The topic “Encouraging children to achieve anything” is a popular subject in many IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This essay-type question often appears in discussions about education, motivation, and childhood development. By analyzing past IELTS exams, it is evident that this theme recurs with some frequency. Thus, understanding how to write a compelling essay on this topic is essential for achieving a high band score.
Real-life Examples
Reviewing previous IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts, we find several related to this theme:
- “Some people believe that children should be allowed to achieve anything they set their minds to. Others think that this approach is unrealistic. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
- “Parents should encourage their children to be involved in extracurricular activities and sports. Agree or disagree?”
- “To achieve significant success, children need constant guidance and encouragement from parents and teachers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Based on the recurrence of such prompts, we will select a question to construct a complete essay example.
Selected Prompt
Discuss the following topic:
Some people believe that children should be allowed to achieve anything they set their minds to. Others think that this approach is unrealistic. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Prompt Analysis
This prompt asks for a discussion of two opposing views regarding whether children should be encouraged to achieve anything they desire. It requires:
- Understanding both perspectives fairly and thoroughly.
- Presenting a well-rounded argument on each side.
- Giving your personal opinion, supported by reasons and examples.
Sample Essay
Encouraging children to strive for any goal they set their minds to can be a double-edged sword. While some argue that this can motivate children and build their perseverance, others believe it can lead to unrealistic expectations and eventual disappointment. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and offer my own viewpoint.
On one hand, allowing children to pursue any goal can foster an environment of endless possibilities. This approach often leads to positive traits such as self-discipline, creativity, and a strong work ethic. For instance, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs pursued their seemingly far-fetched dreams with relentless determination and became iconic figures in the tech world. Encouraging children to think big and boldly chase their dreams can instill an invaluable mindset that nothing is impossible if they work hard enough.
Conversely, some people argue that this mentality can be inherently flawed and overly idealistic. They fear that setting no realistic boundaries can result in immense pressure and unmet expectations. For example, not every child has the potential to become a professional athlete or a world-renowned artist. If children’s ambitions are not aligned with their abilities, they may experience frustration and a diminished sense of self-worth. Critics of this approach advocate for a balanced strategy that combines encouragement with a realistic assessment of a child’s strengths and limitations.
In my opinion, while it is crucial to encourage children to pursue their passions, balance is key. Parents and educators should empower children to dream big but also help them understand and appreciate their own unique talents and limitations. By setting achievable milestones along the journey to broader aspirations, children can experience success and growth without unrealistic pressures. In this way, children can learn resilience, adaptability, and the value of hard work while maintaining a healthy perspective on their goals.
In conclusion, although motivating children to achieve anything they desire can foster numerous positive traits, it must be tempered with realism to avoid potential pitfalls. A balanced approach that fosters big dreams while maintaining realistic expectations can cultivate both ambition and self-awareness in children.
Word Count: 327
Writing Tips
Vocabulary and Grammar Tips
- Complex Sentences: Utilize a mixture of simple and complex sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.
- Cohesive Devices: Use linking words like “however,” “therefore,” and “conversely” to enhance the flow of the essay.
- Precise Vocabulary: Choose precise and varied vocabulary to enrich the essay.
Important Vocabulary
- Perseverance (noun): /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪərəns/ – continued effort and determination.
- Self-discipline (noun): /ˌsɛlfˈdɪsɪplɪn/ – the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses.
- Idealistic (adjective): /ˌaɪdiəˈlɪstɪk/ – having a strong belief in perfect principles and ideals.
- Milestones (noun): /ˈmaɪlstəʊnz/ – significant stages or events in the development of something.
- Resilience (noun): /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Conclusion
To sum up, when writing an essay about “Encouraging children to achieve anything,” it is critical to discuss both sides of the argument and provide a balanced opinion backed by evidence. Future IELTS prompts may include similar discussions, so practicing with this format will be beneficial. Consider questions like “Should schools focus more on academic achievement or overall development of children?” or “Is it better to encourage children to be competitive or cooperative?” for further practice.
By preparing thoroughly, understanding the prompt, and writing compelling essays, test-takers can excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.