Parent-teacher communication is a crucial topic in education that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and the growing emphasis on collaborative education, this theme is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft effective responses for different band scores.
Parent-teacher meeting
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that parents should be responsible for teaching their children good behavior, while others believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a common debate in education: the role of parents versus schools in teaching children good behavior. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Two opposing views are presented:
- Parents should be responsible for teaching good behavior
- Schools are the best place to learn good behavior
- The task requires you to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide your own opinion
To achieve a high band score, you’ll need to address all parts of the question, provide well-developed arguments, and use appropriate language and structure.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The question of who should bear the primary responsibility for instilling good behavior in children – parents or schools – is a matter of ongoing debate. While both parties undoubtedly play crucial roles in a child’s development, I believe that parents should be the primary source of behavioral guidance, with schools providing essential reinforcement.
Parents are uniquely positioned to shape their children’s behavior from an early age. The home environment serves as the first and most influential setting for a child’s moral and social development. Children naturally look to their parents as role models, emulating their actions and internalizing their values. Moreover, parents have the advantage of one-on-one interactions and can tailor their guidance to each child’s individual needs and personality. This personalized approach is particularly effective in addressing behavioral issues and instilling core values.
On the other hand, schools play a vital role in reinforcing and expanding upon the behavioral foundations laid at home. The school environment offers children the opportunity to practice good behavior in a broader social context, interacting with peers and authority figures beyond their family circle. Teachers can provide structured lessons on ethics and social skills, as well as consistent enforcement of rules that mirror societal expectations. Additionally, schools can offer specialized resources and expertise to address more complex behavioral challenges that parents may not be equipped to handle alone.
While both viewpoints have merit, I believe that the primary responsibility for teaching good behavior should rest with parents. The parent-child relationship forms the bedrock of a child’s moral compass and social skills. Schools, however proficient, cannot replicate the depth of influence that comes from daily interactions within the family unit. Furthermore, when parents actively engage in their children’s behavioral education, it creates a consistency between home and school environments that reinforces positive conduct.
In conclusion, while schools play an indispensable role in developing children’s behavior, parents should be the primary architects of their children’s moral and social foundation. The most effective approach is a collaborative one, where parents and schools work in tandem, each reinforcing the lessons of the other to provide children with a comprehensive education in good behavior.
(Word count: 339)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
The question of who should teach children good behavior – parents or schools – is an important topic. Both sides have good points, but I think parents should be the main teachers of good behavior.
Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life. They spend the most time with their children, especially when they are young. This means they have many chances to show and teach good behavior. Parents can also give personal attention to each child, which is important because every child is different. They can teach their children how to be polite, honest, and kind through everyday activities at home.
Schools also have a role in teaching good behavior. In school, children learn how to behave with other people outside their family. Teachers can teach lessons about being a good citizen and following rules. Schools also have rules that all students must follow, which helps children learn about discipline. Sometimes, schools can help with behavior problems that parents find difficult to handle.
Even though schools are important, I believe parents should be the main teachers of good behavior. The bond between parents and children is very strong, and children often want to make their parents proud. When parents teach good behavior, children are more likely to follow it both at home and at school. Also, parents can start teaching good behavior from a very young age, before children even go to school.
To conclude, while both parents and schools have important roles in teaching children good behavior, I think parents should take the main responsibility. The best situation is when parents and schools work together to help children learn how to behave well in all parts of their lives.
(Word count: 276)
Key Considerations When Writing
When addressing this topic in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, keep the following points in mind:
Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both viewpoints, and a conclusion that includes your opinion.
Balance: Give equal attention to both perspectives before presenting your own view.
Examples: Use specific examples to support your arguments. For instance, mention how parents can teach table manners at home or how schools can implement anti-bullying programs.
Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to education and behavior. Higher band scores require more sophisticated language use.
Grammar: Employ a variety of sentence structures and tenses. For Band 8-9, use complex sentences and advanced grammatical constructions accurately.
Coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms to remember when writing about this topic:
Instill (verb, /ɪnˈstɪl/): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Emulate (verb, /ˈemjʊleɪt/): To try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Reinforce (verb, /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/): To strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel or material.
Collaborative (adjective, /kəˈlæbərətɪv/): Involving two or more parties working together.
Moral compass (noun phrase, /ˈmɒrəl ˈkʌmpəs/): An inner sense of right and wrong used to guide one’s behavior.
Social skills (noun phrase, /ˈsəʊʃl skɪlz/): The skills used to communicate and interact with others.
Discipline (noun, /ˈdɪsəplɪn/): The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.
Role model (noun phrase, /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/): A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Conclusion
The Importance Of Parent-teacher Communication in shaping children’s behavior is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of the question, structuring your essay effectively, and using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, you can craft a compelling response. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the role of technology in education or the balance between academic subjects and life skills in schools.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your skills and prepare for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
