In recent years, the topic of teaching respect for others has gained significant prominence in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme, which touches on crucial aspects of social and educational development, has appeared in various forms across multiple test sessions. As we analyze past trends and consider current societal concerns, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to be a popular choice for future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent tests and provide comprehensive sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
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 these views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the debate over who should be responsible for teaching children to be good citizens – schools or parents. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that schools should teach children about being good members of society
- Explore the opposing view that this is primarily the role of parents
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
The topic directly relates to the importance of teaching respect for others, as being a good member of society inherently involves showing respect and consideration for fellow citizens.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question effectively:
In today’s rapidly evolving society, the question of who should bear the responsibility for shaping children into good citizens has become increasingly pertinent. While some argue that this task falls squarely on the shoulders of educational institutions, others maintain that it is fundamentally a parental duty. In my opinion, both schools and parents play crucial roles in this process, and a collaborative approach is essential for optimal results.
Those who advocate for schools taking the lead in teaching societal values argue that educational institutions are uniquely positioned to provide a structured and comprehensive approach to civic education. Schools can implement curricula specifically designed to foster respect, empathy, and social responsibility, ensuring that all children receive consistent guidance regardless of their home environment. Moreover, the diverse school setting offers practical opportunities for children to interact with peers from various backgrounds, thereby naturally cultivating tolerance and understanding.
On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility contend that the family unit is the primary and most influential social structure in a child’s life. Parents serve as the first and most enduring role models for their children, shaping their values and behaviors through daily interactions and personal example. The home environment provides a more intimate setting for discussing complex social issues and reinforcing positive behaviors consistently over time. Additionally, parents can tailor their teachings to align with their family’s cultural and moral values, ensuring a more personalized approach to social education.
In my view, the most effective approach to raising good members of society involves a synergistic effort between schools and parents. While schools can provide the theoretical framework and structured learning experiences, parents can reinforce these lessons at home and demonstrate their practical application in real-world situations. This collaborative model allows for a more holistic and consistent approach to teaching respect and social responsibility.
To maximize the effectiveness of this partnership, open communication channels between educators and parents should be established and maintained. Regular parent-teacher conferences, community events, and shared resources can help ensure that the messages children receive about social responsibility are consistent and mutually reinforcing. By working together, schools and parents can create a powerful support system that guides children towards becoming respectful, empathetic, and contributing members of society.
In conclusion, while both schools and parents have unique strengths in teaching children to be good citizens, the most effective approach combines the efforts of both. By leveraging the structured environment of schools and the intimate influence of the family, we can provide children with a comprehensive education in social responsibility and respect for others, ultimately fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society.
(Word count: 407)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
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 job of parents. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who think schools should teach children how to be good citizens have some good points. Schools have trained teachers who know how to explain important ideas to children. They can teach lessons about respect, kindness, and following rules. Schools also have many children from different backgrounds, so students can learn to get along with different types of people. This is important for being a good member of society.
On the other hand, many people believe parents should be responsible for teaching children how to behave in society. Parents are the first teachers a child has and spend the most time with them. They can show their children how to be good by setting a good example every day. Parents also know their children best and can teach them in ways that work for them.
In my opinion, both schools and parents are important in teaching children to be good members of society. Schools can teach the basic ideas and give children chances to practice with other kids. Parents can support these lessons at home and show their children how to use them in real life. When schools and parents work together, children get a better understanding of how to be good citizens.
To make this work well, schools and parents should talk to each other often. They can have meetings to discuss what children are learning and how parents can help at home. This way, children get the same message about being good members of society from both school and home.
In conclusion, while schools and parents both have important roles in teaching children to be good citizens, I believe the best approach is when they work together. This gives children a strong foundation for becoming respectful and helpful members of society.
(Word count: 329)
Key Points to Remember 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 higher-scoring essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and cohesion.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Arguments: Both essays present balanced arguments for each viewpoint before giving a personal opinion. The higher-scoring essay provides more detailed and nuanced arguments.
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Examples: The Band 8-9 essay includes more specific examples and explanations to support its points, while the Band 6-7 essay is more general in its approach.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The higher-scoring essay demonstrates better use of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly, while the Band 6-7 essay is less sophisticated in this aspect but still maintains overall coherence.
Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to this topic:
- Civic education (noun) – /ˈsɪvɪk ɛdjʊˈkeɪʃən/ – education about the rights and duties of citizens
- Empathy (noun) – /ˈɛmpəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
- Social responsibility (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/ – the obligation to act for the benefit of society at large
- Tolerance (noun) – /ˈtɒlərəns/ – the ability or willingness to accept different opinions or behaviors
- Role model (noun) – /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/ – a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated
- Synergistic (adjective) – /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – working together to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Collaborative (adjective) – /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving two or more parties working together
Conclusion
The topic of teaching respect for others and raising good citizens is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By understanding the key elements of a strong essay on this subject and practicing with sample questions, you can improve your ability to address similar topics effectively.
Remember to consider various perspectives, use appropriate vocabulary, and structure your essay logically. You might encounter questions that focus on specific aspects of teaching respect, such as diversity education, environmental respect, or healthy relationships.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the given topic or a related one, such as:
“Some people believe that teaching children about respect for others should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.