Parents play a crucial role in their children’s educational journey. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in agree/disagree and discussion essays. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams, questions about parental involvement in education have appeared at least once every year since 2018.
Parents and teachers discussing student progress during parent-teacher meeting
Let’s examine a common IELTS Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that parents should be solely responsible for their children’s education, while others argue that schools should take primary responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Distribution of responsibility for children’s education
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key aspects to cover:
- Parents’ role and responsibilities
- Schools’ role and responsibilities
- Personal view with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The debate over whether the role of family-school partnerships in education should lean more towards parental or institutional responsibility is complex. While both parties have crucial roles, I believe the optimal approach involves shared responsibility with strong collaboration between parents and schools.
Parents undeniably form the foundation of a child’s educational development. They are uniquely positioned to instill fundamental values, create a conducive learning environment at home, and provide emotional support. Moreover, parents can offer individualized attention and tailor learning approaches to their child’s specific needs. Research consistently shows that children with actively involved parents tend to perform better academically and develop stronger social skills.
However, schools bring professional expertise and structured learning systems that are equally vital. Trained educators possess specialized knowledge in pedagogy and curriculum development that most parents lack. Schools also provide essential socialization opportunities and expose children to diverse perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, they offer standardized assessment methods and resources that would be difficult for individual parents to replicate.
In my view, the most effective educational outcomes arise from a balanced partnership between parents and schools. Parents should focus on supporting homework completion, maintaining regular communication with teachers, and nurturing their child’s curiosity and love for learning. Meanwhile, schools should provide quality instruction, professional guidance, and regular feedback on student progress. This collaborative approach ensures children receive comprehensive support for their educational development.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of who should be responsible for children’s education is important. Some people think parents should do everything, but others say schools are more important. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Parents are very important for education because they are with children from birth. They teach children basic things like language and behavior. Also, parents know their children very well and can help them with problems. When parents help with homework and talk about school, children usually do better in their studies.
On the other hand, schools have trained teachers who know how to teach subjects well. They have good books and equipment for learning. Schools also help children make friends and learn how to work with others. Teachers can compare different students and know if a child needs extra help.
I think both parents and schools need to work together for good education. Parents should check homework and talk to teachers regularly. Schools should teach subjects well and tell parents about their children’s progress. When parents and schools work together, children learn better.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with clear position
- Coherence & Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary and natural expression
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence & Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- pedagogical (adj) /ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkl/ – relating to teaching methods
- conducive (adj) /kənˈdjuːsɪv/ – making a certain situation or outcome likely
- collaborative (adj) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving two or more parties working together
- nurture (v) /ˈnɜːtʃə/ – to help develop or grow
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
The importance of family support in education remains a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing your own response to this question and share it in the comments for feedback. Future exam questions might explore related themes like digital learning support from parents or balancing academic and life skills development.
