Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals

 
75 
January 1, 2020 
66.
 
History versus science 
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people 
think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important 
than history. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. 
There are many people who have called into question the importance in today’s world of 
subjects like history, which do not have an immediately discernible impact on most future 
careers. While I think that history should still be mandatory, more practical subjects 
related to technology and the arts are more needed in our evolving world. 
The main reason that students should study some history in school is that it provides 
crucial insights into nations around the world that serve as springboards for later political 
beliefs. In America, students learn about the American Revolution, the constitution and the 
founding fathers periodically from elementary to high school. They learn about why the 
war started (so that the colonies could tax and govern themselves) as well as the great 
figures from history like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. 
Some of the principles students learn include the ideas of American exceptionalism, life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the responsibility of citizens to vote in a 
representative democracy. Later in life, most people will lean liberal or conservative but 
still hold the same basic convictions about individual liberty and responsibility. By knowing 
the context in which these ideas emerged students can become adults with well-informed 
political beliefs and it will be more difficult for unscrupulous politicians to make false 
assertions about the past. 
Although history should still be taught, the practical sciences and arts should be prioritised 
because these are more likely to have an impact on a person’s future career. Very few 
students will end up with careers in history, as historians or professors, but a large 
percentage will work in the arts and especially the sciences. For example, in Vietnam the 
most popular university majors are engineering, finance, and graphic design. If schools 
emphasise maths at school then this will better prepare them to make calculations in 
complex engineering projects or when working at a bank or accountancy firm. Even 
learning how to draw and use colors in art class is more useful for students because of the 
high demand for graphic designers on websites and advertisements. Countries that devote 
more of their educational budget towards these practical subjects will give students a head 
start on a potential future career and increase their chances of having a higher standard of 
living. 
It is clear that in this case a moderate approach is best. School administrators should not 
remove history from the timetable but in my opinion they should devote more time and 

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Essays From Examiners 
 
76 
January 1, 2020 
resources to the teaching of subjects related to technology and the arts. This will become 
ever more important as the tech industry continues to dominate the future job market.
 

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Essays From Examiners