IELTS Writing Task 2: The Importance of Studying History (Band 9 Sample)

In an age obsessed with technology and the future, some argue that studying the past is pointless. While I accept that history should not crowd out practical subjects, I strongly disagree with the claim that it is a waste of time, because understanding the past is essential to making sense of the present.

1. Why history matters

The most compelling reason is that history teaches us lessons we would otherwise have to learn the hard way. By studying past conflicts, economic crises and social movements, societies can recognise warning signs and, ideally, avoid repeating the same mistakes. History also shapes identity: understanding where a country and its culture came from helps people make sense of who they are today. Just as importantly, the skills history develops — analysing evidence, weighing conflicting accounts and constructing an argument — are precisely the critical-thinking skills valued in almost any career.

2. The grain of truth in the claim

That said, the argument is not entirely without merit. In a fast-changing world, students clearly also need technical and practical skills, and a curriculum that focused only on the past would leave them ill-prepared. History, then, should be one important subject among many rather than a dominant one. But being less central is very different from being useless.

In conclusion, although history should sit alongside practical subjects rather than replace them, I firmly disagree that it is a waste of time, since it helps us avoid past mistakes, understand our identity and think critically.