IELTS Writing task-2 Literature - local or foreign ?

Some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g., fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries. Do you agree or disagree?

Teaching literature has always been one of the most crucial parts of school-curriculums. However, it is argued that school students should be exposed more with their own country’s literature rather than foreign poetries and fictions. I too am in favour of such a practice as I believe this will strengthen their bonding with their nation and even develop suitable personality for their own society.

Firstly, I believe teaching children about their local literature will help them have stronger bonding with their own society and nation. Such a learning will provide them more knowledge about their precious heritage, values, principles, traditions and cultures. The more they be familiar with their own customs, the more connected they feel with their own society. For instance, during my childhood I read numbers of books by well-known Indian writers and poets, which provided a good deal of information about Indian customs, the stories of Indian freedom fighters in poems and many other unknown reasons behind Indian customs and traditions and I believe due to this knowledge I feel more connected to my motherland and its roots.

Another reason to focus more on domestic literature is that such a learning will help children develop their own individual personality in accordance with their own society and culture. The strength of any society is in the individual personalities of its citizens. When children are provided with the literature of their own nation, they get opportunities to learn about their unknown customs, the life style of people, their own language, dance, music and many more aspects about their own society, which will not only make them familiar but also build their character in one or other way. Consequently, they develop a character which suits their social norms and customs. I believe, this is one of the most desirable outcomes for any society.

To sum up, the idea to teach more about own literature is definitely a welcome as this will not only help children develop their connection with their nation but to develop their personality suitable to their own society as well. Therefore, on balance, I believe teaching own country’s literature is definitely a good idea. (300+ words)