Financial literacy in schools has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exams, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ll explore a relevant question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Financial literacy lesson in classroom
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that schools should teach children how to manage money. Others think that this is not the role of schools and should be taught at home. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that schools should teach financial literacy
- Discuss the opposing view that it should be taught at home
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
Financial literacy is an essential life skill, and there is ongoing debate about whether it should be taught in schools or left to parents at home. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that while parental guidance is valuable, schools play a crucial role in ensuring all children receive comprehensive financial education.
Those who believe financial literacy should be taught at home argue that parents are best positioned to impart real-world money management skills. They contend that family finances are personal, and parents can tailor lessons to their specific circumstances. Moreover, they argue that schools already have overcrowded curricula and adding financial literacy would detract from core subjects.
On the other hand, proponents of school-based financial education highlight the fact that not all parents have the knowledge or time to effectively teach these skills. Schools can provide a structured, standardized curriculum ensuring all students receive equal access to financial education. Additionally, integrating financial literacy into subjects like mathematics can enhance rather than hinder academic learning.
In my opinion, while parental involvement is valuable, schools should take primary responsibility for teaching financial literacy. This approach ensures that all children, regardless of their family background, have the opportunity to learn essential money management skills. Schools can bring in financial experts, use interactive tools, and provide practical exercises that many parents might not be able to offer. Furthermore, learning about finance alongside peers can foster healthy discussions and shared learning experiences.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have roles to play in financial education, the systematic and equitable approach offered by schools makes them the ideal primary source for teaching financial literacy. By incorporating this crucial life skill into the curriculum, we can better prepare the next generation for financial success and stability.
(Word count: 292)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).
Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “impart”, “overcrowded curricula”, “proponents”, “standardized curriculum”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately (e.g., “While parental involvement is valuable…”, “By incorporating this crucial life skill…”).
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Nowadays, many people think schools should teach children about managing money. However, others believe this should be taught at home. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, schools teaching financial literacy can be beneficial. Many teachers are well-educated and can provide good information about money management. Also, schools can make sure all students learn about finance, even if their parents don’t know much about it. For example, students can learn about budgeting, saving, and basic investing in class.
On the other hand, some people think parents should teach children about money. They say that money matters are private and should be discussed at home. Parents can show their children how to manage money in real-life situations, like when shopping or saving for a family vacation. This practical experience can be more useful than just learning theory in school.
In my opinion, both schools and parents should play a role in teaching financial literacy. Schools can provide the basic knowledge and theory, while parents can help children apply these lessons in real life. This way, children can get a complete understanding of how to manage money.
To conclude, although some people think financial literacy should only be taught at home, I believe that both schools and parents have important roles in teaching children about money management. This combined approach can help ensure that all children are well-prepared to handle their finances in the future.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., overuse of “also” and “however”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication of a higher band score. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “financial literacy”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar. However, it lacks the variety and sophistication of a Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Financial literacy (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Impart (verb) – /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ – To communicate or transmit (information or knowledge)
- Proponent (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for or supports something
- Standardized (adjective) – /ˈstændədaɪzd/ – Made to conform to a standard
- Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
- Overcrowded (adjective) – /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪd/ – Filled with too many people or things
- Integrate (verb) – /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – To combine one thing with another so that they become a whole
- Detract (verb) – /dɪˈtrækt/ – To diminish or take away the value of something
- Fostering (verb) – /ˈfɒstərɪŋ/ – Encouraging or promoting the development of something
In conclusion, the topic of financial literacy in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The importance of teaching practical life skills in schools
- The role of education in preparing students for adult life
- Balancing academic subjects with life skills in the curriculum
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar, and fully address all parts of the question. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS writing skills.