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ECPE Writing - Sample Article (Banning Cars from the City)

This is the fourth sample article that conforms to the writing section requirements of the ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English) of the University of Michigan.  My first post to deal with articles , explains what needs to be present in the piece of writing candidates compose. Examiners are looking for articles that elaborate on ideas and have solid arguments; are well organized; make use of a wide lexical and grammatical range; have an original ring to them (in other words,

C2 Sample Essay 19 (Teacher Responsibility)

Writing at C2 level (Proficient User) on English language examinations is the same no matter the awarding body when it comes to writing essays. If you are a candidate giving an exam in English, make sure you read my earlier post What do I do with the sample writing found on this blog? to get the most out of the sample essays provided on this blog. 



If you are not taking an exam but need ideas on teacher responsibilities (academic or social), then read on and note down what you deem useful. If you intend on using this essay as part of an assignment, remember to paraphrase so as not to plagiarize.


The following topic was taken from a Michigan State University English Language Examinations publication (Go For MSU - CELP (C2), Super Course System). As you will notice, the topic is similar to what candidates would expect in any other C2 level examination in that examiners want to see a well-organized, coherent and cohesive discussion of the issue with arguments, explanations and examples. 








MSU –CELP Writing Sample Essay



How far do a teacher’s responsibilities extend? Are they only accountable for the academic training of their students or should they also care about their socialization? For example, should they interfere when they see their students not getting along? Support your opinions with examples, reasons and explanations.    
 


Time and again people have stressed the importance of education, stating that it is the cornerstone upon which lies not only an individual’s welfare, but the welfare of society as a whole. As a result of this, all attention falls on the competency of teachers and their role as educators. Though many limit teachers’ responsibilities to teaching students academic facts based on a given syllabus, others claim that teaching staff should become involved with character development issues such as socialization, something which finds me in agreement.
            A first reason why teachers should concern themselves with matters other than basic academic training is because it is necessary to foster a healthy classroom environment, conducive to learning. If students are having trouble socializing properly, this may create disciplinary issues that would interfere with the smooth running of a lesson. To illustrate this point, supporters of this more holistic approach to teaching bring up instances where student feuds create tension or even open verbal abuse, both of which disrupt the spirit of openness and co-operation each classroom should have.
            Secondly, teachers and students are human beings and as such inhabit a society based on mutual understanding and collaboration. A school should be no different than a society in this sense. One simply cannot separate academic and life skills training from one another, and students do not stop being individuals without needs and feelings the minute they step inside a classroom. Additionally, since team work will most likely be a prerequisite skill needed in a job, it must be taught in school as well, and who better to do this than a teacher who shows interest in his or her students’ interpersonal relationships.
            Contrary to this, those who advocate the limited responsibilities of teachers point out the presence of school councilors who have been specially trained for issues related to socialization. Teachers, they believe, have been trained in their specific fields, but not in children’s psychology. Yet they are quick to criticize. Teachers are merely going to step in and offer assistance or bring students in line with the rules of the classroom, something which does not require specialist knowledge. Besides this, if a situation is felt to be more complex and an instructor sees it getting out of hand, then students could be referred to the student councilor.
            Taking everything into account, teachers are not machines aimed at distributing homework, administering tests and marking assignments. The classroom is a dynamic microcosm of society and not a sterile environment devoid of human interaction and sentimentality. In my view, teachers are meant to teach, assist and advise in all matters to the best of their ability.



 

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