Teaching children about empathy and tolerance is a crucial topic in modern education. This theme frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its significance in contemporary society. Based on past exam trends and the growing emphasis on social-emotional learning, we can expect this subject to remain relevant in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a sample question that encapsulates this important issue:

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

Analyzing the Question

This question touches on the core aspects of teaching empathy and tolerance, as these qualities are fundamental to being good members of society. The task requires us to:

1. Discuss the view that schools should teach social skills
2. Discuss the view that parents should be responsible for this education
3. Provide our own opinion on the matter

Let’s explore two sample essays addressing this question, one aiming for Band 8 and another for Band 7.

Band 8 Sample Essay

The debate over whether schools or parents should be responsible for teaching children to be good citizens is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. While I believe that both parties play crucial roles, I am of the opinion that schools should take the lead in this educational endeavor.

Those who advocate for schools to teach social skills argue that educational institutions have the resources and expertise to provide structured lessons on empathy, tolerance, and civic responsibility. Schools can offer a diverse environment where children interact with peers from various backgrounds, fostering natural development of these qualities. Moreover, trained educators can implement research-based curricula designed to nurture social-emotional intelligence, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive approach across all students.

On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility contend that the family unit is the primary source of a child’s values and behaviors. Parents serve as the first and most influential role models, shaping their children’s attitudes through daily interactions and personal examples. They argue that the intimate nature of family relationships allows for more personalized and continuous reinforcement of social values, tailored to each child’s unique personality and circumstances.

While both perspectives have merit, I believe schools should take the lead in teaching children to be good members of society, supported by parental involvement. Schools provide a neutral ground where children can learn and practice social skills in a structured environment, free from potential biases or limitations within individual families. Furthermore, school-based programs can ensure that all children, regardless of their home situation, receive adequate guidance in developing empathy and tolerance.

That said, the most effective approach would be a collaborative effort between schools and parents. Educational institutions can provide the framework and formal instruction, while parents reinforce these lessons at home and lead by example. This synergy would create a comprehensive learning experience, equipping children with the social skills necessary to become responsible and empathetic members of society.

In conclusion, while parents play a vital role in a child’s social development, schools are better positioned to take the lead in teaching children how to be good citizens. A collaborative approach, leveraging the strengths of both schools and parents, would yield the best results in nurturing empathetic and tolerant individuals for the future.

(Word count: 367)

Children learning about empathy and tolerance in a classroom

Band 7 Sample Essay

The question of who should be responsible for teaching children to be good members of society – schools or parents – is a topic of much debate. Both sides have valid points, but I believe that this responsibility should be shared between schools and parents.

Those who think schools should teach these skills argue that educational institutions have trained professionals who can effectively impart knowledge about social behavior. Schools provide a structured environment where children can learn and practice empathy and tolerance with their peers. They can also offer specialized programs designed to develop social skills and civic responsibility.

On the other hand, supporters of parental responsibility believe that the family is the foundation of a child’s moral and social development. Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life and have the most influence on their behavior and values. They can provide personalized guidance and set examples through their own actions, which is crucial for a child’s understanding of how to be a good member of society.

In my opinion, both schools and parents have important roles to play in this aspect of a child’s education. Schools can provide formal instruction and a diverse environment for practicing social skills, while parents can reinforce these lessons at home and provide ongoing support and examples.

A collaborative approach would be most effective. Schools could implement programs focused on empathy, tolerance, and civic responsibility, while keeping parents informed about these teachings. Parents could then discuss these topics at home and demonstrate how to apply them in daily life. This partnership would ensure that children receive consistent messages about being good members of society from both their educational and home environments.

To conclude, while both schools and parents have unique contributions to make in teaching children how to be good citizens, a combined effort would be most beneficial. By working together, schools and parents can provide children with a comprehensive education in social skills and civic responsibility.

(Word count: 309)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Essay 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 essay demonstrates a more sophisticated structure with more detailed explanations and examples.

2. Language Use: The Band 8 essay employs more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity and coherence.

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. The Band 8 essay demonstrates more sophisticated cohesion techniques.

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

5. Lexical Resource: The Band 8 essay showcases a wider range of vocabulary and more precise word choice compared to the Band 7 essay.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
2. Tolerance (noun) /ˈtɒlərəns/ – the ability or willingness to accept something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with
3. Civic responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈsɪvɪk rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – the duties and obligations of citizens in society
4. Social-emotional intelligence (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃəl ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others
5. Collaborative approach (noun phrase) /kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ – a method of working together towards a common goal
6. Personalized guidance (noun phrase) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd ˈɡaɪdəns/ – advice or direction tailored to an individual’s specific needs
7. Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the interaction of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects

Conclusion

The topic of teaching children about empathy and tolerance is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for potential questions on this theme, consider practicing with variations such as:

• The role of technology in teaching empathy to children
• The importance of cultural diversity in developing tolerance
• The impact of social media on children’s understanding of empathy

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide balanced arguments supported by examples. We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.