Global Breaking News - Wednesday, May 1, 2024

 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Recently, there have been some debates concerning high school students and the curriculum that they study. Some educators and parents believe that students should study the same subjects as their classmates, regardless of their personal interests. I disagree with this line of thinking. I think high schools should allow students to study subjects of their choice because the students will be more motivated to study and better prepared to go to university.
* recently = 최근, 근래 / concerning = ~에 관하여 / curriculum = 교육과정, 커리큘럼 / regardless of = ~에 상관없이, 관계없이 / personal interest = 개인적인 흥미, 취미 / motivate = ~에게 동기를 부여하다

If students are able to choose what classes they would like to take, they will probably be more motivated to study. Normally, high schools have a set curriculum for their students to follow. However, this might not be the best way for students to study. For example, if some students are interested in art, such as painting, drawing and sculpture, but are forced to study science and mathematics, they will probably be less interested in school. On the other hand, if the students are allowed to study as many art classes as they would like, they will be more excited about attending class, which pushes them to study harder. A base of general knowledge is necessary, but the bulk of the classes should be concerned with the students’ own interests.
* normally = 표준적으로, 일반적으로 / set = 계획된, 고정된 / sculpture = 조각 / be forced to = ~하도록 강요하다 / general knowledge = 일반적인 지식, 일반 상식 / the bulk of = ~의 대부분  cf) bulk = 크기, 부피 / be concerned with = ~에 관계가 있다

In addition, when students are allowed to study the subjects they want to study in high school, they will be better prepared for their chosen major in university. Let’s use the same example of the students interested in art. Although studying science and math in necessary for general education, the students should be allowed to take art courses that they want to study in high school. As a result, they will be better prepared for university. If the students study drawing and painting in high school, they will be at a more advanced level by the time they enter university. If this is so, the students will be able to learn at a more advanced level and have the chance to develop their skills even more. If students study subjects that they have little interest in, they will be less prepared to study the courses associated with their major.
* subject = 과목 / chosen = 선택된 / as a result = 결과적으로 / advanced level = 상급 레벨 / associated with = ~와 관련된

To sum up, I believe it is better to give students some freedom in deciding what to study when they are in high school. A basic knowledge of all subjects is very useful, but there are some benefits to letting them study what they want. If they make their own choices, students may be more motivated to study, and they will be better prepared for their majors in university.
* to sum up = 요약하면 /  freedom = 자유 / useful = 유용한, 쓸모있는