Effective communication skills in children have become a crucial topic in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject has appeared frequently in past tests and is predicted to remain relevant in future examinations. Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS tests:
Many people believe that schools should focus more on teaching children practical skills like communication and teamwork rather than academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the debate between teaching practical skills and academic subjects in schools. It specifically mentions communication as a practical skill, aligning with our focus on promoting effective communication skills in children. The task requires you to present your opinion and support it with well-developed arguments.
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the importance of practical skills such as communication and teamwork has gained significant attention in educational circles. While some argue that these skills should take precedence over traditional academic subjects, I believe that a balanced approach incorporating both is essential for a child’s holistic development.
Undoubtedly, communication and teamwork are crucial life skills that significantly impact a child’s future success. Effective communication enables children to express their thoughts clearly, understand others’ perspectives, and navigate social situations confidently. Similarly, teamwork fosters collaboration, leadership, and adaptability – qualities highly valued in the modern workplace. By emphasizing these skills, schools can better prepare students for the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives.
However, it would be shortsighted to diminish the importance of academic subjects. Disciplines such as mathematics, science, and literature provide the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for intellectual growth. These subjects not only form the basis for further specialized study but also contribute to developing analytical and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, many academic subjects indirectly enhance communication skills through essays, presentations, and group projects.
The ideal approach would be to integrate practical skills into the existing curriculum rather than creating a dichotomy between practical and academic education. For instance, schools could incorporate more group discussions, debates, and collaborative projects into traditional subjects. This method would allow students to develop communication and teamwork skills while simultaneously acquiring academic knowledge. Additionally, dedicated workshops or classes focusing on these practical skills could complement the core curriculum.
In conclusion, while the emphasis on practical skills like communication and teamwork is vital, it should not come at the expense of academic subjects. A well-rounded education that balances both aspects will best equip children for future success. By adopting an integrated approach, schools can ensure that students develop the comprehensive skill set required to thrive in the 21st century.
(Word count: 309)
Children practicing communication skills
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about what schools should prioritize in their teaching. Some people think that practical skills like communication and teamwork are more important than academic subjects. I partly agree with this view, but I also think academic subjects are still necessary.
On one hand, communication and teamwork are very important skills for children to learn. These skills help them in many ways in their future lives. For example, good communication skills can help them make friends, do well in job interviews, and solve problems with other people. Teamwork is also important because many jobs require people to work together. If children learn these skills early, they will be better prepared for their future careers.
However, I don’t think schools should completely forget about academic subjects. Subjects like math, science, and literature are still very important. They help children develop their thinking skills and gain knowledge about the world. This knowledge is necessary for many jobs and for understanding complex issues in society. Also, studying these subjects can actually help improve communication skills, especially when students have to write essays or give presentations.
I think the best solution is to teach both practical skills and academic subjects. Schools could include more group projects and presentations in their regular classes. This way, students can learn academic content while also practicing communication and teamwork. They could also have special classes that focus on these practical skills.
In conclusion, while practical skills like communication and teamwork are very important, I believe schools should teach them alongside academic subjects. This balanced approach will give children the best chance to succeed in their future lives and careers.
(Word count: 276)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Addressing the question: Both essays directly address the question, clearly stating the writer’s position and providing supporting arguments.
Structure: The high-band essay has a more sophisticated structure with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a conclusion that reinforces the main points.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and expressions, such as “holistic development,” “shortsighted,” and “dichotomy.”
Grammar: The high-band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures and more accurate use of grammar.
Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use linking words and phrases, but the Band 8-9 essay shows more sophisticated paragraph and idea connections.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Holistic development (noun phrase): /həʊˈlɪstɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Complete growth of a person, including physical, mental, and social aspects.
Shortsighted (adjective): /ʃɔːˈsaɪtɪd/ – Lacking foresight or consideration for the future.
Dichotomy (noun): /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ – A division or contrast between two things that are presented as opposites.
Integrate (verb): /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – To combine or incorporate into a larger unit.
Well-rounded (adjective): /welˈraʊndɪd/ – Having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects.
Foundational (adjective): /faʊnˈdeɪʃənl/ – Serving as a basis or groundwork for something.
Adaptability (noun): /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or situations.
Complementary (adjective): /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri/ – Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other.
Conclusion
Promoting effective communication skills in children is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By understanding the key elements of a high-scoring essay and practicing with sample questions, you can improve your writing skills and boost your IELTS score.
Some potential future questions on this topic might include:
- Discuss the role of technology in developing children’s communication skills.
- Some people believe that social media negatively affects children’s ability to communicate effectively. Do you agree or disagree?
- How can parents and teachers work together to enhance children’s communication skills?
We encourage you to practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS Writing Practice
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How to Promote Healthy Self-Expression in Children
- How to Promote Social Skills in Children
- The Role of Education in Fostering Critical Thinking Skills
Remember, effective communication skills are not only crucial for your IELTS success but also for your personal and professional growth. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement in both your writing and communication abilities.