IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 221 - Parents should teach children how to be good members of society
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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 think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
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 teach children to be good members of society]
The role of instilling moral values and social responsibilities in children is often debated, with some arguing that parents should take on this responsibility while others believe schools are better suited for this purpose. This essay will discuss both perspectives and opine that parents play the most significant role in shaping their children into responsible members of society because they are a child’s first role models and provide consistent moral guidance.
On the one hand, some people argue that schools should be responsible for teaching children how to be good citizens. They argue that schools provide a structured environment where children interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and learn essential social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and teamwork. Moreover, subjects like civic studies and ethics educate students on societal norms, legal responsibilities, and global issues. For instance, many countries have introduced character education programs in their school curriculum, which aim to instil values such as honesty, respect, and tolerance in students.
On the other hand, others opine that parents play a fundamental role in shaping their children’s moral compass and social behaviour from an early age. Unlike teachers, who interact with children only during school hours, parents provide a continuous and nurturing environment where ethical principles are reinforced daily. By demonstrating kindness, patience, and responsibility in their own actions, parents serve as the most influential role models. For example, a child who observes their parents engaging in charitable activities or treating others with respect is more likely to adopt similar behaviours. Furthermore, parents have a deeper emotional connection with their children, making them better suited to instil long-term values that shape character and integrity.
In conclusion, while schools can contribute to teaching social values, the primary responsibility lies with parents. They provide early guidance, serve as role models, and ensure that moral values are consistently reinforced. Therefore, to cultivate responsible and ethical citizens, parents should take an active role in educating their children on how to be good members of society.
Model Answer 2: [Opinion School is the place to learn this]
Teaching children how to become responsible members of society is a crucial part of their development. While some argue that parents should take primary responsibility for this, others believe that schools play a more significant role. This essay will discuss both perspectives. However, I firmly believe that schools are the most effective place for children to learn societal values because they provide a structured learning environment and offer exposure to diverse social interactions.
On the one hand, some people believe that parents should be responsible for teaching social values to their children. Since parents spend the most time with their children, they have the opportunity to instil moral values and discipline in them from an early age. Moreover, children often imitate the behaviours of their parents, making parental guidance crucial in shaping their ethical and social beliefs. For example, a child who grows up in a household where honesty and kindness are emphasized is more likely to develop a strong moral character.
On the other hand, schools are structured institutions designed to educate children, not only academically but also socially. Schools expose students to diverse social settings where they interact with peers from different backgrounds, allowing them to develop essential social skills such as cooperation, respect, and tolerance. Additionally, subjects like civic education and ethics formally teach children about societal norms, legal responsibilities, and good citizenship. For instance, many schools incorporate community service projects, where students participate in activities that promote social responsibility, such as volunteering at shelters or organizing environmental clean-up drives. Since not all parents have the time, knowledge, or teaching skills required to provide comprehensive social education, schools with the advantages of formal teaching settings and structured education facilities, are better suited for this responsibility.
In conclusion, while parents undoubtedly play an important role in shaping their children's character, schools are the most effective place to teach social responsibility. The structured curriculum, diverse interactions, and dedicated programs in schools ensure that children develop the necessary values and skills to become responsible members of society.
Sample Answer 3: [Opinion: Parents should teach children to be good members of society]
Many believe that the onus should be on the parents to teach children how to be well-mannered and good members of society, yet others feel that school is the right institution for this. This essay will discuss both perspectives. Personally, I believe that despite schools offering children a favourable environment for learning social skills, parents are best at teaching these skills to their children.
The proponents of schools teaching children to be good members of society argue that a school has an environment conducive to learning the skills needed to be an ideal member of society. That is to say that it provides a structured and diverse social setting where children learn to engage with their peers from mixed social backgrounds. This exposure, in turn, helps them acquire essential social skills, develop empathy, and understand diverse perspectives. For instance, classroom discussions and group projects offer children the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and appreciate different views, thus preparing them for navigating the complexity of the real world.
