It is important to ensure children with a wide range of abilities and from a variety of social backgrounds mix with each other at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Multiculturalism, mixed ability classes and students from varied socio-economic backgrounds are a modern day reality at schools currently. This provides a challenge for teachers who try to bring together all these different elements and students who try to fit into this environment.
Schools are a miniature model of the adult world. Mingling with students with mixed abilities and backgrounds will prepare children for the world of work. This will teach them that everyone is different and unique with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Children will learn to be more accepting of others and will benefit from what they learn from each other. Those from a disadvantaged background or children with learning difficulties will be able to benefit from the knowledge they gain from their classmates. This will improve their confidence and self-respect.
This ideal way of co-existing at schools might be problematic in reality. Children are known to be cruel and are likely to tease or bully others who are less fortunate than them. What is more, children may form groups and hang out with friends that have a similar background as them since they will feel more comfortable this way. If students socialize only with others in the same situation as them, this defeats the point of including variety in schools.
Children will choose their friends for their character and common interests. However, it would be a good idea to encourage children to mix with others as it makes them more open-minded, respectful and knowledgeable.
Question taken from Official IELTS Practice Materials 2
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