Education plays a pivotal role in shaping society and fostering social cohesion. This topic has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, appearing with increasing frequency in recent years. Based on past exam trends and current social issues, it’s highly likely that questions related to education and social cohesion will continue to be featured in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that schools should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that this is the role of parents. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses the role of education in promoting social cohesion by asking about the responsibility of schools in teaching social values. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that schools should teach children how to be good members of society
- Discuss the opposing view that this is the role of parents
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
The question touches on key aspects of social cohesion, including the development of social values, citizenship, and the shared responsibility between educational institutions and families in shaping future generations.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses all parts of the question:
In today’s rapidly changing world, the question of who should be responsible for teaching children to be good citizens is increasingly pertinent. While some argue that this task falls to schools, others believe it is primarily the duty of parents. In my opinion, both institutions play crucial roles in this process, and a collaborative approach is most effective.
Those who advocate for schools taking the lead in teaching social responsibility argue that educational institutions are uniquely positioned to provide a structured and comprehensive approach to civic education. Schools can offer a diverse environment where children interact with peers from various backgrounds, fostering tolerance and understanding. Moreover, trained educators can implement curricula specifically designed to teach social skills, ethics, and civic duties. This systematic approach ensures that all children, regardless of their home environment, receive guidance on being productive members of society.
On the other hand, proponents of parental responsibility emphasize the primary role of family in a child’s moral and social development. Parents are a child’s first teachers and have the most significant influence on their values and behavior. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to their child’s individual needs and consistently model good citizenship in daily life. Furthermore, family discussions about social issues can offer deeper, more nuanced perspectives than those typically available in a classroom setting.
In my view, the most effective approach is a partnership between schools and parents. While schools can provide the foundational knowledge and skills for good citizenship, parents can reinforce these lessons and provide practical applications. This collaborative model ensures that children receive consistent messages about social responsibility from both institutional and familial sources. For instance, schools might teach about environmental conservation, which parents can then support by involving children in recycling efforts at home.
In conclusion, the responsibility for teaching children to be good members of society should be shared between schools and parents. By combining the structured approach of educational institutions with the personalized guidance of family, we can create a comprehensive system for nurturing socially responsible citizens. This collaborative effort is essential for promoting social cohesion and preparing children to navigate the complexities of modern society.
(Word count: 339)
Education and Social Cohesion
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
In modern society, there is a debate about who should teach children to be good members of society. Some people think schools should do this, while others believe it’s the job of parents. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, schools have an important role in teaching children about society. Teachers can provide lessons about citizenship and social responsibility. Schools also offer a place where children from different backgrounds can meet and learn to work together. This helps children understand different cultures and respect others. Additionally, schools can organize activities that teach children how to participate in their community.
On the other hand, many people think parents should be responsible for teaching children how to be good members of society. Parents are the first influence on a child’s life and can teach values from an early age. They can set a good example at home and explain right from wrong. Parents can also take their children to community events and encourage them to help others. This hands-on approach can be more effective than classroom learning.
In my opinion, both schools and parents have important roles in teaching children about being good members of society. Schools can provide structured lessons and a diverse environment for learning about social issues. Parents can reinforce these lessons at home and provide practical experiences. When schools and parents work together, children receive consistent messages about social responsibility.
To conclude, while both schools and parents have different strengths in teaching children about society, the best approach is to combine their efforts. This way, children can learn about being good citizens both in theory and practice, which will help them become responsible members of society in the future.
(Word count: 292)
Key Points to Note When Writing
When addressing this topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, consider the following:
Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both viewpoints, your opinion, and a conclusion.
Balance: Give equal attention to both perspectives before presenting your own view.
Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your points. For Band 8-9, these should be more sophisticated and varied.
Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to education and society. Higher band scores require more advanced and precise language use.
Grammar: Employ a variety of sentence structures. For Band 8-9, use complex structures accurately and effectively.
Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. Higher band scores demonstrate more sophisticated cohesion devices.
Task Response: Fully address all parts of the question. Band 8-9 essays should provide a nuanced response with well-developed ideas.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms related to education and social cohesion that can enhance your essay:
Social cohesion (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other.
Civic responsibility (noun) /ˈsɪvɪk rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪlɪti/ – The duty of citizens in a society to act for the benefit of the community.
Tolerance (noun) /ˈtɒlərəns/ – The ability or willingness to accept different opinions or behaviors.
Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – The state of having people from different social and ethnic backgrounds.
Citizenship (noun) /ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/ – The status of being a citizen and the responsibilities that come with it.
Moral values (noun) /ˈmɒrəl ˈvæljuːz/ – The standards of good and evil, which govern an individual’s behavior and choices.
Collaborative approach (noun) /kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method where multiple parties work together towards a common goal.
Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ – To care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something.
In conclusion, the role of education in promoting social cohesion is a crucial topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the impact of technology on social cohesion in education, the role of extracurricular activities in fostering community spirit, or the challenges of promoting social cohesion in multicultural classrooms. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing well-structured arguments supported by relevant examples.
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. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
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