In recent years, the topic of supporting children with emotional challenges has gained significant importance in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme not only reflects current societal concerns but also tests candidates’ ability to articulate complex ideas about child development and mental health. Based on trends in past exams and the growing emphasis on mental health in education, we can expect this topic to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a typical question on this subject and analyze how to craft a high-scoring response.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that schools should take more responsibility for teaching children how to manage their emotions and deal with stress. Others think this is primarily the role of parents. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the debate over who should be responsible for children’s emotional education – schools or parents. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that schools should take more responsibility
- Explain the perspective that parents should be primarily responsible
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses all parts of the question:
In today’s fast-paced world, children face numerous emotional challenges, raising questions about who should be responsible for equipping them with the necessary coping skills. While some argue that schools should play a more significant role in this area, others maintain that it is primarily the parents’ duty. In my opinion, both institutions have crucial roles to play in supporting children’s emotional development.
Those who advocate for increased school involvement in emotional education argue that schools are uniquely positioned to provide systematic and professional guidance. Trained educators and counselors can implement evidence-based programs to teach emotional intelligence, stress management, and resilience. Moreover, schools offer a controlled environment where children can practice these skills with peers, under expert supervision. This approach ensures that all children, regardless of their home situation, have access to essential emotional support and education.
On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility emphasize the intimate nature of emotional development. Parents are the first and most constant influence in a child’s life, uniquely placed to understand their child’s individual needs and temperament. They can provide personalized support and model healthy emotional behaviors in daily life. Furthermore, emotional learning often occurs in moments of vulnerability or crisis, which are more likely to happen at home than in a classroom setting.
In my view, the most effective approach is a collaborative one that leverages the strengths of both schools and parents. Schools can provide structured learning and professional resources, while parents offer personalized support and real-life application of these skills. This partnership ensures a consistent and comprehensive approach to emotional education. For instance, schools could offer workshops for parents on emotional intelligence techniques, creating a unified strategy between home and school.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have valuable contributions to make in teaching children how to manage their emotions, a combined effort is likely to yield the best results. By working together, these two pillars of a child’s life can create a robust support system that equips children with the emotional tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
(Word count: 329)
Classroom emotional support
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
In modern society, children often face emotional problems, and there is a debate about who should teach them to manage these issues. Some people think schools should do more to help children with their emotions and stress, while others believe parents should be mainly responsible. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, schools can play an important role in teaching children about emotions. Teachers are trained professionals who can use special programs to help students learn about feelings and how to deal with stress. Schools also provide a place where children can practice these skills with their classmates. This is good because all children can get help, even if their parents don’t know how to teach about emotions.
On the other hand, parents are very important for a child’s emotional growth. They know their children best and can give personal help. Parents can show good ways to deal with emotions in everyday life. Also, many emotional problems happen at home, so parents are there to help right away.
In my opinion, both schools and parents should work together to help children with their emotions. Schools can teach the basics and give professional help, while parents can support their children at home and use what they learn from school. This teamwork can give children the best chance to learn how to manage their emotions well.
To conclude, I think that schools and parents both have important jobs in teaching children about emotions. By working together, they can help children learn to deal with their feelings and stress in the best way possible.
(Word count: 268)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. For example, “uniquely positioned,” “implement evidence-based programs,” and “leverages the strengths” demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
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Argument Development: The higher-scoring essay provides more specific examples and explanations to support each point. It also presents a more balanced and thoughtful analysis of the issue.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words, but the Band 8-9 essay does so more effectively and with greater variety, enhancing the overall flow of ideas.
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Task Response: While both essays address all parts of the question, the Band 8-9 essay does so with greater depth and precision, fully developing each point and clearly stating the writer’s position.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Emotional intelligence (noun) /ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others.
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Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
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Vulnerability (noun) /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
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To equip (verb) /ɪˈkwɪp/: To provide someone with the tools or skills they need to do something.
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Coping skills (noun phrase) /ˈkəʊpɪŋ skɪlz/: Strategies used to manage difficult or stressful situations.
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Evidence-based (adjective) /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/: Based on or determined by objective and comprehensive analysis of available facts.
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To implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/: To put a plan or system into action.
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Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/: Designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements.
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Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/: Involving two or more parties working together.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
Conclusion
The topic of supporting children with emotional challenges is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in children’s emotional development
- The impact of social media on youth mental health
- Balancing academic achievement with emotional well-being in schools
- The importance of teaching mindfulness and meditation to children
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about knowing the topic, but also about presenting your ideas clearly, coherently, and with appropriate language. Practice writing essays on these topics and feel free to share your attempts in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.
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