2019年0801教育类（讨论型）

Some people think it is important for all children to learn history in school. Others believe that other subjects are more relevant to children’s lives today. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

People have different opinions about the importance of learning about the past. Some think it is a waste of time, while others argue that learning history is crucial for todays society. I believe, as Carl Sagan does that “You have to know the past to understand the present.”

Nowadays, many students think studying history is not that interesting. For instance, at school, lessons are often just a long list of boring names and events that seem to have little relevance to modern life. Further, parents want their children to study what they believe are ‘useful’ more relevant subjects such as science and mathematics. Consequently, history at school is seen as a dry and tedious subject with little relevance to the outside world while the other subjects are deemed to be more useful.

However, I would argue on the contrary, as Carl Sagan argues history throws light on how our own cultures and traditions have evolved over the years. For many people this remembering of the past highlights the native culture and gives social groups a sense of belonging. For example, in the USA, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement uses the events of the past to make important points about the rise of racism in that country today. Accordingly, I argue it is essential for people to learn their history and the wider history of the world in order to make sense of the present situation.