Some people think that schools should choose students according to their academic abilities, while others think it is better to have students with different abilities studying together. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample 1:

For years, educators have been looking for an optimal way to group students. Arguments have stemmed between people who prefer categorizing school students of similar academic capabilities and others who advocate that school authorities let students of various levels study together. While acknowledging that both methodologies may bring potential benefits, I am in favor of the former opinion.

On the one hand, a number of people promote the idea that students can be put in the same classroom regardless of their level since this approach enhances collaboration and helps students learn from each other. This is because, sometimes, it is easier for students to have a clearer understanding of concepts that are explained by friends than by teachers. Subjects involving group work such as biology or chemistry are the prime examples. Moreover, more important skills such as leadership and empathy can also be developed by mixing students of different capabilities.

On the other hand, advocates for the idea that schools should group students according to their capacities cite that this practice brings more benefits to both the students and their teachers. As for instructors, classroom management is easier than in a class of students with mixed abilities. As students are studying at the same pace, teachers do not have to repeat some concepts for less able students while more advanced students wait or work on other tasks unguided. As for students, this is a more encouraging studying environment because they have the same starting point. If weaker students are put in the same class as strong ones, they are likely to be demotivated when compared to more talented classmates.

In conclusion, it is possible to perceive that creating an inclusive classroom is the goal of many educators to foster learning, whether it is an environment where students of different abilities or similar one study together. From my perspective, the most efficient type of grouping is to select students who have the same potential to be together.

Sample 2:

There is no doubt that schools have played a crucial role in educating societies. While some believe that schools should categorize students based on their academic performance, I agree with those who believe that grouping students from different levels can be more beneficial.

On the one hand, one of the most obvious benefits of forming students of similar abilities is increased paces. This is because ability grouping boosts the pace of advancement of the study skills of the students at higher levels of ability. Therefore, the higher standard students can grasp concepts within a shorter time compared to other students and can be encouraged to move forward. Another significant benefit is better individual attention. Teachers can concentrate on teaching the students at the pace of that particular group, thus enhancing their learning process and helping them to pick up the lessons faster than otherwise.

On the other hand, mixed-ability grouping provides many benefits, the most important one is better learning outcomes for all students. The reason for this is that higher-level students can push lower-level students further by modeling and encouraging them. This builds higher-level students’ skills in consolidating information and mentoring others. It also exposes lower-level students to some of the higher-level thinking questions and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, working in a mixed-ability group facilitates social interactions among students. Mixed groups promote greater contact, trust, and support among students of different achievement levels through teamwork activities or group tasks. Thus, this helps build self-confidence academically and socially.

In conclusion, while others support the benefits of improved paces and better care that grouping students of similar academic achievement can offer, I feel that students of different levels should be grouped to promote their performance and cooperative skills.

Sample 3:

Opinions differ when it comes to class division based on academic ability. While classes of mixed abilities may provide some peer support for slower students, I believe that it is better to assign students of the same pace to study in the same class.

Admittedly, weaker students can benefit from the support of their friends when studying in the same classroom. Not all students can make sense of the lessons taught by teachers. During breaks, weaker students can seek help from their peers to better grasp the gist of the lessons and catch up with the rest of the class. The efficacy of this is evident in many schools in Vietnam, where better students are generally assigned to assist their friends in learning. They even help one another after school, by studying in groups and revising for exams together. The result is reflected in the overall quality of final exams after each semester, with a low rate of dropouts among students.

Despite the valid argument mentioned above, I believe that students should be sent to designated classes that suit their abilities. In a mixed-ability classroom, intelligent and diligent learners might feel they are being held back by their slower friends. Faster students may also lack motivation to apply themselves because they tend to come out on top in exams. If advanced students were grouped together in a class, teachers could teach at a faster pace and push each student more. In contrast, teachers will have more time to impart knowledge to slower classes, clarifying each point of lessons more carefully. This helps all students keep pace with the class and make gradual progress in their studies.

In conclusion, despite the benefits of having peer support in a class of mixed academic abilities, I believe that students should be given the chance to study with friends of the same academic prowess. This will benefit both the individual student and the teacher and improve the quality of education as a whole.

Sample 4:

Some are of the opinion that academic institutes should have students with the same skills, but on the other hand, some think that pupils with cosmopolitan skills should be kept in the same class. Before I state my opinion, I would like to put forth both viewpoints.

