In recent years, the topic of family values has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing global concern about the changing dynamics of family structures and their impact on society. As an IELTS candidate, it’s crucial to be well-prepared to discuss this subject comprehensively. Let’s explore a common question type related to this theme and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Analyzing the Question
One of the most frequently appearing questions on this topic is:
Some people think that family is the most important influence on young adults. Others believe that friends are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which requires a balanced approach. You need to:
- Discuss the importance of family influence on young adults
- Explain the significance of friends’ influence
- Present your own perspective on which is more important
Now, let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question – one aimed at a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
In the modern era, the debate over whether family or friends have a more significant impact on young adults’ lives has gained considerable attention. While both play crucial roles in shaping an individual’s personality and decisions, I believe that family remains the most important influence. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
On one hand, family undoubtedly plays a fundamental role in a young adult’s life. Parents and siblings are typically the first social contacts a person has, and they provide the foundation for one’s values, beliefs, and behavior patterns. Family members often offer unconditional love and support, which can be crucial during challenging times. Moreover, families usually share a common cultural background and set of experiences, which can significantly shape a young adult’s worldview and decision-making processes.
On the other hand, friends can exert a powerful influence on young adults, particularly during their formative years. Peer groups often introduce new ideas, perspectives, and experiences that may differ from those encountered within the family unit. Friends can provide emotional support, encourage personal growth, and help individuals develop their social skills. In many cases, young adults may feel more comfortable discussing certain topics with friends rather than family members, leading to a strong bond and potential influence on their choices.
In my opinion, while friends undoubtedly play a significant role, family remains the most important influence on young adults. The values and principles instilled by family members during childhood and adolescence form the core of an individual’s character. These foundational beliefs often guide major life decisions, even when influenced by friends or other external factors. Additionally, family relationships tend to be more enduring and stable compared to friendships, which may change over time.
In conclusion, both family and friends contribute significantly to the development of young adults. However, the deep-rooted and long-lasting impact of family values and support makes it the more crucial influence in shaping an individual’s life trajectory.
(Word count: 309)
Family values influence
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The question of whether family or friends have a bigger impact on young adults is often debated. Both groups are important, but they influence young people in different ways. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Firstly, family is very important for young adults. Parents teach their children values and morals from a young age. They also provide support and guidance when making important decisions. Family members often share the same culture and background, which can shape a person’s identity. Additionally, family relationships usually last a lifetime, so their influence can be long-lasting.
On the other hand, friends also play a big role in a young adult’s life. Peers can introduce new ideas and experiences that may be different from what they learn at home. Friends can offer emotional support and help with personal problems. Young adults often spend a lot of time with their friends, especially during school or college years, so friends can have a strong influence on their choices and behavior.
In my opinion, while both family and friends are important, I believe family has a stronger influence on young adults. The values and habits learned from family members are usually deeply ingrained and hard to change. Even when young adults are influenced by their friends, they often fall back on the principles they learned from their family when making important decisions.
To conclude, both family and friends play important roles in shaping young adults. However, I think family has a more significant and lasting impact on a person’s life and choices.
(Word count: 262)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced discussion.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and collocations (e.g., “exert a powerful influence”, “formative years”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Grammar: Both essays use a mix of simple and complex sentences. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more thorough analysis.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Influence (noun) /ˈɪn.flu.əns/ – the power to affect someone’s character, beliefs, or actions
- Dynamics (noun) /daɪˈnæm.ɪks/ – the way in which people or things behave and react to each other in a particular situation
- Foundational (adjective) /faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən.əl/ – forming the base from which everything else develops
- Trajectory (noun) /trəˈdʒek.tər.i/ – the path that someone or something takes over time
- Unconditional (adjective) /ˌʌn.kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/ – given or done without any limits or reservations
- Exert (verb) /ɪɡˈzɜːt/ – to use power or influence to affect someone or something
- Formative (adjective) /ˈfɔːr.mə.tɪv/ – having an important influence on the way someone or something develops
- Instill (verb) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – to gradually make someone feel, think, or behave in a particular way over a period of time
- Enduring (adjective) /ɪnˈdjʊə.rɪŋ/ – lasting for a long time
- Ingrained (adjective) /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/ – (of beliefs, attitudes, or habits) so firmly established that they are difficult to change
Conclusion
The Importance Of Family Values In Modern Society is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Being prepared to discuss this topic from various angles will greatly enhance your performance in the exam. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as:
- The role of grandparents in modern families
- The impact of technology on family relationships
- The changing definition of family in contemporary society
- The balance between work and family life
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates. This active practice will help you refine your writing skills and gain confidence in tackling similar questions in the actual test.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Describe a time when you had to balance work and family life
- Describe a special family celebration you attended recently
- Describe a person who has influenced your personal values
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to various perspectives on family values will help you develop a well-rounded approach to this important IELTS Writing Task 2 topic.
