You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many educational institutions give greater importance to subjects related to science and ignore subjects such as drama and literature.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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Model Essay 1
Modern education heavily favors science subjects due to the global drive for technological advancement, often marginalizing the arts like drama and literature. This focus, though key for economic growth, risks neglecting holistic student development and cultural enrichment. This essay contends that while science is vital for progress, overlooking the arts detrimentally impacts the richness of education, arguing for a balanced approach that values both fields equally.
The prioritization of science over the arts in education systems is primarily driven by economic factors. In our technology-centric world, subjects such as mathematics, engineering, and computer science are directly tied to job market demands and pivotal for innovation. Governments and educational institutions, recognizing this, allocate increased resources towards these fields, expecting them to bolster a nation's global market competitiveness. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates, regarded as the vanguards of economic growth through innovation, underscore the high priority placed on their education. This economic rationale, while practical, often overlooks the invaluable benefits derived from the arts.
However, this emphasis on science and technology overlooks the vital role the arts play in nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Subjects such as drama and literature are crucial for developing empathy, understanding diverse cultures, and fostering innovative problem-solving skills. These disciplines inspire students to engage with the world beyond concrete data, delving into the human experience and societal issues via narrative and performance. For instance, engaging with Shakespeare’s works not only hones language proficiency but also deepens insights into human psychology and the nuances of social interactions, thereby broadening students' perspectives on the world and enhancing self-understanding. Such education in the arts complements scientific knowledge by cultivating a more holistic view of learning and intellectual development.
In conclusion, prioritizing science and technology over the arts risks stifling creativity and critical thinking. Emphasizing both fields equally is crucial for developing well-rounded individuals and enriching society. Overlooking the arts limits personal growth and undermines our collective experience, underscoring the need for a balanced educational curriculum.
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Model Essay 2
Educational paradigms increasingly favor scientific subjects, often at the expense of the arts like drama and literature. This shift, driven by the global demand for technological prowess, highlights a preference for subjects perceived as more utilitarian. However, this essay posits that sidelining the arts undermines a comprehensive educational experience, essential for both individual and societal growth. The ensuing discussion will explore the implications of this trend and advocate for a more balanced educational curriculum.
The gravitation towards science and technology-oriented education is significantly influenced by the global economy's demands. Fields such as computer science, engineering, and biotechnology are directly linked to innovation, economic sustainability, and job creation, making them attractive to students and policymakers alike. This alignment with market needs has led to an educational landscape where STEM fields are not only heavily emphasized but also often receive substantially more funding and resources. Countries celebrated for their technological advancements, like South Korea and Finland, are frequently praised for their STEM-centric education systems, regarded as essential blueprints for fostering economic success and global competitiveness.
However, this skewed focus risks marginalizing the profound, multifaceted benefits that the arts offer. Education in the arts, encompassing drama, literature, and visual arts, cultivates empathy, enhances critical thinking, and fosters a nuanced understanding of cultural and societal dynamics. Engaging in the study of literature and participation in drama not only refines communication skills but also enriches students' emotional intelligence and intellectual depth. For instance, analyzing a classic novel or participating in theatrical productions enables students to explore diverse perspectives, develop a more empathetic worldview, and engage in creative problem-solving. These skills are indispensable in a globalized society where cultural understanding, innovation, and creative thinking are paramount for personal and communal advancement.
In summary, while STEM's focus is economically sensible, it shouldn't diminish the arts' critical value. A balanced education, valuing both science and arts, is crucial for cultivating versatile individuals for a diverse society. Integrating the arts with science is a strategic step towards a more comprehensive and inclusive future.
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Sample Essay 3
Nowadays, in many educational organizations science subjects are considered more relevant, and other subjects such as drama and literature have completely lost their importance. This is because a vast majority of the population thinks that society needs people with technical skills only. However, even though this trend causes technical progress, in my opinion, it breeds a negative consequence as the number of apathetic people may rise.
It is commonly believed that humanistic matters, such as literature and drama, are not useful in educational syllabuses because at the moment a more comfortable and healthier life is guaranteed by scientific knowledge only. In fact, the knowledge gained from studying science subjects can be applied in a wide range of fields and industries, including medicine, engineering, and environmental conservation. Studying science can also lead to new discoveries and technological advancements that can benefit society as a whole. One example of how science subjects are important is in the field of medicine. Pharmacologists use their understanding of biochemistry and cellular biology to design new drugs that target specific disease-causing molecules. Without the foundation of knowledge from science subjects, these advancements would not be possible.
However, scarcity of humanistic subjects, such as drama and literature in educational programmes, can cause lack of artists, and fewer people with empathy and deductive skills. Drama and literature provide a way for people to explore and understand the complexities of the human experience, which can help them navigate their own lives. For example, reading literature can help someone understand and relate to the emotions of a character in a novel, which in turn can help them understand and cope with their own emotions. Similarly, studying drama can help someone develop their ability to read body language, tone of voice and facial expressions, which can help them communicate more effectively.
To sum up, educational institutions tend to ignore art subjects and prioritise science and technology considering the key roles this discipline plays in modern society by providing new expertise that can improve people's lives. Although this tendency engenders more skilled technicians, it comes at the expense of people with valuable empathy and deductive reasoning.
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