Direct Questions (Two-Part Questions)
Many employers now prefer candidates who have soft skills in addition to academic qualifications. Why do you think this is important? How can students develop such skills?
—Reported in Germany, Feb 2025
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English Expression / Word
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Russian Equivalent / Перевод
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to possess communication skills
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обладать коммуникативными навыками
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to demonstrate teamwork
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демонстрировать умение работать в команде
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to cultivate emotional intelligence
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развивать эмоциональный интеллект
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to participate in group projects
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участвовать в групповых проектах
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to enhance leadership potential
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развивать лидерский потенциал
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to navigate interpersonal challenges
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справляться с межличностными трудностями
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to foster adaptability
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воспитывать гибкость
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Agree or Disagree (Opinion Essay)
Introduction
Fully Agree/Disagree:
While many people believe that (paraphrase the topic) is beneficial, I strongly (agree/disagree) with this statement due to (main reasons).
Although (topic) is widely considered (positive/negative aspect), this idea appears fundamentally flawed, making me (support/reject) it entirely.
Despite some valid arguments in favor of (opposing view), I firmly believe that (your opinion) due to (reasons).
Partially Agree/Disagree:
Although I acknowledge that (one side of the argument) has some merit, I largely (agree/disagree) because (main reasons).
While there are valid arguments supporting both perspectives, I believe that (your position, e.g., "the benefits outweigh the drawbacks").
To some extent, I agree that (mention an aspect of the opposing view that is reasonable), but overall, I believe that (your stance) is more convincing.
Main Body Paragraph 1 – First Strong Argument (Agree/Disagree/Partially Agree)
Introduce the first major reason supporting your view:
One of the strongest reasons why I (agree/disagree/partially agree) is (reason 1).
The primary argument in favor of this stance is that (reason 1).
Explain and expand on the idea:
This is because (explanation of why this is an issue or advantage).
By this, I mean (clarify with further details).
Provide an example:
A clear example of this is (specific case, statistic, or real-world scenario).
For instance, (illustrate with a relevant example).
Main Body Paragraph 2 – Second Justification (Agree/Disagree/Partially Agree)
Introduce a second supporting argument:
Another key reason supporting this view is (reason 2).
Furthermore, (reason 2) reinforces this position.
Explain and support the point:
This occurs because (further explanation of the reason).
Additionally, (expand on why this matters or its consequences).
Provide an example:
A case in point is (real-life scenario, study, or research finding).
Main Body Paragraph 3 – Addressing the Opposing View (For Partial Agreement/Disagreement)
For Partial Agreement (Acknowledging Some Validity in the Opposing View):
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that (mention a reasonable point from the opposing argument).
Although I largely (agree/disagree), there are situations where (opposing view) may hold some truth.
Explain why this view is valid in some cases:
In certain circumstances, (explain when the opposing view makes sense).
A relevant example is (provide a case where the opposing argument is applicable).
Provide a reason why your view still prevails:
However, despite these points, the overall impact of (your position) outweighs the opposing side because (reason).
While this argument has some merit, it does not fully justify (opposing view) due to (counterpoint).
Conclusion
Fully Agree/Disagree:
To conclude, while (acknowledge opposing view briefly, if necessary), I firmly believe that (your opinion) because (summarize reasons 1 and 2).
Despite some arguments in favor of (opposing view), the stronger reasoning lies in (your stance), making it the more logical perspective.
Partially Agree/Disagree:
In summary, although there are some valid points supporting (opposing view), I believe that (your stance) is more justified overall.
While both perspectives offer valuable insights, I am inclined to believe that (your position) due to (summary of main reasons).
Ultimately, this issue should be viewed from a balanced perspective, considering both its advantages and drawbacks.
Topic 1:
Some people think that schools should focus more on preparing students for the job market and less on subjects that are not directly related to employment. To what extent do you agree. Give grounds and illustrations to your ideas.
—Reported in South Korea, Jan 2025
Active Vocabulary:
English Expression / Word Russian Equivalent / Перевод
to align education with market demands согласовывать образование с требованиями рынка труда
to enhance job readiness повышать готовность к трудоустройству
to prioritize vocational skills отдавать приоритет профессиональным навыкам
to marginalize the arts and humanities отодвигать искусство и гуманитарные науки на второй план
to bridge the gap between theory and practice преодолевать разрыв между теорией и практикой
to equip students with real-world skills вооружать студентов практическими навыками
to compromise academic integrity подрывать академические ценности
to foster critical and creative thinking развивать критическое и творческое мышление
to pursue a holistic education стремиться к всестороннему образованию
to meet labour market expectations соответствовать ожиданиям рынка труда
Agree or Disagree (Opinion Essay)
Topic 2:
It is better for students to study in mixed-ability classes rather than being separated based on academic performance. To what extent do you agree. Give grounds and illustrations to your ideas.
—Reported in Spain, March 2024
Active Vocabulary:
English Expression / Word Russian Equivalent / Перевод
to stream students by ability делить учащихся по уровню подготовки
to promote inclusive education продвигать инклюзивное образование
to boost self-confidence повышать уверенность в себе
to stigmatize lower-achieving students клеймить учеников с низкой успеваемостью
to encourage peer-to-peer support поощрять взаимопомощь среди сверстников
to create a collaborative learning environment создавать совместную образовательную среду
to tailor instruction to individual needs адаптировать обучение под индивидуальные потребности
to widen the performance gap увеличивать разрыв в результативности обучения
to foster equality in the classroom способствовать равенству в классе
to undermine the potential of high achievers сдерживать потенциал успевающих учеников