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Schools shape the way young people think, behave, and see the world, so any change to them deserves careful thought. If I could change one thing about the school I attended, I would expand and modernise its student exchange programme and open it to many more students. In my view, this single reform would foster both personal growth and academic progress.
First and foremost, exchange programmes cultivate independence and maturity. Most teenagers rely heavily on their families for everyday needs, such as getting a ride to school, being cared for when they are ill, and even receiving help with their homework. Living abroad forces students to step out of their comfort zone and take responsibility for their own lives. A case in point is my younger brother, who was thoroughly spoiled before he went to study overseas. When I saw him two years later, I was taken aback: he had become a punctual, responsible young man who valued his time. His experience made a world of difference to his character.
Furthermore, exchange programmes broaden students' horizons and bring tangible benefits to the school as a whole. Returning students can share first-hand experiences of different teaching methods and new technology, which may help raise standards at home. For instance, many developed countries have replaced paper-based examinations with computer-based tests, a shift that saves time and improves marking accuracy. If our school were exposed to such practices through its exchange partners, it could keep pace with the modern world.
Admittedly, critics may argue that these programmes are expensive and benefit only wealthy families. Nevertheless, the long-term rewards outweigh the drawbacks, provided that the school offers scholarships so that talented students from every background can take part.
In conclusion, I would choose to strengthen the exchange programme because it helps build responsible individuals and enables the school to innovate. On balance, no other single change would have such a lasting impact on both students and the institution.
Learn from the essay
Key language and writing lessons from this essay.
Build an argument across paragraphs
The essay introduces a specific change, supports it with two main reasons, addresses a possible objection, and restates the position in the conclusion.
Signal the role of each idea
Expressions such as “First and foremost,” “Furthermore,” and “Admittedly” help readers follow the sequence of reasons and recognize a counterargument.
Describe personal development
The essay uses words and phrases related to growing independence and maturity.
Use a conditional to propose a change
The second conditional describes an imagined situation and its result.
Use a past unreal conditional for a hypothetical outcome
The essay uses “If” with a past form and “could” to describe what might happen under a proposed condition.
Test Yourself
Check your understanding of the essay and its language.
Practice
Apply what you learned in your own writing.
Write a paragraph explaining one change you would make to a school. Give at least two reasons and one specific example.
Rewrite the sentence “Living abroad forces students to step out of their comfort zone and take responsibility for their own lives” using different wording while keeping its meaning.
Write a short response to the concern that exchange programmes are expensive. Use the essay's suggestion of scholarships and explain how they could help make participation fairer.