Some believe secondary students should learn international news as a subject at school, while others think it’s a waste of time.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays, many educators and parents are debating whether international news should be taught as a school subject for secondary students. However, whether this subject would truly benefit young learners or simply take up valuable study time remains controversial. My view is that while international news may not be essential for all students, it can play a positive role in developing global awareness and critical thinking.
First, it is obvious that adding international news into the school curriculum can greatly broaden students’ horizons. This is because it helps them understand global events such as climate change, political conflicts, or major economic developments, which in turn enables them to view issues from a wider perspective. As a result, students will not only gain general knowledge but also become more socially responsible and culturally open-minded, which is important in today’s increasingly interconnected world.
Moreover, actually, learning about international news can improve students’ overall academic skills. For example, they can practise reading comprehension, summarising, and forming arguments by analysing different news sources. This encourages critical thinking and independent judgment, rather than just memorising textbooks. If schools offer such learning in a well-organised way, students will likely become more informed and thoughtful citizens.
That is not to say that everyone believes international news deserves a place in school education. Some argue that students already face too many subjects and heavy workloads. For them, reading news may seem irrelevant compared to core areas such as science, mathematics, or national history. Furthermore, because international news can sometimes involve sensitive or complex issues, it may cause confusion or stress among teenagers. However, these concerns can be addressed by designing age-appropriate materials and teaching methods.
In sum, international news, indeed, can provide meaningful learning opportunities for secondary students. Although some may see it as a distraction from academic priorities, the benefits it brings in terms of global understanding and critical thinking should not be overlooked. If taught properly, it could become a valuable part of a modern education system.
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