Be sure that you check out my exclusive IELTS Ebooks and materials on Patreon here (and recommend a friend if you can!).
Dave
Advertising
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligent than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime.
Some think schools should rewards students who have the best academic results, while others think it’s more important to reward students who achieve other types of success (such as sports, music, and good behaviour).
Some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries.
Most agree that we should be training children to recycle waste to preserve the Earth’s natural resources. However, some believe that it is parents who should teach their children to recycle waste while others feels schools are more responsible.
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
Some believe that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym or health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is enough.
Many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be.
The best way to prevent people from smoking is to impose high taxes on tobacco products. In this way, people will be less likely to develop a long-term addiction to smoking.
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that it is acceptable to test medicine intended for people on animals. Others, however, believe that it is not right to use animals in this research.
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
In the future, people may have to live on other planets. Some think that it is therefore important to spend money researching other planets such as Mars.
Some people think that it is a waste of money for countries to host big sporting events like the world cup, and that the money would be better spent on other things. However, others think that hosting large sporting events has a clear, positive impact on a country.
In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).
People today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. This means that it is not that important to travel to those countries.
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to the topic of skills and vocational training or university education from the real IELTS exam.
It is a very common kind of question and these topics also come up a lot.
Be sure that you check out my exclusive IELTS Ebooks and materials on Patreon here (and recommend a friend if you can!).
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Skills and Vocational Training
Nations should spend more money on skills and vocational training for practical work, rather than on university education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many today feel that countries should prioritise vocational training over higher education due to changes in the labour market. In my opinion, though there are strong economic reasons to support this idea, university education holds greater value.
Those in favour of more practical skills training point out the financial benefits. Most university graduates are burdened with student debt and face uncertain job prospects. In contrast, training schools are cheap, fast, and ease students into steady employment immediately. The jobs they train for are also most likely recession-proof and durable, including positions as cooks, hotel managers, and skilled technicians. Someone who is firmly established in such a job in their early 20s does not have to deal with the pressures associated with university life and its incumbent debts. Instead, they can begin to set aside money for a house or start a family.
Nonetheless, lacking a university degree limits one’s options. The jobs available will pay well initially and be secure but offer narrow scope for advancement and virtually no opportunity to switch career paths. An individual with a university degree, on the other hand, might begin from a lower position but has a higher ceiling on future earnings. It is also possible for them to explore a variety of fields. Most good jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree even for simple internship vacancies. Lacking such a degree, means restricting oneself to manual labour or service industry jobs. The actual learning that takes place at university, particularly for those with multi-disciplinary majors or studying at liberal arts schools, also encourages students to consider a wide range of possible career options.
In conclusion, increasing funding for vocational training is an attractive yet short-sighted approach that curbs possibilities. Governments ought to continue to support higher education even in dark economic times in order to reap future rewards.
Analysis
1. Many today feel that countries should prioritise vocational training over higher education due to changes in the labour market. 2. In my opinion, though there are strong economic reasons to support this idea, university education holds greater value.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Give a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those in favour of more practical skills training point out the financial benefits. 2. Most university graduates are burdened with student debt and face uncertain job prospects. 3. In contrast, training schools are cheap, fast, and ease students into steady employment immediately. 4. The jobs they train for are also most likely recession-proof and durable, including positions as cooks, hotel managers, and skilled technicians. 5. Someone who is firmly established in such a job in their early 20s does not have to deal with the pressures associated with university life and its incumbent debts. 6. Instead, they can begin to set aside money for a house or start a family.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Use specific details to develop your main idea.
Include specific examples.
State the full results.
Continue detailing the results.
1. Nonetheless, lacking a university degree limits one’s options. 2. The jobs available will pay well initially and be secure but offer narrow scope for advancement and virtually no opportunity to switch career paths. 3. An individual with a university degree, on the other hand, might begin from a lower position but has a higher ceiling on future earnings. 4. It is also possible for them to explore a variety of fields. 5. Most good jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree even for simple internship vacancies. 6. Lacking such a degree, means restricting oneself to manual labour or service industry jobs. 7. The actual learning that takes place at university, particularly for those with multi-disciplinary majors or studying at liberal arts schools, also encourages students to consider a wide range of possible career options.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea again.
