The debate over whether schools or parents should take primary responsibility for teaching children good behavior is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2018-2023, this topic appears approximately every 4-5 months in different variations, making it highly relevant for IELTS candidates.
Role of teachers vs. parents in education has consistently been a key focus area in educational discussions. Let’s examine a recent IELTS Task 2 question on this topic and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
Question Analysis
Some people think that schools should be responsible for teaching children how to behave well, while others believe this is the role of parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on teaching good behavior
- Present balanced arguments for schools and parents
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support ideas with relevant examples
Schools and parents working together to teach children good behavior
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The question of who should bear the primary responsibility for instilling good behavior in children has sparked considerable debate. While both schools and parents play crucial roles, I believe this responsibility should be shared, with parents taking the lead role.
Schools undeniably contribute significantly to behavioral development. Teachers are professionally trained to manage classroom dynamics and implement structured disciplinary systems. They create environments where children learn essential social skills like respecting authority, following rules, and cooperating with peers. Moreover, schools provide consistent exposure to diverse situations where children must practice appropriate behavior.
However, parents are arguably more instrumental in shaping children’s behavior. The home environment serves as the foundation where children first learn values, morals, and basic conduct. Parents can provide individualized attention and immediate feedback, reinforcing positive behaviors through both instruction and example. Similar to how to teach mindfulness to children, parents can tailor their approach to their child’s specific needs and personality.
Furthermore, parental influence extends beyond the limited hours of school attendance. Children spend more time at home, where parents can consistently model and reinforce good behavior. The emotional bond between parents and children also makes their guidance more impactful and lasting. This aligns with research on importance of teaching gratitude to children, which shows that values are best instilled through close relationships.
In conclusion, while schools play a valuable supporting role, parents should remain the primary influence in teaching good behavior. The most effective approach combines both influences, with parents laying the foundation and schools reinforcing these lessons in a broader social context.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Teaching good behavior to children is important for society. Some people think schools should do this job, but others say it’s the parents’ responsibility. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Schools have some advantages in teaching behavior. Teachers can show students how to act properly with other people. They have many students in class, so children can practice social skills. Also, schools have rules that everyone must follow. This helps students learn discipline.
On the other hand, parents are very important for teaching behavior. They are the first teachers in a child’s life. Children spend more time at home than at school. Parents can watch their children all the time and correct bad behavior quickly. They also know their children better than teachers do.
I think both schools and parents should work together to teach good behavior. Schools cannot do everything alone, and parents need help from schools. When both work together, children learn better. This is similar to The importance of teaching children about mental health, where cooperation between home and school is essential.
In conclusion, teaching good behavior needs both schools and parents. They have different roles but both are important for children’s development.
Key Vocabulary
- instill (v) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude
- instrumental (adj) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – important in making something happen
- reinforce (v) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ – to strengthen or support
- disciplinary (adj) /ˈdɪsəplɪneri/ – relating to discipline
- dynamics (n) /daɪˈnæmɪks/ – the way in which people or things behave and react to each other
Tips for Practice
Try writing your own essay using these additional prompts:
- Should schools focus more on academic achievement or character development?
- Is it more effective for children to learn behavior through rules or through example?
- How can schools and parents better coordinate their approaches to teaching good behavior?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.
