Parental influence on children’s choices is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately once every 4-6 months in actual tests. Based on historical data from The influence of parents on children’s career choices, this topic remains highly relevant and is likely to appear in future tests.
Parents discussing future choices with their children
Analysis of Recent Test Question
Some people believe that parents should make important decisions for their teenage children. Others think that teenagers should be allowed to make their own decisions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
- Topic: Parental decision-making vs teenage autonomy
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key points to address:
- Arguments for parental decision-making
- Arguments for teenage autonomy
- Personal stance with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether parents should make crucial decisions for their adolescent children or allow them independence has garnered significant attention. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced combination of parental guidance and teenage autonomy is most beneficial.
Parents’ involvement in decision-making can be advantageous for several reasons. Their life experience and maturity enable them to foresee potential consequences that teenagers might overlook. For instance, in educational choices, parents can provide valuable insights about career prospects and long-term implications of different academic paths. Moreover, parents typically have their children’s best interests at heart and can protect them from potentially harmful decisions.
However, allowing teenagers to make their own decisions has considerable benefits. This autonomy helps develop critical thinking skills and builds confidence in decision-making abilities. When teenagers are given the freedom to choose, they learn responsibility and understand the consequences of their actions. For example, letting them decide their extracurricular activities or manage their study schedule can foster independence and time management skills.
In my view, the optimal approach lies in finding a middle ground. Parents should act as mentors, offering guidance while gradually allowing teenagers more autonomy as they demonstrate maturity. This collaborative approach could involve discussing major decisions together, with parents sharing their perspective while respecting their children’s opinions. For instance, when choosing a university course, parents can help analyze different options while considering their child’s interests and aptitudes.
In conclusion, while parental guidance is valuable, teenagers need opportunities to develop decision-making skills. The key lies in striking a balance between protection and independence, preparing young people for adult life while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In modern society, there is a big discussion about who should make important decisions for teenagers. Some people think parents should decide everything, but others say teenagers should choose by themselves. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one side, parents making decisions can be good. They have more experience in life and know what is best for their children. For example, they can choose good schools or tell their children what subjects to study. Also, parents can stop teenagers from making bad choices because teenagers sometimes don’t think carefully.
But letting teenagers make their own decisions is also important. When they choose things by themselves, they learn how to think and become more responsible. If they always follow their parents’ decisions, they might not learn how to solve problems alone. For example, if a teenager chooses their own hobby, they will feel more happy and motivated.
I think the best way is to combine both ideas. Parents should help their children make decisions but not control everything. They can give advice and suggestions, but also listen to what their teenagers want. This helps teenagers learn while staying safe.
To conclude, both parents and teenagers should work together in making important decisions. This helps teenagers grow up while having support from their parents.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task
- Coherence and Cohesion: Clear progression throughout
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary accurately used
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures with flexibility and accuracy
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization but somewhat repetitive
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but limited range
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- autonomy (n) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – freedom to make own decisions
- paramount (adj) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – most important
- discernment (n) /dɪˈsɜːnmənt/ – good judgment
- implications (n) /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃnz/ – possible effects or results
- collaborative (adj) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving working together
- mentorship (n) /ˈmentɔːʃɪp/ – guidance provided by an experienced person
- foster (v) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – encourage the development of
- initiative (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – ability to take action independently
In conclusion, this topic remains crucial for IELTS preparation. Practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of parents in education choices
- Teenage independence in the digital age
- Balancing family traditions with modern youth culture
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
