IELTS Writing Task 2: The Role of Education in Fostering Social Inclusion – Sample Essays and Analysis

Education plays a crucial role in promoting social inclusion, and this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current social issues, there’s a high probability that you may encounter a question related to this theme in your IELTS test. Let’s explore a relevant question and analyze how to approach it effectively.

Education fostering social inclusion

Analyzing the Question

Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people believe that schools should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that this is the role of families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question directly addresses the Role Of Education In Fostering Social Inclusion by asking about the responsibility of schools in teaching children to be good members of society. It’s a common type of question in IELTS, requiring you to discuss both perspectives and provide your own opinion.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The debate over whether schools or families should be responsible for teaching children to be good members of society is a contentious one. While both institutions play crucial roles in a child’s development, I believe that this responsibility should be shared between schools and families.

On one hand, proponents of school-based social education argue that schools provide a structured environment where children can learn and practice social skills. Schools offer diverse settings where students interact with peers from various backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and understanding. Moreover, trained educators can implement curricula designed to teach civic responsibility, ethics, and social norms in a systematic way. For instance, many schools now include lessons on cultural diversity, conflict resolution, and community service, which are essential for developing socially conscious citizens.

On the other hand, those who advocate for family-based social education emphasize the primacy of parental influence in shaping a child’s values and behaviors. Families provide the first and most enduring social context for children, where they learn fundamental moral principles and social conventions. Parents and guardians serve as role models, demonstrating through their actions how to interact with others and contribute to society. Furthermore, family discussions about social issues can be more personalized and in-depth than those possible in a classroom setting.

In my opinion, the most effective approach is a collaborative effort between schools and families. Schools can provide the structured learning and diverse experiences necessary for developing social skills, while families can reinforce these lessons and provide a moral foundation. This synergy allows children to benefit from both the expertise of educators and the personal guidance of family members. For example, a school might teach about environmental responsibility, which parents can then support by involving children in household recycling efforts or community clean-up events.

In conclusion, while both schools and families have unique strengths in teaching children to be good members of society, a combined approach is likely to yield the best results. By working together, these institutions can ensure that children receive comprehensive social education, preparing them to be responsible, empathetic, and engaged citizens.

(Word count: 329)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

There is a debate about whether schools or families should teach children how to be good members of society. Both sides have good points, and I think both schools and families are important for this.

People who think schools should teach social skills say that schools have trained teachers and special programs. In schools, children meet many different people and learn to work together. Teachers can teach lessons about being kind, helping others, and following rules. For example, many schools have projects where students help in the community, which teaches them to be good citizens.

On the other hand, people who believe families should teach these skills say that parents know their children best. Families are the first place where children learn about right and wrong. Parents can show their children how to behave by setting a good example. At home, children can learn important values like honesty and respect. Families can also talk about social issues in a more personal way than schools can.

I think both schools and families should work together to teach children how to be good members of society. Schools can teach many important skills and give children chances to practice them. Families can support what children learn in school and teach them deeper values. For example, if a school teaches about helping others, parents can take their children to volunteer at a local charity.

In conclusion, I believe that schools and families both have important roles in teaching children to be good members of society. When they work together, children can learn the best from both and grow up to be responsible and caring people.

(Word count: 270)

Key Considerations When Writing

1. Understand the question: Ensure you address all parts of the prompt, including discussing both views and giving your opinion.

2. Structure: Use a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, your opinion, and a conclusion.

3. Balanced argument: Present both sides fairly before stating your own view.

4. Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your points, as seen in both sample essays.

5. Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.

6. Vocabulary: For higher band scores, use a range of vocabulary related to education and society. For lower band scores, focus on using common words accurately.

7. Grammar: Higher band essays should demonstrate a variety of complex structures, while lower band essays should aim for grammatical accuracy with simpler structures.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Social inclusion (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl ɪnˈkluːʒən/ – The practice of ensuring equal opportunities for all members of society.

2. Civic responsibility (noun) /ˈsɪvɪk rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The duty of citizens in a society to act for the benefit of the community.

3. Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

4. Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The state of having people from different social and ethnic backgrounds.

5. Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more parties working together.

6. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

7. Role model (noun) /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/ – A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.

8. Community service (noun) /kəˈmjuːnəti ˈsɜːvɪs/ – Voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area.

To further enhance your IELTS Writing skills, consider practicing with similar topics such as the importance of mental health education in schools or the impact of technology on social justice. These related subjects can help you develop a broader perspective on social issues in education.

In conclusion, the role of education in fostering social inclusion is a critical topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding how to approach this subject, you can effectively address similar questions in your exam. Remember to practice writing essays on related themes, such as the balance between academic education and life skills, or the impact of inclusive education policies on society. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.