Use a hypothetical example if you don’t know a real one.
Vary your long and short sentences.
Keep developing the same main idea.
Using counter-points to make your argument stronger.
State the full results and add in any more development for the same main idea.
1. In conclusion, increasing funding for vocational training is an attractive yet short-sighted approach that curbs possibilities. 2. Governments ought to continue to support higher education even in dark economic times in order to reap future rewards.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail. Learn more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many today feel that countries should prioritise vocational training over higher education due to changes in the labour market. In my opinion, though there are strong economic reasons to support this idea, university education holds greater value.
Those in favour of more practical skills training point out the financial benefits. Most university graduates are burdened with student debt and face uncertain job prospects. In contrast, training schools are cheap, fast, and ease students into steady employment immediately. The jobs they train for are also most likely recession-proof and durable, including positions as cooks, hotel managers, and skilled technicians. Someone who is firmly established in such a job in their early 20s does not have to deal with the pressures associated with university life and its incumbent debts. Instead, they can begin to set aside money for a house or start a family.
Nonetheless, lacking a university degree limits one’s options. The jobs available will pay well initially and be secure but offer narrow scope for advancement and virtually no opportunity to switch career paths. An individual with a university degree, on the other hand, might begin from a lower position but has a higher ceiling on future earnings. It is also possible for them to explore a variety of fields. Most good jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree even for simple internship vacancies. Lacking such a degree, means restricting oneself to manual labour or service industry jobs. The actual learning that takes place at university, particularly for those with multi-disciplinary majors or studying at liberal arts schools, also encourages students to consider a wide range of possible career options.
In conclusion, increasing funding for vocational training is an attractive yet short-sighted approach that curbs possibilities. Governments ought to continue to support higher education even in dark economic times in order to reap future rewards.
Answers
prioritise vocational training focus more on skilled training
higher education university
labour market jobs and employment
strong economic reasons good financial justifications
holds greater value has more importance
practical skills training vocational training for jobs such as cook, electrician, etc.
financial benefits monetary advantages
burdened with student debt have lots of money to pay back
face uncertain job prospects may struggle to get work
in contrast however
ease without effort
steady employment good job
recession-proof can survive difficult economic times
durable secure
skilled technicians electricians, plumbers, IT people
firmly established secure
deal with handle
pressures associated with stress related to
incumbent debts money owed that comes along with uni
set aside money save money
lacking not having
limits one’s options not as many choices
pay well initially make good salary at the beginning
secure safe
narrow scope not diverse, limited
virtually essentially
switch career paths find a new kind of job
university degree bachelor’s degree, masters, etc.
on the other hand however
lower position not as high up
higher ceiling on future earnings cap on what you can make in the future
explore look through
variety of fields lots of different jobs, areas
require at least must have at minimum
internship vacancies open unpaid jobs
restricting limiting
manual labour jobs that require hard work
service industry jobs hotels, restaurants, etc.
multi-disciplinary majors studying more than one subject
liberal arts schools schools where you focus on many subjects
encourages inspires
consider think about
wide range of possible career options many choices for a job
attractive appealing
short-sighted approach not a good long-term strategy
Many today feel that countries should p__________________________g over h______________________n due to changes in the l__________________t. In my opinion, though there are s_________________________s to support this idea, university education h____________________e.
Those in favour of more p________________________g point out the f_________________________s. Most university graduates are b__________________________t and f__________________________s. I_______________t, training schools are cheap, fast, and e_____e students into s________________________t immediately. The jobs they train for are also most likely r__________________f and d____________e, including positions as cooks, hotel managers, and s____________________s. Someone who is f_______________________d in such a job in their early 20s does not have to d______________h the p______________________h university life and its i_______________________s. Instead, they can begin to s__________________y for a house or start a family.
