IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1277 - In some areas of the US a curfew is imposed
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In some areas of the US, a ‘curfew’ is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult.
What is your opinion about this?
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: Oppose such curfews]
The imposition of a curfew for teenagers in certain areas of the US has sparked a debate regarding its necessity and effectiveness. While some argue that curfews provide safety and discipline for teenagers, I respectfully disagree with this viewpoint. In this essay, I will present arguments against the implementation of curfews and illustrate why they may not be the most effective approach to addressing the concerns related to teenage activities.
Imposing a curfew on teenagers restricts their personal freedom and curtails their ability to engage in activities that contribute to their personal growth and development. Teenagers should be given the opportunity to explore their interests, develop independence, and learn essential life skills. By imposing a curfew, we limit their chances to participate in extracurricular activities, socialise with peers, or engage in community events that occur beyond the curfew hours. For example, a teenager with a passion for music may be part of a local band that regularly performs at gigs in the evening. Imposing a curfew would prevent them from pursuing their musical aspirations and sharing their talent with the community.
Moreover, curfews often fail to address the root causes of the perceived problems they aim to solve. The reasons behind teenage delinquency, such as substance abuse, gang involvement, or risky behaviours, cannot be solely attributed to the time they spend outside at night. These issues require a comprehensive approach that focuses on education, mentorship, and support systems. Instead of restricting teenagers' freedom through curfews, resources should be allocated to provide guidance, counselling, and educational programs to address the underlying issues and help teenagers make informed choices.
In conclusion, the imposition of curfews on teenagers is a restrictive measure that limits personal freedom and may not effectively address the underlying issues it seeks to resolve. Instead of relying on curfews, it is important to focus on comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of teenage delinquency and promote responsible decision-making.
Sample Answer 2: [Opinion: Support such Curfews]
Some argue that the imposition of a curfew for teenagers in certain areas of the US provides safety and discipline for teenagers. Personally, I agree with this viewpoint. In this essay, I will explain my position.
Imposing a curfew on teenagers can play a crucial role in ensuring their safety, promoting responsible behaviour, and reducing the potential risks associated with unsupervised activities during late hours. By setting a specific time limit for teenagers to be out of doors, authorities and parents can actively protect them from potential dangers and harmful influences that may arise during the night. For instance, statistics show that a significant number of crimes involving teenagers occur during late hours when they are more susceptible to peer pressure, substance abuse, or engaging in unlawful activities.
Moreover, curfews can also contribute to improving teenagers' academic performance and overall well-being. With a curfew in place, teenagers are encouraged to prioritize their studies and establish a disciplined routine. They are more likely to complete their homework, get sufficient rest, and maintain a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities and personal life. By instilling discipline and time management skills through the enforcement of a curfew, teenagers are given a structure that supports their educational pursuits and enables them to develop important habits that will benefit them in the long run.
In conclusion, imposing a curfew on teenagers can have numerous advantages, ranging from ensuring their safety and reducing risks to promoting academic discipline. While some may argue that curfews restrict personal freedom, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits and the overall well-being of teenagers. Therefore, curfews can play a positive role in shaping responsible behaviour and providing a secure environment for teenagers to thrive.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
In some areas of the US, a ‘curfew’ is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult.
Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Same as the Agree/Disagree IELTS Essay).
The main question of this essay:
Do you agree or disagree that teenagers should have a curfew at night unless they are accompanied by an adult?
Reasons why a curfew for teenagers is beneficial:
1. Ensures safety and reduces crime risks:
Teenagers are more vulnerable to crimes such as theft, assault, or gang involvement during late-night hours. Restricting their movement reduces exposure to dangerous situations. For example, in cities with strict curfew laws, reports of juvenile crime and victimization have significantly decreased.
2. Encourages discipline and better time management:
A curfew instills a sense of responsibility by ensuring that teenagers develop a structured daily routine, balancing school, family time, and rest. For instance, students who adhere to curfews tend to perform better academically due to improved sleep and focus.
3. Prevents peer pressure and risky behaviors:
Late-night social gatherings can expose teenagers to alcohol, drugs, and other risky behaviors. A curfew limits their chances of engaging in such activities. For example, studies show that teenagers who spend late hours unsupervised are more likely to experiment with substances and fall into bad company.
4. Strengthens family bonds and parental supervision:
When teenagers stay at home during the night, they spend more quality time with family, strengthening relationships and improving communication. For instance, parents can monitor their child’s well-being more effectively, ensuring their emotional and psychological health.
5. Reduces juvenile delinquency rates:
Implementing curfews helps lower the number of youth-related disturbances and illegal activities, benefiting society as a whole. For example, cities with nighttime curfews have reported fewer instances of vandalism and public disturbances involving teenagers.
Reasons why a curfew for teenagers is unnecessary or restrictive:
1. Violates personal freedom and independence:
Imposing a curfew limits a teenager’s ability to develop independence and self-reliance, which are crucial for adulthood. For example, responsible teenagers who have legitimate reasons for being out at night, such as part-time jobs or extracurricular activities, may find curfews unfairly restrictive.
2. Does not address the root causes of crime:
Crime prevention should focus on education, community programs, and law enforcement rather than restricting teenagers’ movements. For instance, in areas where curfews were enforced, some youths still engaged in criminal activities during the day, proving that curfews alone do not solve the issue.
3. Can create unnecessary fear and anxiety:
Some teenagers may develop fear and resentment towards authority figures, believing that they are being unfairly controlled. For example, overly strict curfews can lead to rebellious behavior, where teenagers sneak out or disregard rules entirely.
4. Inconvenient for students with evening commitments:
Many teenagers participate in sports, academic programs, or work shifts that extend into late hours. A curfew may limit their ability to engage in productive activities. For example, a student attending late-night debate competitions or music rehearsals may find it difficult to comply with curfew restrictions.
5. Parental guidance is more effective than legal restrictions:
Instead of imposing city-wide curfews, individual families should decide what is best for their children, fostering responsibility through communication and trust. For instance, teenagers with supportive parental guidance are more likely to make responsible decisions regarding their safety than those simply forced to obey legal curfews.
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