Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Teach Children About Healthy Habits – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Teaching children about healthy habits is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the growing importance of health education, we can expect this theme to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a common question type related to this subject and analyze how to approach it effectively.

Teaching children healthy habits

Analyzing the Task

Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people think that schools should teach children how to be good parents. Others claim that parenting can only be learned by experience. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This question relates to our main topic of teaching children about healthy habits, as good parenting often involves instilling healthy practices in children. Let’s break down the task:

1. It’s a discussion essay that requires you to examine two opposing views.
2. You need to present arguments for both sides: teaching parenting in schools and learning parenting through experience.
3. You must also provide your own opinion on the matter.
4. The topic is closely linked to education and child-rearing, which often involves teaching healthy habits.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The role of schools in preparing students for future parenting responsibilities is a topic of considerable debate. While some argue that parenting skills should be part of the curriculum, others believe that such knowledge can only be acquired through real-life experiences. In my opinion, while schools can provide valuable foundational knowledge, the art of parenting is primarily learned through practical experience.

Proponents of teaching parenting skills in schools argue that it would better prepare young people for the challenges of raising children. They contend that by providing students with knowledge about child development, nutrition, and healthy habits, schools can contribute to creating more informed and capable parents. For instance, lessons on the importance of balanced diets and regular exercise could help future parents instill healthy habits in their children from an early age. Moreover, understanding child psychology and effective communication techniques could lead to more nurturing and supportive parenting styles.

On the other hand, those who believe parenting can only be learned through experience argue that the complexities of raising a child cannot be fully captured in a classroom setting. They maintain that each child is unique, and the dynamic nature of parent-child relationships requires adaptability that can only be developed through real-life situations. For example, while a textbook might explain the theory behind handling a toddler’s tantrum, the practical application of this knowledge often differs significantly from the theoretical approach.

In my view, while schools can provide a valuable foundation in child-rearing principles, the essence of effective parenting is largely gained through hands-on experience. Educational institutions can offer crucial information about child development stages, basic health care, and the importance of fostering healthy habits. However, the nuanced skills of patience, empathy, and adaptability that are central to good parenting are honed through daily interactions and challenges. A balanced approach, combining school-based education with real-world learning, would be most beneficial in preparing individuals for parenthood.

In conclusion, while schools can play a role in teaching the fundamentals of child-rearing and healthy habits, the art of parenting is primarily refined through practical experience. A comprehensive approach that blends theoretical knowledge with real-life application would be most effective in preparing future parents for the complexities of raising children.

(Word count: 367)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of teaching parenting skills in schools is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s a good idea for schools to teach students how to be good parents, while others believe that parenting is something you can only learn by doing it. I will discuss both views and share my own thoughts on this matter.

Those who support teaching parenting in schools say it would help prepare young people for having children in the future. They think that if students learn about things like child development, healthy eating, and good habits, they will be better parents. For example, if schools teach about the importance of a balanced diet and exercise, future parents might be more likely to teach their own children these healthy habits. Also, learning about how children think and grow could help people be more understanding parents.

On the other hand, people who think parenting can only be learned through experience say that taking care of a child is too complicated to learn just from lessons in school. They believe that every child is different, and being a parent requires you to adapt to many situations that you can’t predict. For instance, while you might learn in school how to deal with a child who is upset, actually doing it in real life can be very different and more challenging.

In my opinion, I think both school lessons and real-life experience are important for becoming a good parent. Schools can teach useful information about how children grow and develop, basic health care, and why healthy habits are important. However, I believe that the most important skills for parenting, like being patient and understanding, are learned by actually taking care of children. I think the best way to prepare people for being parents is to give them some basic knowledge in school, but also recognize that they will learn most of their parenting skills through real experiences.

To conclude, while schools can help teach some basics about parenting and healthy habits, I believe that most parenting skills are learned through actual experience. A combination of learning in school and learning by doing would be the best way to prepare people for the challenges of being a parent.

(Word count: 362)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:

   • Band 8-9: “Proponents of teaching parenting skills in schools argue that it would better prepare young people for the challenges of raising children.”
   • Band 6-7: “Those who support teaching parenting in schools say it would help prepare young people for having children in the future.”

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does so more effectively and with greater variety.

4. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced opinion.

5. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of vocabulary and more precise word choices. For instance:

   • “instill” instead of “teach”
   • “nurturing” instead of “understanding”
   • “adaptability” instead of “ability to adapt”

Essential Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Parenting skills (noun) – /ˈpeərəntɪŋ skɪlz/ – Abilities needed to raise children effectively
2. Child development (noun) – /tʃaɪld dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The process of growth and change in children
3. Nurturing (adjective) – /ˈnɜːtʃərɪŋ/ – Providing care and encouragement for growth
4. Adaptability (noun) – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – Ability to adjust to new conditions
5. Empathy (noun) – /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
6. Foundational (adjective) – /faʊnˈdeɪʃənl/ – Serving as a basis or groundwork
7. Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study
8. Tantrum (noun) – /ˈtæntrəm/ – An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child
9. Hands-on experience (phrase) – /hændz ɒn ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ – Practical experience of doing something
10. Child-rearing (noun) – /tʃaɪld ˈrɪərɪŋ/ – The process of bringing up a child or children

In conclusion, the topic of teaching children about healthy habits, particularly in the context of parenting skills, is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key components of a strong essay and using appropriate vocabulary, you can effectively address this type of question. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the importance of teaching safety skills to children or how to promote healthy eating habits in children. These related subjects will help you build a broader understanding of child-related topics in IELTS Writing Task 2.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.