Some people believe that unpaid community service should be… · Band 8
IELTS Task 2 answers to the same question, written at bands 8, 5 and graded against the four official criteria. Compare them, then get your own essay graded.
Band 8.0
Prompt: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that all high school students should be required to complete unpaid community service. I largely agree with this view, because the benefits to young people and to society clearly outweigh the drawback of reduced free time.
The strongest argument for compulsory service is that it builds practical competence that classrooms rarely teach. A teenager who spends weekends helping at a food bank or tutoring younger children learns time management, teamwork, and how to communicate with strangers, skills that employers and universities value highly. Because the requirement is universal, even students who would never volunteer on their own gain this experience, which is precisely why making it compulsory matters.
Beyond the individual, mandatory service strengthens social cohesion. When young people from different backgrounds work together on local projects, such as cleaning public parks or supporting elderly residents, they develop a sense of civic responsibility and begin to see themselves as active members of their community rather than passive observers. Over time, this can foster a more engaged and connected society.
Admittedly, critics point out that teenagers are already burdened with demanding academic schedules, and that adding compulsory hours could increase stress. This is a legitimate concern. However, it can be managed if schools integrate a modest number of service hours into the existing timetable rather than treating them as an extra obligation, ensuring that studies are not compromised.
In conclusion, although the pressure on students' time is a valid worry, I believe the advantages of compulsory community service, namely greater personal competence and stronger communities, make it a worthwhile part of high school education.
Band 5.0
Prompt: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, some people think students in high school should do community service for free. In my opinion, I agree with this idea because it is good for students and society.
Firstly, community service is good for students. They can learn many things and it helps them in the future. Also, they meet new people and this is a good experience. Moreover, it makes them better persons.
Secondly, it is good for society. When students help, the society becomes better. For example, they can clean parks or help old people. This is very useful and important for everyone.
However, some people say students are busy with study and they don't have time. This is true, but I think schools can organise the time so it is not a problem.
In conclusion, I agree that community service should be compulsory in high school because it is good for students and for society. It is a positive thing.