Nonetheless, l___________g a university degree l______________________s. The jobs available will p____________________y and be s__________e but offer n__________________e for advancement and v____________y no opportunity to s_____________________s. An individual with a u___________________e, o_______________________d, might begin from a l_______________n but has a h_____________________________s. It is also possible for them to e___________e a v____________________s. Most good jobs r_________________t a bachelor’s degree even for simple i_____________________s. Lacking such a degree, means r______________g oneself to m______________r or s_________________________s. The actual learning that takes place at university, particularly for those with m_________________________s or studying at l______________________s, also e______________s students to c____________r a w_____________________________________s.
In conclusion, increasing funding for vocational training is an a______________e yet s_________________________h that c________________________s. Governments ought to continue to support higher education even in d______________________s in order to r_______________________s.
Listening Practice
Listen about training in the United States and Germany below from The New York Times YouTube channel:
In many countries, people are spending more time in their workplace.
Why is this?
Is this a negative or positive development?
Real Past IELTS Writing Exam
More and more employees find themselves worker long hours these days. This is chiefly due to the evolving nature of work in the 21st century and it is decidedly not a positive change.
Younger generations today cannot expect to work a traditional 9 to 5 and receive good compensation. In the past, a person collected the majority of their income from salary and was able to afford a car, a home, and a stable family life. Nowadays, salaries are lower relative to living expenses, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and investing capital now makes up the major share of income. This shift means the average worker often has to work long hours or take a second job to strive for the same standard of living they remember from childhood. It is unsurprising that many today are therefore discontent with their work-life balance.
This is typically a negative development because it leads to mental health problems. The exception is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the luxury of working in their chosen field. Instead, most must accept jobs they do not love with low salaries. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the formation of an unhealthy mental state. This ranges according to the individual from mild unhappiness and restlessness to more extreme manifestations such as depression and panic attacks. Many people today have begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs or turning to a therapist who is only too happy to prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms rooted in large-scale societal problems.
In conclusion, many people work too much today because of lower overall salaries and this worsens mental health. It is important for individuals today to cut back on living expenses to lead a happy life with less money.
Analysis
1. More and more employees find themselves worker long hours these days. 2. This is chiefly due to the evolving nature of work in the 21st century and it is decidedly not a positive change.
1. Younger generations today cannot expect to work a traditional 9 to 5 and receive good compensation. 2. In the past, a person collected the majority of their income from salary and was able to afford a car, a home, and a stable family life. 3. Nowadays, salaries are lower relative to living expenses, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and investing capital now makes up the major share of income. 4. This shift means the average worker often has to work long hours or take a second job to strive for the same standard of living they remember from childhood. 5. It is unsurprising that many today are therefore discontent with their work-life balance.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Starting by comparing to the past is a good approach.
Use specific details and examples to support your main idea.
State the results.
Finish by relating it back to the overall question.
1. This is typically a negative development because it leads to mental health problems. 2. The exception is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the luxury of working in their chosen field. 3. Instead, most must accept jobs they do not love with low salaries. 4. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the formation of an unhealthy mental state. 5. This ranges according to the individual from mild unhappiness and restlessness to more extreme manifestations such as depression and panic attacks. 6. Many people today have begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs or turning to a therapist who is only too happy to prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms rooted in large-scale societal problems.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
You can start with an exception.
Then explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific support.
Give clera specific examples.
Conclude with a strong statement and the fullest possible results.
1. In conclusion, many people work too much today because of lower overall salaries and this worsens mental health. 2. It is important for individuals today to cut back on living expenses to lead a happy life with less money.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
More and more employees find themselves worker long hours these days. This is chiefly due to the evolving nature of work in the 21st century and it is decidedly not a positive change.
Younger generations today cannot expect to work a traditional 9 to 5 and receive good compensation. In the past, a person collected the majority of their income from salary and was able to afford a car, a home, and a stable family life. Nowadays, salaries are lower relative to living expenses, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and investing capital now makes up the major share of income. This shift means the average worker often has to work long hours or take a second job to strive for the same standard of living they remember from childhood. It is unsurprising that many today are therefore discontent with their work-life balance.
