Luyện thi IELTS online miễn phí: đủ 4 kỹ năng, có bài mẫu

In many countries, secondary schools are debating whether volunteering in the local community should become a graduation requirement. While some argue that every school hour should be devoted to academic study, I believe a modest amount of compulsory community work benefits both students and society.

Those who oppose the idea have a reasonable concern. The timetable is already crowded, and teenagers face intense pressure to achieve high marks in competitive examinations. From this perspective, time spent cleaning a park or helping at a care home is time taken away from mathematics or science, subjects that directly influence university admission. Parents may also worry that poorly organised schemes could become little more than free labour for local organisations.

However, community service teaches skills that classrooms rarely develop. A student who helps elderly residents with their shopping, for example, must communicate with people of a different generation, manage time and take responsibility for others. These abilities are increasingly valued by employers, yet they are difficult to learn from textbooks alone. Furthermore, when young people see the problems of their own neighbourhood at first hand, they are more likely to become active citizens as adults, which strengthens the whole community.

The key, in my view, is balance. If schools require a limited commitment, such as two hours a month, and link each activity to clear learning goals, the impact on academic results would be minimal while the personal benefits would be considerable.

In conclusion, although academic study must remain the priority of schooling, a small and well-organised programme of compulsory community work deserves a place in every student’s education.