The importance of saving for children’s education is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its relevance in today’s society. The importance of financial education in schools is closely related to this subject, as it prepares future generations to make informed decisions about saving and investing. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that addresses this issue:
Some people believe that parents should save money for their children’s future education, while others think children should work to pay for their own education. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that parents should save for their children’s education
- Explore the alternative view that children should fund their own education
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Education is undeniably one of the most significant investments in a child’s future, and the question of who should bear the financial responsibility for it has been a topic of debate. While some argue that parents should shoulder this burden, others believe children should work to fund their own education. In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both parental support and a child’s contribution is the most beneficial solution.
Those who advocate for parental savings emphasize the long-term benefits of early financial planning. By setting aside funds from an early stage, parents can ensure that their children have access to quality education without the stress of financial constraints. This approach allows students to focus entirely on their studies, potentially leading to better academic outcomes. Moreover, it demonstrates parental commitment to education and can motivate children to take their studies more seriously.
On the other hand, proponents of self-funded education argue that it instills a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the value of education in young individuals. When students work to pay for their schooling, they may develop important life skills such as time management, financial literacy, and work ethic. This experience can be invaluable in preparing them for future challenges in their careers and personal lives.
In my view, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. Parents should indeed start saving for their children’s education early, but not to the extent that it compromises their own financial stability or retirement plans. Simultaneously, children should be encouraged to contribute to their educational costs through part-time work or academic scholarships. This collaborative effort not only eases the financial burden but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and appreciation for the educational opportunity.
In conclusion, while parental savings play a crucial role in securing a child’s educational future, involving children in the process can yield additional benefits. By combining financial support from parents with a degree of self-funding by children, families can create a more sustainable and enriching educational journey that prepares young people not just academically, but also for the financial realities of adult life.
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high band score (8-9) for several reasons:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and transitions between paragraphs are smooth.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “undeniably,” “shoulder this burden,” “financial constraints,” and “instills a sense of responsibility.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with very few errors. It uses conditionals, relative clauses, and various tenses correctly.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Nowadays, the cost of education is increasing, and people have different opinions about who should pay for it. Some think parents should save money for their children’s education, while others believe children should work to pay for it themselves. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Many people think parents should save money for their children’s education. They say this is important because education is expensive, and children cannot afford it on their own. If parents save money, their children can focus on studying without worrying about money. This can help them get better grades and have a better future.
However, other people believe children should work to pay for their own education. They think this teaches children important lessons about responsibility and the value of money. When children work for their education, they might appreciate it more and work harder in school. It can also help them learn how to manage money and time.
In my opinion, both views have good points, but I think a combination of both is best. Parents should try to save some money for their children’s education if they can. This shows they care about their children’s future. At the same time, children can work part-time or during holidays to contribute to their education costs. This way, they can learn responsibility while still having some support from their parents.
To conclude, while parents saving for education is helpful, children working for it also has benefits. A mix of both approaches can be the best solution, as it provides financial support and teaches valuable life lessons.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a mid-range band score (6-7) for the following reasons:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion of each view and the personal opinion could be more developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “they think” and “this”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “appreciate,” “contribute”), but overall, the language is quite simple.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. However, there is less variety in sentence structures compared to the band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly, but lack the depth and nuance of a higher band score essay. Some points could be elaborated further with examples or more detailed explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Financial responsibility (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The duty to manage money and other assets in a wise and effective manner.
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Long-term benefits (noun phrase) – /lɒŋ tɜːm ˈbenɪfɪts/ – Advantages or positive outcomes that are realized over an extended period.
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Financial constraints (noun phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃəl kənˈstreɪnts/ – Limitations or restrictions related to money or finances.
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To instill (verb) – /ɪnˈstɪl/ – To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
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Financial literacy (noun phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The possession of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions with their financial resources.
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Work ethic (noun phrase) – /wɜːk ˈeθɪk/ – The principle that hard work is intrinsically virtuous or worthy of reward.
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To compromise (verb) – /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ – To accept standards that are lower than is desirable.
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Collaborative effort (noun phrase) – /kəˈlæbərətɪv ˈefət/ – Work done by two or more people or groups working together to achieve a goal.
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To foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə/ – To encourage or promote the development of something.
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Conclusion
The topic of saving for children’s education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the role of government in funding education, the impact of student loans on society, or the balance between academic and vocational education in terms of cost and benefits.
To prepare for such topics, practice writing essays that discuss different perspectives and provide balanced arguments. Remember to support your points with relevant examples and maintain a clear structure throughout your essay. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further discussion.