Ietls essays collection (howtodoielts)

Some people think the main purpose of school is to turn children into good 
citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. 
To what extent do you agree or disagree? 
Many are of the opinion that the primary role of schools is to create good citizens, 
instead of simply working towards individual betterment. In my opinion, schools 
should aim to elevate the individual, not impose conformity. 
Those is favor of this statement argue the value of a well-functioning society. As 
the world develops and there are advances in medicine, safety, working 
conditions, and so on it is easy to forget that this level of comfort requires 
sacrifices for the common good. Individuals must work at companies to stimulate 
the economy and the public must have a basic sense of community in order to 
live peaceably with one’s neighbors. School is where this education can begin. 
Teachers can explicitly and implicitly guide students to socially beneficial 
behaviors and educate them well enough to establish a viable future career. 
However, I would argue that focusing on the individual will accomplish the goals 
detailed above but also be mentally healthier. Students who are taught to share, 
work well in teams, and develop their talents will contribute to society as a 
byproduct of pursuing their own seemingly selfish interests. Moreover, there may 
be times when the focus on society will come at the cost of the mental health of 
individuals. For instance, students who are taught to withhold their personal 
viewpoints in school, as is common in many authoritarian nations, may harbor 
resentment and not feel they can fully express themselves in a free environment. 
Psychological research has shown that the key to healthy growth is feeling safe 
to express oneself without fear of reprisals and repercussions. 
In conclusion, although there is a valid argument in favor of social stability, 
schools should aim to produce healthy, industrious individuals. Naturally, these 
goals are not mutually exclusive and the overlap should be emphasized. 

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