Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many today claim that learning about

literature

should no longer be a key component of the high

school

curriculum. In my opinion, there are practical reasons for

this

sentiment but

literature

still serves a purpose. Proponents of

this

reform argue other subjects deserve prioritisation. There is little doubt that in the 21st century, the most important subjects for students’ future careers related to the sciences,

such

as engineering and computer science, or the practical humanities, like a business. The earlier that students begin specialising, the more likely they are to have a head start on the competition and secure a well-paying job immediately after graduating high

school

or university.

In contrast

, the novels and poems that students read in high

school

are usually completely forgotten within a few years and do not teach any tangible skills that will help them advance in the real world.

Nonetheless

, the

literature

contains many of the most important and fundamental truths about the human condition. Life is about more than a career and great authors tackle the most fundamental philosophical and psychological questions.

For example

, the masters of 19th century Russian

literature

, including Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, are primarily concerned with human psychology and how

this

fits into a larger context of man’s search for meaning. Their exploration of these issues is relevant to everyone and cannot be replaced with a steady career.

Moreover

, the way in which great writers develop their themes, the aesthetic quality of their writing itself, imparts to careful readers the importance of artistic expression and may help them see outside the narrow modern confines of accumulating the most material wealth. In conclusion, the utilitarian benefits of studying practical subjects do not outweigh the deeper values of

literature

. It is

therefore

advisable that

literature

be emphasised in high

school

classrooms.