The topic of equal parental leave for employees has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests due to its relevance to modern workplace policies and importance of gender equality in the workforce. Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this theme and analyze multiple essay responses across different band scores.
Sample Question and Analysis
Some people think that both parents should get equal parental leave from work when a child is born. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on whether both parents should receive equal parental leave when they have a new child. It’s an “agree or disagree” type question, which requires you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Key points to consider:
- The concept of parental leave for both parents
- Potential benefits and drawbacks of equal parental leave
- Impact on families, workplaces, and society
- Current practices and policies in different countries
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, the idea of equal parental leave for both parents has gained traction in many progressive societies. I strongly agree that this policy should be implemented universally, as it offers numerous benefits for families, workplaces, and society as a whole.
Firstly, equal parental leave promotes gender equality in both the domestic and professional spheres. When fathers are given the same opportunity as mothers to bond with their newborns and participate in early childcare, it challenges traditional gender roles and fosters a more balanced division of parental responsibilities. This, in turn, can lead to greater equity in career advancement opportunities for women, who have historically been disadvantaged by taking extended maternity leave.
Moreover, research has shown that increased paternal involvement in early childhood has positive long-term effects on children’s cognitive and emotional development. By allowing both parents equal time off work, children benefit from the presence and care of both mother and father during this crucial period. This can lead to stronger family bonds and improved outcomes for children in terms of education and social skills.
From an organizational perspective, implementing equal parental leave can enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty. Companies that offer such progressive policies are likely to attract and retain top talent, particularly among younger generations who value work-life balance. Additionally, when both men and women take parental leave, it normalizes the practice and reduces potential biases against employees who choose to start families.
However, it is important to acknowledge that implementing equal parental leave may pose challenges for some businesses, particularly small enterprises that may struggle with the additional costs and temporary loss of workforce. To address this, governments could consider offering incentives or support to companies that adopt such policies, ensuring that the benefits are realized without unduly burdening employers.
In conclusion, the advantages of equal parental leave for both parents far outweigh any potential drawbacks. By promoting gender equality, supporting child development, and fostering a more family-friendly work culture, this policy has the potential to create positive ripple effects throughout society. As such, I strongly believe that equal parental leave should be adopted as a standard practice in workplaces worldwide.
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether both parents should receive equal parental leave when a child is born is a complex issue. In my opinion, I partially agree with this idea, as it has both advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.
On the positive side, giving both parents equal leave can promote gender equality in the workplace and at home. When fathers have the same opportunity as mothers to take time off work to care for a newborn, it helps to break down traditional gender roles. This can lead to a more balanced sharing of childcare responsibilities and potentially reduce discrimination against women in the workplace.
Moreover, equal parental leave can benefit the child’s development. Research has shown that early bonding with both parents is important for a child’s emotional and cognitive growth. By allowing both parents to spend significant time with their newborn, the child may have a stronger foundation for future development.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. One major concern is the economic impact on businesses, especially small companies. If both parents take extended leave simultaneously, it could create staffing challenges and financial strain for employers. This might lead to reluctance in hiring young adults who are likely to start families.
Additionally, not all families may want or be able to take advantage of equal parental leave. In some cases, financial constraints may make it impractical for both parents to take extended time off work. There’s also the question of single-parent families, where the concept of equal parental leave doesn’t apply.
In conclusion, while equal parental leave has significant benefits in terms of promoting gender equality and child development, its implementation comes with challenges. A balanced approach might be to offer flexible options that allow families to choose how to divide parental leave based on their individual circumstances, while still encouraging greater involvement from both parents in early childcare.
Band 5-6 Essay
Nowadays, many people think that both parents should get the same amount of time off work when they have a new baby. I agree with this idea because it is good for families and fair for both mothers and fathers.
First, when both parents can stay home with the new baby, they can share the work of taking care of the child. This is good because the mother can rest more and the father can learn how to care for the baby too. It helps them work together as a team.
Also, if both parents get the same leave, it can help women at work. Sometimes, bosses don’t want to hire women because they think women will take a long time off when they have babies. If men also take long leave, this problem might get better.
But there are some problems with this idea too. Some companies might not like it because they will lose workers for a long time. This could be hard for small businesses. Also, some families might not be able to afford for both parents to stop working at the same time.
In my country, it is not common for fathers to take a long time off work when a baby is born. But I think if more companies offer this, it could be good for families and society.
To conclude, I think equal parental leave is a good idea, but it might be difficult to make it happen everywhere. Maybe companies can try to give more leave to fathers little by little to see how it works.
Analysis of Essay Structures and Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
- Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with equal parental leave and maintains this stance throughout.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point, thoroughly explained with logical reasoning.
- Balanced view: While supporting equal leave, the essay acknowledges potential challenges, showing critical thinking.
- Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate linking words and phrases.
- Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and effectively.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly, with minimal errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good command of the language but has some limitations:
- Position: The writer partially agrees, which is acceptable but could be more decisive.
- Arguments: Points are relevant but could be developed more fully.
- Coherence: The essay is generally well-organized, but transitions between ideas could be smoother.
- Vocabulary: Good use of topic-specific vocabulary, but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammar: Mostly accurate, with some complex structures, but not as varied as the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Position: The writer agrees, but the stance is not consistently clear throughout.
- Arguments: Basic points are made, but lack depth and specific examples.
- Coherence: Paragraphing is present, but ideas are not always logically organized.
- Vocabulary: Limited range, with some repetition and simple expressions.
- Grammar: Mostly simple sentences with some errors that occasionally impede understanding.
Key Vocabulary
- Parental leave (noun) – /pəˈrentl liːv/ – Time off work granted to parents to care for a newborn child
- Gender equality (noun) – /ˈdʒendər iˈkwɒləti/ – The state of equal rights and opportunities for men and women
- Work-life balance (noun) – /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/ – The equilibrium between professional and personal life
- Paternal involvement (noun) – /pəˈtɜːnl ɪnˈvɒlvmənt/ – The engagement of fathers in childcare and family life
- Career advancement (noun) – /kəˈrɪər ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – Progress in one’s professional development
- Cognitive development (noun) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth of intellectual abilities and skills
- Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – To put a plan or system into action
- Discriminate (verb) – /dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/ – To treat someone unfairly based on prejudice
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Normalize (verb) – /ˈnɔːməlaɪz/ – To make something standard or usual
Conclusion
The topic of equal parental leave for employees is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of parental leave policies on gender equality in the workplace
- Balancing work and family responsibilities in modern society
- Government’s role in supporting family-friendly work policies
Remember to clearly state your position, provide well-developed arguments, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.