In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
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.