It is argued that high school students should spend time studying other subjects instead of literature, such as poems and novels. However, I believe that literature is essential within the curriculum as it helps pupils develop their communication skills and widen their knowledge of crucial historical events.
One evident benefit of literature is that it fosters the communication skills of students by teaching them the basic components of a language. Learning how to express our own thoughts and ideas, either verbally or written, simultaneously teaches us to appreciate and understand the perspectives of others. For example, students studying literature can expand their range of vocabulary, use grammatical structures correctly, and learn how to put forth a logical argument when writing an essay expressing their opinions. This results in pupils also significantly enhancing their ability to comprehend others’ experiences and perspectives, which can promote effective communication in later life.
Another reason why literature is as vital as any other subjects is that it provides remarkable opportunities for students to learn about major historical events through the viewpoints of those living in those particular time periods. This can help highschoolers get a more detailed, personal and real-life description of not only a culture or society, but also their impacts on life experiences of the residents. For instance, allowing students to read stories told by the survivors of the holocaust can help them get a more thorough understanding of the heartbreaking historical events and the detrimental consequences of war, specifically through reading and feeling the pain of prisoners or the intricate emotions of a survivor.
In conclusion, it is critical for high school students to spend as much time on studying literature because it supports them to gain a strong foundation for effective communication, as well as appreciating the complexity and beauty of life through real-world experiences of other individuals, rather than relying solely on facts or historical events.