IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Education & Family
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that young children need to attend nursery before primary school. While others believe young children can spend all day at home.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic, presenting the two opposing views: children need nursery vs. children can stay home. State author's opinion favouring nursery education.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Introduce the view that children can stay home. Present points supporting staying home (safety, personalized learning) and counter/refute them, highlighting limitations of this approach.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Introduce the view that children need nursery. Present points supporting nursery (structured learning, routine, discipline) and provide explanations and an example (social development, UK study).
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Opinion justification is integrated within body paragraphs 1 (countering the opposing view) and 2 (supporting the preferred view).
Conclusion
Summarize the advantages discussed for both views (home vs nursery). Restate the author's opinion that nursery benefits children's preparation for schooling.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the field of early childhood education, there are two main beliefs: some people believe that attending nursery school before primary school is essential, while others argue that young children can spend their entire day at home. I agree with the first group, seeing nursery education as an important part of a child's development.
Those who support raising children at home before primary school have some strong arguments. They say that the home is a safe and caring place, without the stress and potential bullying that can happen at nursery. While this is a good point, it doesn't consider that dealing with these challenges, with the help of trained professionals, can help children become resilient and develop social skills. They also often mention the chance for personalized learning at home. This is a valid point, but it doesn't take into account that not all parents or caregivers have the time, resources, or teaching knowledge to effectively adapt educational experiences to their child's specific needs.
Despite these arguments, I strongly believe that nursery education has many benefits for young children. One of the main advantages is the structured learning environment that nurseries offer. This environment not only introduces children to basic academic ideas but also teaches them routine and discipline, which are important for their future academic journey. In addition, nurseries give children a chance to interact with their peers, helping their social development. For example, a UK Department of Education study showed that children who went to nursery were better at forming relationships and resolving conflicts than those who didn't.
In conclusion, while raising children at home before primary school has some advantages, the benefits of nursery education, like structured learning and social development, make it a better choice for preparing children for their academic journey.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of early childhood education, there exists a dichotomy of beliefs: some advocate for the necessity of nursery attendance prior to primary school, while others contend that young children can adequately spend their entire day at home. I align myself with the former perspective, viewing nursery education as a crucial stepping stone in a child's developmental journey.
Those who champion the home-based upbringing of children before primary school do so with a set of compelling arguments. Firstly, they argue that the home provides a safe and nurturing environment, free from the pressures and potential bullying that can occur in a nursery setting. This argument, while valid, overlooks the fact that such challenges, when navigated under the guidance of trained professionals, can foster resilience and social skills in children. Secondly, proponents of this view often cite the opportunity for personalized learning that a home environment affords. While this point is indeed meritorious, it fails to consider that not all parents or caregivers have the time, resources, or pedagogical knowledge to effectively tailor educational experiences to their child's unique needs.
Despite the aforementioned arguments, I firmly believe that nursery education holds significant benefits for young children. One of the primary advantages is the structured learning environment that nurseries provide. This environment not only introduces children to basic academic concepts but also instills in them a sense of routine and discipline, which are vital for their future academic journey. Furthermore, nurseries offer a platform for children to interact with their peers, thereby fostering their social development. For instance, a study conducted by the Department of Education in the UK revealed that children who attended nursery were more adept at forming relationships and resolving conflicts than those who did not.
In conclusion, while the home-based upbringing of children before primary school presents certain merits, the benefits of nursery education, such as structured learning and social development, render it a more robust choice for preparing children for their academic journey.