This is typically a negative development because it leads to mental health problems. The exception is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the luxury of working in their chosen field. Instead, most must accept jobs they do not love with low salaries. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the formation of an unhealthy mental state. This ranges according to the individual from mild unhappiness and restlessness to more extreme manifestations such as depression and panic attacks. Many people today have begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs or turning to a therapist who is only too happy to prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms rooted in large-scale societal problems.
In conclusion, many people work too much today because of lower overall salaries and this worsens mental health. It is important for individuals today to cut back on living expenses to lead a happy life with less money.
Answers
more and more increasingly
find themselves are in the situation
chiefly due to mainly because of
evolving nature of work in the 21st century how employment is changing since 2000
decidedly not definitely not
cannot expect should not anticipate
traditional 9 to 5 normal office job
compensation salary
collected made
majority most of
income salary
afford can pay for
stable family life normal family
lower relative to living expenses less money compared to how much things cost
investing capital stocks, land, etc.
makes up forms
major share majority of
shift change
average worker normal person
take a second job get another occupation
strive try for
same standard of living equal living conditions
unsurprising not surprising
therefore discontent it follows they are unhappy
work-life balance enough free time
typically normally
mental health problems psychological issues
exception outside the normal cases
luxury extravagance
chosen field what they want to do
instead however
accept jobs take positions
formation development/starting
unhealthy mental state psychological problems
ranges according to can include
mild unhappiness a bit unhappy
restlessness discontentment
extreme manifestations furthest examples
depression very sad
panic attacks breakdowns
self-medicating using drugs to deal with issues
turning to seeking advice/help from
therapist psychiatrist
only too happy very willing to
prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals give drugs to make them happier
M______________e employees f________________s worker long hours these days. This is c_______________o the e___________________________________________y and it is d__________________t a positive change.
Younger generations today c__________________t to work a t___________________5 and receive good c_________________n. In the past, a person c_______________d the m_____________y of their i____________e from salary and was able to a___________d a car, a home, and a s________________e. Nowadays, salaries are l____________________________s, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and i_______________________l now m_______________p the m_____________e of income. This s________t means the a_________________r often has to work long hours or t_____________________b to s__________e for the s__________________________g they remember from childhood. It is u_____________________g that many today are t____________________t with their w_____________________e.
This is t________________y a negative development because it leads to m_________________________s. The e______________n is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the l____________y of working in their c________________d. I___________d, most must a_____________s they do not love with low salaries. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the f____________n of an u________________________e. This r_____________________o the individual from m____________________s and r_______________s to more e________________________s such as d_______________n and p__________________s. Many people today have begun s__________________g with alcohol and drugs or t________________o a t_______________t who is o___________________y to p_______________________________________s to a_______________s the s____________s r____________n l__________________________s.
In conclusion, many people work too much today because of l_________________________s and this w____________s mental health. It is important for individuals today to c______________k on l_____________________s to l______________________e with less money.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below for some interesting ideas on this topic:
Reading Practice
Read from the BBC below if your long hours are killing you:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Children & Crime
Some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. Others think the parents should be punished instead.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Some today are calling for parents to be held responsible for crimes committed by their children. In my opinion, there are exceptions but many cases merit greater punishment for parents.
Those arguing against this reform point out that parents are not always culpable. There are numerous instances of loving parents who raise their child well but social problems still manifest from a young age. This is often the case if the child suffers from a mental illness such as schizophrenia or a dissociative disorder. These conditions may stem from simple genetics, in which case parents should not be punished, or from trauma the primary caregivers are unaware of. For example, if they have been abused at school or by a relative then it follows logically the offending, rather than innocent, party should be brought to justice.
Despite the important exceptions above that courts must sort through, parental abuse and neglect should be punishable. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents. Serial killers are an extreme but useful case in point. Nearly every serial killer begins antisocial behaviour from a young age, including the criminal torture of animals. There are also no known examples of serial killers coming from happy homes; they are all the product of varying degrees of abuse from their parents. This is clear evidence that parents play the pivotal role in molding the psyche of young children. As children grow up and have more influences this may change but for young children, parents are chiefly responsible and courts should recognise this fact.
