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Some people say that history is one of the most important subjects. Other people.....(Band 9 Essay)

Updated: Jun 26

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


Some people say that history is one of the most important subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.


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


You should write at least 250 words.


Task 2 Band 9 Essay Sample (Some people say that history is one of the most important subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.)

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Sample Essay 1

The debate over prioritizing history or science and technology in education is a crucial one. This essay will argue that although history provides essential insights, the tangible benefits of science and technology in today's world are more significant. The discussion will explore the deep lessons history offers about our past, contrasted with the immediate impacts and future-oriented nature of science and technology.


History, as a subject, offers profound lessons about humanity. It teaches us about the triumphs and failures of past civilizations, offering a unique lens through which to view and understand the human journey. Studying historical events, such as wars and their resolutions, not only provides context for present-day issues but also develops critical thinking and empathy. For example, examining the causes and outcomes of World War II can offer insights into current international relations and conflict resolution strategies. Furthermore, history encourages students to consider different viewpoints, fostering a deeper comprehension of complex social dynamics and human behaviors.


In contrast, science and technology are fundamentally shaping our current and future reality. These fields are the bedrock of innovation and are vital for economic growth and societal advancement. The impact of scientific development is evident in areas like health care, where advancements in medical technology have revolutionized treatments and increased life expectancy. The importance of technology is further highlighted in our digital era; knowledge in this field is not just beneficial but essential for navigating the contemporary job market and societal infrastructure. The rapid evolution of technology, from artificial intelligence to renewable energy, underscores its critical role in solving modern challenges and paving the way for a sustainable future.


In conclusion, while history offers invaluable insights into our past, science and technology are crucial for addressing the needs and challenges of the present and future.


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Sample Essay 2

In today’s world, it is often argued that history is an essential subject, while others say that science and technology are of greater relevance than history. Though we can learn invaluable lessons by studying history, this essay believes that the modern lifestyle convenience is mainly based on revolutionary scientific and technological innovation. I am going to elucidate the same in the following paragraphs.


On the one hand, advocates of history believe that knowledge about the past plays a crucial role in understanding the present and predicting the future. This is because they believe that past experiences will likely be repeated in the future, which will assist humanity in overcoming future challenges. For example, many years ago, the world experienced a pandemic that killed thousands of people in many countries, similar to the one that we live with nowadays. This way, knowledge about history can assist people in dealing with today’s challenges with the COVID pandemic. Therefore, we cannot deny that learning about the past facilitates overcoming today’s problems.


On the other hand, science and technology subjects are more relevant because they enable our lifestyle development and progress. In other words, only these subjects can effectively transform the world, make life more convenient, and improve people’s well-being. For instance, the development of new medicines is of greater importance than any historical moment. Furthermore, technological development makes our lives easier. Nowadays, we can drive electric cars and establish live instant communication with someone on the other side of the world. All these developments would not be possible if science and technology subjects were not prioritized.


In conclusion, although learning history helps us to understand current world issues so that we can confront the challenges efficiently, the benefit of prioritising science and technology is significantly high because it provides unprecedented comfort and progress in our life. Therefore, while they both have their own significance and importance, science and technology have a more immediate impact on people's daily lives and the way society functions.


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Sample Essay 3

History has been a subject of great importance in the educational systems across the globe, but in recent times, some people believe that science and technology subjects have gained more relevance. While some argue that history is still vital for us to understand the present and prepare for the future, others claim that the world has evolved so much that we need to prioritize science and technology. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and offer my opinion on the matter.


On one hand, proponents of history argue that it plays a critical role in shaping our understanding of the present and future. Through the study of the past, we can gain insight into how people and societies have evolved over time, and learn valuable lessons from the successes and failures of our predecessors. Furthermore, history helps us to develop empathy and understanding towards people from different cultures and backgrounds.


On the other hand, those who advocate for science and technology argue that in today's world, these subjects are crucial to drive innovation and progress. With technological advancements shaping nearly every aspect of our lives, understanding science and technology is necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern era. Moreover, science and technology education can lead to job opportunities in fields that are in high demand, such as engineering and computer science.


In my opinion, while both history and science and technology are important subjects, history should not be neglected in favour of science and technology. The lessons we can learn from history are invaluable, and without them, we risk repeating past mistakes. Additionally, an understanding of history helps us to better comprehend contemporary issues, such as social, economic, and political problems. However, it is also important to recognize the importance of science and technology education in preparing students for the future job market and to drive innovation and progress.


In conclusion, while some argue that history has lost its relevance in today's world, others maintain that it is still a critical subject. In my view, both history and science and technology are important and should be given equal importance in our educational systems to prepare students for a successful future.


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