IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Education & Family & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic: living with family vs. living away from home as university students. Mention both have pros and cons. State opinion: independence from living alone often outweighs family benefits.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss advantages of living with family: emotional support (stress relief, mental health), financial ease (saves on housing/food), allows focus on studies.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss advantages of living independently: encourages personal growth and independence, teaches practical skills (managing finances, budgeting), improves problem-solving skills, builds resilience and adaptability.
Conclusion
Summarize main points: family offers support/financial ease, but independence offers growth/skills. Restate opinion: independence and personal growth from living alone are more important for future success.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Deciding whether to live with family or independently is a crucial choice for many college students, each with its own pros and cons. While living with family offers emotional support and financial ease, the independence from living alone often surpasses these benefits.
Staying with family during college can provide a comforting atmosphere, especially useful during academically stressful times. This emotional backup, often overlooked, can greatly improve a student's mental health, indirectly boosting their academic performance. Furthermore, living with family can reduce financial stress as students can save on housing and food costs. This financial ease allows students to concentrate more on their studies, without the extra worry of paying rent or buying groceries.
On the other hand, living independently can encourage personal growth and independence, which are often priceless in later life. Managing personal finances, for example, can teach practical skills about budgeting and financial planning, which are not only useful but necessary for adulthood. Also, living alone can improve problem-solving skills as students tackle various challenges, from dealing with landlords to managing their time effectively. These experiences can build resilience and adaptability, qualities that are highly desirable in the job market.
In conclusion, while living with family during college can offer emotional support and financial ease, the independence and personal growth from living alone are more important. The practical skills and resilience gained through living alone can act as a strong base for future professional and personal pursuits.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The choice between residing with family or living independently is a pivotal decision faced by many university students, with each option presenting its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Although living with family can provide emotional support and financial relief, the independence gained from living away from home often outweighs these benefits.
Living with family during university years can offer a comforting environment, which can be particularly beneficial during stressful academic periods. This emotional support system, often underestimated, can significantly enhance a student's mental wellbeing, thereby indirectly contributing to their academic success. Moreover, staying with family can alleviate financial pressures as students can save on accommodation and food expenses. This financial relief can allow students to focus more on their studies, without the added stress of managing rent or grocery bills.
However, the experience of living away from home can foster a sense of independence and personal growth that is often invaluable in later life. Managing one's own finances, for example, can provide practical knowledge about budgeting and financial planning, skills that are not only beneficial but essential for adulthood. Additionally, living independently can enhance one's problem-solving abilities as students navigate through various challenges, from dealing with landlords to managing their time effectively. These experiences can instill resilience and adaptability, traits that are highly sought after in the professional world.
In conclusion, while living with family during university can provide emotional support and financial relief, the independence and personal growth gained from living away from home are of greater significance. The practical skills and resilience acquired through independent living can serve as a solid foundation for future professional and personal endeavors.