Some people believe that teaching literature, including novels and poems, to high school students is unnecessary. I firmly agree with this view due to some reasons.
On the one hand, focusing on literature can be seen as a waste of time because it requires significant effort to read and analyze complex texts. High school students often have packed schedules filled with other subjects, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. Consequently, they have little free time to devote to literature. Instead, they might benefit more from concentrating on subjects like math and English, which are often more directly relevant to their academic and career goals. Thus, prioritizing these subjects can provide students with the essential skills and knowledge they need to excel in standardized tests, college admissions, and future job markets. By focusing on areas that have a more immediate impact on their academic performance and professional aspirations, students can make more efficient use of their limited time. Studying literature may not provide high school students with the same opportunities as other subjects.
On the other hand, I believe that it is true that studying literature for secondary school students, because literature encourages students to analyze and interpret texts, fostering critical thinking skills. They learn to evaluate different perspectives and develop their own interpretations. If students start reading poems or novels every day, over time, they will experience several positive outcomes, such as improved critical thinking, enhanced creativity and idea generation, and better communication skills. For example, as students begin daily reading of texts, such as poems and novels, they will become more thoughtful and effective communicators. Additionally, it helps students internalize language patterns, enrich their vocabulary, and foster creativity. Regular reading encourages deeper analysis and interpretation, which enhances critical thinking skills. Thus, reading poems and novels significantly enhances students’ critical thinking abilities and broadens their worldview.
In conclusion, although there are some benefits of studying literature, such as it helps to improve critical thinking and internalize language patterns, I believe that paying more attention to literature is useless for high school students.