IELTS HUBIELTS Unique Essay on Family & Crime & Education
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Children have to be punished to learn the difference between right and wrong.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree? What sort of punishments should parents be able to give their children?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the controversial topic of disciplining children through punishment and its role in moral education, noting the essay will discuss appropriate forms.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss the importance of punishment in teaching right from wrong (linking action to negative outcome, deterrent), but emphasize the need to combine it with positive reinforcement to avoid negative feelings/problems.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss appropriate types of punishment: time-outs (teach consequences, avoid physical) and taking away privileges (deterrent, teach responsibility/results).
Conclusion
Summarize that punishment can be useful but must be combined with positive reinforcement. Reiterate that non-physical punishments like time-outs and taking away privileges are effective for teaching consequences and responsibility.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
This essay discusses the controversial topic of disciplining children, specifically through punishment, and its role in moral education. It also considers what forms of punishment parents should use.
The importance of punishment in teaching children the difference between right and wrong is often highlighted. For example, if a child is scolded for stealing a toy, they may link the action with negative outcomes, which can prevent them from doing it again. Punishment can also act as a deterrent, creating a fear that helps stop future bad behavior. However, this method should be combined with positive reinforcement to prevent creating feelings of anger or fear in the child, which could lead to more behavior problems.
Moving on to the next point, the kind of punishment parents should use is a key part of this discussion. Time-outs are a common form, giving children a chance to think about what they've done and why it was wrong. When used correctly, this method can effectively teach children about the results of their actions without needing to use physical punishment. Another appropriate punishment is taking away privileges, like screen time or trips out. This not only acts as a deterrent but also helps children learn about responsibility and the results of their actions.
To sum up, while punishment can be a useful way to teach children right from wrong, it needs to be combined with positive reinforcement. Moreover, non-physical punishments like time-outs and taking away privileges can effectively teach children about the results of their actions and responsibility.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The subject of disciplining children, particularly through punitive measures, has been a contentious issue for many. This essay will explore the extent to which punishment is necessary for moral education, and the appropriate forms of punishment parents should administer.
The necessity of punishment in teaching children right from wrong is often emphasized. For instance, a child who is reprimanded for stealing a toy will likely associate the act with negative consequences, thereby discouraging repetition. Furthermore, punishment can serve as a deterrent, instilling a sense of fear that curbs future misbehavior. However, this approach should be balanced with positive reinforcement to avoid fostering resentment or fear in the child, which could lead to further behavioral issues.
Transitioning to the second question, the type of punishment parents should administer is crucial in this discourse. One common form is time-outs, which provide children with an opportunity to reflect on their actions and understand why they are wrong. This method, when used appropriately, can effectively teach children about consequences without resorting to physical punishment. Another suitable form of punishment is the withdrawal of privileges, such as screen time or outings. This not only serves as a deterrent but also teaches children about responsibility and the consequences of their actions.
In conclusion, while punishment can be an effective tool in teaching children the difference between right and wrong, it should be balanced with positive reinforcement. Furthermore, non-physical punishments such as time-outs and withdrawal of privileges can be effective in teaching children about consequences and responsibility.