practical skills essay

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Essay 56 – Students should learn practical skills at school

Gt writing task 2 / essay sample # 56.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer: [Agree]

It is argued by some that students should be taught hands-on skills at school, for instance, troubleshooting tools, fixing furniture and necessary devices, and managing a bank account in tandem with academic courses. In the case, I wholeheartedly agree with the notion since teaching first-hand competence in school gives pupils edge in life.

To commence with, practical skills will come in handy someday and prove to be life-saver. Students should learn the basics of car maintenance like, changing oil, changing a flat tire, replacing wipers and so on since they never know when they will be left stranded all of a sudden because of these car issues. Similarly, students ought to be taught some common furniture repairs such as loose chairs, loose veneer, stuck drawers and stripped screws so as to eliminate safety hazards. Likewise, financial literacy is vital for students in order to make the habit of budgeting, spending wisely, and saving regularly, as these habits have domino effects on every part of life.

Those skills are of profound importance in life. Now the question is whether pupils should be taught these competencies in school or not. In my opinion, schools are the most suitable place to do so. First and foremost, by learning hands-on skills at a young age, students can acquire the habits of a lifetime much earlier. For example, if the students grow the habit of budgeting, spending wisely, and saving regularly, then they can save thousands of dollars and learn how to invest. Secondly, school is the ideal place for teaching those practical skills because parents can’t always teach those skills at home.

To conclude, it seems reasonable to assume that school ought to be a place for learners to equip the skills they need to walk confidently into the real world. So, we should integrate these practical skills into the traditional course structure.

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IELTS Model Essay: facts and skills

Here is my answer to an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary school to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.

Do you agree or disagree?

The task is asking me if I agree or disagree with the statement, so this means I must write an essay stating my opinion and the reasons for my opinion .

I totally agree that there is too much emphasis on teaching facts and not enough on developing student’s skills, but this is more of a problem in schools rather than universities.

The Main Reason for my Opinion

Main Idea: there is too much emphasis on teaching knowledge, and not enough on skills
Explanation: there are more tests today, and these tend to emphasize facts
Example: my experience in school where experiments were neglected in favour of facts
Main Idea: less of a concern though at post-16 education level
Explanation: university studies tend to be more theoretical, vocational colleges exist
Example: my local vocational college

Read my essay below. I have written a few comments about my writing in blue italics under each paragraph.

One of they key factors in providing a rich and modern educational experience is balancing the teaching of knowledge and practical skills. Both are important aspects of a quality education, but recently people have been arguing that too much time is being spent teaching factual information at the expense of the development of hands-on skills. I certainly feel that this is the case during compulsory education up to the age of 16, although it’s less of an issue when it comes to university.

My first sentence is a general statement related to the issue. The second sentence paraphrases the task: I’ve changed “learning facts” to “teaching factual information” and “learning practical skills” to “the development of hands-on skills”. In the third sentence I stated my opinion.

The main reason for my view is that skills, which are an essential part of education, tend to be neglected when the learning of factual knowledge is over-emphasised. This has become a problem in the era of standardised testing, especially in the area of pre-16 compulsory education, where many governments around the world have started to introduce more examinations as a way of measuring student progress . Tests, by their very nature, tend to ask questions about facts, and this has led to a reduction in emphasis on skills. For example, I used to teach in a school where hands-on scientific experiments were neglected in favour of learning scientific facts from textbooks, something which was entirely due to the importance placed on science examinations.

In the first sentence I clearly and succinctly stated my main reason for my opinion. I also includes a relative clause (“which are an essential part of education”). In the second and third sentences I have explianed this reason in more detail. In the fourth sentence I supported my reason with an example from my personal experience as a teacher. I also included another relative clause (“where hands-on experiments were neglected”) and this clause also includes a passive verb.

However, I feel that the problem of balancing skills and knowledge teaching at the post-16 level is less of a concern. Many university courses, by their very nature, tend to emphasise theoretical, rather than practical, knowledge, and there are plenty of vocational courses available in less academic higher education institutions. For example, there is a local college in my town which has a curriculum rich in practical skills development, with courses available in everything from photography to bricklaying.

In the first sentence I clearly state my opinion that this isn’t such a big problem in tertiary education. In the second sentence I explain my thinking in more detail and in the third sentence I give a specific example to support my reasoning. I’ve also included some precise vocabulary, e.g. “theoretical knowledge”, “vocational courses” and “bricklaying”.

The increasing emphasis on teaching factual information over skills-based approaches is certainly a problem in our schools. The huge pressure on teachers to secure good exam results means practical lessons and experiments are being dropped, and children’s backpacks are being increasingly weighed down by textbooks. If we are to provide our young people with skills suited for the 21st century, we will need to address this imbalance.

In my conclusion, I restate my opinion and relate it to some of the ideas previously mentioned, such as “practical lessons and experiments are being dropped”. The phrase “are being dropped” uses a continuous passive form, which is a nice grammatical structure to use. In the final sentence, I have used a conditional structure.

(351 words)

The word count is well above the 250 word minimum. It might be too much to write in 40 minutes, of course, but it shows that I have expanded my ideas fully.

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IELTS Cue Card 35: Describe a practical skill you learned recently

It is essential to learn new skills to improve our personality as well as to make a better career. I have learnt some practical skills during school and college days but here I will talk about the skill which I learnt recently. This skill is driving.

Post author By CITY IELTS
Post date 8th December 2019

I think, practical skills are essential for making a good personality and career. I have learnt many practical skills during school and college days but here I will talk about the skill which I learned recently from my sister.

She is an excellent painter. I have always seen her having interest in paintings which inspired me to try it. She could convey her thoughts through her paintings which are hard to describe in words. So, I approached her to help me paint something. She taught me to use brush, mixing the colours and outlining the objects. Then she taught me how to choose and fill colours.

After painting for 2-3 times, I came to realize that it is not just the painting but the idea behind it is also important. So now, whenever I have spare time, I try to utilize it by making sketches of objects. In recent days, I started feeling more interest in painting and I think it has become my hobby now.

Last month, I made three painting, one of flower which I got framed and gifted to my Aunt and she appreciated me for this beautiful painting. Other two paintings were of solar and wind power operated houses which I posted on Facebook and Instagram and I got 300 likes for these paintings. I can say that I like painting and it is a good activity to remain involved and reduce the stress.

So, this is the skill that I learned recently.

I could drive a bike or scooter but I didn’t know how to drive a car. We know that driving is an important practical skill which is so much beneficial these days. We need to travel daily; sometimes we need to go by our private vehicles. Going by a cab is too much expensive. Only good way is to learn driving a car.

I remember, two months back, my father was away from home on work. My mother got a medical emergency; we arranged the car but could not arrange a driver. I was regretting why I had not learnt driving a car. So on that day, I made up my mind to learn driving car in coming days.

So I joined a driving school. We have a playground in our Village.I practiced driving there. After 6 weeks, I was able to drive car myself. I was very happy to learn this skill.

I am sure; this skill would help me a lot in rest of my life. I can travel to different places.I can help others in emergency situations. Also, I can support my parents, in case they want to travel somewhere.

So this is the practical skill that I learnt recently.

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It is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge...(Band 9 Sample Essay)

Updated: Mar 13

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

You should write at least 250 words.

IELTS Band 9 Sample Essay - In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.

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Sample Essay 1

In job markets, it is considered that practical skills are much more important than theoretical knowledge, and the future might even disregard workers’ any formal qualifications except the required skills. I strongly agree with this statement because, with the pace of global production race, manufacturing mechanism demands more practical hands than that of administrative or managerial positions.

A company needs more people to produce something than that of generating a concept. That means, a business idea or a product concept could be developed by only a handful number of individuals, but it requires many skilled hands to convert the thought into production. Ideas might be developed by a few people who are rich in theoretical knowledge, but the implementation demands a number of people who shine in their practical skills. As a result, businesses look for more hands-on learned people, regardless of their theoretical background, rather than the merely theoretically knowledgeable ones.

In addition, labour intensive industries are swarming as the overall global population is rising exponentially, and these is lowering the labour cost which is exploited by manufacturing businesses. Farms in this type of industry produce in economy of scale and they always look for expanding their volume of production to minimize the marginal production cost. These phenomena push them to hire only the workers who have specific skills that the company needs in the specific production field, these employers do not necessarily need to see where the worker studied or what is his/her education level. As the time passes by, the trend “bring skills first, others are optional” is becoming more of an employment norm, and the future will definitely see it more as the global businesses are constantly setting the goal of more and more production.