First and foremost, the most evident benefit of schools with students having the same skill-set is that the teachers can have an enhanced pace of educating all the students. The students in such a classroom will have the same ability; thus, the developing speed at which the lessons are supposed to be taught can be increased. By this, I mean that the teacher can teach without any topic at an advanced stage as all the peers will have similar interests and understanding.    

On the contrary, a diversified class will be able to learn from each other. In real life, we need a myriad of skills, most of which can never be taught in any academic institute. Depriving everyone from a background that can lead them to various abilities to tackle every situation in life will be unjust. It is a fact that, in the real world, soft skills are often valued more than the academic reports we receive from schools. Thus, having students with different abilities is very beneficial.

To summarize, it can be observed that even though the former opinion has some remarkable gains, the adverse effects it brings with it cannot be disregarded. Hence, according to my perception, the latter way of dealing with the selection of students can be considered more profound.

Sample 5:

There is a split opinion on whether the schools should choose students with respect to their capabilities, or the selections should be unbiased. After presenting both the opinions below, my view is presented in the following write-ups.

To commence with, all the peer groups will receive the same education, thus the competition within this group will be fair. There are many situations where the talents do not get picked because they are not able to receive similar knowledge that the few fortunate are able to, therefore, grouping the pupils will lead to a uniform distribution of knowledge; this will save any talents from getting wasted. Moreover, this method is adopted by many nations and the results are amazing. Research suggests that having such a formation has boosted the economy of a nation as the focused education has given experts with enhanced skills.

On the contrary, the weakling of the class will be pushed up by their peers. A class with differences in skills will help the person who is weaker might enhance their skills and aid them to cope with others. A cosmopolitan student will ensure that everyone is developing some or the other ability. Moreover, judging a student on academic ability is unjust because. 

To sum up, it is evident that the selection of students according to the academia will help not only the students to grow but also will help the nation to boost itself. The former will help students to focus on their own interests and make their own careers. Although selection criteria should not be only based on academic abilities, the student's extra-curricular activities should also be taken into consideration for choosing the appropriate students.

Sample 6:

There is great disagreement regarding whether admittance to schools should be based on ability testing or can be random. Both ideas have their merits and require substantial examination before any logical conclusion can be formed.

On the one hand, there are people who propose enrolling a group of kids with high intellectual ability in classes, and they find it extremely advantageous. That's the biggest advantage. Teaching in front of students with high cognitive capacity reduces the time it takes to get your point through and reduces instructor effort. It also illustrates the constancy of the course and the high possibility of success. In truth, such groups think and operate similarly, and their level of performance may be on the high side. This also enhances the goodwill of many schools.

It is also suggested that streaming pupils deliver additional benefits to teachers and students. Opponents of mixed class believe that while children develop extensively, they are more likely to waste talent and time. You can devote more time, but instead, they have to wait for the teacher to carefully explain the lesson to the undercurrent, leading to their schedules being late and not having time for extremely easy education. This helps teachers to control their students more conveniently and easily. Students are in courses with the same level of academic competence, and professors can utilize the same approaches for everyone.

Overall, it may be true that diverse classes are good for the overall progress of kids. Still, in my opinion, streaming is fantastic for both students and teachers.

Sample 7:

While some say that students should be admitted based on their academic merits, others argue that schools should select students with varying skill sets. From my perspective, I strongly support the latter idea as it can create a more holistic approach to education.

On the one hand, selecting students on the basis of their abilities is quite advantageous to a certain extent. This is because students who have varying academic merits have different acquisition speeds. Therefore, grouping them together in a lesson will cause weaker students’ confusion and stronger students’ time. By dividing pupils based on their skill sets, schools can have more well-paced curriculums. To illustrate, gifted schools in Vietnam all have specialized classes where students can acquire knowledge in their chosen field more intensively, thus advancing in their academic abilities quicker. Meanwhile, pupils in normal classrooms can take time learning these subjects at their own discretion.

On the other hand, advocates of integrating students with different aptitudes also have grounds to believe that this approach will facilitate a more holistic learning environment. As all students excel in a different field, what pupils in a mixed class will have is the chance to exchange their knowledge with one another. Students who are well-versed in a subject can aid others in learning by sharing their tips. Moreover, pupils in these classes will be able to expand their knowledge on all subjects, thus becoming more well-rounded citizens, whereas students who study in a specialized class will miss the opportunity to explore their interests in other areas.

To summarize, segregating students according to their academic abilities can aid in planning lessons that are suitable for the students’ acquisition speed. However, I am of the opinion that integrating students of different abilities is better as this can create citizens who are well-rounded academically.

