Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning.
To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?
I largely agree that many primary schools place too much emphasis on formal, academic learning, and I
believe that play is not merely beneficial but essential alongside formal study in the primary years.
The first part of the question — whether schools focus too much on formal learning — I would answer
in the affirmative. In many school systems, the pressure to meet targets and prepare for tests begins
very early, leading to an emphasis on worksheets, rote memorisation and standardised assessment. While
it is important that children learn to read and write, an over-reliance on formal instruction can
leave little room for curiosity, creativity and social development. Young children are simply not
developmentally ready to spend most of the day in a rigid, academic setting, and pushing them too hard
at this stage can even harm their motivation and attitude towards learning.
As for the importance of play, I would argue it is fundamental rather than an optional extra. Play is
how young children naturally learn: through it they develop problem-solving skills, language, and the
social ability to share, negotiate and cooperate with others. Pretend play and games build imagination,
while physical play develops coordination and health. Crucially, play also makes learning enjoyable,
which helps children build a lifelong love of school. Far from being the opposite of learning, play is
one of the most effective ways for young children to learn.
In summary, I believe the balance in primary school is currently tilted too far toward formal
academics. The best approach is a blended one, where structured teaching of literacy and numeracy is
complemented by plenty of time for guided and free play. This gives children the academic foundations
they need without sacrificing the creativity, wellbeing and social skills that play provides.
Both parts of the question are answered clearly: the extent of agreement and the importance of play.
The answer takes a firm position and justifies it with reasoning about child development.
Takeaway: When a task has two questions, address both explicitly — many candidates answer only
one and lose marks.
The structure mirrors the two questions: one paragraph on formal learning, one on play, then a
synthesis. Clear linkers ("The first part", "As for the importance", "In summary").
Takeaway: Use a paragraph per question, then a conclusion that brings both together.
Education-specific vocabulary used well: "rote memorisation", "standardised assessment", "curiosity",
"developmentally ready", "problem-solving", "negotiate", "literacy and numeracy". Register is precise.
Takeaway: Learn education vocabulary (rote learning, curriculum, developmental, structured play)
for this very common topic.
Accurate and complex: concession ("while it is important... an over-reliance sometimes"), relative
clauses, and clear topic sentences. Error-free throughout.
Takeaway: Use "while X is important, Y is essential" to show balanced, high-level reasoning.