However, the adherents of parents teaching children to be ideal members of society opine that children learn best through emulating parents’ behaviour and observing social norms within the family environment. This is because parents are uniquely positioned as the primary caregiver, thus developing the deepest emotional attachment to their children. This emotional attachment makes parents the most influential role model. For example, when parents demonstrate empathy, moral values, and patriotism, children are more likely to acquire these traits and apply them in their daily lives. For this reason, I think that parents should bear the responsibility of teaching children how to be worthwhile members of the community.
In conclusion, although school provides a conducive atmosphere for learning essential social skills, I argue that parents can teach children necessary social competencies as they serve as the most powerful role models in a child’s life.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Essay type:
Discussion Essay.
The main question of this essay:
Who plays a more important role in teaching children how to be good members of society – parents or schools?
Reasons why parents should teach children how to be good members of society:
1. Parents are a child’s first teachers:
Children spend their formative years at home where they observe and imitate parental behaviours. This early environment is crucial for learning values like honesty, respect, and kindness. For instance, children who grow up in homes where parents model politeness and compassion are more likely to adopt those behaviours themselves.
2. Moral values are best taught through daily interactions:
Everyday scenarios at home offer parents opportunities to correct and guide behaviour in real time. These consistent reinforcements help shape ethical and social habits. For example, teaching children to apologise after hurting a sibling instills accountability and empathy.
3. Parents can personalise guidance based on the child’s personality:
Unlike schools, parents know their children’s strengths and weaknesses intimately, allowing them to tailor moral education accordingly. For instance, a shy child might need extra encouragement to share or express gratitude, which a parent can consistently nurture.
4. Strong family bonds foster long-term behavioural influence:
Children tend to trust and respect their parents more than others, making parental guidance highly impactful. For example, many adults cite their parents’ influence when discussing values like perseverance or compassion.
5. Parents are responsible for setting rules and boundaries:
Discipline and behavioural expectations start at home, helping children understand societal norms early on. For instance, learning to follow household rules like tidying up or speaking respectfully builds a foundation for social etiquette outside the home.
6. Emotional development begins at home:
Parents play a key role in nurturing emotional intelligence, which is essential for functioning in society. For example, comforting a child during distress teaches them empathy and how to respond supportively to others in similar situations.
Reasons why school is the place to teach children how to be good members of society:
1. Schools offer structured social environments:
In school, children interact with diverse peers, helping them learn teamwork, fairness, and conflict resolution. These interactions mimic real-world situations. For example, group projects teach collaboration and the importance of sharing responsibilities.
2. Teachers are trained to guide behaviour and ethics:
Many schools include moral education and citizenship lessons in their curriculum, equipping students with social and ethical understanding. For instance, classes on bullying prevention or environmental responsibility teach students how to contribute positively to society.
3. Exposure to rules and discipline beyond the home:
Schools have codes of conduct that reinforce societal expectations, encouraging respect for authority and institutional norms. For example, punctuality and classroom discipline translate into responsible adult behaviour later on.
4. Extracurricular activities promote civic values:
Clubs, debates, and volunteering opportunities help students develop leadership, responsibility, and community awareness. For example, participating in a school clean-up campaign fosters environmental awareness and public responsibility.
5. Schools provide a neutral and unbiased learning environment:
Unlike homes that may transmit specific beliefs, schools promote universal social values, which are essential for inclusive citizenship. For instance, lessons on diversity and inclusion help children respect people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
6. Peer influence helps shape social norms:
Children often learn by observing and imitating their classmates, and schools allow positive peer interactions that reinforce good behaviour. For example, seeing classmates help each other during activities can encourage children to adopt cooperative habits.
Sample Answer 4: [Opinion: Parents should teach children to be good members of society]
Who should impart the values and skills necessary for children to become responsible members of society is a topic that remains contentious. This essay will explore the contrasting perspectives on whether parents or schools hold the primary responsibility for instilling these qualities. Personally, I opine that while schools play a role, parents should predominantly undertake the task of teaching children how to be ideal members of society.
