IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1483 - What children watch on television influences their behaviour
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 10 March 2025 21:31
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 7812
IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that what children watch on television influences their behaviour.
Do you agree or disagree?
In your opinion, what other factors can influence the behaviours of children?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Partial Agreement]
Television remains a dominant source of entertainment and information for children, raising concerns about the impact of its content on their behaviour. While some argue that television significantly influences children's behaviour, I partly agree with this notion but believe that several other factors contribute significantly to shaping children's behaviour.
Television undeniably exerts some influence over children's behaviour. The visual and auditory content they consume can shape their perceptions, attitudes, and actions. For instance, studies have linked exposure to aggressive or violent programming with an increase in aggressive behaviour among children. Similarly, advertisements targeting children might influence their preferences and desires, leading to materialistic behaviour. Therefore, the content children watch on TV can potentially mould their behaviour and preferences.
However, the influence of television is just one part of a complex web of factors impacting children's behaviour. The family environment plays a crucial role. Parental guidance, discipline, and involvement significantly shape a child's development. For example, children raised in households where parents prioritize open communication and foster an environment of mutual respect often exhibit enhanced social skills and emotional intelligence, regardless of television exposure.
Additionally, peer influence also plays a pivotal role, as children often model their behaviour on that of their friends and classmates. Education systems and societal norms also contribute significantly. To illustrate, schools, teachers, and educational materials influence a child's behaviour, while societal norms and cultural values shape their understanding of acceptable conduct.
In conclusion, while television does wield some influence over children's behaviour, it is only one facet of the multifaceted array of influences they encounter. Factors like family, peers, education, technology, and societal norms collectively contribute to shaping the behaviour and development of children.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
Televisions have become an integral part of our households and accessible to our children. Many argue that the content children consume on television plays a crucial role in shaping their behaviour. I strongly agree with this viewpoint, as children tend to imitate what they see on screen. However, apart from television, two other critical factors - parental guidance and peer influence - also significantly impact a child's behaviour.
One of the most compelling reasons television influences children's behaviour is their tendency to imitate what they watch. Young minds are highly impressionable, and exposure to violent or inappropriate content can lead to aggression, while educational programmes can instil positive habits. For instance, studies have shown that children who regularly watch violent cartoons are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour in real life. Conversely, educational programmes that teach values such as kindness and honesty can encourage children to adopt these virtues.
Besides television, parental guidance plays an instrumental role in shaping children's behaviour. Parents who set clear boundaries and monitor their children's screen time can prevent them from adopting negative influences. Additionally, peer influence is another crucial factor, as children often mimic the actions and language of their friends. For example, if a child is surrounded by peers who engage in respectful and disciplined behaviour, they are likely to develop similar traits, irrespective of what they watch on television.
In conclusion, there is no denying that television impacts children's behaviour as they imitate what they see on the television screen. Parental supervision and peer influence are also significant in shaping children's character. It is expected that parents will monitor their children's TV-watching time and assist them in watching programmes that would influence them positively.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people believe that what children watch on television influences their behaviour.
Do you agree or disagree?
In your opinion, what other factors can influence the behaviours of children?
Essay Type: Double-Question Essay.
Television influences children's behaviour:
1. Exposure to violence increases aggression:
Children who watch violent TV shows or movies may imitate aggressive behaviour, thinking it is acceptable in real life. For example, studies have shown that children who frequently watch violent cartoons tend to engage in more fights at school.
2. Advertising shapes consumer habits and attitudes:
Children are highly impressionable and are influenced by advertisements, which can create materialistic attitudes and unhealthy food choices. For example, exposure to junk food ads has been linked to increased consumption of unhealthy snacks among young viewers.
3. Educational programmes promote learning and positive values:
Shows designed for children can enhance cognitive development and teach important life lessons such as sharing, kindness, and cooperation. For example, programmes like Sesame Street have been proven to improve literacy and social skills in preschoolers.
4. Reinforces gender roles and stereotypes:
Many TV shows portray traditional gender roles, influencing children’s perceptions of what is expected from boys and girls. For example, some cartoons depict boys as adventurous and strong while girls are shown as passive and dependent.
5. Excessive TV watching reduces physical activity:
Spending too much time in front of screens leads to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and related health problems. For example, children who spend hours watching TV daily are less likely to engage in outdoor sports or physical play.
6. Inappropriate content affects moral development
Exposure to content that promotes bad language, disrespect, or unhealthy relationships can negatively impact children’s behaviour. For example, reality shows that glorify rude behaviour may encourage children to imitate disrespectful attitudes.
Television does not have much influence on children's behaviour:
1. Parental guidance and discussion mitigate negative effects:
Parents can control what their children watch and explain the difference between fiction and reality. For example, parents who watch TV with their children and discuss the content help them develop critical thinking skills.
2. Children understand that TV is entertainment, not real life:
Many children are aware that television shows are scripted and do not necessarily reflect real-life behaviour. For example, research suggests that children over a certain age can differentiate between fantasy and reality.
3. Peers and family have a stronger influence:
Children are more likely to adopt behaviours they observe from their family members and friends rather than from TV characters. For example, a child raised in a disciplined household is likely to reflect those values, regardless of what they watch.
4. Television viewing time is limited:
With modern lifestyles, children have less time to watch TV due to school, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. For example, students with busy schedules spend minimal time watching television, reducing its overall impact.
Other factors that influence children's behaviour:
1. Parental upbringing and discipline:
Parents are the primary role models, and their behaviour and discipline methods shape a child's values and actions. For example, children raised in strict but supportive households tend to develop better self-control and decision-making skills.
2. Peer influence and social interactions:
Friends and classmates strongly affect how children behave, as they often adopt habits and attitudes from their social circle. For example, children who spend time with well-behaved peers are more likely to exhibit positive behaviour.
3. Educational environment:
The school system plays a vital role in developing a child’s discipline, ethics, and overall personality. For example, schools that promote teamwork and moral education help students develop social responsibility.
4. Technology and social media:
With increased access to digital devices, children are influenced more by online content than traditional television. For example, platforms like YouTube and TikTok shape trends and behaviour more significantly than TV shows.
5. Socioeconomic background:
A child’s upbringing, financial status, and cultural background influence their behaviour, values, and ambitions. For example, children from well-educated families often develop strong academic and career-oriented attitudes.
Report