Self-discipline is a crucial life skill that plays a significant role in personal and academic success. As an IELTS Writing Task 2 topic, questions related to teaching children about self-discipline have appeared with moderate frequency in past exams. Based on this trend, it’s reasonable to expect similar questions to arise in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this topic.

Analyzing the Task 2 Question

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

Some people believe that teaching children about the importance of self-discipline is the responsibility of parents, while others think schools should take on this role. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which is a common type in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that parents should teach children about self-discipline
2. Discuss the view that schools should teach children about self-discipline
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Now, 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 for Band 8-9

The debate over who should be responsible for instilling self-discipline in children – parents or schools – is a crucial one in modern education. While both parties play significant roles in a child’s development, I believe that the primary responsibility lies with parents, although schools can provide valuable support.

Parents are undoubtedly the first and most influential teachers in a child’s life. They have the unique advantage of being present from the earliest stages of a child’s development, allowing them to model and reinforce self-disciplined behavior consistently. For instance, parents can establish routines, set expectations, and provide immediate feedback on a child’s actions, all of which are essential components in developing self-discipline. Moreover, the emotional bond between parents and children creates a powerful context for learning, making lessons about self-control more impactful and long-lasting.

On the other hand, schools also have a role to play in teaching self-discipline. They offer a structured environment where children can practice self-regulation skills in a social context. Teachers can implement strategies such as goal-setting exercises, time management activities, and group projects that require self-discipline to complete successfully. Furthermore, schools can provide a more standardized approach to teaching self-discipline, ensuring that all children, regardless of their home environment, have access to these important life lessons.

In my opinion, while schools are valuable partners in this endeavor, the primary responsibility for teaching self-discipline should rest with parents. The home environment provides more consistent and personalized opportunities for reinforcing self-disciplined behavior. Parents can tailor their approach to each child’s individual needs and personality, creating a more effective learning experience. Additionally, the lessons learned at home are often more deeply ingrained and can be applied across various life situations, not just in academic settings.

In conclusion, both parents and schools have important roles in teaching children about self-discipline. However, given the unique position of parents in a child’s life and the pervasive influence of the home environment, I believe that parents should take the lead in this crucial aspect of child development, with schools providing complementary support and reinforcement.

(Word count: 329)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

The question of who should teach children about self-discipline, parents or schools, is an important topic in education today. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.

Many people think parents should be responsible for teaching self-discipline to their children. Parents are with their children from birth and have many chances to teach them important skills. They can show good examples of self-discipline in daily life, like finishing work before relaxing or saving money instead of spending it all. Parents also know their children best and can help them in ways that work for each child.

On the other hand, some believe schools should teach self-discipline. Schools have trained teachers who know how to teach many different skills to children. They can use special activities to help students learn self-discipline, like giving them homework to do on their own or projects that need planning. Schools also give children a chance to practice self-discipline with other kids, which is important for real life.

In my opinion, both parents and schools should work together to teach children about self-discipline. Parents can start teaching it at home from a young age, and schools can support this learning with more formal lessons and practice. This way, children get a complete education in self-discipline that will help them in all parts of their lives.

To conclude, while both parents and schools have important roles in teaching self-discipline, I think the best approach is for them to work together. This cooperation ensures that children learn this vital skill thoroughly and can use it well in the future.

(Word count: 268)

Teaching self-discipline to children

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “instilling,” “pervasive influence,” and “complementary support.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.

3. Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but still varies sentence types.

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

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.

Essential Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Self-discipline (noun) /ˌself ˈdɪsəplɪn/ – the ability to control one’s own behavior

2. Instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind

3. Reinforce (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ – to strengthen or support

4. Model (verb) /ˈmɒdl/ – to demonstrate or set an example

5. Impactful (adjective) /ɪmˈpæktfʊl/ – having a major impact or effect

6. Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or group of people

7. Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri/ – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other

8. Standardized (adjective) /ˈstændədaɪzd/ – having a uniform or consistent method or procedure

9. Tailor (verb) /ˈteɪlə(r)/ – to adapt or customize for a specific purpose

10. Ingrained (adjective) /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/ – firmly fixed or established; difficult to change

Conclusion

Teaching children about the importance of self-discipline is a crucial topic that may appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and having a range of vocabulary at your disposal, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle such questions. Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use appropriate language and examples to support your points.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:

• The role of technology in developing self-discipline in children
• The impact of self-discipline on academic achievement
• Balancing freedom and discipline in child-rearing

Practice writing these essays and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.

For more IELTS Writing Task 2 practice and tips, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describe a time when you had to manage your time carefully
• The importance of family support in education