Proponents of the idea that schools should bear this responsibility highlight the structured educational environment as an ideal setting for cultivating social values. Schools provide a formal curriculum that includes moral education programmes and extracurricular activities promoting teamwork and social harmony. Through these activities and moral education, teachers in school can teach children to become responsible citizens. For instance, through civic education courses or community service initiatives, schools often succeed in instilling the values and responsibility of citizens among children.
On the contrary, advocates of the viewpoint that parents should impart societal values argue that family influences are crucial in shaping a child's character. Parents serve as the primary role models, imparting moral values, empathy, and social etiquette through everyday interactions. As children spend most of their time with their parents and often imitate their behaviours, they are more influential in teaching children morality and responsibilities. For instance, many research outcomes demonstrate that children observe and imitate the behaviour of their parents, learning essential traits like respect, kindness, and responsibility if parents possess those qualities.
I believe that, while schools undeniably contribute to a child's social development, parents should play the central role in teaching children how to be good members of society. The familial environment offers continuous and personalized guidance crucial for character development. Parents serve as constant influencers, shaping a child's worldview and moral compass from an early age and providing a strong foundation for their role in society.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the role of parents versus schools in shaping good citizens highlights the significance of both influences. Nevertheless, the enduring and personalized guidance provided by parents creates a substantial impact on a child's development into a responsible and contributing member of society.
Sample Answer 5: [Opinion: School is the place to learn this]
The question of where children learn to become responsible members of society - at home or school, has sparked heated debate for generations. Some argue that parents, as the primary caregivers, hold the ultimate responsibility for shaping their children's moral compass. Others believe that schools provide the ideal platform for fostering social responsibility. I believe that schools play a more crucial role in instilling a sense of civic duty and social awareness in children.
Proponents of parental influence point to the undeniable impact of early childhood experiences. Parents set the first examples of behaviour and interaction, and their values and actions are readily absorbed by their children. For instance, parents who actively participate in community service projects are more likely to raise children who are empathetic and engaged in social causes. Additionally, parents can tailor their teachings to each child's individual needs and personality, leading to a more personalized and effective approach.
On the contrary, proponents of teachers guiding young children to become responsible citizens argue that schools offer several unique advantages that are difficult to replicate within the home environment. Firstly, schools provide a diverse social setting where children interact with individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives. This fosters tolerance, understanding, and the ability to navigate diverse social situations, which are crucial for responsible citizenship in a multicultural world. Secondly, schools employ trained professionals who possess expertise in child development and social-emotional learning. These educators can implement structured programmes and activities designed to explicitly teach social responsibility, including conflict resolution, empathy building, and ethical decision-making.
In conclusion, while parents undoubtedly play an important role in shaping their children's values, schools offer a unique and crucial environment for instilling a sense of social responsibility.
Sample Answer 6: [Opinion: School is the place to teach children to be ideal members of society]
There is an ongoing debate regarding who holds the primary responsibility for teaching children to become good members of society. While some believe that parents should take on this role, others argue that schools are better equipped to instil civic values and social responsibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view that schools play a more effective role in this regard.
Supporters of parental responsibility argue that parents are the first and most influential teachers in a child’s life. From early childhood, children observe and imitate their parents, making it easier for them to adopt values such as respect, honesty, and responsibility when these are consistently demonstrated at home. Since parents typically spend a considerable amount of time with their children, especially in the formative years, they are in a strong position to reinforce moral lessons through daily interactions. For example, my cousin, who is just ten years old, regularly shows respect to elders and behaves with remarkable maturity — traits her parents consciously instilled in her from a young age.
On the contrary, proponents of the school-based approach argue that schools offer a structured environment where children can systematically learn about civic duties, ethics, and social norms. Given that students spend a significant portion of their day in school, teachers are in an ideal position to influence their development. Schools can also incorporate moral education and civic responsibility into the formal curriculum, ensuring that all children receive consistent and professional guidance on how to be active, respectful, and responsible citizens. This is especially important for children who may lack parental guidance due to family circumstances, such as having both parents employed or living in boarding facilities.
