The role of teachers versus parents in education is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately once every testing quarter. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this topic frequently emerges in various forms, particularly focusing on the comparative influence and responsibilities of these two key stakeholders in children’s education. Similar to discussions about the role of parents in a child’s educational journey, this topic remains highly relevant in modern educational discourse.
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge what is right and wrong and how to behave. Others believe that parents should be responsible for teaching these things. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Understanding the Question
- Topic: Moral education and behavioral guidance
- Task: Discuss both views + personal opinion
- Key elements: Teachers’ role vs. Parents’ role
- Focus: Responsibility for moral/behavioral education
Teachers and parents collaborating in classroom education
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether teachers or parents should bear the primary responsibility for children’s moral education is increasingly relevant in today’s complex society. While both parties play crucial roles, I believe this responsibility should be shared, with parents taking the lead role.
Teachers undoubtedly have significant influence in shaping students’ moral compass. In the structured environment of schools, educators can systematically teach ethical principles and appropriate behavior through real-world scenarios and peer interactions. Furthermore, teachers are trained professionals who can objectively evaluate and guide student behavior, often providing consistent standards that might be lacking at home. This professional approach to moral education, similar to the benefits of bilingual education for children, offers systematic and structured learning opportunities.
However, parents are arguably better positioned to be the primary moral educators. They have the advantage of continuous interaction with their children from birth, allowing them to shape values through consistent example and guidance. Parents can provide immediate feedback on behavior in various real-life situations and demonstrate moral principles through their own actions. Moreover, family values and cultural context, which are essential components of moral development, are primarily transmitted through parental guidance.
The most effective approach would be a collaborative effort between teachers and parents. While parents establish the foundation of moral understanding at home, teachers can reinforce these principles and provide additional perspectives in the school environment. This partnership ensures that children receive consistent moral guidance across all aspects of their lives, similar to how effects of online learning on social skills require coordinated support from both educators and families.
In conclusion, while teachers play a vital role in moral education, parents should be the primary guides in teaching right from wrong, with educators serving as professional supporters in this crucial developmental process.
Parent-teacher conference discussing student progress
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, there is a big discussion about who should teach children about good and bad behavior. Some people think teachers should do this job, but others say it’s the parents’ responsibility. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Teachers spend a lot of time with students at school. They can teach children how to behave properly because they are trained professionals. For example, they can show students how to respect others and follow rules. Also, teachers can see how children behave with their friends and help them when they make mistakes.
On the other hand, parents are the first teachers in a child’s life. They stay with their children more than anyone else and know them better. Parents can teach values at home through daily activities and family time. They also understand their children’s personality and can guide them in the right way.
I think both teachers and parents should work together to teach children about right and wrong. Parents should start teaching basic values at home, and teachers should continue this teaching at school. This way, children will learn good behavior everywhere they go.
In conclusion, while both teachers and parents are important, I believe they need to share this responsibility. When they work together, children can learn better about good behavior and values.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear, logical organization
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Effective use of cohesive devices
- Balanced discussion with clear position
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple but accurate sentence structures
- Basic organization present
- Limited use of complex language
- Some development of ideas
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- moral compass (n) /ˈmɔːrəl ˈkʌmpəs/ – internal sense of right and wrong
- ethical principles (n) /ˈeθɪkəl ˈprɪnsəpəlz/ – fundamental concepts of proper conduct
- paramount (adj) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – supreme in importance
- reinforcement (n) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/ – the process of encouraging or establishing a behavior
- developmental process (n) /dɪˌveləpˈmentl ˈprəʊses/ – stages of growth and learning
Consider practicing with these additional prompts:
- Should moral education be a separate subject in schools?
- How can parents and teachers better collaborate in children’s education?
- What role should technology play in moral education?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
