Writing for an Academic Discussion Which approach do you think is better, focusing deeply on fewer subjects or covering a broad range of subjects, and why?

Question: Which approach do you think is better, focusing deeply on fewer subjects or covering a broad range of subjects, and why?

 

 

☆Let’s Think

Read the following and answer the questions below.:

Parents.com  What School Subjects Do You Need in Hight School?

1.     What subjects do high school students need to take for college preparation?

2.     Do you think students need to take statistics to prepare for university courses?

3.     Would you like to take any of the following electives if your school offered them? Why?

Mindfulness, Web Design, Business, Mandarin Chinese, Ceramics, Law, Business

 

 

☆Hints for Points

1.        It depends on the student’s future plan how many subjects students should take.

2.        To take liberal arts courses at college, students need a wide range of knowledge.

3.        High school students are still growing. Their interests may not have been fixed, yet.

4.        Many studies in university are interdisciplinary, so you need to be well versed in a variety of subjects.

5.        You can start learning other subjects later in life, while expertise can be gained only at school.

 

 

☆Sample response

Sample 1

【Thesis】I agree with Mark and think that learning a wide range of subjects is better for most high school students to prepare for their university education.

【Supporting Details】Many universities offer liberal arts for the first two college years, and these courses require basic or intermediate level knowledge to take. Moreover, university subjects are related to many aspects of our lives, and so a wide range of general knowledge is necessary for comprehension and application of the subjects. Thus, students should be trained in a variety of courses in high school.

【Counterargument-treatment】While acquiring a profound understanding in a specific field would be an achievement as Jessica claims, most high school students are not capable of delving into one specific thought. Rather, they need to have a wide range of knowledge for advanced level of studies and deep insights later in college.

【Conclusion】Therefore, it is better for high school students to choose the breadth rather than the depth. (155 words)

 

Sample 2

【Thesis】I think it is more natural for high school students to stick to a limited number of subjects and that it will help them perform better.

【Depth】Intense and more focused learning experiences will set the standard of the person’s lifestyle in general, and this will affect many aspects of their lives positively from college studies to work to family life.

【Broadness】On the other hand, browsing many kinds of subjects will make the person’s life richer. They sew potential interests in the person’s mind, and a couple of them can flower later in life.

【Conclusion】However, in high school, most students already pursue their interests according to their aptitude and characteristics, and usually spend most of their time concentrating on them. Hence, learning a limited number of subjects related to their fields is more suitable to their academic life. (137 words)

 

 

Your Sample Response Structure

A

【Thesis】

【Supporting Details】

【Counterargument-treatment】

【Conclusion】

 

B

【Thesis】

【Depth】

【Broadness】

【Conclusion】

Write your response in 10 minutes. Show each other your responses. Write down questions or suggestions to each other’s response.

 

                                                   DRAFT