Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Importance of Developing a Sense of Responsibility in Children

The topic of developing responsibility in children is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:

Some people think that children should be taught how to be good members of society at school. Others believe this is the role of parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question addresses the importance of developing a sense of responsibility in children, focusing on who should be responsible for teaching these values – schools or parents. Let’s break it down:

1. Two viewpoints are presented:
   • Schools should teach children to be good society members
   • Parents should be responsible for this task
2. The task requires you to:
   • Discuss both views
   • Provide your own opinion

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-quality sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

Developing social responsibility in children is crucial for creating a harmonious society. While some argue that schools should bear this responsibility, others believe it falls primarily on parents. In my opinion, both institutions play vital roles in shaping children into responsible citizens.

Those who advocate for schools taking the lead in teaching social responsibility argue that educational institutions have the expertise and resources to systematically impart these values. Schools can implement structured programs that teach children about civic duties, empathy, and ethical behavior. Moreover, the school environment provides a diverse setting where children can practice these skills with peers from various backgrounds, preparing them for real-world interactions.

On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility emphasize the fundamental role of family in a child’s moral development. Parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers, shaping their values and behaviors from an early age. The home environment offers consistent, personalized guidance that can be tailored to a child’s individual needs and family values. Additionally, parents can model responsible behavior in everyday situations, providing practical examples that children can emulate.

In my view, the most effective approach is a collaborative effort between schools and parents. While schools can provide structured learning and diverse social experiences, parents can reinforce these lessons at home and offer personalized guidance. This partnership ensures that children receive consistent messages about responsibility from both their academic and home environments. For instance, if a school teaches about environmental responsibility, parents can support this by involving children in recycling efforts at home.

In conclusion, developing a sense of responsibility in children is too important to be left to just one institution. A synergistic approach, where schools and parents work together, is likely to yield the best results in raising socially responsible future citizens.

(Word count: 292)

Children learning responsibility

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

In today’s society, it’s important for children to learn how to be good members of society. Some people think schools should teach this, while others believe parents should do it. I think both schools and parents have a role to play in this.

Schools are good places for children to learn about being responsible citizens. They have teachers who can teach these things as part of the curriculum. In schools, children can learn about things like following rules, respecting others, and working together. They can also practice these skills with other children from different backgrounds.

However, parents also have an important job in teaching their children to be responsible. Parents are with their children from a very young age and can teach them good habits at home. They can show their children how to be good people by setting a good example. Parents can also teach their children about their family’s values and beliefs.

I believe that both schools and parents should work together to teach children about being responsible. Schools can teach the basic ideas and give children chances to practice with others. Then, parents can continue these lessons at home and show how to use them in real life. For example, if a school teaches about helping others, parents can take their children to volunteer in the community.

In conclusion, teaching children to be responsible members of society is important, and it should be done by both schools and parents. When they work together, children can learn these important lessons both in and out of school.

(Word count: 262)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. For Band 8-9:

   • Use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
   • Provide specific examples to support your arguments
   • Ensure a clear and logical progression of ideas
   • Use a wide range of grammatical structures accurately

2. For Band 6-7:

   • Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
   • Include some specific examples, but they may be less developed
   • Maintain a clear overall structure, though transitions might be less smooth
   • Use a range of vocabulary with some attempt at less common words

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Civic duty (noun) /ˈsɪvɪk ˈdjuːti/ – the responsibilities of a citizen
2. Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
3. Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθɪkl/ – morally correct or acceptable
4. Harmonious (adjective) /hɑːˈməʊniəs/ – free from disagreement or discord
5. Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – working together to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
6. Emulate (verb) /ˈemjuleɪt/ – to try to equal or excel; imitate
7. Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – forming a necessary base or core; of central importance

Conclusion

Developing a sense of responsibility in children is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in writing about this subject, focus on discussing both the role of schools and parents, providing balanced arguments and clear examples. Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:

• The influence of media on children’s sense of responsibility
• The role of extracurricular activities in developing responsible behavior
• How technology affects children’s understanding of social responsibility

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your points. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS writing skills.