IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1266 - Parents should encourage their children to take part in organised group activities
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organised group activities in their free time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Opinion: Parents should maintain a balance.]
In today's world, parents often have a dilemma about how their children should spend their free time. While some people believe that engaging in organised group activities is the key to a child's development, others argue that it is crucial for children to learn how to occupy themselves. This essay will explore both these views. As far as my opinion goes, parents should maintain a balance when it comes to their children's free time activity by motivating them to participate in group activities while also permitting them to sometimes choose their own leisure activities.
On the one hand, proponents of encouraging children to participate in organised group activities say that it helps children learn social skills such as cooperation, teamwork, and leadership. For example, when children participate in team sports like soccer or basketball, they learn the importance of working together towards a common goal and develop cooperation and teamwork. On top of that, they develop physical skills, including coordination and agility which help them stay healthy. For instance, engaging in regular physical activities through these group activities promotes overall fitness and well-being, reducing the risk of lifestyle-related health issues in the long run.
On the other hand, many people express that children should be encouraged to learn how to occupy themselves. When children are given free time, they use their imagination and creativity to keep themselves engaged. They learn to think independently, make decisions, and problem-solve on their own. Furthermore, when children are not occupied with structured activities, they can experience a sense of relaxation and freedom, which can improve their mental well-being. Research works show that unstructured free time allows young children to follow their interests and pursue hobbies, like painting or building, enhancing their self-expression and nurturing their passions.
In my opinion, both approaches have their merits, and parents should find a balance between the two. Children should be encouraged to participate in group activities, but they should also be given free time to pursue their interests and hobbies.
In conclusion, parents should find a balance between structured and unstructured time to ensure their children's overall development. Children need opportunities to learn social and physical skills, but they also require free time to explore their interests and develop their creativity.
Sample Answer 2: [Opinion: Parents should encourage their children to take part in group activities]
In today's fast-paced world, parents are often faced with the plight of how to occupy their children's free time. Some people suggest that children should be encouraged to participate in group activities, while others believe that it is crucial for children to learn to occupy themselves independently. In this essay, I will discuss both views and explain why I support the idea that parents should encourage their children to partake in organised group activities.
On the one hand, those who believe that children should learn to occupy themselves independently argue that it is an essential life skill that fosters creativity and imagination. Children who have the ability to entertain themselves are less likely to become bored or reliant on external stimuli, and are better equipped to handle unstructured time. They can also develop a stronger sense of self and a more active imagination. For instance, studies have shown that children who spend their free time reading and engaging in imaginative play have better cognitive development and are more successful in academic pursuits.
On the other hand, those who believe that children should participate in group activities argue that it provides numerous benefits. Group activities can help children build important social skills, such as cooperation and teamwork. Children can also learn valuable life skills, such as leadership and communication, which can be beneficial later in life. Additionally, group activities can expose children to new interests and hobbies, which can broaden their horizons and provide them with a sense of purpose. For example, participating in a team sport can help children develop physical fitness, teamwork, and social skills.
In my opinion, parents need to encourage their children to participate in organised group activities because they provide numerous outstanding benefits that can help children develop important skills and interests. Encouraging children to participate in team activities can also promote socialisation and help children build positive relationships with their peers.
In conclusion, while it may be beneficial for children to sometimes occupy themselves independently, I believe that parents should encourage their children to participate in organised group activities. These activities can provide children with valuable life skills, promote socialisation, and broaden their horizons.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organised group activities in their free time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay type:
Discussion Essay.
The main question of this essay:
Should parents encourage their children to engage in organised group activities, or should children be encouraged to occupy themselves independently?
Reasons why parents should encourage children to participate in organised group activities:
1. Develops teamwork and social skills:
Group activities teach children important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork, which are essential for their personal and professional lives. For example, playing team sports like football or basketball helps children understand the value of collaboration.
2. Enhances discipline and responsibility:
Participating in structured activities encourages discipline, punctuality, and responsibility in children. For instance, joining clubs or music bands requires children to follow rules, attend regularly, and manage their time effectively.
3. Provides opportunities for friendship:
Organised group activities help children build strong social connections and friendships outside of school. For example, children who attend art classes or summer camps often form long-lasting friendships with peers who share their interests.
4. Boosts confidence and self-esteem:
Engaging in group activities and achieving collective goals increases children’s self-confidence and sense of achievement. To illustrate, successfully participating in school drama productions or music concerts helps children gain confidence through positive feedback.
5. Exposure to diverse experiences and interests:
Children gain exposure to a wide range of activities and discover new interests through organised programmes. For example, attending scouting or volunteering activities can introduce children to community service and outdoor skills.
Reasons why children should learn to occupy themselves independently:
1. Promotes creativity and imagination:
Independent play encourages children to explore their creativity and imagination without structured guidelines. For example, building models, drawing, or imaginative storytelling allows children to express themselves freely.
2. Fosters independence and self-reliance:
Children who learn to occupy themselves become more self-sufficient and resourceful. As an example, children who regularly engage in independent activities, such as reading or puzzles, often become effective problem-solvers.
3. Reduces stress and pressure:
Constant involvement in organised activities can put undue pressure on children; therefore, free time helps them unwind and relax. For example, a child who spends quiet time alone reading or relaxing may experience less stress compared to a child involved continuously in structured activities.
4. Develops decision-making and time management skills:
Learning how to occupy their own time allows children to develop vital skills in decision-making and time management. To illustrate, children who manage their free time effectively, deciding independently which activities they prefer, learn valuable skills for future responsibilities.
5. Encourages personal reflection and emotional growth:
Spending time alone gives children the opportunity to reflect on personal experiences and emotions, promoting emotional intelligence and maturity. For instance, writing a journal or simply reflecting quietly can help children process their feelings and understand themselves better.
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