To conclude, in comparison to policy making or concept development, a business needs more people in production process. As the companies are always running to produce in higher volume, they are and always will be looking for skilled people for the specific manufacturing field, regardless of their theoretical background or knowledge level.

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Sample Essay 2

In the contemporary job market, the debate between the value of practical skills versus theoretical knowledge has never been more pronounced. As we venture into the future, there is a growing speculation that formal qualifications may become obsolete, overshadowed by the paramount importance of hands-on abilities. This essay contends that while practical skills are increasingly vital, theoretical knowledge remains indispensable, arguing for a harmonious blend of both for career success.

The ascendancy of practical skills is evident in numerous sectors where the ability to apply knowledge effectively trumps theoretical understanding. In industries such as technology and healthcare, hands-on experience facilitates innovation and improves problem-solving capabilities. For instance, a software developer's ability to code proficiently is more crucial than their knowledge of computer science theories. Similarly, a nurse's competency in clinical procedures directly impacts patient care quality. These examples underscore the criticality of practical skills in executing job responsibilities effectively and adapting to the dynamic demands of the workplace.

Conversely, theoretical knowledge serves as the foundation upon which practical skills are built. It provides a comprehensive understanding of underlying principles and concepts, enabling professionals to make informed decisions. In engineering, for example, theoretical knowledge of physics and mathematics is essential for designing structures that stand the test of time and nature. Furthermore, in fields like law and education, a deep understanding of theory is crucial for interpreting legislation and developing curricula, respectively. Thus, dismissing the importance of formal qualifications undermines the role of theory in informing practice and fostering innovation.

In conclusion, the perceived divide between practical skills and theoretical knowledge is misleading. Both are essential and mutually reinforcing for professional success. The future should not see formal qualifications sidelined by practical skills but should embrace an integrated approach that values both. This ensures professionals are not only competent in their current roles but also primed for future innovation and leadership.

Sample Essay 3

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving job markets, the debate surrounding the relative importance of practical skills versus theoretical knowledge has intensified. This discourse posits that while hands-on abilities are undeniably crucial, the foundation of theoretical understanding cannot be sidelined. This essay will articulate the symbiotic relationship between these competencies, advocating for a holistic approach to professional development that marries practical experience with deep-seated knowledge.

At the heart of the modern workplace lies the undeniable value of practical skills, essential tools that empower individuals to navigate the complexities of their roles with unmatched adeptness and precision. For instance, in the dynamic realm of digital marketing, the ability to adeptly analyze data trends and apply them in real-time campaign adjustments is not just valuable but indispensable. These competencies, born from direct, hands-on experience, are pivotal in ensuring operational efficacy and driving innovation forward. This underscores the critical role that practical skills play in adapting to and thriving within the constantly evolving contours of contemporary professions.

However, to view practical skills in isolation from theoretical knowledge is to overlook a significant portion of the full spectrum of professional expertise. Theoretical frameworks offer a comprehensive lens through which the world can be understood more fully, providing a robust backdrop against which practical skills are finely honed. For example, an architect relies not only on creativity but draws upon deep theoretical principles of design and engineering to create structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. Without a solid grounding in theory, the practical application of skills may be misguided or inefficient, underscoring the indispensable synergy between practical skills and theoretical understanding in professional excellence.

In conclusion, true professional competence emerges at the intersection of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Achieving peak career success requires blending hands-on experience with foundational understanding. As we look ahead, fostering an environment that equally values these aspects is crucial for cultivating careers that are not just successful, but also deeply fulfilling and influential.

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Task 2 Essays

IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer: too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills. Agree or Disagree?

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.

Do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The perspective that most educational institutions emphasizes more on teaching theoretical facts than helping students acquire practical skills has sparked a heated debate among many. I strongly agree that too much importance is placed on learning facts by educators than on learning other skills.

At all levels of education, that is, from primary schools to tertiary institutions enormous amount of time is spent on teaching theories. First of all, most curriculums require the students to memorize the facts from course textbooks and lecture notes. For instance, chemistry exams in high school are designed to test the candidate’s memory of periodic table, chemical compositions, et cetera. Moreover, educational institutions inundate the students with abundant information. For example, a postgraduate course usually consists of two to three textbooks, lecture slides, journal papers and news articles that completely overwhelm a graduate student’s study time.

Most educational institutions place less emphasis on teaching practical skills. The primary reason is the wide perception that students need to master the requisite theories than gaining practical expertise. For instance, most science faculty members provide lectures on theories rather than organising/ holding concurrent laboratory sessions for live demonstrations. In addition, a large capital is required for investment in order to build the facilities for teaching practical skills. For example, chemistry labs need to be equipped with a plethora of items such as test tubes, furnaces, chemicals and so on that can increase the initial capital.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that most institutions spend an immense amount of time on teaching theories; students are required to memorize facts and are overwhelmed with abundant information. Less emphasis is placed on practical skills because of the perception of importance of learning facts and large financial investment needed to set up facilities for carrying out experiments.

Total Words: 295

Task Achievement: 9

Coherence & cohesion: 9, lexical resources: 9, overall score: band 9.

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Comments are closed.

Hi, Thanks for your impressive job. Just a short notice; Total words are 295 not 276. Regards,

Thanks Matt.

I’ve updated the word count.

Cheers, Atul.

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What is Skills-Based Learning and Why It’s Important?

Skills-based learning is an educational approach that focuses on developing specific, practical skills and competencies rather than just acquiring theoretical knowledge. It emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning that equips individuals with the abilities they need to perform tasks, solve problems, and excel in real-world situations.

Embracing Skills-Based Learning in the Modern Job Market

As the job market evolves, skills-based learning has become a crucial component for professional success. This guide explores the benefits of incorporating skill-based learning techniques in education and career development , empowering adult learners and non-traditional students to excel in their chosen fields. By focusing on specific, relevant skills and using effective learning strategies, individuals can unlock new opportunities and achieve their career goals .

Delving into the World of Skills-Based Learning

Skills-based learning, often referred to as skill-based or competency-based learning, is an approach that emphasizes the development of specific, practical skills rather than the acquisition of broad, theoretical knowledge. This form of learning is tailored to the individual’s career goals and focuses on the mastery of skills that can be directly applied to real-world situations.

Traditional learning often follows a more linear path, with students acquiring knowledge through lectures and textbooks, then demonstrating their understanding through tests and assignments. In contrast, skills-based learning is more flexible and adaptable, allowing learners to focus on the skills that are most relevant to their career aspirations and personal interests.

skills, competence, knowledge-3262172.jpg

Key Characteristics of Skills-Based Learning

Examples of skill-based learning techniques include hands-on training, simulations, and case studies. These methods encourage active engagement and facilitate the development of practical skills, empowering learners to excel in their chosen fields.

Here are the main characteristics of skills-based learning:

Practical Application : Learning is centered around practical tasks, projects, or activities that simulate real-world scenarios. This approach enables learners to directly apply what they’ve learned.
Skill Development : The primary goal is to build specific skills, such as technical skills (e.g., programming, carpentry) or soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
Outcome-Oriented : Success is measured by the learner’s ability to demonstrate proficiency in a particular skill or competency, rather than by traditional academic assessments like exams or essays.
Problem-Solving : Skills-based learning often involves problem-solving and critical thinking as learners tackle real challenges and learn to adapt and innovate.
Hands-On Experience : Learners actively engage with the subject matter through practical exercises, experiments, or real-life tasks, fostering deeper understanding and retention.
Personalization : Instruction can be tailored to each learner’s needs, allowing them to focus on the skills most relevant to their goals or career path.
Lifelong Learning : Skills-based learning aligns with the idea that learning doesn’t stop after formal education. It encourages individuals to continuously acquire and refine skills throughout their lives.

This approach is particularly valuable in fields where practical expertise and hands-on experience are crucial, such as vocational training , technical education, professional development, and certain areas of higher education. Skills-based learning is often seen as a more practical and career-focused alternative to traditional academic learning, as it equips individuals with the abilities they need to succeed in the workforce and in various life situations.