In conclusion, while both parents and schools have crucial roles to play in shaping a child’s character, I believe that schools are more effective in teaching children how to become responsible members of society.
[ Written by Trilok]
The family is the very first environment a child is exposed to from birth. The behaviour that parents model and the values they instil have a profound and lasting impact on a child's development. It is during these formative years that children learn the basics of right and wrong, empathy, respect, and social behaviour. Guiding a child’s moral compass from the very beginning is much like painting on a blank canvas—early impressions are clear, deep, and difficult to erase. Parents, through their daily interactions and consistent presence, are in the best position to lay the foundation for moral development.
Supporters of the school’s role in character building argue that teachers are professionally equipped to guide students and present socially accepted standards of behaviour. Schools also provide children with the opportunity to interact with peers from different cultural and social backgrounds, which helps them appreciate diversity and understand broader societal values. Moreover, teachers can reinforce important life lessons in a more structured and unbiased setting, ensuring consistency across different students.
While both perspectives have merit, I believe waiting until a child begins formal education to develop their moral values may be too late. Many of a child's core beliefs and habits are already formed by that point. Therefore, I strongly believe that families should take the lead in shaping a child's character, with schools playing a complementary role later in life.
On the one hand, parents are a child’s first teachers, and the home serves as the initial environment where children begin to understand the world around them. It is within the family that children learn essential values such as empathy, kindness, respect, and compassion. Parents know their children's personalities, strengths, and weaknesses better than anyone else and can guide them accordingly. For instance, by encouraging children to help the less fortunate or behave respectfully toward elders, parents set practical examples of good citizenship. These early life lessons, absorbed during formative years, often leave a lasting impression.
On the other hand, schools play a crucial role in reinforcing and expanding on the values introduced at home. Beyond academic instruction, schools offer structured opportunities for children to engage in teamwork, community service, and leadership activities. Through social interaction, discipline, and exposure to different perspectives, students develop important civic skills. For example, an educated child who has learned about social responsibility in school may choose to volunteer by teaching literacy to underprivileged children in their community. Thus, schools not only help children become self-reliant but also empower them to contribute meaningfully to society.
In conclusion, both parents and schools have a shared responsibility in nurturing children to become responsible citizens. While parents lay the moral foundation, schools help to refine and reinforce these values through education and social engagement. A combined effort from both ensures that children grow up to be well-rounded and valuable members of society.
On the one hand, many believe that parents are in the best position to teach their children how to be good members of society. Parents serve as the first role models in a child’s life, and their behaviour has a lasting impact on their children’s values and attitudes. For instance, a parent who encourages their child to help those in need—such as preparing meals for the underprivileged —can inspire compassion and generosity. Since children tend to imitate their parents, consistent positive behaviour at home can foster a strong moral foundation. Furthermore, the emotional bond between parents and children enhances the effectiveness of such guidance, making moral lessons more personal and meaningful.
On the other hand, schools also play a vital role in shaping children’s social awareness and sense of responsibility. Through structured activities such as environmental clean-up campaigns, charity drives, or teamwork-based projects, schools provide practical opportunities for students to engage in socially beneficial behaviour. These experiences not only develop a child’s character but also help them understand the impact of collective responsibility. Teachers, being respected figures in a student's life, are well-positioned to reinforce positive behaviour. Additionally, school curricula can integrate civic education to raise awareness about duties toward society and encourage ethical behaviour from a young age.
In conclusion, while both parents and schools contribute significantly to teaching children how to be responsible citizens, I believe schools should take a leading role in this area. Children spend a substantial portion of their time at school, and the structured environment, combined with peer interaction and professional guidance, makes it an ideal setting for nurturing socially responsible behaviour.
On the one hand, the proponents of schools teaching children to become ideal members of siociety think that schools can contribute to shaping a child’s social behaviour, primarily through structured environments that promote discipline, teamwork, and punctuality. Teachers can play a supportive role in reinforcing values of cooperation, respect, and civic responsibility. However, given the academic focus and the high student-to-teacher ratio in many schools, it is unrealistic to expect educators to cater to the personal development needs of every individual child. Teachers may not always have the time or the insight into a student’s personality to guide them on personal matters, especially when compared to parents who have known the child since birth and understand their unique strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.
