriculum of a high school student. Although the idea is good, I cannot favour to this opinion, and the reasons for the same are discussed in the following paragraphs.

The first reason which makes me think it is illogical is because of the hectic academic schedule of a high school student at present. To be precise, a student at high school has to cover at least 10 subjects and this includes both theory and practical sessions. They have a fixed school schedule, which is tightly packed, and this includes both academic and physical training. At home, they have assignments and projects related to these subjects, and it is almost certain that many students hardly get enough time to relax themselves.

Another reason behind my disagreement is because of the disinterest of many students towards these activities. It is unwise to compel students to do charity works or to clean the surroundings. Instead they should be given such activities as options, and good performers of such activities can be rewarded. For example, a student who is willing to teach sports to his juniors voluntarily can be given grace marks for his internal exam, and this would attract more students towards these socially beneficial programmes.

When we look from the opposite side, including this as a mandatory part in the high school curriculum would make students more sociable and socially responsible. This would definitely have a positive impact in their future lives.

To conclude, albeit the plan of including free social services like charity in the high school curriculum on a mandatory basis is a productive idea, I believe it is better to make it an optional part considering the hectic schedule and interest of students.