IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Family & Education & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that parents should teach their parents how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic (debate on who teaches societal values), state both views (parents vs. schools), and state the author's opinion (schools are best).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Present arguments for parents teaching societal norms. Parents are the first teachers, having deep impact on character and early understanding (children copy parents). Parents offer personalized guidance for unique needs/issues.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Present arguments for schools having a bigger role, supporting the author's opinion. Schools offer a wider view through curriculum (social studies/civics) introducing different cultures, norms, and the importance of living together. Schools provide interaction with diverse peers, encouraging tolerance and empathy.
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Not a separate paragraph; opinion is stated in the introduction, integrated with the second view's justification in body paragraph 2, and restated in the conclusion.
Conclusion
Summarize the main points (parents' role is strong, but schools' role is stronger due to structured curriculum and diverse environment). Restate the opinion (schools are the best place).
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The debate about who should teach children societal values is ongoing, with some favoring parents and others preferring schools. I personally believe that schools are the best place for this kind of learning.
Those who believe parents should teach societal norms have good reasons. They argue that parents, as the first teachers, have a deep impact on their child's character, forming their early understanding of right and wrong. This is seen in how children often copy their parents' behaviors, adopting their values and attitudes. They also argue that parents can offer personalized guidance based on their child's unique personality and needs, something schools might not be able to do. This is especially true for children with specific behavioral issues that need customized solutions, which parents are best suited to provide.
However, despite these valid points, I firmly believe that schools play a bigger role in teaching children to be good citizens. Schools, with their structured curriculum and diverse environment, offer a wider view on societal norms and values. For example, subjects like social studies or civic education introduce students to different cultures, social norms, and the importance of living together, creating a more complete understanding of society. Additionally, schools provide a unique opportunity for children to interact with peers from different backgrounds, encouraging tolerance and empathy. This is seen in multicultural schools where students learn to respect and appreciate the diversity of cultures and traditions, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.
In conclusion, while the arguments for parental involvement in teaching societal norms are strong, the role of schools, with their structured curriculum and diverse environment, is stronger. The broad exposure to societal norms and the encouragement of tolerance and empathy that schools offer, make them the best place for children to learn to be good citizens.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The dichotomy of opinion regarding the responsibility of instilling societal values in children is evident, with some advocating for parental guidance, while others champion the role of schools. I align myself with the latter viewpoint, believing that schools are the optimal environment for such learning.
Those who argue for parental involvement in teaching societal norms do so with valid reasoning. Firstly, they contend that parents, being the first educators, have a profound influence on their child's character, shaping their initial understanding of right and wrong. This argument is exemplified by the fact that children often mirror the behavior of their parents, absorbing their values and attitudes. Secondly, they argue that parents can provide personalized guidance based on their child's unique personality and needs, which is something schools may not be able to offer. This is particularly evident in cases where children have specific behavioral issues that require tailored interventions, which parents are best placed to provide.
However, despite the merits of the aforementioned arguments, I stand firm in my belief that schools play a more significant role in teaching children to be good members of society. Schools, through their structured curriculum and diverse environment, provide a broader perspective on societal norms and values. For instance, subjects like social studies or civic education expose students to different cultures, social norms, and the importance of coexistence, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of society. Moreover, schools offer a unique platform for children to interact with peers from varied backgrounds, thereby promoting tolerance and empathy. This is evident in multicultural schools where students learn to respect and appreciate the diversity of cultures and traditions, contributing to their development as well-rounded individuals.
In conclusion, while the arguments supporting parental involvement in teaching societal norms are compelling, the role of schools, with their structured curriculum and diverse environment, is more robust. The comprehensive exposure to societal norms and the promotion of tolerance and empathy that schools provide, make them the ideal place for children to learn to be good members of society.