In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be at fault for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the driving force. Trying parents for their child’s crime and seeking treatment for the children would therefore be a modern, progressive, and positive reform.
Analysis
1. Some today are calling for parents to be held responsible for crimes committed by their children. 2. In my opinion, there are exceptions but many cases merit greater punishment for parents.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Write a clear opinion that you will repeat later. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those arguing against this reform point out that parents are not always culpable. 2. There are numerous instances of loving parents who raise their child well but social problems still manifest from a young age. 3. This is often the case if the child suffers from a mental illness such as schizophrenia or a dissociative disorder. 4. These conditions may stem from simple genetics, in which case parents should not be punished, or from trauma the primary caregivers are unaware of. 5. For example, if they have been abused at school or by a relative then it follows logically the offending, rather than innocent, party should be brought to justice.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific details.
Continue to develop them and don’t switch to another main idea.
Use specific examples to support your main idea.
1. Despite the important exceptions above that courts must sort through, parental abuse and neglect should be punishable. 2. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents. 3. Serial killers are an extreme but useful case in point. 4. Nearly every serial killer begins antisocial behaviour from a young age, including the criminal torture of animals. 5. There are also no known examples of serial killers coming from happy homes; they are all the product of varying degrees of abuse from their parents. 6. This is clear evidence that parents play the pivotal role in molding the psyche of young children. 7. As children grow up and have more influences this may change but for young children, parents are chiefly responsible and courts should recognise this fact.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea for the idea that you agree with.
Use research to support your opinion if possible.
Use a specific example.
Develop the example.
Keep developing it and don’t switch to a new one.
Generalise from the example back to your main idea.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be at fault for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the driving force. 2. Trying parents for their child’s crime and seeking treatment for the children would therefore be a modern, progressive, and positive reform.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought or detail to support your opinion.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some today are calling for parents to be held responsible for crimes committed by their children. In my opinion, there are exceptions but many cases merit greater punishment for parents.
Those arguing against this reform point out that parents are not always culpable. There are numerous instances of loving parents who raise their child well but social problems still manifest from a young age. This is often the case if the child suffers from a mental illness such as schizophrenia or a dissociative disorder. These conditions may stem from simple genetics, in which case parents should not be punished, or from trauma the primary caregivers are unaware of. For example, if they have been abused at school or by a relative then it follows logically the offending, rather than innocent, party should be brought to justice.
Despite the important exceptions above that courts must sort through, parental abuse and neglect should be punishable. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents. Serial killers are an extreme but useful case in point. Nearly every serial killer begins antisocial behaviour from a young age, including the criminal torture of animals. There are also no known examples of serial killers coming fromhappy homes; they are all the product of varying degrees of abuse from their parents. This is clear evidence that parents play the pivotal role in molding the psyche of young children. As children grow up and have more influences this may change but for young children, parents are chiefly responsible and courts should recognise this fact.
In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be at fault for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the driving force. Trying parents for their child’s crime and seeking treatment for the children would therefore be a modern, progressive, and positive reform.
Answers
calling for wanting
held responsible be tried in court
committed did
exceptions cases that don’t apply
many cases merit most situations deserve
arguing against don’t believe
reform change
culpable responsible
numerous instances many examples
raise their child well bring up a kid in a good way
social problems can’t interact with others well
manifest become real
this is often the case if usually happens when
suffers from a mental illness have a mental disorder
schizophrenia a serious mental illness
dissociative disorder suffering a trauma and then a condition from that
conditions environment
stem from come from
genetics what you are born with, your nature
trauma problems in life
primary caregivers parents or whoever takes care of you
unaware of know about
abused getting hurt
relative someone in your family
follows logically naturally
offending guilty
innocent not guilty
party person
brought to justice tried in court, punished
important exceptions above key cases mentioned before
courts where you are tried for a crime
sort through work through
parental abuse and neglect parents hurting or not paying attention to their kids
punishable can be punished (adjective)
in some way through some method
serial killers people who kill multiple victims
extreme serious
useful case in point important example
nearly every almost all
begins antisocial behaviour starts to behave badly
criminal torture of animals hurting animals
no known examples no instances of
coming fromhappy homes raised well
the product of varying degrees of abuse the result of different levels of abuse
Some today are c___________r parents to be h__________________e for crimes c_________________d by their children. In my opinion, there are e_____________s but m_________________t greater punishment for parents.
