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Discuss both views EducationSociety Essay #395
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Some people think a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
233 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

States the debate between encouraging competition or cooperation in children; author explicitly states preference for cooperation.

The dichotomy of fostering competition versus cooperation in children's upbringing is a topic of considerable debate. I am inclined towards the belief that nurturing cooperation in children is more beneficial in their development into productive adults.

Body 1 · View 1

Discusses the view that competition prepares children for life by building resilience and fueling creativity/ambition.

Those who advocate for instilling a competitive spirit in children argue that it prepares them for the real world. They contend that competition breeds resilience, as children learn to cope with both victories and defeats, thereby enhancing their emotional maturity. Additionally, proponents of competition posit that it drives innovation and ambition, as children strive to outperform their peers, which could potentially lead to groundbreaking ideas and achievements in adulthood.

Body 2 · View 2

Presents the opposing view supporting cooperation, arguing it fosters empathy, social unity, social skills, and problem-solving abilities; explicitly supports the author's opinion with examples.

However, despite these compelling arguments, I align myself with those who champion the cultivation of cooperation in children. One of the primary reasons is that cooperation fosters empathy, as children learn to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, thereby promoting social harmony. For instance, children who engage in cooperative play are more likely to develop strong interpersonal skills, which are invaluable in adulthood. Moreover, cooperation encourages problem-solving skills, as children learn to work together to overcome challenges. This is evident in classroom settings, where cooperative learning strategies often result in higher academic achievement.

Conclusion

Summarizes the debate points and reiterates the author's belief that cooperation's benefits (empathy, problem-solving) are more important for developing productive adults.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for promoting competition among children, I firmly believe that the benefits of fostering cooperation, such as empathy and problem-solving skills, hold more weight in shaping children into useful adults.

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Next question: Although parents are responsible for raising a child, outside influence plays a key role in their development. To what extent Do you agree or disagree?