In today’s globalised world, many people emphasise the importance of studying international news, especially for young learners. While some argue that it is a waste of valuable academic time, others advocate its inclusion strongly. Personally, I support the idea that secondary school students should study international news as one of their academic subjects.
On the one hand, some argue that studying international news is not essential for students and can be a waste of their valuable school time. They argue that students should focus on subjects that are more directly relevant to their future careers. They also point out that when those young learners would be exposed to negative and heartbreaking global news on a daily basis, they would get mentally depressed and that would not only lower their academic performance but also negatively affect their psychology.
On the other hand, the proponents of studying international news think that it can broaden students’ horizons and help them develop a more global perspective. It can expose them to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, which can help them become more tolerant and understanding of others. For example, students who study international news may learn about the challenges faced by people in different parts of the world and be motivated to contribute to global humanitarian efforts. Moreover, studying international news can help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and communication. It can also improve their language skills, as they may need to read and understand news articles in different languages. For instance, students who study international news can learn how to analyse and evaluate different perspectives on global issues and develop their own informed opinions.
In conclusion, studying international news is an essential part of a multi-skilled education for secondary school students. It can broaden their horizons, expand their critical thinking and analytical skills, and help them become more tolerant and understanding individuals. While it may not directly relate to their future careers, it is still essential.