Should Cooking Be Compulsory in Schools?   

• Introduction>> Some schools offer cooking classes. Some people view cooking as a necessary skill that should be a part of the curriculum, but others see it as a fun hobby that is not essential to learn. The debaters will now present their opinions on the subject. Constructive Debater 1 Marie I support having cooking lessons in school. Chefs like Paik Jong-won emphasize how cooking promotes independence, healthy eating, and responsibility. Learning to cook will help students make healthier choices, avoid fast food, and develop creativity. Shows like Chef & My Fridge and Culinary Class Wars demonstrate the critical role imagination and creativity play in cooking. They also show how cooking involves practical skills like time management, planning, and budgeting. As such, cooking should be compulsory to prepare students for the future. Constructive Debater 2 Charlotte While cooking can be fun, it is not necessary to learn. Students already have their hands full with core subjects like math, science, and language. Cooking lessons may take time away from these essentials. Furthermore, with the rise of meal kits and delivery services, cooking isn’t a necessity. Why learn to cook when you can get whatever you want for dinner on the phone? Moreover, shows like Culinary Class Wars focus on professional chefs with expertise and skills that people do not need unless they plan to get a job in the culinary industry. Rebuttal Debater 1 Marie Cooking isn’t just an enjoyable activity; it’s an essential life skill. You can’t survive on food delivery forever. What will you do if the stores all close for the holidays? Moreover, food delivery is unhealthy as it encourages overeating and increases access to unhealthy options. Restaurant food tends to be processed and filled with unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined sugars. Cooking is also a valuable social skill. You can grow close to the people around you by cooking meals or hosting a dinner party. Learning how to prepare a homemade meal offers life-long benefits beyond convenience. Rebuttal Debater 2 Charlotte While cooking can be helpful for some, it’s not a vital skill for every student. In today’s fast-paced world, speed and convenience are what everyone looks for first. In addition, with people becoming more health-conscious, more food establishments are now offering healthier options to meet the changing demands. Some meal delivery services specialize in healthy meal kits for every dietary requirement and diet, from vegetarian to low calorie. Furthermore, there are plenty of other subjects that students should be learning. Schools should prioritize skills that prepare students for the future, such as coding or environmental science. Judge’s Comments Cooking lessons offer both fun and practical benefits. After this debate, do you think cooking should be mandatory or optional in school? What skills do you think are most important for students to learn? May For The Junior Times junior/1737615598/1613368104