第 四 題
It has been suggested that “a liberal education is at the heart of a civil society”. Do you agree or disagree on the above statement? Write an English essay in NO MORE THAN 200 words to express your standpoint. Be sure to first refute opposing positions and then use specific reasons and examples to build your argument.
思路引導 VIP
看到這題首先要注意嚴格的「字數限制(不超過200字)」與「特殊結構要求(先反駁對立觀點,再提出己方論點與實例)」。建議採取「同意」立場,起手先指出「反對者可能認為職業/技術教育更務實,但這忽略了社會需要的不只是勞工,而是具備素養的公民」,接著闡述博雅教育如何培養批判性思考與同理心,並以人文學科(如歷史、哲學)能促進理性公共討論為具體例子來支撐論點。
【範文】 Critics often argue that specialized, vocational training is more practical for economic growth, making a liberal education seem frivolous. However, this purely utilitarian view ignores that a functioning society requires more than just skilled workers; it demands informed, ethical citizens. Therefore, I strongly agree that a liberal education is at the heart of a civil society. Primarily, a liberal education fosters critical thinking, empathy, and moral reasoning. Instead of merely memorizing technical facts, students learn to evaluate complex social issues from multiple disciplines. For example, studying history and philosophy enables individuals to understand diverse perspectives and engage in rational public discourse rather than falling prey to blind polarization. In a modern democracy, this ability is vital. When faced with controversial policies, citizens trained in the liberal arts can see beyond personal prejudices, appreciate minority rights, and resolve societal conflicts peacefully through constructive dialogue.