Education plays a crucial role in addressing global issues, and this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current global concerns, it’s highly likely that questions related to education’s impact on worldwide challenges will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people believe that schools should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that this is the role of parents and family. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question touches on the broader theme of education’s role in shaping society and addressing global issues. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two opposing views:
- Schools should teach children how to be good members of society.
- Parents and family should be responsible for teaching children how to be good members of society.
To answer this question effectively, you need to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide reasons and examples to support each view
- Give your own opinion
- Conclude with a balanced summary of your arguments
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether schools or families should be primarily responsible for teaching children to be good citizens is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. While I believe that both institutions play crucial roles, I ultimately think that the primary responsibility lies with parents and family.
Those who advocate for schools taking the lead in teaching social responsibility argue that educational institutions have the resources, expertise, and structured environment necessary to effectively impart these lessons. Schools can implement curricula specifically designed to teach civic duties, ethics, and social skills. Moreover, the school environment provides children with diverse interactions and real-world scenarios to practice these skills. For instance, group projects and extracurricular activities offer opportunities for students to learn cooperation, leadership, and conflict resolution – all essential qualities for good citizens.
On the other hand, proponents of family-led social education emphasize the irreplaceable role of parents and relatives in shaping a child’s values and behaviors. The home environment is where children first learn about relationships, empathy, and moral principles. Parents serve as the primary role models, and their actions and attitudes have a profound impact on their children’s development. Furthermore, family discussions about current events, volunteering together, and participating in community activities can instill a sense of social responsibility more organically than formal lessons in a classroom.
In my opinion, while schools certainly have an important supporting role, the primary responsibility for teaching children to be good members of society should rest with parents and family. The values and behaviors learned at home form the foundation upon which all other social learning is built. Schools can reinforce and expand upon these lessons, but they cannot replace the deep-seated influence of family life.
In conclusion, both schools and families have significant roles in shaping children into responsible citizens. However, the intimate and continuous nature of family relationships makes them the more influential force. The ideal approach would be a collaborative effort, where families take the lead in instilling core values and social skills, while schools provide additional support and practical opportunities for applying these lessons in a broader social context.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should teach children to be good members of society is an important one. Some people think schools should do this, while others believe it’s the job of parents and families. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who think schools should teach social responsibility have some good points. Schools have trained teachers who know how to educate children. They can include lessons about being a good citizen in their curriculum. For example, schools can teach about voting, following laws, and helping others. Schools also give children a chance to practice these skills with classmates from different backgrounds.
On the other hand, many people believe that parents and families should teach children how to be good members of society. They say that family is the first and most important influence on a child. Parents can set a good example for their children and teach them values like honesty and kindness. Families can also involve children in community activities and volunteer work to show them how to help society.
In my opinion, both schools and families are important in teaching children to be good citizens. However, I think families should have the main responsibility. Children spend more time at home than at school, and parents have a stronger influence on their children’s behavior and beliefs. Schools can support what children learn at home and provide more opportunities to practice social skills.
To conclude, while schools play a role in teaching children about being good members of society, I believe that parents and families should take the lead. The best approach would be for families and schools to work together to help children become responsible citizens.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
The question is about who should teach children to be good members of society. Some people think schools should do this, but others think it’s the job of parents and family. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Schools can teach children how to be good in society. Teachers know how to teach and can give lessons about being a good citizen. In school, children can learn about following rules and helping others. They can also practice these things with their classmates.
But many people think parents and family should teach children about being good in society. Families are very important to children. Parents can show their children how to be good by doing good things themselves. Families can also take children to help in the community.
I think both schools and families are important for teaching children to be good members of society. But I believe families are more important. Children are with their families more than they are in school. Parents can teach their children all the time, not just during school hours.
In conclusion, schools and families both help teach children to be good in society. But I think families should do most of this teaching. It would be best if schools and families worked together to help children become good citizens.
Explaining the Scores
-
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task
- Presents a well-developed response with clear progression
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammar with flexibility and precision
- Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
- Provides well-supported arguments and a clear personal opinion
-
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a clear central topic with some development
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary and grammar with some errors that do not impede communication
- Shows a good understanding of the topic
- Provides relevant ideas and examples, with a clear personal opinion
-
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task, but may not cover all aspects equally
- Presents a simple progression of ideas
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary and grammar with noticeable errors
- Shows a basic understanding of the topic
- Provides some relevant ideas and examples, with a personal opinion that may not be fully developed
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Civic duties (noun) – /ˈsɪvɪk ˈdjuːtiz/ – The responsibilities of citizens towards their community
- Social responsibility (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The obligation to act for the benefit of society at large
- Empathy (noun) – /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school
- Extracurricular (adjective) – /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələ(r)/ – Activities pursued in addition to the normal course of study
- To instill (verb) – /ɪnˈstɪl/ – To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
- Collaborative (adjective) – /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – Involving two or more parties working together
- Irreplaceable (adjective) – /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – Not able to be replaced; unique
These vocabulary words can help enhance your essay and demonstrate a broader range of language skills in your IELTS Writing Task 2 response.
In conclusion, the role of education in addressing global issues is a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing essays on this theme, considering various aspects such as the responsibilities of educational institutions, the impact of education on global challenges, and the balance between formal education and family influence. You might encounter questions about how renewable energy can address global poverty or the importance of global health initiatives in combating diseases, which are also related to education’s role in solving worldwide problems.
To improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section. This active practice will help you prepare effectively for your IELTS exam and develop a deeper understanding of global issues and education’s role in addressing them.
Remember, continuous practice and exposure to a variety of topics related to the impact of social media on global politics and the role of social enterprises in economic development will help you build the skills and confidence needed to excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.