Types of Programs and Schools That Focus On Skills-Based Learning

Many higher education programs incorporate skills-based learning to varying degrees, but some are specifically designed to prioritize practical skill development over traditional academic coursework. These programs are often found in fields where hands-on expertise is crucial. Here are several types of higher education programs that emphasize skills-based learning:

Vocational and Technical Colleges: These institutions offer programs that focus on specific trades or technical skills, such as automotive repair, welding , culinary arts, and healthcare. Students gain practical skills and often receive certifications or diplomas.

Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They are available in fields like construction, electrician work, plumbing, and manufacturing. Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals to develop skills.

Community Colleges: Community colleges frequently offer associate degree programs with a strong emphasis on practical skills. These degrees can lead to careers in fields like nursing , information technology, and automotive technology.

Coding Bootcamps: These short, intensive programs focus on teaching coding and programming skills. Coding Bootcamps are designed to quickly prepare students for careers in software development and related fields.

Certificate and Diploma Programs: Many colleges and online platforms such as Udacity offer courses that are designed to provide practical, job-ready skills in high-demand areas such as technology and business. These programs typically culminate in a certificate or diploma.

Trade Schools : Trade schools specialize in providing education and training for specific trades or industries. This includes fields like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), cosmetology, and construction management.

Nursing and Healthcare Programs: Programs for nurses and healthcare professionals, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant programs , emphasize practical skills for patient care.

Culinary Schools : Culinary programs teach students cooking techniques and restaurant management skills, preparing them for careers in the culinary arts .

Design and Creative Arts Schools: Schools focusing on design, fashion, and creative arts offer programs that emphasize practical skills like graphic design , fashion design, and interior design.

Trade Apprenticeships in the Building Trades: These apprenticeships provide hands-on training in construction-related fields like carpentry, plumbing , electrical work , and masonry.

Emergency Services Training: Programs for emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and firefighters emphasize practical skills for responding to emergencies and saving lives.

Applied Sciences and Engineering Programs: Some universities offer engineering and applied sciences programs with a strong practical component, allowing students to work on real-world projects and gain technical expertise.

Mini-MBA Programs (Non-Degree): Mini-MBA programs are shorter, condensed versions of traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. They are designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of key business concepts and management skills in a shorter timeframe. Mini-MBA programs often emphasize practical skills and real-world applications, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learn in their work or business ventures.

Selecting the Right Skills for Your Skill-Based Learning Journey

Identifying the appropriate skills for your skill-based learning plan requires a thorough assessment of your personal strengths and weaknesses. Reflecting on your abilities and areas for improvement can help you determine which skills are most relevant to your chosen career path.

When selecting skills to develop, consider both hard skills, such as technical abilities, and soft skills, like communication and problem-solving. Transferable skills , those that can be applied across various industries and roles, are particularly valuable in skill-based learning. These versatile skills can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market and enable you to adapt to a changing professional landscape.

Creating a Successful Skills-Based Learning Plan

Developing a skills-based learning plan begins with setting clear and achievable goals for your skill development. By defining the skills you want to acquire and the level of mastery you aim to achieve, you can create a roadmap for your learning journey.

Next, identify the resources available for skill acquisition. Online platforms and courses, workshops and seminars, and books and articles are valuable sources of information and guidance. Explore these resources to find the most suitable learning opportunities for your needs.

Finally, establish a timeline for your skill development and mastery. This timeline will help you stay on track and monitor your progress, ensuring that you are consistently working towards your goals. Remember, skill-based learning is a continuous process, and your plan should be flexible enough to adapt to your evolving needs and aspirations.

Putting Skills-Based Learning Techniques into Practice

Active learning strategies are essential for effective skill development in a skills-based learning plan. Techniques such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, and collaborative learning encourage hands-on experience and real-world application, fostering skill mastery.

Integrating these techniques into existing educational and professional development programs can enhance their effectiveness and relevance to your career goals . By focusing on practical skills, you can maximize the value of your learning experience and accelerate your professional growth.

As you progress, it’s crucial to assess your development and adjust your learning strategies as needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that you remain on track and continue to refine your skills, preparing you for success in your chosen field.

Establishing a Supportive Learning Network

Networking plays a significant role in skill development, as it enables you to connect with like-minded individuals, industry professionals, and mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance. Building a strong network can enhance your learning experience, open doors to new opportunities, and help you stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in your field.

Additionally, establishing partnerships with industry professionals and mentors can offer you personalized advice, support, and encouragement throughout your learning journey. By leveraging these relationships, you can ensure that your skill development remains on track and aligned with your career goals.

Proving Your Skills for Career Growth

Demonstrating your skills for career advancement requires showcasing your accomplishments and expertise to potential employers. One way to do this is by updating your resumes and CVs with relevant skills and achievements. This information should be presented clearly and concisely, highlighting your unique value and capabilities.

Another effective method for displaying your skills is through portfolios and work samples. These materials provide tangible evidence of your expertise, allowing employers to see the direct application of your skills in real-world situations.

Finally, interviews and networking events offer opportunities to articulate your skill mastery and demonstrate your proficiency. By confidently discussing your skills and experiences, you can make a lasting impression on employers and increase your chances of career advancement.

Unlock Your Potential with Skills-Based Learning

As we conclude our exploration of skills-based learning, it’s evident that this approach is crucial for achieving career success in today’s competitive job market. By focusing on specific, relevant skills and implementing effective learning techniques, you can unlock new opportunities and advance in your chosen field. We encourage you to continue developing your skills and embracing lifelong learning as a key to personal growth and professional growth. At Pathways to Advancement, we’re here to support you with expert advice and resources for further skill-based learning opportunities. Discover more at Pathways to Advancement .

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General Reading
Academic Reading
IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 1

Essay#62 | Practical Skills

Ielts writing tip.

The rubrics for General Training and Academic Task 2 are slightly different but the skills and strategies that you need are the same.

The band descriptors for this task penalise you for poorly organised answers. Although you may not be able to link points fluently it is important that you include some main ideas and that these are arranged in a logical order. The examiner should be able to distinguish between main and supporting points and should be able to follow the development of the answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In today’s job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer.

Practical skills are very important and it could be argued that they are as important as academic qualifications when it comes to getting a job. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that academic qualifications will ever become unnecessary.

There are certain manual jobs such as cleaning and labouring where formal qualifications are less important. Employers in these industries are more likely to employ people with a good working knowledge of the job and what it entails. However, even in these jobs it is important for people to have a minimum level of education, especially if they want to rise above the lowest working level. How can a person without good writing and mathematical skills balance a budget or manage staff? How can such a person make informed decisions about which products to use or safety issues in the workplace?

Having said this, a student graduating from university with the highest level of qualifications, but limited practical skills, still has a great deal to learn. None of us would expect or want a doctor without many years of practical experience and training to perform an essential operation. Students from all disciplines need to understand that entering the job market with a degree in management, for example, does not automatically qualify them for a managerial role.

Clearly, education is important in teaching the theoretical side of any profession. This theoretical knowledge forms an important basis for practical skills which are also essential. In truth neither one nor the other is dispensable when it comes to getting a good job.

(255 words)

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Table#8 | Worldwide Market Share of the Notebook Computer

The table below shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years 2006 and 2007.

Table#7 | Teacher Training Qualifications

The table below shows the number of students living in the UK gaining English language teacher training qualifications in 2007/8 and 2008/9, and the proportion of male qualifiers.

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Essay Editor

10 Practical Ways to Improve Your Essay Writing Skills

What makes a great essay stand out from an average one? It's all about finding the right mix between what you say and how you say it. Even the best ideas can fall flat if they're not written well. At the same time, good writing can't make up for weak content.

A really good essay needs to do many things at once. It should teach the reader something new and keep them interested. It should also be fun to read. On top of that, it needs to have perfect grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. If you're having trouble getting the grades you want and don't know why, this article will show you ten ways to improve your essay writing skills. We'll also touch on a tool that can make writing essays easier and more enjoyable.

1. Read Often

To get better at writing essays, it's important to read lots of different types of writing. Try reading different kinds of books and articles to learn new words and ideas. Pay special attention to published essays and academic journals. These can show you how good writers make their points and keep their ideas flowing smoothly.

For example, if you're writing about climate change, don't just read science papers. Read opinion pieces, stories about environmental movements from the past, and even stories that talk about nature and how people affect it. This will help you improve your essays by giving you a bigger picture of the topic.