Sample 8:

People hold widely differing views on whether schools should put their students into mixed-ability classes or stream them based on their academic abilities. Although it is true that mixing students with different abilities together in a class has certain benefits, I would argue that selecting students on the basis of their academic abilities is a wiser choice.

On the one hand, it is undeniable that mixed-ability classes bring about a number of benefits to students’ development. To begin with, when students with different abilities are educated together, they would be able to learn from each other and overcome their weaknesses. For instance, those who excel at science subjects but struggle with art subjects can improve their singing or painting skills with the help of their classmates and vice versa. As a result, they may grow up to become more well-rounded individuals. Another benefit that is drawn from this situation is that these children are encouraged to cooperate, thereby improving their teamwork skills, which can be useful in their future career.

On the other hand, I believe that grouping students according to their academic ability is more beneficial to teachers and their students. As intelligent students are separated from weaker students, teachers can easily plan more suitable lessons to work at the right speed for them. For example, students with a high academic ability can be provided with more advanced materials to progress faster, whereas those in a lower-level group can acquire knowledge easier when their teachers explain the lesson to them at a slower pace. Therefore, this practice not only helps students to study effectively and efficiently but it also makes teaching easier for teachers.

In conclusion, while mixed-ability classes are advantageous for students’ all-round development, I am still of the opinion that schools should separate students based on their academic abilities for the sake of both teachers and students.

Sample 9:

The question as to whether or not schools should admit students based on their natural skill set has sparked intense debate recently. While segregating students on the basis of their abilities can facilitate more specialized and efficient lessons, I would assert that integrating students of varying aptitudes engenders a more complete learning environment.

It is understandable why some would advocate for admitting students based on their abilities. The chief reason is that when students are assigned to a class based on skill level, teachers can plan and execute correctly paced lessons. For instance, in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, core subjects are split into standard level and higher-level classes. Students who are in the higher-level classes take lessons featuring more advanced material and topics, whereas those in Standard Level classes face less demanding topics and assignments. This separation allows them to study at their own speed, improving the progress for weaker and stronger students as the former will be able to take their time to learn and the latter group can proceed more rapidly.

However, students of differing skill sets can help each other to learn when they are together in a single class. Students who are well-versed in a particular skill can share important techniques and experience in how to master that skill with classmates who may be weaker. To give a hypothetical example, a student who is proficient at delivering presentations can share valuable tips to others who are less competent in doing them such as taking deep breaths to overcome their stage fright or using hand gestures to emphasize key points. There is also a strong likelihood the student who was helped will have other strengths, such as in a more logical subject like mathematics, and be able to help other classmates in turn. Consequently, students can learn from one another in this setting and become more well-rounded.

In conclusion, while selecting students based on their abilities can offer a more specialized learning environment, I contend that grouping students of varying skills and strengths can provide them a more comprehensive learning experience. I would suggest that schools should encourage the implementation of mixed-ability classes to create a more holistic educational setting.

Sample 10:

Some people contend that mixed ability classes are more beneficial for children's development than streaming them on the basis of judgement about their academic abilities. However, from my perspective, I disagree with this contention.

Admittedly, mixed ability classes provide a better environment for children's all-round development. In such classes, children with different abilities study together and in turn they can learn from one another. From example, a student, who is good at academic study but weak in dancing or painting, can learn how to dance or paint form his peers. In this sense, mixed ability classes allow students to develop their abilities in different subjects instead of only academic abilities.

Despite the argument above, I believe streaming students brings more benefits to teachers and students. As for teachers, separating children with better academic abilities from others facilitates effective teaching. This practice helps teachers to control their students more conveniently and easily. Compared with mixed ability in which teacher should consider students' differences when they are using teaching methodologies, streaming makes this situation simpler. To be more specific, students are at the same level of academic ability in a class, and in turn teachers can use the same methodologies for them all. In this way, the narrower the spread of ability in the class, the more convenient the teaching can be.

On top of this, steaming enables students to learn in an effective way. According to students' different abilities, they are taught in different ways that are more suitable for them. In the top streams, students use more difficult materials, therefore, they can learn more. In sharp contrast, teachers can explain the material more slowly to those in bottom streams. Under this circumstance, students with different academic abilities can study effectively and efficiently.

In the final analysis, mixed ability classes are beneficial for students' versatile development, but in my opinion, segregating students based on different academic ability is better for both teachers and students.

