Bullying in schools is a critical issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global focus on student well-being, we can expect this topic to remain highly relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a sample question and provide model essays to help you tackle this important subject effectively.
Some people think that schools should be responsible for teaching students about the problem of bullying and how to deal with it. Others believe that parents should teach their children about bullying. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that schools should be responsible for teaching about bullying
- Discuss the view that parents should teach their children about bullying
- 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 for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses all aspects of the question:
In recent years, bullying has become a pressing concern in educational institutions worldwide. While some argue that schools should take the lead in educating students about this issue, others believe it is primarily the responsibility of parents. In my opinion, both schools and parents play crucial roles in addressing bullying, and a collaborative approach is most effective.
Those who advocate for schools to take charge of anti-bullying education argue that educational institutions are uniquely positioned to address this problem. Schools provide a structured environment where students spend a significant portion of their time, making them an ideal setting for comprehensive anti-bullying programs. Moreover, teachers and school counselors are trained professionals who can identify signs of bullying and implement effective intervention strategies. By integrating anti-bullying lessons into the curriculum, schools can ensure that all students receive consistent and age-appropriate information about bullying prevention and response.
On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility emphasize the critical role of family in shaping a child’s values and behavior. Parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers, and they have the opportunity to instill empathy, respect, and kindness from an early age. Furthermore, parents can provide personalized guidance tailored to their child’s specific needs and experiences. They are also in a position to model appropriate behavior and teach conflict resolution skills that can help prevent bullying or empower their children to stand up against it.
In my view, the most effective approach to addressing bullying involves a partnership between schools and parents. While schools can provide structured education and create a safe environment, parents can reinforce these messages at home and offer individualized support. This collaborative effort ensures that children receive consistent anti-bullying messages across different contexts, increasing the likelihood of long-term behavioral change. Additionally, open communication between parents and schools can help identify and address bullying incidents more effectively.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have important roles to play in teaching children about bullying, a combined approach is most beneficial. By working together, schools and families can create a comprehensive support system that equips children with the knowledge and skills to prevent and combat bullying effectively.
(Word count: 345)
Anti-bullying Education
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates writing at the Band 6-7 level:
Bullying is a big problem in schools today. Some people think schools should teach students about bullying, while others believe parents should do this. I think both schools and parents have important roles in addressing this issue.
Schools are good places to teach about bullying because students spend a lot of time there. Teachers can include lessons about bullying in their classes and help students understand why it’s wrong. Schools can also have special programs to prevent bullying and help students who are being bullied. This is important because not all parents might know how to talk about bullying with their children.
However, parents also have a big responsibility in teaching their children about bullying. Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life and can teach important values like kindness and respect. They can also help their children understand how to deal with bullies or what to do if they see someone being bullied. Parents can give their children personal advice based on their own experiences.
In my opinion, it’s best if both schools and parents work together to teach children about bullying. Schools can provide general information and create rules against bullying, while parents can reinforce these ideas at home. When children hear the same messages from both school and home, they are more likely to understand how serious bullying is and how to prevent it.
To conclude, I believe that schools and parents should both be involved in teaching children about bullying. This teamwork approach can help reduce bullying and create a safer environment for all students.
(Word count: 269)
Key Considerations When Writing
For Band 8-9 Essays:
- Use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Provide in-depth analysis and well-developed arguments
- Maintain a formal tone throughout the essay
- Use appropriate linking words to ensure cohesion between paragraphs
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic
For Band 6-7 Essays:
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Provide clear arguments with some supporting details
- Maintain a consistent tone, though it may be less formal than higher band essays
- Use basic linking words to connect ideas
- Show a good understanding of the topic, even if not as nuanced as higher band essays
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Bullying (noun) /ˈbʊliɪŋ/ – the act of intimidating or mistreating someone perceived as vulnerable
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – action taken to improve a situation or prevent it from getting worse
- Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving two or more parties working together
- Reinforce (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/ – to strengthen or support
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for or supports a theory or course of action
- Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːrsənəlaɪzd/ – designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements
- Conflict resolution (noun phrase) /ˈkɒnflɪkt ˌrezəˈluːʃən/ – the process of finding a peaceful solution to a disagreement
- Long-term behavioral change (noun phrase) /lɒŋ tɜːm bɪˈheɪvjərəl tʃeɪndʒ/ – lasting alterations in how a person acts or conducts oneself
Conclusion
Addressing bullying in schools is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to consider various perspectives on this topic and practice articulating your thoughts clearly and coherently. You may encounter similar questions about school safety, student well-being, or the roles of educational institutions versus parents in addressing social issues.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay based on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates. This active practice will help you refine your writing skills and gain confidence in tackling similar topics in the actual IELTS exam.
