IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Education & Family
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that children should go to kindergarten before attending primary school, while others believe that is better for children to stay all day with their families.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the two contrasting views on early childhood care (kindergarten vs. home). State the author's personal leaning towards the first viewpoint (kindergarten).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss the arguments for keeping children at home before primary school: nurturing/less stressful environment, allows growth at own speed, builds family relationships and teaches family values.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss the arguments for early kindergarten attendance (author's preferred view): provides structured environment for social skills development (meeting diverse peers), offers balanced play/learning mix boosting cognitive development (exposure to basic literacy/numeracy).
Conclusion
Summarize the points for home care and kindergarten benefits. Reiterate the belief that kindergarten benefits (social skills, cognitive stimulation) make it the more persuasive option.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
There are differing views on early childhood education, with some people supporting the idea of children attending kindergarten before primary school, and others believing that children should be cared for at home during this early stage. Personally, I lean towards the first viewpoint, as I see the value in introducing children to a structured learning environment early on.
Those who prefer home care for young children have valid reasons. They believe that a family setting is more nurturing and less stressful, allowing children to grow at their own speed. This argument has some truth, as children do well in a loving, relaxed environment without the pressures of formal education. Supporters of this viewpoint also say that spending time with family helps to build stronger relationships and teaches children family values. This is also a valid point, as early childhood is a key time for character and value development, which can be greatly influenced by family interactions.
However, despite the valid points of the home care argument, I agree with those who support early kindergarten attendance. One of the main reasons is that kindergarten provides a structured environment where children can learn social skills. In kindergarten, children meet a diverse group of peers, which helps them develop their social skills and empathy, something that can't be fully achieved at home. Kindergartens also offer a balanced mix of play and learning, which can boost a child's cognitive development. This doesn't mean that families don't play a role in a child's learning, but rather emphasizes the unique benefits of a structured curriculum, including exposure to basic literacy and numeracy concepts, setting the groundwork for future academic success.
In conclusion, while the arguments for home care for children have some merit, I believe the benefits of early kindergarten attendance, such as social skill development and cognitive stimulation, make it a more persuasive option.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
There exists a dichotomy of opinion regarding the early education of children, with some advocating for kindergarten attendance prior to primary school, while others favor familial care over formal education at this tender age. Personally, I am inclined towards the former view, believing in the benefits of early exposure to a structured learning environment.
Those who argue for keeping children at home all day have their rationale. They posit that the family environment is more nurturing and less stressful for young children, allowing them to develop at their own pace. This argument is not without merit, as children indeed thrive in a loving, relaxed environment, free from the pressures of formal education. Additionally, proponents of this view argue that family time fosters stronger bonds and instills family values in children. This point, too, holds weight, as early childhood is a crucial period for the formation of character and values, which can be strongly influenced by close family interactions.
However, despite the merits of the aforementioned arguments, I align myself with those who advocate for early kindergarten attendance. One of the primary reasons is that kindergarten provides a structured setting where children can gain social skills. In kindergarten, children are exposed to a diverse group of peers, which aids in the development of their social skills and empathy, a trait that cannot be fully developed in the confines of a family. Furthermore, kindergartens offer a balanced curriculum of play and learning, which can stimulate a child's cognitive development. This is not to undermine the role of families in a child's learning, but rather to highlight the unique benefits of a structured curriculum, which includes exposure to basic concepts of literacy and numeracy, fostering a foundation for future academic success.
In conclusion, while the arguments for keeping children at home all day are not without merit, the benefits of early kindergarten attendance, namely the development of social skills and cognitive stimulation, make it a more compelling choice in my view.