On the contrary, supporters of parents taking this responsibility firmly believe that parents have a profound and lasting influence on their children’s behaviour and character. From an early age, children observe and imitate their parents, making it possible for parents to guide their development in meaningful ways. They can teach essential life values such as respecting elders, treating others with kindness, managing day-to-day challenges, and responding calmly in difficult situations. These lessons, which go beyond textbooks, are best taught at home where individual attention, emotional bonding, and personal experience make the teaching more effective. For example, I learned valuable life lessons from my parents, who not only supported my education but also shared their personal experiences, teaching me how to avoid mistakes they once made.
In conclusion, while schools certainly play an important role in a child's overall development, I strongly believe that parents must take the primary responsibility for teaching their children how to be good members of society. Their consistent presence, deeper emotional connection, and understanding of their child's personality give them a unique advantage in guiding
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In today’s world, social interactions and being a good member of society is crucial in our life. Some people see that directing offsprings to participate and being good members of society is something that should be ensured by the parent’s, while another camp believes that it is a school’s task. Let us examine both views, but personally, I am more inclined to the notion that schools are good places for children to learn it.
To begin with, assigning parents to teach their children to be ideal members of society is supported by some people. To cite an example, parents may guide their children on how to assist poor people by providing them with food and clothing. This will not only show how parents take a lead to guide their children but also create a sense of positivity in society. Parents are the first friends of their toddlers thus they can help them upskill the important aspects of a good member of society.
On the other hand, many believe school plays an even more important role in a child’s life. For instance, a school should teach children the role of society in their lives. Thus, children should be given practical experiences about how to keep their areas neat and tidy. The teachers on behalf of the school have an immense role to instruct students on their responsibilitie s. Finally, the curriculum and textbooks should include such topics to create awareness among the students.
To elucidate, schools should take this task on their shoulders as children spend most of their daytime and approximately more than half of their life’s guidance is done on school premises. Thus, making children aware of the role of societies in their early childhood will create a major impact not only on their livelihood but also on their future.
Proponents of the former view may opine that school is the place where children first meet and adapt to society. When a child starts going to school at an early age, it is his first exposure to the outer society. As a result, it is a must for him to learn how to adjust to this exposure. For instance, he or she will learn how to make friends, respect the older, be helpful, and attain teamwork skills. In the same context for instance, if a child takes school from home, he or she would lack these skills, accordingly, he or she may become an introverted type of person.
However, parents are children's closest and most trustworthy companions. With parents' affection, love and care, children become proper persons in life. Since children tend to strongly emulate their parents, it is quite natural that they will learn the most important life lessons from them. For example, if a child witnesses that his or her father gives charity to needy people, acts gently to others, or works hard, it would have a great impact on the child, and he or she would most probably take these attitudes later in life. As a result, parents' way of dealing with society will, no doubt, affect their children to a great extent.
In conclusion, it is undeniably true that school is an important chapter in a child's life, but parents' role, is more crucial and have stronger impacts on children on how they learn values and what they become as grown-ups.
Firstly, it is very obvious that the home environment affects a child's nourishment to a great extent. Parents attitude towards society has a great impact on a child's behaviour. Parents positivity gets transferred to children. Secondly, parents are responsible for their kids nurturing and children spend most of their time with their parents at the age of learning. So the parents should teach them moralities. Thirdly, children understand their parents more quickly than anyone else so they should fulfil their responsibility and handle them carefully.
Now I would like to move toward the second idea that makes schools responsible for children's character building and teaching. Firstly, it is well-known that a teacher is a virtual father. Parents bring a child to this world, but a teacher is the one who polishes the abilities of a child. Secondly, schools are a place that is a way of making someone to be disciplined. Schools teach them manners and teach them how to distinguish between wrong and right.
I would like to conclude by saying that both the schools and parents play an important role in the nourishment of kids and they both are important to make them great citizens in society.
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