Sample 11:

People have divergent views as to whether or not students should be divided into different groups based on their academic competencies. In my opinion, although mixed-ability classes can be beneficial in terms of peer support, I believe distinguishing stronger from weaker students will lead to better academic progress in the long term.

Those in favor of mixed-ability classrooms point out that students benefit from peer support. Students of course can seek help from their teachers; however, their teachers are not always available to give students timely responses or assistance. It is therefore helpful when those who are left behind can turn to their brighter classmates for support. Stronger students then can assist weaker students in grasping the fundamental concepts in lessons or completing assignments. Certain countries with high-ranking education systems around the world such as Japan and Finland adopt a policy of not differentiating students and, they would argue, thrive at least partially as a result. The success of these nations to some extent proves the effectiveness of mixed-ability classes.

However, I believe that the policy mentioned above largely only benefits weaker students and that allowing students to learn with equally capable peers generally results in superior academic progress. Bright students, when grouped together, can advance faster without feeling bored with the pace of the lessons. These students also then have chances to compete with their peers, and this competition motivates them to work even harder to truly excel beyond their normal limits. Less gifted students also benefit from this separation as teachers can tailor teaching strategies that suit these students. Those who struggle academically but study in a class with students who learn quickly may not only find it challenging to keep up with their peers but also become insecure over time. Thus, distinctions based on ability between students bring advantages to all regardless of their academic prowess.

In conclusion, despite peer support engendered by mixed classes, I believe both strong and weak students would achieve better academic results when studying with those of similar competencies. It would be ideal if schools allowed students to study at their own speed.

Sample 12:

Many are of the opinion that schools should determine classes according to academic ability and distinguish stronger from weaker students. In my opinion, though this must be carefully managed, it is a logical proposal.

Those who prefer mixed-ability classes argue the wider societal implications. If all the brightest students are grouped together, this can essentially create a class system within schools that may then persist later in life. The weaker students will become insecure and feel they are being left behind. A student who has been consistently studying in a lower-level class will have virtually no chance of joining a class that has been progressing at a faster pace for years. They are stuck within their group and social mobility becomes virtually impossible. This mirrors the class divisions that exist in society and puts less privileged students who tend to be from vulnerable backgrounds at a sizeable and permanent disadvantage.

However, allowing students to learn with equally capable peers will lead to the best overall progress. This applies to both students who excel at academics and those who struggle. If a student, for instance, cannot master new mathematics but is in a class with students who learn quickly, then they will never grasp the concepts. If the other students in the class work similarly slowly, they may not advance as far but at least they will be able to take the requisite time to understand the math. Naturally, this is even more beneficial for more capable students. They will be able to work quickly through units and subjects without feeling bored by the pace of the lessons. Over time, their progress will grow exponentially faster as the strongest students compete and push each other to new heights of achievement.

In conclusion, the distinctions between students must be skillfully arranged but any step that makes learning more individualized is positive. The ideal school system enables students to work at their own speed.

Sample 13:

Currently, numerous schools have operated based on the specific academic specialization of students. Nevertheless, some people argue that a mixed classroom is still an optimal choice for the current education system. This essay will elaborate on both positions first before giving my final verdict.

On the one hand, a comprehensive education environment can bring considerable benefits to students’ learning process. The first and foremost rationale is the exploration of one’s hidden abilities. When students are in contact with people of different abilities, they can take interest in a variety of both academic and recreational domains. This will motivate them to develop their innate talents that did not receive sufficient attention previously. For instance, a Mathematics student may feel intrigued by the linguistic capability of an English pupil, thus prompting him or her to search more about English lessons. Another benefit of a mixed classroom lies in the cooperation between students using their diversity of strengths. As different abilities complement each other, students can use their own fortes to collaborate on problem-solving exercises. To exemplify, those who excel at Physics, with their geophysics command, can help geography-specialized students understand more about the Earth’s conditions and related natural hazards like heat waves and geomagnetic storms.

On the other hand, proponents of streaming education also have their own grounds. From a teacher’s perspective, they can have a more customized lesson plan for each group of students. As students with different academic abilities absorb knowledge at different paces, teachers need to adjust their syllabus to ensure effective knowledge acquisition for all. A case in point can be seen in the English lesson plan in Vietnam. Those not specializing in this subject will focus more on basic knowledge mainly for communication whereas English-major students expend more time on English more for academic and research purposes. From a student’s perspective, a tailored curriculum will correlate with greater learning morale. With the lesson plan being modified to their ability, they can reap a more in-depth understanding of the specialized subjects or feel more comfortable with subjects that are not their strong point. Therefore, the more comfortable they feel with the curriculum, the more devotion they show to their study, allowing their talents to develop to the full potential.

