The topic of parental leave policies has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations over the past few years. Based on analysis of recent test materials from 2020-2023, questions about work-life balance and parental rights have appeared in approximately 15% of all Task 2 prompts. One particularly recurring theme focuses on extending maternity and paternity leave periods.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Some people believe that both maternity and paternity leave should be extended to help parents spend more time with their newborn children. Others argue this would negatively impact businesses and the economy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for extending parental leave
- Examine potential negative impacts on business/economy
- Present and justify their own position
- Provide relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over extending parental leave has gained significant attention as societies strive to balance family welfare with economic interests. While some advocate for longer leave periods to support child development and family bonding, others express concerns about potential business disruptions. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those supporting extended parental leave present compelling arguments based on child development research. Studies have consistently shown that increased parental presence during a child’s first year significantly enhances cognitive development and emotional security. Moreover, longer leave periods can reduce postpartum depression rates among mothers and foster stronger father-child relationships. Countries like Sweden, which offers up to 480 days of paid parental leave, demonstrate how such policies can positively impact both family well-being and gender equality in the workplace.
However, business advocates raise valid concerns about economic implications. Extended leave periods can create substantial operational challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses often struggle to find temporary replacements and maintain productivity levels when key employees take extended absences. Additionally, the increased costs of providing extended paid leave could potentially lead to reduced hiring of young professionals or decreased investment in other employee benefits.
In my opinion, while the economic concerns merit consideration, the long-term societal benefits of extended parental leave outweigh the short-term business challenges. Governments could implement support systems for affected businesses, such as tax incentives or subsidies, to mitigate financial impacts. Furthermore, research from countries with generous parental leave policies suggests that such measures actually enhance employee loyalty and productivity, potentially benefiting businesses in the long run.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many people think maternity and paternity leave should be longer. Some people say this is good for families, but others worry about problems for business. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the positive side, longer parental leave helps families. When parents stay home longer with their babies, they can take better care of them. Babies need their parents’ attention and love in the first months. Also, mothers need time to recover after giving birth. In my country, many new mothers say current leave time is too short.
However, businesses face difficulties when workers take long leave. Companies must pay extra money to hire temporary workers. Small businesses especially have problems when important workers are away for a long time. This can make some companies lose money and maybe even close down.
In my view, extending parental leave is more important than business problems. While businesses might have some short-term issues, healthy families make a better society. Companies can plan ahead for worker absence and maybe get government help. Many successful countries already have long parental leave, showing it can work well.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “postpartum depression,” “cognitive development,” “operational challenges”
- Complex sentence structures with appropriate linking
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced discussion with well-developed arguments
- Relevant examples and specific details
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition of ideas
- Less developed arguments
- Limited use of examples
- More general statements
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Parental leave (n) /pəˈrent(ə)l liːv/ – time off work for parents
- Postpartum depression (n) /pəʊstˈpɑːtəm dɪˈpreʃ(ə)n/ – depression after childbirth
- Cognitive development (n) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv dɪˈveləpmənt/ – mental growth
- Operational challenges (n) /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ – business difficulties
- Gender equality (n) /ˈdʒendər ɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – equal rights for men and women
For practice, try writing your own essay addressing this prompt or similar topics like:
- Should parental leave be paid or unpaid?
- How can businesses better support new parents?
- What is the ideal length for parental leave?
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion with other learners.