Question

Imagine that the Government in your country plans to shorten the length of the school holidays in order to improve the level of education. Write an opinion essay.​

Answer 1

It is reported that the Government in our country plans to shorten the length of the school holidays in order to improve the level of education. I do not think, however, that it is a good idea.

To begin with, the only school holidays that can be shortened are summer holidays, and as we all know, it is hard to study at school during the hot weather. To add to this, summer has always been a time to relax, rest and recharge, have fun and develop our talents. During the school year we have little free time to spend on hobbies or travelling. Besides, senior school students can do some part-time jobs in order to gain basic work experience. Finally, longer summer holidays are beneficial for teachers who can use this time for their professional training and development.

However, there is an opinion that longer holidays cause school students to forget what they have been learning during the school year. But although it can be true for some students who need some extra support that they cannot find outside school, I believe that most children actually benefit academically from longer holidays as they read more, go to the library, go on trips and come back better able to learn than before.

In conclusion, studying longer days might have certain advantages, but schoolchildren need holidays long enough to rest and the benefits of this outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, I disagree with the Government's decision on lengthening the school holidays.

Answer 2

In my opinion, shortening the length of school holidays to improve the level of education is not a favorable solution. While the intention to enhance education is commendable, this approach may have several negative consequences on students' well-being and the overall learning experience.

Firstly, school holidays provide essential opportunities for students to take a break from their educational routine and rejuvenate themselves mentally and physically. These breaks offer a much-needed respite from the stress of exams, homework, and constant learning. Shortening the holidays would deny students the chance to relax and engage in other activities that contribute to their personal growth, such as pursuing hobbies, spending time with family, or exploring new interests. Without sufficient downtime, students may experience burnout, leading to decreased engagement and motivation in their studies.

Furthermore, school holidays often serve as a time for students to engage in experiential learning outside the confines of the classroom. Many educational institutions encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer work during these breaks. These experiences provide valuable practical skills, foster a sense of independence, and promote holistic development. By reducing the length of holidays, students would have limited time to engage in such activities, hindering their overall educational development and exploration of their interests and potential career paths.

Another aspect to consider is the impact of shortened holidays on family dynamics. School breaks allow families to spend quality time together and strengthen their relationships. Parents who have busy work schedules may find it difficult to dedicate time to their children during the academic year. These holidays offer an opportunity to bond, create lasting memories, and provide emotional support. Cutting the holiday period would undermine the importance of family cohesiveness and deepen the divide between work and personal life.

Besides, shortening school holidays might put additional pressure on teachers to cover the curriculum within a restricted time frame. A comprehensive education system should allow teachers to adopt diverse teaching methodologies, encourage critical thinking, and engage students in interactive activities. However, rushing through lessons due to time constraints may result in a superficial understanding of the subjects, thus compromising the quality of education. It is crucial to provide teachers with adequate time to provide a holistic education that enhances students' comprehension and critical thinking abilities.

In conclusion, shortening the length of school holidays to improve the level of education is not a viable solution. While the objective of enhancing education is commendable, maintaining adequate breaks for students is essential for their well-being, personal growth, and family relationships. Instead of focusing on reducing holiday periods, efforts should be directed towards improving teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and providing teachers with the necessary support and resources to foster an engaging and comprehensive learning environment.