2. Understand Your Essay Topic

Before you start writing, take time to really understand what your essay is supposed to be about. Read the instructions carefully and gather information. Don't rush this part. Instead, take your time to build a strong base for your arguments. Look at different viewpoints to make sure your main idea is correct and well-thought-out. This step is very important if you want to improve your essay and do high-quality work.

3. Create a Solid Essay Structure

Even the best writers start with an outline. Making a plan is really important for organizing your thoughts and making sure your essay makes sense from start to finish. As you research more, your topic might change in ways you didn't expect. A flexible outline can help you manage these new ideas and fit them into your essay in a way that makes sense.

You could try using the basic five-paragraph essay structure to start:

Introduction (with your main idea)
First main point
Second main point
Third main point

But don't feel like you have to stick to this exactly. As you improve your essay writing skills, you can try different structures that fit your topic and argument better.

4. Polish Your Writing Fundamentals

Knowing how to correctly use grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation is important for writing a good essay. A few small mistakes might not hurt your grade too much, but lots of mistakes can make your reader think less of your work.

Tools like the Aithor essay writer can improve your essays, but learning these rules yourself will help you use these tools better and improve your essay writing skills in the long run.

5. Write a Compelling Introduction

The introduction sets the mood for your whole essay and is your chance to get the reader interested. A good intro should start with something that grabs attention, like an interesting fact or question that leads into your main idea.

For example, instead of starting with a boring sentence like "This essay will talk about what caused the French Revolution", you could start with something more interesting: "What if a loaf of bread costs as much as you make in a week? For many French people in 1789, this was real life, and it helped start a revolution." This way of starting can really improve your essay's impact from the beginning.

6. Use Active Voice in Your Writing

Most of the time, using active voice makes your writing easier to read and more interesting. It keeps readers engaged and makes your points clearer. Look at these two sentences:

Passive: "The experiment was conducted by the scientist."

Active: "The scientist conducted the experiment."

The active voice clearly shows who is doing the action, making your writing stronger and easier to understand. But sometimes, passive voice is okay, like in science writing or when we don't know or don't need to say who did the action. As you improve your essays, you'll learn when to use each type of voice to make your writing better.

7. Don't Repeat Things

It's important not to use the same words or ideas over and over in your essay. Try to use different words and sentence types to keep your reader interested and make your writing sound nice.

Instead of always saying "In conclusion" or "Furthermore", try using words like "Moreover", "Additionally", or "Given these facts". Using different words not only makes your essay flow better but also shows you know how to use language well, helping you improve your essay writing skills.

8. Seek Constructive Criticism

One of the best ways to improve your essay is by asking others what they think. Your teacher's comments are very important, but getting feedback before you turn in your final essay is also good. Classmates, tutors, or people at the writing center can give you new ideas about your work.

When you get feedback, try not to feel bad about criticism. Instead, think of it as a chance to make your writing better. Ask specific questions about things you're not sure about, like whether your argument is strong or if your explanations are clear.

9. Use Your Sources Correctly

When you mention information from other places, make sure you're using the right format that your teacher asked for (like APA, MLA, or Chicago). Using sources correctly not only avoids copying others' work without permission but also makes your arguments stronger by showing you've read reliable information. Paying attention to these details is a key part of how to improve your essays.

10. Edit and Refine Your Work

The best way to improve essays is by carefully checking and fixing them. Try to finish your first draft well before it's due so you can let it sit for a while. When you come back to it with fresh eyes, you'll often see ways to make it better that you didn't notice before.

Try reading your essay out loud during this process. This can help you find awkward phrases or parts that repeat too much that you might not notice when reading silently. Tools like the Aithor essay writer can also help you make your essay better.

Key Takeaways to Improve Essays

Improving your essay writing skills takes time and practice. By using these tips, you'll be on your way to writing better, more convincing, and more interesting essays. Remember, the goal isn't to be perfect, but to keep getting better.

If you want more help on how to improve your essay, think about using tools like the Aithor essay writer . It can give you guidance and suggestions as you work on your essays, helping you improve your essay writing skills over time.

Plagiarism: 7 types in detail.

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Can Plagiarism Be Detected on PDF?

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How to Write a Dialogue in an Essay: Useful Tips

A correct usage of dialogues in essays may seem quite difficult at first sight. Still there are special issues, for instance, narrative or descriptive papers, where this literary technique will be a good helper in depicting anyone's character. How to add dialogues to the work? How to format them correctly? Let's discuss all relevant matters to master putting conversation episodes into academic essays. Essay Dialogue: Definition & Purpose A dialogue is a literary technique for presenting a con ...

Paraphrasing vs Plagiarism: Do They Really Differ?

Academic assignments require much knowledge and skill. One of the most important points is rendering and interpreting material one has ever studied. A person should avoid presenting word-for-word plagiarism but express his or her thoughts and ideas as much as possible. However, every fine research is certain to be based on the previous issues, data given, or concepts suggested. And here it's high time to differentiate plagiarism and paraphrasing, to realize its peculiarities and cases of usage. ...

What is Citation and Why Should You Cite the Sources When Writing Content

When we write something for school, work, or just for fun, we often use ideas and facts from other places. This makes us ask: what is a citation in writing? Let's find out what this means and why it's really important when we write. What is Citation? Citation in research refers to the practice of telling your readers where you got your information, ideas, or exact words from. It's like showing them the path to the original information you used in your writing. When you cite something, you us ...

Top 10 Use Cases for AI Writers

Writing is changing a lot because of AI. But don't worry — AI won't take human writers' jobs. It's a tool that can make our work easier and help us write better. When we use AI along with our own skills, we can create good content faster and better. AI can help with many parts of writing, from coming up with ideas to fixing the final version. Let's look at the top 10 ways how to use AI for content creation and how it can make your writing better. What Is AI Content Writing? AI content writin ...

What Is Self-Plagiarism & How To Avoid It

Have you ever thought about whether using your own work again could be seen as copying? It might seem strange, but self-plagiarism is a real issue in school and work writing. Let's look at what this means and learn how to avoid self-plagiarism so your work stays original and ethical. What is self-plagiarism? Self-plagiarism, also called auto-plagiarism or duplicate plagiarism, happens when a writer uses parts of their old work without saying where it came from. This isn't just about copying w ...

How To Write Essays Faster Using AI?

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It is more important to have practical skills

August 28, 2019 admin Writing , Writing Task 2 0

In the corporate world, it is more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In future job, applicants may not need any formal qualifications. How far do you agree or disagree?

Introduction.

It is irrefutable that we are living in a highly competitive world. Nowadays having practical knowledge is considered as an important factor rather than theoretical information. Some individuals argue that academic qualifications will be eliminated in the future. Also, candidates will not need it. I partly agree with the given statement. I will discuss it in the following paragraphs of this essay.

Body Paragraph 1

In the corporate world, it is more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In future job, applicants may not need any formal

Body Paragraph 2

On the opposite side, theoretical knowledge of a course has its own value. Actually, in this competitive world, a wise worker should have academic qualifications for many jobs such as teachers, lawyers, judges of courts, and so on. Without the information of theory, people cannot pass any graduation or second degree. In particular, in a developing country named India, if a person wants to get a government or private job of a teacher, then, he has to pass a written exam of his or her theoretical education. In actual, pedagogical experts have to share their knowledge with students . So, the value of theoretical knowledge will remain the same as in the upcoming years.

To conclude, with the rapid advancement of technology, a plethora of jobs require skilled men or women such as computer operator, website designer, and so on. But I believe the theoretical information also plays an instrumental role in one’s life. Academic qualification is an inseparable part which enables us to apply for employment.

IELTS Exam Preparation: Free IELTS Tips, 2024

Ielts writing sample #175, ielts writing tip.

The rubrics for General Training and Academic Task 2 are slightly different but the skills and strategies that you need are the same. The band descriptors for this task penalise you for poorly organised answers. Although you may not be able to link points fluently it is important that you include some main ideas and that these are arranged in a logical order. The examiner should be able to distinguish between main and supporting points and should be able to follow the development of the answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer

(255 words)

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts essay # 1258 - time is spent on learning facts and not on learning practical skills, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills., do you agree or disagree.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Academic/Practical Knowledge

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 8 Comments

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer related to the conflict in schools between learning academic and practical knowledge.

