The Role of Parents in Supporting Homework: IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays and Analysis

The topic of parental involvement in children’s homework is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. It has appeared in various forms over the years and is likely to continue being a relevant subject for future exams. This essay will explore the role of parents in supporting homework, providing sample essays and analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Based on past exam trends and current educational discussions, here are some potential question types you might encounter:

1. To what extent should parents be involved in their children’s homework?
2. Some people believe that parents should help with homework, while others think children should do it independently. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of parental involvement in homework?

For this article, we’ll focus on the second question type, as it allows for a balanced discussion of the topic.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that parents should help with homework, while others think children should do it independently. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that parents should help with homework
2. Discuss the view that children should do homework independently
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach throughout your essay.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The extent of parental involvement in children’s homework is a contentious issue in education. While some argue that parents should actively assist their children, others believe that homework should be completed independently. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.

Those who advocate for parental involvement in homework argue that it strengthens the parent-child bond and provides an opportunity for parents to stay informed about their child’s academic progress. By working together on assignments, parents can offer valuable guidance and support, helping to reinforce concepts learned in school. Moreover, parental assistance can help children develop better study habits and time management skills, which are crucial for academic success.

On the other hand, proponents of independent homework completion argue that it fosters self-reliance and problem-solving skills in children. When students tackle assignments on their own, they learn to overcome challenges independently, building confidence and resilience. This approach also allows teachers to accurately assess a student’s understanding and capabilities without external influence. Furthermore, independent work encourages children to take ownership of their learning, promoting a sense of responsibility for their education.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both viewpoints is most beneficial. Parents should be involved in their children’s homework to some extent, offering support and encouragement without doing the work for them. This can be achieved by creating a conducive study environment, being available to answer questions, and reviewing completed assignments. However, it is equally important to allow children the space to attempt tasks independently, fostering critical thinking and self-reliance.

In conclusion, while parental involvement in homework can provide valuable support, it should be balanced with opportunities for independent learning. By striking this balance, children can benefit from parental guidance while developing the skills necessary for academic and personal growth.

(Word count: 294)

Parent helping child with homework

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The topic of whether parents should help their children with homework or let them do it independently is a controversial one. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument and give my opinion.

On one hand, some people think parents should help with homework. They believe that parental involvement can be beneficial for children’s education. When parents help, they can explain difficult concepts and make sure their children understand the material. This can lead to better grades and more confidence in school. Additionally, working together on homework can be a good way for parents and children to spend time together and strengthen their relationship.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that children should do homework independently. They say that this helps children learn important skills like problem-solving and time management. If children always rely on their parents for help, they might not develop these skills on their own. Furthermore, teachers may not be able to accurately assess a student’s abilities if the homework is completed with parental assistance.

In my opinion, I think a mix of both approaches is best. Parents should be available to offer support and guidance when needed, but they should not do the homework for their children. It’s important for children to learn how to work independently, but having parental support can also be valuable. Parents can create a good study environment and help with time management, while still allowing their children to do the actual work themselves.

To conclude, while there are benefits to both parental involvement and independent work, I believe a balanced approach is most effective. This way, children can develop important skills while still having support when they need it.

(Word count: 272)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Address all parts of the question: Ensure you discuss both viewpoints and provide your own opinion.

2. Use clear topic sentences: Begin each paragraph with a clear statement that introduces the main idea.

3. Provide specific examples: Support your arguments with relevant examples or explanations.

4. Use appropriate linking words: Connect your ideas smoothly using transitions like “however,” “moreover,” and “furthermore.”

5. Maintain a formal tone: Avoid using contractions and colloquial expressions.

6. Conclude effectively: Summarize your main points and restate your opinion in the conclusion.

Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some useful vocabulary words related to this topic:

1. Parental involvement (noun): /pəˈrentl ɪnˈvɒlvmənt/ – The participation of parents in their children’s education
2. Academic progress (noun phrase): /ækəˈdemɪk ˈprəʊɡres/ – Improvement in educational achievement
3. Self-reliance (noun): /self rɪˈlaɪəns/ – The ability to rely on oneself and be independent
4. Foster (verb): /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – To encourage or promote the development of something
5. Resilience (noun): /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
6. Conducive (adjective): /kənˈdjuːsɪv/ – Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible
7. Critical thinking (noun phrase): /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment

Conclusion

The role of parents in supporting homework is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, remember to practice writing balanced essays that address all aspects of the question. You may encounter similar questions about parental involvement in education, such as:

1. How can parents best support their children’s education outside of school?
2. Should parents be responsible for teaching their children life skills, or is this the role of schools?
3. To what extent should parents be involved in their children’s school activities?

To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your arguments and improve your ability to express your ideas clearly and effectively.