In conclusion, both education system designs can prove their worth depending on the specific context of each student. My stance on this issue is that streaming education is still a superior choice on the condition that students have adequate time in mixed classroom environments with a view to making the right decision on their specialization.

Sample 14:

It is certainly true that mixed ability classes have some benefits which are highly appreciable, but many people contend that streaming education system is well effective and provide more facilities to obtain a successful career in future. However, admittedly I would prefer a segregating school education rather than mix up because streaming curriculum is well standard and a bit easier for teachers and students to act according to their respective lessons.

Firstly, the positive aspects of mixed ability classes are that, by following this methodology, students would be able to furnish their hidden creativity. For example, if a non-singer brilliant student is put in a class where many singers and other creative students study together, then that boy can spontaneously generate singing ability inside him. Additionally, vice versa may occur deliberately when some weak non-attentive students are kept in a class with talented scholars.

On the other part of given statement, I assume that it would be more convenient for the instructors and students if the followers belong to an equal stream. Teachers can bring up their lectures according to the student’s need and understanding. For instance, if a classroom holds half of top stream and half of bottom stream students, then it may plausible that the whole class will not acquire the prepared lecture spontaneously, in turn, some of them may need special assistances which may illustrate the duration of the school curriculum.

To recapitulate, confessedly, mixed up ability classes may provide chances of versatile developments but in sharp contrast, streaming education would be more convenient and relaxing approach to studying and preparing lessons.

Sample 15:

There are mixed opinions in regard to whether streaming students according to their academic ability into separate schools is utilisable to the education system. Some assert that it is more beneficial to students’ development if students attend in the mixed ability schools. However, I believe that it would be more effective and efficient in terms of both teaching and learning when streamings of students are implemented.

It is evident that students with various abilities studying together are more likely to achieve positive outcomes in all-round ability development. Mixed abilities classes offer students opportunities to learn from each other, thus, to develop the abilities that were absent from them previously. For example, a student with an excellent academic ability can learn how to dance or paint from peers who are less academic but rather artistic. In this sense, mixed classes encourage students to develop their multi-dimensional abilities rather than single academic ability.

Despite the argument above, I believe streaming students generates more benefits to teachers and students. As to teachers, it is more convenient to discover suitable teaching methodologies to accommodate a group of students with similar academic abilities. Compared with mixed ability classes, in which teachers need to acknowledge the ability differences among each student, streaming students makes it much simpler to teachers.  As to students, this system enables them to learn in an effective way, as specific teaching methods, timeframe and teaching materials distributed to different schools in order to accommodate more specific learning. In this way, the narrower the spread, the more convenient the teaching can be and the more effective the learning can be.

To conclude, mixed ability classes encourage students to develop all-round abilities; however, it is the streaming students that facilitate the more specific teaching and learning, which is proved to be more effective and efficient.

Sample 16:

There are differing views on whether or not it is beneficial to the educational system to segregate students based on their academic aptitude into distinct schools. Some argue that having pupils in mixed ability schools is better for their growth. When student classifications are adopted, however, I reckon it will be more successful and efficient in terms of both teaching and learning.

Students of varied abilities learning together are clearly more likely to produce favorable outcomes in all-around ability development. Mixed-ability classrooms allow students to learn from one another, necessary to gain skills that they did not have before. A youngster with strong academic abilities, for example, can learn to dance or paint from friends who are less intellectually rigorous but more artistic. Mixed classrooms help students to develop their multidimensional abilities rather than a particular academic aptitude in this manner.

Despite the aforementioned rationale, I contend that categorizing students benefits both instructors and students. Teachers will find it easier to find appropriate teaching approaches for a group of pupils with similar academic abilities. Streaming students makes it easier for teachers than mixed ability courses, where teachers must acknowledge the ability gaps among each student. As a result, students benefit from this approach since unique teaching techniques, timeframes, and teaching materials are given to various schools in order to allow more specialized learning. In this approach, the narrower the dispersion, the easier it will be to teach and the more successful it will be to learn.

To summarize, mixed-ability classrooms help students to develop a broad range of skills; yet, student classifications permit more targeted teaching and learning, which has been shown to be more successful and efficient.