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 the things kids go through before they start school will have the biggest impact on their future. On the other hand, some people believe that the experiences they have as teenagers have a greater influence.
Talk about both perspectives and share your own thoughts.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the topic by stating the two differing views on which life stage (pre-school vs. teenage) is most influential; clearly state personal opinion favouring the teenage years.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss the perspective that pre-school years are most impactful: argue this stage sets groundwork for learning, behaviour, and social skills (e.g., reading, sharing, discipline).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss the perspective that teenage years are more impactful and justify the author's opinion: argue this stage involves self-discovery, identity formation, and making concrete choices with direct future consequences (e.g., career paths, studies).
Conclusion
Summarize the main points of both perspectives; restate personal opinion that teenage experiences and decisions are more influential due to identity formation and direct future impact.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
There are differing opinions on which stage of life most significantly shapes a person's future, with some people believing it's the early pre-school years and others arguing that the teenage years are more influential. I personally agree with the latter viewpoint.
Those who believe the pre-school years are most impactful argue that this time sets the groundwork for future learning and behavior. For example, introducing a child to reading at an early age can foster a lifelong love for books, promoting intellectual growth. They also suggest that early social interactions can shape a person's ability to form relationships. If a child is taught to share and cooperate with others, they're likely to grow into a socially skilled adult. This argument is further supported by the idea that early experiences with discipline and structure can lead to a well-adjusted, responsible adult.
However, despite these persuasive points, I believe that the experiences during the teenage years have a deeper influence on a person's future. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation, which can greatly shape one's future direction. For instance, a teenager who becomes passionate about environmental activism might decide to pursue a career in environmental science, thus determining their entire future. Moreover, the choices made during adolescence, like selecting a field of study or a career path, have direct, concrete impacts on one's future. A teenager who chooses to study medicine, for example, is charting a future in the healthcare industry.
In conclusion, while there are strong arguments for the influence of pre-school experiences on a person's future, I believe that the experiences and decisions made during adolescence are more influential due to their role in identity formation and direct impact on future career paths.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
There exists a dichotomy of views regarding the period of life that most significantly impacts an individual's future, with some advocating for the formative pre-school years and others contending that the tumultuous teenage years hold greater sway. I am inclined to align myself with the latter perspective.
Proponents of the pre-school years as the most influential period argue that these years lay the foundation for future learning and behaviour. For instance, early exposure to reading can instil a lifelong love for books, thereby fostering intellectual growth. Further extending this argument, they posit that early social interactions shape an individual's ability to form relationships. A child who has been encouraged to share and cooperate with peers, they argue, is likely to develop into a socially adept adult. This argument is extended by the assertion that early experiences of discipline and structure can lead to a well-adjusted, responsible adult.
However, despite these compelling arguments, I am of the belief that the experiences during adolescence have a more profound impact on an individual's future. The teenage years are a time of self-discovery and identity formation, which can significantly influence one's future path. For example, a teenager who discovers a passion for environmental activism may choose a career in environmental science, thereby shaping their entire future. Furthermore, the decisions made during adolescence, such as choosing a field of study or a career path, have direct, tangible effects on one's future. A teenager who decides to pursue a degree in medicine, for instance, is setting the course for a future in the healthcare sector.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments supporting the influence of pre-school experiences on an individual's future, I believe that the experiences and decisions made during adolescence carry more weight, given their role in identity formation and direct impact on future career paths.