Some people think that formal education should start for children as early as possible, while others think that it should not start until 7 years of age. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
People remain divided over the optimum age to start formal schooling. While a school of thought holds that the earlier the children go to school the better it will be for them, others believe that it is only when children reach the age of seven should they commence formal education. Personally, I agree with the former view, as will now be discussed.
On the one hand, it is understandable why some people advocate seven being the most suitable age for children to go to school. This is because, under this age, children are thought to be premature to shoulder the academic burden at school. They believe that young children are entitled to play more, to explore the world in their way, and to enjoy their life without worries about school work and academic competition. However, if children do not attend school, they are often taken care of at home by other family members who may not have the knowledge, skills, or patient to help them reach their full potential. In fact, many children are left unattended at home and are allowed to binge-watch TV, which is even more harmful both to their physical and mental health.
On the other hand, I conquer with those who believe in the notion of ‘the earlier, the better. This is because early formal education will give children a head-start in life over those starting later who fall behind. This is even more significant in the world we are living in today where rewards and benefits are often given to the more talented and intelligent. In addition, at school, children can learn to be more self—disciplined, self-reliant, and independent as they will need to set aside time to complete their homework on their own and to obey class rules. These are vital skills in the modern world and if they start early, they are more likely to harness these skills.
In conclusion, while there are reasons to support later formal schooling, the risks involved when children stay are not well catered for in their home environment can be significant, therefore I believe that the children should start school as early as possible for the competitive edge that they can gain and the skills that they can develop.
Từ vựng nổi bật
- A school of thought: một nhóm, một luồng ý kiến
- To advocate (v) : ủng hộ, đồng tình
- To shoulder (v): tiếp nhận, nhận trách nhiệm
- Unattended: không được giám sát, không được chú ý đến
- Binge-watch: xem liên tục không nghĩ, cày phim.
- Notion: khái niệm, quan điểm
- Head-start: Lợi thế bắt đầu
- Cater for: Chăm sóc, nuôi dưỡng, cung cấp