As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the “Should parents be strict with their children?” question in the IELTS Speaking test. This common topic can seem daunting, but with the right approach and practice, you can confidently express your opinions and achieve a high score. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to navigate this question effectively.

Understanding the Task and Keywords

Before delving into the specifics, it’s crucial to grasp what the examiner is assessing. The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. This encompasses fluency and coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

In the context of “Should parents be strict with their children?”, understanding the keywords is essential:

• Strict: This implies setting firm rules and boundaries, enforcing consequences for misbehavior.
• Children: The question focuses on the upbringing of young individuals, so your responses should be relevant to this age group.

Structuring Your Response

A well-structured response is key to demonstrating coherence and clarity in your ideas. Here’s a suggested framework:

Introduction:

• Briefly state your stance on the issue. You can say something like:
  • “It’s a complex issue with no easy answers, but I believe…”
  • “There are strong arguments to be made on both sides, however, I tend to think…”

Body Paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1: Present your main argument supported by reasons and examples. For instance, you could argue that:
  • Strict parenting can foster discipline and a strong work ethic in children, leading to greater success later in life.
  • Alternatively, you might argue that a more lenient approach encourages creativity and independent thinking.
• Paragraph 2: Acknowledge the counter-argument. This demonstrates critical thinking and the ability to see multiple perspectives. You can use phrases like:
  • “However, it’s important to acknowledge that…”
  • “On the other hand, some people argue that…”

Conclusion:

• Summarize your viewpoint concisely and avoid introducing new information. You can conclude by saying:
  • “Ultimately, I believe that a balance of…”
  • “In conclusion, while there are valid points on both sides, I feel that…”

Sample Response and Vocabulary

Here’s an example of how to combine these elements into a coherent response:

_”The question of whether parents should be strict with their children is a multifaceted one. While I believe that setting boundaries is essential for a child’s development, I also feel that an overly strict upbringing can be detrimental.

One compelling argument for strict parenting is that it instils discipline and respect for authority. Children raised with clear expectations and consequences for their actions are more likely to develop a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. For instance, studies have shown that children raised in households with consistent rules and boundaries tend to perform better academically and are less likely to engage in risky behavior.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that excessive strictness can stifle a child’s creativity and independence. When children are constantly controlled and micromanaged, they may become hesitant to think for themselves or pursue their own interests. A more balanced approach, one that combines clear expectations with room for exploration and individual expression, is likely to be more beneficial in the long run.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for both sides, I lean towards the view that a balanced approach, where parents set clear boundaries but also encourage their children’s individuality, is the most conducive to raising well-rounded and successful individuals.”_

Balanced Parenting Approach

Vocabulary Highlights:

• Multifaceted: Having many aspects.
• Detrimental: Harmful.
• Instils: Gradually establishes an idea or attitude.
• Work ethic: Belief in the moral benefit and importance of work.
• Stifle: Suppress or prevent the development of something.
• Micromanaged: Control every part of a situation, including small details.
• Conducive: Making something likely to happen.

Tips for Success

• Practice Regularly: Speak about this topic as often as possible. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for commonly used words. This will enhance your lexical resource score.
• Focus on Fluency: Speak smoothly and naturally. Don’t worry too much about making minor grammatical errors.
• Be Confident: Speak clearly and with conviction, even if you’re not completely sure of your answer. Confidence is key!

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can confidently tackle the “Should parents be strict with their children?” question and improve your overall IELTS Speaking score. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, coherently, and with supporting evidence. Good luck!