That is, for example, the difference between learning about math and learning how to cook.

It is a question from the real exam.

You can also get my exclusive IELTS Ebooks by signing up for my Patreon here .

Students should be primarily taught academic subjects so that they can pass exams, and practical skills such as cooking should not be taught. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Real Past IELTS Tests

Many educators today feel pressure to teach to the test and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. In my opinion, this approach is overtly short-sighted and practical skills play an important role in a well-rounded education.

Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools. There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up. The results have been uneven at times but overall more students from impoverished or troubled backgrounds can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. Passing exams has the very real benefit of giving them opportunities outside of menial work and, in the most extreme cases, crime.

Though there might be a case for overemphasis on academics in select districts, learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an all around person. Those who possess certain skills, such as a sharp memory and logical thinking, will perform better in academics like math and physics. This means that these skills are rewarded and may become over-developed at the expense of skills related to practical work such as spatial thinking and multi-tasking. Graduates who know how to please their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves lacking in real world skills. Adding in practical skills goes a long way towards making this a reality.

In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to niche segments of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. Schools should find ways to balance both despite external pressure from the government and parents for the reductive measure of higher marks.

Word count: 293

1. Many educators today feel pressure to teach to the test and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. 2. In my opinion, this approach is overtly short-sighted and practical skills play an important role in a well-rounded education.

The first sentence restates the overall topic of the entire essay.
My second sentence gives my opinion. Always state your opinion clearly, never sit in the middle!

1. Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. 2. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools. 3. There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up. 4. The results have been uneven at times but overall more students from impoverished or troubled backgrounds can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. 5. Passing exams has the very real benefit of giving them opportunities outside of menial work and, in the most extreme cases, crime.

This is a topic sentence that has my main idea for the whole paragraph.
My second sentence begins my example – don’t waste any time – get right to your example as fast as possible!
The third sentence develops the example. The whole paragraph will be developing this single example.
My fourth sentence also develops the example with more specific detail.
The fiffth sentence summarises my point and further develops the same example.

1. Though there might be a case for overemphasis on academics in select districts, learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an all around person. 2. Those who possess certain skills, such as a sharp memory and logical thinking, will perform better in academics like math and physics. 3. This means that these skills are rewarded and may become over-developed at the expense of skills related to practical work such as spatial thinking and multi-tasking. 4. Graduates who know how to please their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves lacking in real world skills. 5. Adding in practical skills goes a long way towards making this a reality.

The next paragraph also begins with a topic sentence with a new main idea: practical skills help people become more well rounded.
My second sentence begins a specific, detailed example.
The third sentence continues to develop this example – be as specific as you can!
My fourth sentence adds more specific detail.
The last sentence ties this back to the importance of practical skills.

1. In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to niche segments of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. 2. Schools should find ways to balance both despite external pressure from the government and parents for the reductive measure of higher marks.

The first sentence of my conclusion repeats my opinion – be simple and clear!
My final sentence adds an extra detail that many examiners will require for band 7+ for task achievement.

Try to figure out what the words in bold mean. If you’re not sure, use the context of the sentence and paragraph to work it out!

Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools . There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up . The results have been uneven at times but overall more students from impoverished or troubled backgrounds can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. Passing exams has the very real benefit of giving them opportunities outside of menial work and, in the most extreme cases , crime.

Though there might be a case for overemphasis on academics in select districts , learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an all around person. Those who possess certain skills, such as a sharp memory and logical thinking , will perform better in academics like math and physics. This means that these skills are rewarded and may become over-developed at the expense of skills related to practical work such as spatial thinking and multi-tasking . Graduates who know how to please their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves lacking in real world skills. Adding in practical skills goes a long way towards making this a reality .

educators teachers

teach to the test focus on exams

overtly short-sighted not a long-term vision

play an important role an important part in

well-rounded education wide range of knowledge

singular focus driven, with blinders on

point reference

tangible outcome clear result

accelerating getting faster

inner city schools poor, urban schools

reforms changes

poorest performing districts schools doing badly

catch up get up to date

uneven at times inconsistent

troubled backgrounds difficult history/home life

very real benefit clear positive

menial work physical work

most extreme cases outliers

overemphasis too much focus on

select districts some neighborhoods

all around everywhere

sharp memory never forgets

logical thinking rational thinking

perform better get better marks

rewarded receive something good

over-developed too much skill at

at the expense of negelecting

spatial thinking thinking about objects and physical space

multi-tasking doing multiple things at once

please make happy

lacking not having

adding in also having

goes a long way towards begins to remedy

making this a reality makes it true

niche segments outside the main

balance keep equal

external pressure pressure from outside

reductive measure overly simplifying action

Pronunciation

ˈɛdju(ː)keɪtəz tiːʧ tuː ðə tɛst ˈəʊvɜːtli ʃɔːt-ˈsaɪtɪd pleɪ ən ɪmˈpɔːtənt rəʊl wɛl-ˈraʊndɪd ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən ˈsɪŋgjʊlə ˈfəʊkəs pɔɪnt ˈtænʤəbl ˈaʊtkʌm əkˈsɛləreɪtɪŋ ˈɪnə ˈsɪti skuːlz ˌriːˈfɔːmz ˈpʊərɪst pəˈfɔːmɪŋ ˈdɪstrɪkts kæʧ ʌp ʌnˈiːvən æt taɪmz ˈtrʌbld ˈbækgraʊndz ˈvɛri rɪəl ˈbɛnɪfɪt ˈmiːniəl wɜːk məʊst ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz ˌəʊvərˈɛmfəsɪs sɪˈlɛkt ˈdɪstrɪkts ɔːl əˈraʊnd ʃɑːp ˈmɛməri ˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ pəˈfɔːm ˈbɛtə rɪˈwɔːdɪd ˈəʊvə-dɪˈvɛləpt æt ði ɪksˈpɛns ɒv ˈspeɪʃəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ ˈmʌltɪ-ˈtɑːskɪŋ pliːz ˈlækɪŋ ˈædɪŋ ɪn gəʊz ə lɒŋ weɪ təˈwɔːdz ˈmeɪkɪŋ ðɪs ə ri(ː)ˈælɪti niːʃˈsɛgmənts ˈbæləns ɛksˈtɜːnl ˈprɛʃə rɪˈdʌktɪv ˈmɛʒə

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many ________________ today feel pressure to ________________ and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. In my opinion, this approach is ________________ and practical skills ________________ in a ________________ .

Those who support a ________________ on academics can ________________ to its ________________ in higher test scores. A good example of this would be ________________ academic progress at ________________ . There have been numerous ________________ in the last several decades to help the ________________ . The results have been ________________ but overall more students from impoverished or ________________ can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. Passing exams has the ________________ of giving them opportunities outside of ________________ and, in the ________________ , crime.

Though there might be a case for ________________ on academics in ________________ , learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an ________________ person. Those who possess certain skills, such as a ________________ and ________________ , will ________________ in academics like math and physics. This means that these skills are ________________ and may become ________________ skills related to practical work such as ________________ and ________________ . Graduates who know how to ________________ their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves ________________ in real world skills. ________________ practical skills ________________ ________________ .

In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to ________________ of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. Schools should find ways to ________________ both despite ________________ from the government and parents for the ________________ of higher marks.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Use the video below to practice your listening skills. Here are some ideas for how to practice.

Reading Practice

Here are some ideas for how to read the news and improve your IELTS reading score :

https://theirworld.org/news/secondary-schools-must-teach-relevant-job-skills-says-unicef-chief

Student Sample Answer (with Corrections)

Some argue that schoolchildren should study academic subjects at school to pass examinations and fundamental life skills should not be taught. From my perspective, I think that both academic subjects and life skills are equally essential. [G1]

One the one hand, there are various reasons why academic subjects play a more crucial role. First, they equip students with the basic knowledge which is used in tertiary education. When students enter many colleges, they must pass mandatory subjects like macroeconomics, microeconomics and advanced math. If undergraduates learn math in high school, they will find it easier to study these subjects later and , be more likely to avoid failing final tests and wasting money to retake exams [G2] . Second, studying academic subjects well will enable high school students to get into any universities they desire. [G3] One specific example is that Vietnamese students will sit university entrance exams at 18. Those who have good grades in academic subjects such as literature, math, English, chemistry and physics will have a higher chance of being admitted to higher educational institutions. [G4] Therefore, mastering academic knowledge will continue to be vitally important to high school students.

