Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) in children is a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. As an IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed a growing trend of questions related to child development and special needs education. While this specific topic hasn’t appeared frequently in past exams, it’s certainly a relevant and important issue that could potentially be featured in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
Let’s explore a possible IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people believe that children with sensory processing disorders should be integrated into mainstream classrooms, while others argue they need specialized educational environments. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that children with SPD should be in mainstream classrooms
- Discuss the view that children with SPD need specialized educational environments
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The integration of children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) into mainstream education is a contentious issue, with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for full inclusion, others believe specialized environments are more beneficial. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal opinion.
Proponents of mainstream integration argue that it promotes social inclusion and prepares children with SPD for the real world. By interacting with neurotypical peers, these children can develop crucial social skills and adapt to diverse sensory environments. Furthermore, inclusion can foster empathy and understanding among all students, creating a more accepting society. This approach aligns with the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in education.
On the other hand, those favoring specialized educational settings contend that children with SPD have unique needs that are best addressed in tailored environments. Specialized classrooms can offer controlled sensory stimuli, individualized support, and targeted interventions that may be challenging to implement in mainstream settings. Advocates argue that this approach allows children with SPD to learn coping strategies and academic skills in a safe, supportive environment before transitioning to more diverse settings.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both perspectives would be most beneficial. I believe in the importance of inclusion, but also recognize the need for specialized support. An ideal solution might involve partial integration, where children with SPD spend some time in mainstream classrooms and some time in specialized settings. This could be complemented by providing additional training to mainstream teachers and implementing sensory-friendly modifications in regular classrooms.
In conclusion, while both mainstream integration and specialized education have their merits, a flexible, individualized approach that considers each child’s specific needs and abilities is likely to yield the best outcomes. By combining the benefits of social inclusion with targeted support, we can create an educational system that truly serves all children, regardless of their sensory processing abilities.
(Word count: 309)
Children with sensory processing disorders in classroom
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of how to educate children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) is a difficult one. Some people think they should be in normal classrooms, while others believe they need special schools. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support putting SPD children in mainstream classes say it’s good for social reasons. When these kids are with other normal children, they can learn how to make friends and deal with different situations. It also helps other children learn about differences and be more understanding. This could make society better in the future.
However, people who think SPD children need special schools have good points too. These schools can have special equipment and teachers who know how to help these children. They can make the classroom quieter or less bright if needed. This might help SPD children learn better without getting too stressed.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both ideas could work well. Maybe SPD children could spend some time in normal classes and some time in special classes. This way, they can get the benefits of both. They can make friends with different kids but also get the extra help they need.
To conclude, both sides have good points about educating children with SPD. I believe a combination of mainstream and special education could be the best solution. This would help SPD children learn and grow in the best possible way.
(Word count: 246)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, a paragraph for personal opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and expressions (e.g., “contentious issue”, “foster empathy”, “tailored environments”), while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. However, both effectively convey the main ideas.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the lower band essay uses simpler constructions. Both are grammatically correct, but the complexity in the band 8-9 essay contributes to its higher score.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed and nuanced arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
Sensory processing disorder (noun) /ˈsensəri ˈprəʊsesɪŋ dɪsˈɔːdə/: A condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.
Mainstream (adjective) /ˈmeɪnstriːm/: Considered normal, and having or using ideas, beliefs, etc. that are accepted by most people.
Integration (noun) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/: The act of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole.
Neurotypical (adjective) /ˌnjʊərəʊˈtɪpɪkl/: Not displaying or characterized by autistic or other neurologically atypical patterns of thought or behavior.
Tailored (adjective) /ˈteɪləd/: Made or adapted for a particular purpose or person.
Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/: The act of intervening, especially to prevent something from happening.
Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Individualized (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlaɪzd/: Designed to meet the particular needs of an individual.
Coping strategies (noun phrase) /ˈkəʊpɪŋ ˈstrætədʒiz/: Methods a person uses to deal with stressful situations.
Sensory-friendly (adjective) /ˈsensəri ˈfrendli/: Designed to be less stimulating to the senses, often to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities.
In conclusion, the topic of supporting children with sensory processing disorders in educational settings is complex and multifaceted. While it hasn’t been a frequent IELTS Writing Task 2 topic in the past, it’s certainly possible that similar questions about special needs education or child development could appear in future exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of inclusive education in modern society
- Balancing the needs of different learners in a classroom setting
- The importance of specialized training for teachers in mainstream schools
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for a wide range of potential IELTS topics.