In recent years, the topic of supporting children through academic challenges has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This trend reflects the growing global concern about children’s education and well-being. As an IELTS candidate, it’s crucial to be prepared for this topic, as it has a high probability of appearing in future exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and craft sample essays to help you excel in your writing task.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that parents should encourage their children to focus only on academic subjects at school. Others believe that children should study a wide range of subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the ongoing debate about the breadth of education children should receive. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that parents should encourage children to focus solely on academic subjects
- Explore the perspective that children should study a diverse range of subjects
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine two sample essays that tackle this question, one aimed at a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
The debate over the ideal curriculum for children’s education has been ongoing, with some advocating for a narrow focus on academic subjects while others champion a more diverse educational approach. In my opinion, while academic subjects are undoubtedly important, a well-rounded education that includes a variety of subjects is more beneficial for children’s overall development and future success.
Proponents of a strictly academic focus argue that concentrating on core subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages provides children with a solid foundation for future academic and professional success. They contend that these subjects develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and essential knowledge that will serve children well in an increasingly competitive global economy. Moreover, they believe that excelling in these areas can lead to better opportunities in higher education and lucrative career prospects.
On the other hand, those who advocate for a broader curriculum argue that exposing children to a wide range of subjects fosters creativity, adaptability, and a more holistic understanding of the world. This approach, they claim, nurtures well-rounded individuals who are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern society. Subjects such as arts, music, physical education, and social sciences contribute to emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and social skills, which are equally important for personal and professional success.
In my view, the latter approach is more beneficial for children’s overall development. While academic subjects are undoubtedly crucial, limiting education to these areas risks creating individuals who lack important life skills and struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing world. A diverse curriculum not only caters to different learning styles and interests but also helps children discover their passions and talents beyond traditional academic realms. Furthermore, skills gained from studying various subjects often complement each other, enhancing overall cognitive development and problem-solving abilities.
In conclusion, while academic subjects form the backbone of education, they should not be the sole focus. A balanced approach that incorporates a wide range of subjects provides children with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. It is essential for parents and educators to recognize the value of diverse learning experiences in shaping well-rounded, adaptable, and successful individuals.
(Word count: 345)
Children studying diverse subjects
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The question of what subjects children should study in school is a topic of much debate. Some people think parents should push their kids to focus only on academic subjects, while others believe children should learn many different subjects. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support focusing on academic subjects argue that these are the most important for children’s future. They think subjects like math, science, and languages will help children get good jobs and be successful in life. They believe that spending more time on these subjects will make children smarter and better prepared for university and work.
On the other hand, people who support studying many subjects think it’s better for children’s overall development. They say that learning things like art, music, and sports helps children become more creative and well-rounded. These subjects can also help children discover their talents and interests, which might lead to future careers or hobbies.
In my opinion, I think it’s better for children to study a wide range of subjects. While academic subjects are important, other subjects can teach valuable skills too. For example, art can help with creativity, sports can teach teamwork, and music can improve memory. Learning different subjects can also make school more interesting for children and help them enjoy learning.
To conclude, although academic subjects are important, I believe children should study many different subjects in school. This approach helps them develop various skills and find their interests, which is important for their future success and happiness.
(Word count: 253)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and smoother transitions.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:
- Band 8-9: “fostering creativity”, “holistic understanding”, “nurtures well-rounded individuals”
- Band 6-7: “help children become more creative”, “overall development”, “make school more interesting”
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Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay showcases a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions. For instance:
- Band 8-9: “While academic subjects are undoubtedly crucial, limiting education to these areas risks creating individuals who lack important life skills and struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing world.”
- Band 6-7: “While academic subjects are important, other subjects can teach valuable skills too.”
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Argument Development: The Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed explanations and examples to support its points, while the Band 6-7 essay offers more basic arguments.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated use of cohesive devices.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – encourage or promote the development of (something, typically something regarded as good)
- Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
- Cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning
- Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – publicly recommend or support
- Diverse (adjective) /daɪˈvɜːs/ – showing a great deal of variety; very different
Conclusion
The topic of supporting children through academic challenges, particularly in the context of curriculum choices, is a significant one in IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen, it requires a nuanced understanding of different educational philosophies and the ability to articulate arguments clearly.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of extracurricular activities in children’s education
- The impact of technology on children’s learning
- The importance of creativity vs. academic knowledge in education
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
If you’re interested in exploring related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How to Nurture a Love of Science in Children
- Importance of Fostering Resilience in Children
- How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Children
These resources can provide additional insights into supporting children’s academic and personal development, which can be valuable for your IELTS preparation and beyond.
