Financial literacy is a crucial skill for young people to develop, and it’s becoming an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay question has appeared in various forms in recent years, reflecting its growing importance in our society. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed a trend towards questions about economic education and financial responsibility, particularly for younger generations. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and analysis.
Financial literacy education for young people
Analyzing the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following question:
Some people say that schools should teach children how to manage money. Others believe that this is not the role of schools and should be taught at home. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which is common in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to:
- Present arguments for teaching financial literacy in schools
- Present arguments for teaching financial literacy at home
- Give your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Financial education is a critical life skill that has sparked debate regarding its place in the curriculum. While some argue that schools should take responsibility for teaching money management, others contend that this falls within the purview of parental guidance. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on the matter.
Those who advocate for financial education in schools argue that it provides a standardized and comprehensive approach to money management. Schools have the resources and expertise to design structured programs that cover essential topics such as budgeting, saving, and investing. Moreover, integrating financial literacy into the curriculum ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to this vital knowledge. This approach can help bridge the socioeconomic gap and provide a foundation for future financial success.
On the other hand, proponents of home-based financial education emphasize the importance of personalized instruction and real-world application. Parents can tailor lessons to their family’s specific financial situation and values, making the learning process more relevant and practical. Additionally, teaching money management at home allows for ongoing, informal learning opportunities as children observe and participate in family financial decisions. This approach can foster a deeper understanding of financial concepts through hands-on experience.
In my opinion, the most effective solution is a collaborative approach that combines school-based instruction with home reinforcement. Schools can provide a structured framework for financial literacy, ensuring that all students receive a solid foundation in money management principles. Meanwhile, parents can supplement this education by applying these concepts to real-life situations and instilling family-specific financial values. This dual approach would capitalize on the strengths of both environments, offering students a comprehensive and practical financial education.
In conclusion, while both school-based and home-based financial education have their merits, a synergistic approach that leverages the strengths of both settings is likely to yield the best results. By combining formal instruction with practical application, we can better equip young people with the financial skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets the criteria for a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “purview,” “standardized,” “socioeconomic gap,” “synergistic approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately (e.g., “While some argue that…,” “This approach can help bridge…,” “By combining formal instruction with…”).
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
There is a debate about whether schools or parents should teach children about managing money. Some people think schools should include this in their lessons, while others believe it’s a job for parents at home. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support teaching money management in schools say it’s important for all children to learn this skill. Schools can provide lessons on budgeting, saving, and understanding basic financial concepts. This way, every student gets the same information, no matter what their family background is. It can help prepare them for adult life and making good financial decisions in the future.
On the other hand, people who think parents should teach about money say it’s more practical at home. Parents can show their children how to manage money in real situations, like when shopping or saving for something special. They can also teach their own values about money, which might be different for each family. Learning at home can be more personal and connected to real life.
In my opinion, both schools and parents have a role in teaching children about money. Schools can provide the basic knowledge and skills, while parents can show how to use this knowledge in everyday life. This combination can help children understand money better and be more prepared for their financial future.
To conclude, I believe that teaching children about money management should be a shared responsibility between schools and parents. This way, children can get a good foundation of knowledge from school and practical experience from home, which will help them become financially responsible adults.
(Word count: 272)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations compared to the Band 8-9 essay:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed than in the higher band essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., repetitive use of “On the other hand,” “To conclude”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay (e.g., repeated use of “teach about money” instead of more varied expressions).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the higher band essay. There are no significant errors, but the structures are less sophisticated.
Key Vocabulary for Financial Literacy Essays
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Financial literacy (noun) /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills.
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Budgeting (noun) /ˈbʌdʒɪtɪŋ/: The process of creating a plan to spend your money.
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Investing (verb) /ɪnˈvestɪŋ/: Putting money into financial schemes, shares, property, or a commercial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.
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Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
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Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɒmɪk/: Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.
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Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːrsənəlaɪzd/: Designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements.
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Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnərˈdʒɪstɪk/: Relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/: Involving two or more parties working together.
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Reinforce (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/: To strengthen or support, typically with additional material or information.
Conclusion
The topic of promoting financial literacy among young people is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- “To what extent should financial education be a mandatory part of the school curriculum?”
- “How can governments and educational institutions work together to improve financial literacy among youth?”
- “Discuss the long-term benefits of teaching financial skills to children from an early age.”
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
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