Nevertheless, I disagree with the idea that practical skills should not be incorporated into the school curriculum for multiple reasons. [G5] The main benefit of teaching skills at school is that they can live independently when they live far away from their families. For instance, those who study in universities in other regions will have to prepare their own meals on a regular basis. Life skills such as cooking will be helpful for students to prepare healthy and affordable meals on their own in lieu of eating out at prohibitively expensive eateries [G6] . Another advantage is that people can better secure a job after leaving high school. This is particularly true for some high school students, who do not have the ability to pass university exams [G7] or who do not have the financial means for higher education. They can land a job right away to support themselves and their families based on the skills that they are already taught in fields such as cosmetics and car maintenance. Moreover, attending skill-building classes at school is an effective way to unwind after many hours of studying academic subjects. Through a wide range of exhilarating activities, students are able to decompress and as a result perform better in exams. [G8]

In conclusion, although studying academic subjects are critical to students’ success in exams, I believe that learning skills such as cooking, make-up and car maintenance is extremely useful to students [G9] . [G10] [G11]

MARKING CRITERIAS FOR THE ABOVE ESSAY

Task achievement : 6 [G12]

Coherence and cohesion : 7 [G13]

Lexical resource : 7 [G14]

Grammatical range and accuracy : 7 [G15]

OVERAL SCORE 6.5

[G1] Yes, technically it is ok to sit in the middle in this way – but why do it? It is very risky and there are some examiners you will get a band 5 for this possibly! Just choose a side!

[G2] Keep your claims weak!

[G3] That’s clearly not true… Be careful making outrageous generalisations

[G4] This is perfect – keep your claims weak and reasonable!

[G5] Why still writing the multiple main ideas paragraphs? You are hurting your Task Achievement score for no reason at all…

[G6] Very good sentence

[G7] In the last paragraph you said these same students could get into any university they want…

[G8] No need to keep tacking on main ideas…

[G9] Extra sentence require for band 7+ for task achievement

[G10] There is no opinion here – this is why it is a mistake to sit in the middle as you did in the introduction. The introduction was fine, technically. The conclusion is not and most examiners will lean band 5 or 6 for TA – definitely not band 7 despite all your support for your ideas.

[G11] Word count is 422 words – way too long and unrealistic so it is very difficult to mark…

[G12] 1 main idea per paragraph + clear opinion!

[G13] Better, clearer sentences, lots of good referencing and some ellipsis

[G14] Great vocabulary throughout. Very very close to band 8 just needs a bit more nuance in meaning.

[G15] Fewer mistakes and much better complex sentences. Very solid 7

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Hi Dave, The question specifically asks about “cooking”. Should we play it safe and address this in the essay to avoid losing marks on Task Response?

This is one of those questions that mentions ‘such as’ and when it says that, it is only giving you an example of an area. It will not impact your score if you do/don’t talk about cooking.

Hi Dave, This is a very strange question. How about this if I talk about cooking only and not the practical study of the academic subjects. Will that be all fine?

Possibly. But it is better if you write about both sides and then choose an overall opinion.

Why do you think it is strange?

Hi Dave, Please correct one confusion. When you include a statement starting with “though” in the introduction paragraph for your opinion ….that means you partially agree/disagree. Am I correct?

Yes, it is a way to make a concession to the other side.

I have a question regarding Task Response. I chose the completely disagree side (i.e., I am in favor of inclusion of basic skills education in school curriculum). I have two reasons: a) enhancing students’ social/interpersonal intelligence and b) choosing their future career more easily. In that case, do I have to mention the “role of family and friends” in my essay? I mean band descriptors ask us to address all parts of the prompt and that is why I am wondering if I have to talk about this part.

Thanks in advance,

Sure, I’d love to help and that would probably be fine – but which question topic are you referring to?

Not the main one here, right?

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Getting smart collective, impact update, why students need practical skills and how to teach them.

Recently, I posed a question on Facebook: ‘Which course do you WISH had been offered in school?’

Like many of my posts, I expected minimal engagement. Perhaps a few respondents who had nothing better to do on an early weekday morning. But somehow this post was different. Within 24 hours I had received over 120 comments.

The results were overwhelmingly clear. Out of all the responses, here were the top four:

Financial Literacy
Career Planning
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Life Skills

Nowhere was there a mention of advanced trigonometry, biology, or Shakespearean Literature. Not a single response that included a traditional academic skill.

Instead, nearly all responses pointed to practical skills as those they wished had been taught.

Practical Skills in the New Economy

The respondents to my Facebook poll were onto something. They knew that success in today’s economy depended far less on their university degree, and more on the practical ways they could apply their learning to real life situations.

Leading CEOs agree .

Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM insists, “Getting a job at today’s IBM does not always require a college degree.”

According to Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn, “What matters most [in today’s workforce] is relevant skills.”

Finally, David Blake, cofounder of the learning platform Degreed offers the most poignant insight. “It shouldn’t matter how you picked up your skills, just that you did.”

Much of the research on the future workforce also points to practical skills as the cornerstone for success.

The World Economic Forum, a leading organization in forecasting future skills lists complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management and coordinating with others as the top five skills needed in 2020.

So if practical skills are so important, why are they hardly present in today’s curriculum?

Many schools are doing their best, but with today’s emphasis on high stakes testing, the tightening of academic standards, and fierce competition for university seats, practical skills do not receive the time and attention they deserve.

Past enrichment courses like small engines, stitching, carpentry, engineering and architectural design have been squeezed out of the curriculum, replaced by academic enrichment courses like study hall and S.A.T. prep.

How to Reintegrate Practical Skills in the School Curriculum

There are some schools however that have continued to prioritize practical skills as part of their curriculum for the past hundred years–many of which are Montessori schools, based on the philosophy of their visionary founder: Where school is not simply a place where instruction is given, but is “preparation for life itself.”

In aligning to this vision, these schools have created a curriculum to teach practical life skills that span from age 3-17.

Below is a short summary of the Montessori practices, their connection to key 21st-century skills, and prompts for how you might apply them to your own setting.

Early Childhood

Montessori Practice:

Practical skills in the early childhood Montessori curriculum revolve around five key pillars:

Social Relations
Control and Coordination of Movement
Preliminary Activities
Care of Person
Care of Environment

Early year teachers prepare the room in such a way as to artfully expose students to these practical skills as being a natural part of their environment. Each practical life material is carefully placed in its own designated area and color coordinated to ensure easy access and coordination in the classroom. There is a dishwashing station; laundry area with detergent and soiled clothes; and textile materials where students can learn how to button clothing and tie their own shoes. Teachers model how to utilize each station and then allow children the freedom to explore. Students naturally gravitate towards activities that interest them.

The Outcomes and Connection to 21st Century Skills

The purpose of structuring activities in such a way is not to reach a predetermined outcome or learning objective, but rather to help young children to develop the pride, self- reliance and joy that comes as a result of being able to complete a task alone. They also gain skills in problem-solving and critical thinking which include higher order skills of logical sequencing and perfection of movement. Finally, they develop social and collaborative skills of grace and courtesy as each young child must respect the space and activity choices of their classmates.

Questions for Reflection

If you are an early years teacher, how do you teach practical skills? How might you prepare your environment to allow students to acquire these skills on their own? How can you effectively model each activity for those needing more assistance and support? What ground rules might you need to ensure graceful and courteous interaction?

Lower/Upper Elementary

Montessori Practice

As children move into lower and upper elementary, they begin to integrate the practical life skills they learned in their early years (see this resource ). In long, extended work cycles, students are free to choose their work and manage their own time. Teachers pull students in small groups to present mini-lessons related to concepts and content within each subject. This freedom demands that students develop the practical executive functioning skills of task initiation, organizational planning, emotional control, self-regulation and efficacy crucial to success in today’s workplace.

In an elementary classroom, at any given point in time, you might find students building small-scale models of Ancient Civilizations while others create toothpick structures of complex molecules; older students introducing younger students to complex vocabulary and varied sentence patterns; students building electronic circuits with a box of LEDs, wires, and alligator clips, while others hand stitch. Each activity increases in complexity, and the environment is prepared in a way that naturally engages the child and allows them to move at their own pace.

