IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Education & Family & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic (children told they can achieve anything with hard work). State that the pros and cons will be discussed.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence: Main benefit is building self-confidence. Point 1: Self-confidence is a powerful motivator (e.g., aspiring scientist studying harder). Point 2: Teaches resilience for future obstacles and failures.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence: Significant drawbacks exist. Point 1: Can create unrealistic expectations, ignoring abilities (e.g., untalented musician feeling disappointed). Point 2: Can create a competitive and stressful environment, leading to pressure, exhaustion, and mental health problems.
Conclusion
Summarize main points (hard work builds confidence/resilience vs. unrealistic expectations/stress). Restate opinion that the risks make it more harmful than helpful.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In many cultures worldwide, kids are often taught that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough. While this can be inspiring, it's important to consider the pros and cons.
One of the main benefits of this method is that it builds self-confidence in kids. This belief can be a powerful motivator, pushing them to work tirelessly towards their goals. For example, a child who wants to be a scientist might be motivated to study harder, believing that their hard work will pay off. This mindset can also teach kids to be resilient. Knowing that success comes from hard work can prepare them for future obstacles and failures, giving them the strength to recover.
However, there are also significant drawbacks to this belief. One major issue is that it can create unrealistic expectations. Kids might take this message literally and think they can achieve anything, regardless of their abilities. For instance, a child who loves music but isn't naturally talented might feel disappointed and disillusioned when they can't become a professional musician. This belief can also unintentionally create a highly competitive and stressful environment. Kids might feel pressured to constantly push themselves to meet this standard, which could lead to exhaustion and mental health problems.
In conclusion, while teaching kids that hard work leads to success can build self-confidence and resilience, the risk of unrealistic expectations and extreme stress makes this method more harmful than helpful.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In many societies around the globe, children are frequently instilled with the belief that they can accomplish anything through sheer perseverance. While this mindset can be empowering, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the possible drawbacks.
One of the primary advantages of this approach is that it fosters a sense of self-belief in children. This conviction, once ingrained, can act as a potent motivator, driving them to strive for their goals relentlessly. For instance, a child who aspires to become a scientist might be encouraged to delve deeper into scientific studies, spurred by the belief that their efforts will eventually bear fruit. Additionally, this philosophy can also help inculcate resilience in children. The understanding that success is a product of hard work can prepare them for the inevitable challenges and setbacks they will encounter, thereby equipping them with the fortitude to bounce back.
However, despite these benefits, there are significant downsides to promoting this notion. One of the primary concerns is that it may lead to unrealistic expectations. Children, in their innocence, may interpret this message literally and believe that they can achieve anything, regardless of their skills or abilities. For example, a child with a passion for music but a lack of innate talent may end up feeling frustrated and disillusioned when they fail to achieve their dream of becoming a professional musician. Furthermore, this belief may inadvertently foster a culture of relentless competition and stress. Children might feel compelled to constantly push themselves to their limits in order to live up to this ideal, which could lead to burnout and mental health issues.
In conclusion, while instilling the belief that hard work can lead to success can foster self-belief and resilience in children, the potential for unrealistic expectations and excessive stress makes this approach more detrimental than beneficial.