Drug and alcohol education has been a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing roughly once every 4-5 months in recent tests. The topic frequently connects with broader themes of public health, youth development, and social responsibility, making it particularly relevant for test-takers from countries facing substance abuse challenges such as How can governments tackle the issue of homelessness?.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that schools should include mandatory drug and alcohol education programs in their curriculum. Others think these topics should be discussed at home by parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Analyzing both perspectives on drug/alcohol education
- Evaluating the roles of schools and parents
- Presenting a clear personal stance
- Providing relevant examples and supporting arguments
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
Similar to What are the causes of crime and violence?, addressing substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach. Here’s a high-scoring response:
The debate over whether drug and alcohol education should be mandatory in schools or left to parental discretion is increasingly relevant in our modern society. While both approaches have merit, I believe a combination of school-based programs and parental guidance offers the most effective solution.
Those advocating for school-based education programs argue that professional educators can provide comprehensive, standardized information about substance abuse. Schools can employ trained specialists and utilize evidence-based curricula to ensure students receive accurate information about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Moreover, the classroom environment allows for open discussion among peers, which can be particularly beneficial for students whose parents might feel uncomfortable addressing these sensitive topics.
Conversely, supporters of home-based education emphasize that parents understand their children’s specific circumstances and can tailor discussions accordingly. They can incorporate family values and cultural perspectives while maintaining ongoing dialogue as children mature. Additionally, parents can monitor their children’s behavior more closely and intervene early if concerns arise.
In my opinion, the most effective approach is to implement both school and home-based education. Schools can provide the fundamental knowledge and scientific facts, while parents can reinforce these lessons within the context of family values and personal experiences. This dual approach ensures that young people receive consistent messages about substance abuse from multiple trusted sources.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Drug and alcohol education is important topic in modern society. Some people think schools must teach it, but others say parents should do this job. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Schools can teach drug and alcohol education good because teachers know many things. They can use special books and videos to show students the bad effects of these substances. Also, students can learn together and share their thoughts, which is helpful. Many schools already have these programs and they work well.
But some people think parents should teach about drugs and alcohol. Parents know their children better and can talk to them more personally. They can also watch their children’s behavior and help them if there are problems. Some parents think these topics are private and should stay in family.
I think both schools and parents should teach about drugs and alcohol. Schools can give basic information and parents can add more personal advice. This way, children get complete education about these dangerous things.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced discussion with clear personal stance
- Accurate grammar throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- Basic organization present
- Limited development of ideas
- Some grammar errors but meaning clear
Key Vocabulary
- mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law
- curricula (n) /kəˈrɪkjələ/ – courses offered by educational institution
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – action taken to improve a situation
- substance abuse (n) /ˈsʌbstəns əˈbjuːs/ – excessive use of drugs/alcohol
In conclusion, this topic remains crucial for IELTS candidates. Practice writing about related themes such as youth education, public health programs, and social responsibility. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.