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In some schools and universities, girls tend to choose art subjects (e.g. literature), and boys
tend to choose science subjects (e.g. physics). Why do you think this is so? Should this
tendency be changed?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Model Answer:
It is often argued that girls prefer to study art subjects like literature, home science, and history
whereas boys tend to take up science-related subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics
at the secondary and tertiary level of education. This essay will try to analyze the reasons for
their preferential choice of subjects between the two sexes and whether this trend needs to be
altered.
Undoubtedly, the difference in subject choice between sexes does exist in all parts of the globe.
One of the primary reasons for this selective trend is the basic difference in the working of the
human brain between the two genders. To specify, it has been proved that several types of
research that there are subtle differences in the mental makeup and working capacity of the male
and female brain. Girls have been consistently performing better in subjects like arts because of
their increased capacity to memorize facts and data, and their tenacity. On the other hand, the
male brain usually has more analytical power than their female counterpart.
Additionally, societal norms and pressures often tend to create this bias between boys and girls.
It is expected by the society that girls will do better in arts-related subjects whereas boys will
excel in science. In a recent survey conducted in the world famous prestigious universities of the
United Kingdom, it was seen that over 60% of female students took up literature whereas only
20% of male students studied home science.
To conclude, it is true that there is a definite selection bias in subjects between girls and boys
which is partly due to biological differences and partly to societal beliefs. Societal mindset can
definitely be changed over time to decrease this selection bias.
Task Achievement: 9
Lexical resources: 9
Grammar: 9