Topics related to pregnancy prevention and family planning education frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in developing countries like India, China, and Southeast Asian nations. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this topic has appeared approximately 15-20% of the time in various forms, often combined with themes of public health and social responsibility.
Analysis of Common Question Types
The most common question format for this topic focuses on the role of schools in providing sex education and family planning information. Here’s a representative question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that schools should teach teenagers about pregnancy prevention and family planning. Others think this education should be the responsibility of parents. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Question Analysis
- Topic: Role of schools vs. parents in sex education
- Task: Discussion + opinion
- Key elements to address:
- School-based education advantages/disadvantages
- Parental guidance benefits/limitations
- Personal stance with justification
Band 8 Sample Essay
Sex education and family planning are crucial topics that significantly impact young people’s lives, sparking debate about whether schools or parents should take the primary role in delivering this knowledge. While both parties have important contributions to make, I believe that schools should take the lead in providing this essential information, supported by parental guidance.
Schools are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive, accurate information about pregnancy prevention and family planning. Professional educators can present the material objectively, using scientifically-based curriculum and appropriate teaching methods. Moreover, school-based programs ensure all students receive consistent information, regardless of their family background or parental knowledge levels. This standardized approach helps prevent misinformation and ensures equal access to vital health information.
On the other hand, parents possess intimate knowledge of their children’s emotional maturity and family values. They can provide personalized guidance and create a safe space for private discussions about sensitive topics. However, many parents may feel uncomfortable or ill-equipped to discuss these matters comprehensively, potentially leaving crucial gaps in their children’s understanding.
In my view, a collaborative approach would be most effective, with schools taking the primary educational role while parents provide supplementary guidance. This combination ensures students receive both factual information and value-based context. Schools can cover the biological and health aspects professionally, while parents can help their children process this information within their cultural and moral framework.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
The question of who should teach teenagers about pregnancy prevention and family planning is important in modern society. Some people think schools should do this job, but others believe parents are better teachers for this topic.
Schools have some advantages in teaching about family planning. Teachers are trained professionals who know how to explain difficult topics to students. They can use proper materials and give correct information. Also, when schools teach this subject, all students get the same information, which is fair.
Parents also have good points for teaching their children about this topic. They know their children very well and understand what information their children can handle. They can also talk about family values and cultural beliefs while teaching about pregnancy prevention. But some parents might feel shy or not know enough about the topic.
I think both schools and parents should work together on this. Schools can teach the main facts and information, while parents can help explain things in ways their children understand better. This way, teenagers get complete information about family planning from different sources.
Key Vocabulary
- comprehensive (adj) /kɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete and thorough
- curriculum (n) /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ – planned series of educational experiences
- misinformation (n) /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/ – wrong or inaccurate information
- supplementary (adj) /ˌsʌplɪˈmentəri/ – additional, extra
- collaborative (adj) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving working together
- personalized (adj) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/ – adapted to individual needs
- equip (v) /ɪˈkwɪp/ – prepare someone for something
Conclusion
For future practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in sex education
- Government funding for family planning programs
- Cultural attitudes towards reproductive health education
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.