Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals

 
104 
January 1, 2020 
92.
 
Academic versus practical 
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? 
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 

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