Most remarkably, the elementary classroom is managed by the students themselves. Each student holds a class job integral to functioning of whole classroom. Some are responsible for introducing the ‘problem of the day’ while others are responsible for cleaning out pet cages and washing dishes in the sink. They are also responsible for managing and resolving their own conflicts through a ‘class council.’

Outside of the classroom, with the help of guides, students take responsibility for initiating projects in the community. Students develop compost programs for the community gardens, paper making projects to eliminate paper waste, and fundraising drives to support partner charities.

Allowing students management over their schedules, choice of activities/projects, and creation of personalized learning goals helps them develop the cognitive flexibility and self-awareness crucial for today’s workforce. While we don’t know what the future jobs will be, we do know they will require more involvement from the employee in determining milestones, outcomes, roles and responsibilities. Navigating this uncertainty becomes easier for a child who has had such strong ownership of their learning at a young age.

How much freedom do you provide children to choose their work? How much ownership do students have over the classroom and community? How might you prepare your environment in a way that feeds the child’s natural curiosity and allows them to explore at their own pace? How can you work with students in establishing goals for learning?

Adolescence

As most of us are aware, adolescence is a time of turbulence, intense change, and interest that wanes depending on the time of day or cycle of the moon. It is for these very reasons that the Montessori practical life curriculum creates opportunities for students to find their purpose and connect meaningfully to surrounding society.

The three main lenses for practical life during this period come through management of a communal farm, development of a small business, and exposure to a series of occupations. On the farm, students integrate the executive functioning skills from elementary with the practical life skills picked up in early childhood to tend and raise the plants and animals. Each adolescent maintains an occupation connected to the farm- from menial tasks like cleaning the pen, to more complex tasks of ensuring an adequate diet for the animals, and proper growing conditions for the plants. The more academic concepts of biology, botany, energy, chemistry are taught through the practical lens of maintaining the farm. Montessori adolescent students also develop small businesses, creating their own product or service and finding clients amongst the local and surrounding community to serve. Finally, to gain more exposure to the working world, students explore various job shadows and partnerships within the community in addition to occupations necessary to maintain the farm.

By providing a real-world context for learning through the maintenance of the farm and in the creation of small businesses, students develop the entrepreneurial skills required for future work. Students learn how to create an idea, connect to relevant stakeholders, and serve the community. Their exposure to the adult world is real and authentic, helping feed their need for meaning and purpose.

Questions for Practice

How might you turn ownership of your community over to students? What are some problems or needs that exist at your school and how can you work with students to develop projects around them? How might you connect them with community partners so they can make an impact in the ‘real world?’ What jobs exist in your parent community? How might you connect students to these occupations?

Practical skills will always be in high demand in today’s workforce. The challenge for us as educators is to find a way to integrate them mindfully in the classroom. It doesn’t require rewriting our curriculum, but it does require the reorganizing of our priorities. Integrating them could be as simple as creating shared ownership of our classroom to working with students to develop their own businesses. Where you start depends is entirely up to you.

And as always, if you need support, there’s an entire community of radical educators on Twitter that have your back.

7 Real-World Issues That Can Allow Students To Tackle Big Challenges
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What is Practical Writing?

Practical Writing is for students who need to use written English both in their studies and in their personal life. Whether they are writing a descriptive essay for their teacher or sending a message to a friend, Practical Writing helps them structure their message, select the right vocabulary and choose the most appropriate style. Find out more by reading this brochure , and by watching this video .

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Using Practical Writing in notebook for improving English writing skills

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Essay Papers Writing Online

A comprehensive guide to essay writing.

Essay writing is a crucial skill that students need to master in order to succeed academically. Whether you’re a high school student working on a history paper or a college student tackling a critical analysis essay, having a solid understanding of the essay writing process is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential tips and tricks that will help you improve your essay writing skills. From generating ideas and organizing your thoughts to crafting a strong thesis statement and polishing your final draft, we’ve got you covered.

Not only that, but we’ll also provide you with useful templates that you can use as a framework for your essays. These templates will help you structure your writing, stay focused on your main argument, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

The Ultimate Essay Writing Guides

Essay writing can be a challenging task for many students, but with the right guidance and tips, you can improve your writing skills and produce high-quality essays. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with valuable advice, tricks, and templates to help you excel in your essay writing endeavors.

1. Understand the Prompt: Before you start writing your essay, make sure you fully understand the prompt or question. Analyze the requirements and key points that need to be addressed in your essay.

2. Create an Outline: Organize your ideas and thoughts by creating a detailed outline for your essay. This will help you structure your arguments and ensure a logical flow of information.

3. Research Thoroughly: Conduct extensive research on your topic to gather relevant information and evidence to support your arguments. Use credible sources and cite them properly in your essay.

4. Write Clearly and Concisely: Avoid using jargon or complex language in your essay. Write in a clear and concise manner to convey your ideas effectively to the reader.

5. Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your essay, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure that your essay flows cohesively.

By following these ultimate essay writing guides, you can enhance your writing skills and produce outstanding essays that will impress your instructors and peers. Practice regularly and seek feedback to continuously improve your writing abilities.

Tips for Crafting an A+ Essay

1. Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the assignment guidelines and requirements. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your instructor.

2. Conduct Thorough Research: Gather relevant sources and information to support your arguments. Make sure to cite your sources properly and use credible sources.

3. Create a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should clearly outline the main point of your essay and guide your readers on what to expect.

4. Organize Your Ideas: Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas in your essay.

5. Write Clearly and Concisely: Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentences. Be direct and to the point.

6. Revise and Edit: Always proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors. Revise your work to ensure coherence and clarity.

7. Seek Feedback: Ask a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

8. Use Proper Formatting: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor, such as font size, margins, and citation style.

9. Stay Focused: Keep your essay focused on the main topic and avoid going off on tangents. Stick to your thesis statement.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice writing essays, the better you will get at it. Keep practicing and refining your writing skills.

Tricks to Improve Your Writing Skills

Improving your writing skills can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some tricks to help you become a better writer:

1. Read widely: Reading a variety of genres and styles can help you develop your own voice and writing style.

2. Practice regularly: The more you write, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to practice writing.

3. Get feedback: Share your writing with others and ask for constructive criticism. Feedback can help you identify areas for improvement.

4. Study grammar and punctuation: Good writing requires a solid understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Take the time to study and practice these essential skills.

5. Edit and revise: Writing is a process, and editing is an important part of that process. Take the time to edit and revise your work to improve clarity and coherence.

6. Experiment with different writing techniques: Try experimenting with different writing techniques, such as using metaphors, similes, or descriptive language, to enhance your writing.

7. Stay inspired: Find inspiration in the world around you. Whether it’s nature, art, or literature, draw inspiration from your surroundings to fuel your writing.

By following these tricks and practicing regularly, you can improve your writing skills and become a more confident and effective writer.

Step-by-Step Essay Writing Templates

When it comes to writing an essay, having a clear and structured template can be incredibly helpful. Here are some step-by-step essay writing templates that you can use to guide you through the process:

Introduction: Start your essay with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on the topic and end with a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay.
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, provide evidence to support your point, and then analyze the evidence to show how it relates back to your thesis.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead focus on tying together all the points you have made throughout the essay.

Expert Advice for Writing Top-Notch Essays

When it comes to writing a top-notch essay, it’s essential to follow expert advice to ensure your work stands out. Here are some key tips to help you elevate your writing:

1. Start with a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines your main argument.

2. Conduct thorough research to support your points with credible sources.

3. Organize your thoughts logically and ensure your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

4. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to keep your writing engaging.

5. Proofread and edit your essay carefully to eliminate errors and refine your arguments.

By following these expert tips, you can take your essay writing skills to the next level and produce work that is both informative and compelling.

