IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Family & Education & Crime
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people say that the best way to teach children to behave well is to punish them. Others argue that rewarding and praising children is a better way to teach them the difference between right and wrong.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (punishment vs. rewards). State author's opinion (prefers rewards and praise).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence for the view favoring punishment. Points: provides clear/immediate feedback, deters bad behavior (fear of consequences), teaches responsibility and accountability.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence for the view favoring rewards/praise and author's agreement. Points: positive reinforcement motivates repeating good behavior (example: sharing toys), boosts self-esteem and confidence, builds positive self-image/self-worth.
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Opinion is integrated into the introduction and body paragraph 2.
Conclusion
Summarize both views (punishment vs. rewards). Restate opinion that rewards/praise are more effective, mentioning reasons (promotes good behavior, builds self-esteem).
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the field of parenting, some people support the idea of using punishment to teach discipline, while others believe that rewarding and praising children is a better approach. I personally agree more with the latter, preferring to use rewards and praise.
Those who favor punishment argue that it gives clear and immediate feedback on wrong behavior. They believe that a child who is quickly punished for a mistake is less likely to do it again. They also think that punishment can deter bad behavior because children will be afraid of the consequences. Moreover, supporters of punishment feel it teaches children to be responsible and accountable. They say that when children face the results of their actions, they learn to take responsibility for their behavior.
However, despite these points, I agree with those who support using rewards and praise. One main reason is that positive reinforcement motivates a child to repeat good behavior. For example, a child who is praised for sharing their toys is likely to keep doing it, thus learning the value of generosity. Also, rewards and praise can boost a child's self-esteem and confidence. When a child is praised for their actions, they not only learn right from wrong, but also build a positive self-image and a sense of self-worth.
In conclusion, while there are good arguments for using punishment to teach children, I strongly believe that the method of using rewards and praise is more effective, mainly because it promotes repetition of good behavior and builds self-esteem.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of child-rearing, some individuals advocate for the use of punitive measures to instill discipline, while others propose that positive reinforcement through rewards and praise is more effective. My personal stance aligns more closely with the latter viewpoint, favoring the use of rewards and praise.
Those who champion the use of punishment as a teaching tool often argue that it provides immediate and unequivocal feedback on unacceptable behavior. A child who is swiftly reprimanded for a misdeed, they argue, is less likely to repeat the same mistake in the future. This argument is further extended by the assertion that punishment can serve as a deterrent, discouraging children from misbehaving out of fear of the consequences. Additionally, proponents of punishment believe it instills a sense of responsibility and accountability in children. They argue that when a child faces the consequences of their actions, they learn to take ownership and responsibility for their behavior.
However, despite the aforementioned arguments, I find myself siding with those who advocate for the use of rewards and praise. One of the primary reasons for this is that positive reinforcement encourages a child to repeat good behavior. For instance, a child who is praised for sharing their toys is likely to continue this behavior, thereby learning the importance of generosity. Furthermore, rewards and praise can also foster a child's self-esteem and confidence. When a child is commended for their actions, they not only learn the difference between right and wrong, but also develop a positive self-image and a sense of self-worth.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments supporting the use of punishment in teaching children, I firmly believe that the approach of using rewards and praise is more effective, primarily due to its ability to encourage repetition of good behavior and foster self-esteem.