You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
The Essay
Type: Opinion (Agree/Disagree) Essay
In recent years, the integration of unpaid community service as a compulsory element in high school curricula has been a topic of spirited discussion. While this proposal has garnered both support and criticism, I personally align more with the advocates, albeit with a few caveats.
The proponents of mandatory community service in high school argue that it fosters civic responsibility and altruism among the youth. By engaging in activities such as assisting in local charities or teaching sports to younger children, students can develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of community. This practical experience in altruism and teamwork can supplement academic learning and nurture well-rounded individuals.
Moreover, community service can expose students to real-world challenges and diverse socio-economic conditions, broadening their perspectives and fostering social consciousness. For instance, through volunteering in local shelters, students gain insight into the struggles of the underprivileged, cultivating empathy and a sense of social justice.
However, it’s crucial to consider the potential drawbacks. Making community service compulsory may detract from its intrinsic value, turning it into a chore rather than a voluntary act of kindness. Therefore, while integrating it into the curriculum, schools should ensure it does not overshadow the fundamental principle of voluntarism.
In conclusion, making unpaid community service a compulsory part of high school programs can undoubtedly nurture civic responsibility and broaden horizons. Nevertheless, it’s vital to preserve the voluntary spirit of service while integrating it into educational systems to ensure it indeed contributes to the holistic development of students.
Vocabulary List
- Garnered (verb): Gather or collect something, especially information or approval.
- The proposal has garnered both support and criticism.
- Altruism (noun): The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Community service fosters altruism among the youth.
- Supplement (verb): Add an extra element to improve or enhance.
- Community service can supplement academic learning.
- Underprivileged (adjective): Not enjoying the same standard of living or rights as most people in a society.
- Students gain insight into the struggles of the underprivileged.
- Detract (verb): Reduce or take away the worth or value of.
- Making community service compulsory may detract from its intrinsic value.
- Voluntarism (noun): The principle of relying on voluntary action.
- Schools should not overshadow the fundamental principle of voluntarism.
- Holistic (adjective): Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected.
- Community service contributes to the holistic development of students.