Resources to Enhance Your Essay Writing Process

When it comes to improving your essay writing skills, there are a variety of resources available to help you enhance your process. Here are some valuable resources that can aid you in becoming a more effective and efficient writer:

Writing Guides: There are countless writing guides and books that offer tips, tricks, and strategies for improving your writing skills. Whether you’re looking to enhance your grammar, structure, or argumentation, these guides can provide valuable insights.
Online Writing Communities: Joining online writing communities can be a great way to connect with other writers, receive feedback on your work, and engage in writing challenges and prompts. Websites like Writing.com and Wattpad are popular platforms for writers to share their work and receive critiques.
Writing Workshops and Courses: Participating in writing workshops and courses can help you hone your craft and develop your writing skills. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or online courses, there are many options available to suit your needs and schedule.
Writing Apps and Tools: Utilizing writing apps and tools can streamline your writing process and help you stay organized. Tools like Grammarly can assist with grammar and spelling checks, while apps like Scrivener can help you organize your research and ideas.
Libraries and Writing Centers: Visiting your local library or university writing center can provide access to valuable resources, such as writing guides, research materials, and writing tutors who can offer personalized feedback and support.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can enhance your essay writing process and become a more skilled and confident writer.

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

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Workshop: Flex Talk—Practical Communication Skills Using MBTI Personality Type Theory

Learn how to make your understanding of meyers-briggs preferences work for you.

A female manager having a friendly conversation with one of her reports.

Credit: GETTY IMAGES

By HR NewsWire

Clear communication has never been more important than it is today. As the world has become more complex, people have greater expectations; at the same time, we work in a climate of increasing time pressures, financial constraints, and personal accountability.

Given competing demands, it is not surprising that complaints and litigation continue to increase. Much of the time, disagreements relate more to what was said, or the way it was said, than to what was done.

In a workshop titled Flex Talk—Practical Communication Skills Using MBTI Personality Type Theory, participants will learn to understand their own psychological type preferences in terms of the MBTI (Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator) framework and identify the ways their type prefers to interact.

They also will learn to identify behavioral cues, understand how others prefer to receive communication, and how to "flex" their style according to type preferences.

It is suggested, but not required, that participants have some past knowledge of the MBTI.

Register here for the workshop, which will be offered virtually by Learning Solutions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

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COMMENTS

IELTS Essay: Learning Facts & Practical Skills at School
1. However, it is more important for students to learn skills with practical import. 2. This can include but does not have to be limited to learning skills like cooking and woodworking, which are not traditional academic subjects. 3. The curriculum could also be broadened to critical thinking skills.
Essay 56
GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 56. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. ... To commence with, practical skills will come in handy someday and prove to be life-saver. Students should learn the basics of car maintenance like, changing oil, changing a flat tire, replacing wipers and so on since they never know when they will be left ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay General Training: Practical
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of learning practical skills at school. These topics (schools, practical skills) are really common on IELTS and worth reading about in case if they come up on your exam!
The Importance Of Practical Skills In Education (Free Essay ...
Education has traditionally prioritized theoretical knowledge, often marginalizing practical skills. However, the landscape of education is evolving, recognizing the indispensable role that ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Essay
The second sentence paraphrases the task: I've changed "learning facts" to "teaching factual information" and "learning practical skills" to "the development of hands-on skills". In the third sentence I stated my opinion. The main reason for my view is that skills, which are an essential part of education, tend to be neglected ...
IELTS Cue Card 35: Describe a practical skill you learned recently
Sample 1. I think, practical skills are essential for making a good personality and career. I have learnt many practical skills during school and college days but here I will talk about the skill which I learned recently from my sister. She is an excellent painter. I have always seen her having interest in paintings which inspired me to try it.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Skills and Vocational
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay. Give a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here. 1. Those in favour of more practical skills training point out the financial benefits. 2. Most university graduates are burdened with student debt and face uncertain job prospects. 3.
It is far more important to have practical skills...(Band 9 Essay)
Sample Essay 1. In job markets, it is considered that practical skills are much more important than theoretical knowledge, and the future might even disregard workers' any formal qualifications except the required skills. I strongly agree with this statement because, with the pace of global production race, manufacturing mechanism demands ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer
IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic. Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
What is Skills-Based Learning and Why It's Important?
Skills-based learning, often referred to as skill-based or competency-based learning, is an approach that emphasizes the development of specific, practical skills rather than the acquisition of broad, theoretical knowledge. This form of learning is tailored to the individual's career goals and focuses on the mastery of skills that can be ...
Essay#62
Practical skills are very important and it could be argued that they are as important as academic qualifications when it comes to getting a job. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that academic qualifications will ever become unnecessary. There are certain manual jobs such as cleaning and labouring where formal qualifications are less important.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 12
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 12. 4505. By IELTS Practice Online. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Write at least 250 words.
10 Practical Ways to Improve Your Essay Writing Skills
Tools like the Aithor essay writer can improve your essays, but learning these rules yourself will help you use these tools better and improve your essay writing skills in the long run. 5. Write a Compelling Introduction. The introduction sets the mood for your whole essay and is your chance to get the reader interested.
It is more important to have practical skills
Nowadays having practical knowledge is considered as an important factor rather than theoretical information. Some individuals argue that academic qualifications will be eliminated in the future. Also, candidates will not need it. I partly agree with the given statement. I will discuss it in the following paragraphs of this essay.
IELTS Writing Sample #175
The examiner should be able to distinguish between main and supporting points and should be able to follow the development of the answer. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal ...
Practical Skills vs. Traditional Education
Another argument against teaching practical skills in schools is that traditional academic subjects, such as math and science, are more important and should take precedence. However, it is worth noting that these subjects can be learned outside of school through online resources, tutoring, and self-study. In contrast, practical skills such as ...
IELTS Essay # 1258
Model Answer 1: Education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' intellectual and practical abilities. Some argue that our current education system focuses excessively on memorising facts rather than developing practical skills, and I tend to agree with this view. Undeniably, it is a fact that from primary to university education ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Academic/Practical Knowledge
1. Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. 2. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools. 3. There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up. 4.
Why Students Need Practical Skills and How to Teach Them
Care of Person. Care of Environment. Early year teachers prepare the room in such a way as to artfully expose students to these practical skills as being a natural part of their environment. Each practical life material is carefully placed in its own designated area and color coordinated to ensure easy access and coordination in the classroom.
Benefits of Practical Learning: Why Hands-On Experience ...
Thirdly, practical experience builds confidence and professional 'real-world' skills. As learners engage in the process of getting hands-on experience, they acquire practical skills that ...
Practical Writing: writing for life
Practical Writing is for students who need to use written English both in their studies and in their personal life. Whether they are writing a descriptive essay for their teacher or sending a message to a friend, Practical Writing helps them structure their message, select the right vocabulary and choose the most appropriate style.
The importance of practical learning
The idea was to prepare students for all aspects of work, and also provide practical knowledge for teachers and professors. Assessing the quality of education is incredibly important in ensuring that students acquire practical skills. Assessment must not only measure the effects of learning of individual students but also the sum of student ...
Importance Of Practical Skill Subjects
Having practical skill subject in the school system will benefit students to take advantage of the skills in real life applications. Teaching practical skill subjects at schools would prepare students to be ready for their future life. Learning real life skills will allow students to develop talent which can help with student's career and ...
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Tips for Crafting an A+ Essay. 1. Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the assignment guidelines and requirements. If you have any doubts, clarify them with your instructor. 2. Conduct Thorough Research: Gather relevant sources and information to support your arguments.
Workshop: Flex Talk—Practical Communication Skills Using MBTI
In a workshop titled Flex Talk—Practical Communication Skills Using MBTI Personality Type Theory, participants will learn to understand their own psychological type preferences in terms of the MBTI (Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator) framework and identify the ways their type prefers to interact.
Vermont hospital leads workshops with practical skills for managing
Specific, practical skills that participants learn in the workshops include: techniques to manage frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; exercises to maintain and improve strength, flexibility and endurance; strategies for communicating with family, friends and health professionals; guidance for evaluating health care options and new treatments;
Microsoft Applied Skills: Build collaborative apps for Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Applied Skills: Build collaborative apps for Microsoft Teams will retire Sept 2 'Build collaborative apps for Microsoft Teams' credential will be retired on Sept 2. Stay tuned for new credentials on this topic and explore other Applied Skills to keep building your skills.

Essay 56 – Students should learn practical skills at school

Many people feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance, fixing furniture, and managing a bank account.

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IELTS Model Essay: facts and skills

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IELTS Cue Card 35: Describe a practical skill you learned recently

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It is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge...(Band 9 Sample Essay)

In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.

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Essay#62 | Practical Skills

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write at least 250 words.

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It is more important to have practical skills

In the corporate world, it is more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In future job, applicants may not need any formal qualifications. How far do you agree or disagree?