Cambridge 20 - Test 2

Question

In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays?

Answer

In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for around two months during the summer break. While some argue that such an extended holiday disrupts students’ learning progress, I believe that the benefits of long school holidays outweigh those of a shorter break.

On the one hand, critics of long holidays often highlight the potential learning gap created by an extended absence from formal education. When students spend two or three months away from school, it can be difficult for them to retain knowledge and smoothly resume academic routines. For this reason, some schools, particularly private institutions in countries like Vietnam, opt for shorter or even no summer breaks, aiming to ensure that students complete the curriculum efficiently and remain academically competitive. However, such a continuous study schedule risks leading to fatigue and burnout, as students are placed under constant academic pressure without sufficient time to rest.

On the other hand, a long summer holiday offers considerable advantages for the holistic development of young learners. Extended breaks allow children to spend more quality time with their families and engage in recreational or extracurricular activities, which contribute to both physical and emotional well-being. For instance, in Vietnam, public schools typically provide a three-month summer vacation, giving students the chance to recover after an intensive academic year and to pursue hobbies or outdoor activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and resilience. These experiences are equally important as formal education in preparing students for future challenges.

In conclusion, although shorter holidays may help reduce learning disruption, I firmly believe that the long summer break plays a more significant role in maintaining students’ overall health and supporting their personal growth. A well-balanced education should therefore include both rigorous academic training and ample time for rest and self-development.