Speech and language delays in children are a common concern for parents and educators. This topic has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions in the past and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to approach this topic effectively in your IELTS essay.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that schools should provide support for children with speech and language delays. Others believe this is the responsibility of parents. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents two contrasting views on who should be responsible for supporting children with speech and language delays. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that schools should provide support
- Discuss the view that parents should be responsible
- Give your own opinion on the matter
Let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, one aimed at a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
The issue of supporting children with speech and language delays is a complex one, with some arguing that schools should bear this responsibility, while others believe it falls to parents. In my opinion, a collaborative approach involving both schools and parents is the most effective way to address these challenges.
Those who advocate for school-based support argue that educational institutions have the resources and expertise to provide specialized assistance. Professional speech therapists and language specialists employed by schools can offer targeted interventions during the school day, ensuring that children receive consistent and high-quality support. Moreover, schools can create inclusive environments where children with speech and language delays can practice their skills with peers, fostering both linguistic and social development.
On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility emphasize the crucial role of the home environment in language acquisition. Parents are a child’s first teachers and have the most intimate understanding of their child’s needs and challenges. They can provide individualized attention and create a supportive atmosphere for language development through daily interactions, reading, and conversation. Additionally, parents are best positioned to reinforce strategies learned in therapy sessions and ensure continuity of care.
In my view, the most effective approach is one that combines the strengths of both school and parental involvement. Schools can provide professional expertise and structured interventions, while parents can offer consistent support and practice opportunities at home. This collaborative model ensures that children receive comprehensive support across all aspects of their lives. Furthermore, open communication between educators and parents can lead to more tailored and effective interventions, as insights from both settings can inform the child’s treatment plan.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have important roles to play in supporting children with speech and language delays, a combined effort is likely to yield the best results. By leveraging the resources of educational institutions and the intimate knowledge and dedication of parents, we can create a robust support system that gives these children the best chance of overcoming their challenges and thriving.
(Word count: 329)
Collaborative approach for speech and language support
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about who should help children with speech and language problems. Some people think schools should do it, while others say it’s the parents’ job. I think both schools and parents should work together to help these children.
Schools have many good reasons to help children with speech and language delays. They have teachers who know about these problems and can give special help. Schools also have speech therapists who can work with children during the school day. This is good because children can get help regularly without missing school. Also, schools have other children around, which can help kids practice talking and make friends.
However, parents also have an important role. They are with their children more than anyone else and know them best. Parents can help their children practice speaking at home and give them lots of attention. They can read to their children and talk to them a lot, which helps with language. Parents can also work with the school to make sure their child is getting the right help.
I believe that the best way to help children with speech and language delays is for schools and parents to work together. Schools can provide expert help and special programs, while parents can continue this help at home. When schools and parents communicate well, they can share information about the child’s progress and make better plans to help them.
In conclusion, both schools and parents have important parts to play in helping children with speech and language delays. By working together, they can give children the best chance to improve their speaking and language skills.
(Word count: 267)
Key Considerations When Writing
Vocabulary and Grammar
For a higher band score (8-9):
- Use a wide range of vocabulary precisely and effectively
- Employ complex sentence structures
- Use idiomatic language naturally
Examples from the Band 8-9 essay:
- “a collaborative approach”
- “foster both linguistic and social development”
- “reinforce strategies learned in therapy sessions”
For a mid-range band score (6-7):
- Use a sufficient range of vocabulary with some precision
- Mix simple and complex sentence structures
- Attempt to use less common vocabulary, even if not always accurately
Examples from the Band 6-7 essay:
- “There is a debate about…”
- “Schools have many good reasons to help…”
- “communicate well”
Essay Structure
Both essays follow a clear structure:
- Introduction with a thesis statement
- Two body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint
- A paragraph presenting the writer’s opinion
- Conclusion summarizing the main points
The higher band essay develops ideas more fully and uses more sophisticated transitions between paragraphs.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Speech delay (noun) /spiːtʃ dɪˈleɪ/ – A condition where a child’s speech develops slower than expected
- Language acquisition (noun) /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən/ – The process of learning a language
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – Action taken to improve a situation or help someone
- Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Including everyone, especially those who might otherwise be excluded
- Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more parties working together
- Tailored (adjective) /ˈteɪlərd/ – Customized or adapted for a specific need or person
- Reinforce (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/ – To strengthen or support
- Continuity (noun) /ˌkɒntɪˈnjuːəti/ – The state of being continuous or uninterrupted
- Thrive (verb) /θraɪv/ – To grow, develop, or be successful
- Leverage (verb) /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ – To use something to maximum advantage
Conclusion
The topic of supporting children with speech and language delays is complex and multifaceted, making it an excellent subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. When approaching this or similar topics, remember to:
- Clearly state and discuss both viewpoints presented in the question
- Provide specific examples and reasons to support each view
- Clearly state your own opinion and justify it
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score
- Maintain a clear essay structure with well-developed paragraphs
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in supporting children with learning disabilities
- The importance of early intervention in childhood development
- The balance between specialized and mainstream education for children with special needs
Remember to practice writing your own essays and feel free to share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.