IELTS Task 2: Local history or International history ?

It is more important for schoolchildren to learn about local history than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some commentators argue that students should attach more importance to national history than world history. I disagree with this point of view because I believe that schoolchildren should be required to study about both national and international history.

Deepening and widening knowledge of local and national history can be seen as essential for children for both historical and cultural reasons. From historical perspective, children can be made fully cognizant of the core value and the origin of their birthplace in order to foster a sense of belonging. For example, when studying how ancestors fought and sacrificed themselves for the freedom and sovereignty of the country, Vietnamese students will fully appreciate the value and the way of life they have today. In terms of culture, children can shape respected attitudes toward their indigenous customs and traditions through history lessons. In this way, they will gain deeper understanding of each traditional events and long-established ceremonies and leave such invaluable customs to their next generations.

Besides, teaching international history needs to be grown in importance in educating students for some reasons. Firstly, the trends toward globalization makes it more vital for the young to acquire the knowledge of people from other ethnic groups and different traditions. Armed with this broader perspective, schoolchildren will easily form mutual understanding of the past development of people over the world. Another factor supporting the main idea is that a study of global history provides students with an overview of inter-relationship of nations and how international historical milestones, such as the end of colonialism, has shaped contemporary society.

In conclusion, I would argue that knowledge of both local and international history is equally important for the youngster especially students to study.