The topic of teaching gratitude to children has been gaining traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam trends and current societal focus on emotional intelligence, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and provide a comprehensive analysis along with sample essays.
Analyzing the Question
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.
This question indirectly relates to teaching gratitude, as being a good member of society often involves being grateful. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Two viewpoints are presented: schools’ responsibility vs. parents’ responsibility
- You need to discuss both perspectives
- You must also provide your own opinion
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question effectively:
In today’s rapidly evolving society, the debate over who should be responsible for teaching children to be good citizens – schools or parents – has become increasingly relevant. While both institutions play crucial roles in a child’s development, I believe that this responsibility should be shared between schools and parents, with each contributing their unique strengths to the process.
Those who argue that schools should take the lead in teaching social responsibility point out that educational institutions have the expertise and resources to implement structured programs. For instance, schools can incorporate lessons on gratitude, empathy, and civic duty into their curriculum, ensuring that all children receive consistent guidance regardless of their home environment. Moreover, schools provide a diverse social 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 argue that the family unit is the foundation of a child’s moral and social development. Parents serve as the primary role models and have the most significant influence on their children’s values and behaviors. They can teach gratitude and social responsibility through daily interactions, family traditions, and by setting a personal example. Additionally, parents can tailor their teachings to their child’s individual needs and cultural background, providing a more personalized approach to character development.
In my opinion, the most effective approach is a collaborative effort between schools and parents. Schools can provide the structured learning and diverse social experiences necessary for developing good citizens, while parents can reinforce these lessons at home and provide the emotional support crucial for internalizing these values. This synergy ensures that children receive consistent messages about the importance of gratitude, empathy, and social responsibility from both their educational and home environments.
To conclude, while both schools and parents have valid arguments for taking the lead in teaching children to be good members of society, a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both institutions is likely to yield the best results. By working together, schools and parents can create a comprehensive support system that nurtures well-rounded, socially responsible individuals who understand the importance of gratitude and contributing positively to their communities.
(Word count: 339)
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
In modern society, there is a debate about who should teach children to be good members of society. Some people think schools should do this, while others believe it’s the parents’ job. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, schools have an important role in teaching children about society. Teachers can use special lessons to teach kids about being grateful and helping others. Schools also have many children from different backgrounds, so kids can learn to get along with different people. This is good practice for real life.
On the other hand, parents are very important in teaching children how to behave. Parents are the first teachers a child has and can show good behavior at home. They can teach their children to say “thank you” and to help others in the family. Parents know their children best and can teach them in ways that work for each child.
In my opinion, both schools and parents should work together to teach children how to be good members of society. Schools can teach important lessons and give children a chance to practice with other kids. Parents can continue these lessons at home and show their children how to use these skills in daily life. When schools and parents work together, children learn better.
To sum up, while some people think schools should teach children to be good members of society and others think it’s the parents’ job, I believe both are important. Schools and parents should work together to help children learn these important skills.
(Word count: 262)
Key Considerations When Writing
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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 thesis statement.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and collocations (e.g., “rapidly evolving society,” “collaborative effort,” “synergy”). The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Grammar: The higher-scoring essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the Band 6-7 essay relies more on simple and compound sentences.
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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.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay shows better use of cohesive devices and more sophisticated paragraph and idea linkage.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Gratitude (noun) /ˈɡrætɪtjuːd/ – the quality of being thankful
- Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Civic duty (noun phrase) /ˈsɪvɪk ˈdjuːti/ – the responsibilities of a citizen to their community
- Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the interaction of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Internalize (verb) /ɪnˈtɜːnəlaɪz/ – to make (attitudes or behavior) part of one’s nature by learning or unconscious assimilation
- Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ – to care for and encourage the growth or development of
- Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving two or more parties working together
- Reinforce (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ – to strengthen or support
- Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/ – designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements
- Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
Conclusion
The topic of teaching gratitude and social responsibility to children is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of education in shaping personal values
- Balancing academic education with character development in schools
- The impact of family values on a child’s social development
- The importance of teaching emotional intelligence in modern education
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you improve your IELTS Writing skills effectively.