Those a__________________t this r__________m point out that parents are not always c__________e. There are n_____________________s of loving parents who r________________________l but s_________________s still m____________t from a young age. T________________________f the child s____________________________s such as s_________________a or a d______________________r. These c_____________s may s____________m simple g____________s, in which case parents should not be punished, or from t__________a the p_________________________s are u_________________f. For example, if they have been a_________d at school or by a r__________e then it f____________________y the o____________g, rather than i____________t, p_______y should be b_____________________e.
Despite the i______________________________e that c_________s must s______________________h, p__________________________t should be p______________e. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused i________________y by their parents. S__________________s are an e_____________e but u________________________t. N_______________y serial killer b______________________________r from a young age, including the c_______________________________s. There are also n_________________________s of serial killers c___________________________s; they are all t_________________________________________e from their parents. This is c__________________e that parents p_____________________e in m________________________e of young children. As children grow up and have more i______________s this may change but for young children, parents are c_____________________e and courts should r_____________________t.
In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be a___________t for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the d____________________e. T_________________s for their child’s crime and s_____________________t for the children would therefore be a m__________n, p_______________e, and p___________________m.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the influence of families and other factors on the development of children.
Be sure that you check out my exclusive IELTS Ebooks and materials on Patreon here (and recommend a friend if you can!).
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Child Development
Although families have influence on a children’s development, factors outside the home play a bigger part in their lives nowadays.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many today feel that the home no longer plays the largest role in child development. In my opinion, though outside factors have become increasingly invasive, family life is still more influential.
Those who believe children these days are largely shaped by the outside world often focus on the expanding importance of technology. Decades ago, it was more common for families to engage in conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. Today, each family member might be more engaged with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For example, children now have constant access to streaming video sites like YouTube. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows all day long, both in and outside the home. The result is that kids often find niche channels and parents have a difficult time monitoring and keeping up with the appropriacy of their interests and influences.
Nonetheless, family life remains the heart of early psychological development. Children are unlikely to have much access to new technology in their early years when researchers say the majority of personality formation occurs. If parents are strict, unforgiving and withhold their love then children begin to either turn inwards feeling rejected or strive compulsively for their parent’s esteem. These early, learned behaviours will manifest themselves in progressively more unhealthy behaviours and evolve as the child matures. Conversely, a child who is loved unconditionally but given honest feedback from their parents has a much greater chance of becoming a well-adjusted adult with strong role models to imitate.
In conclusion, despite the ubiquity of technology today, family is the key catalyst in early development. Regardless of changes in society, parents will continue to be the main influence for their children in the foreseeable future.
Analysis
1. Many today feel that the home no longer plays the largest role in child development. 2. In my opinion, though outside factors have become increasingly invasive, family life is still more influential.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write your opinion clearly. Read more about introductions on IELTS here.
1. Those who believe children these days are largely shaped by the outside world often focus on the expanding importance of technology. 2. Decades ago, it was more common for families to engage in conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. 3. Today, each family member might be more engaged with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. 4. For example, children now have constant access to streaming video sites like YouTube. 5. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows all day long, both in and outside the home. 6. The result is that kids often find niche channels and parents have a difficult time monitoring and keeping up with the appropriacy of their interests and influences.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea or begin an example.
Develop your idea – don’t switch to a new one.
Give specific examples.
Develop or state the results of the examples.
Continue developing and relate it back to overall essay topic.
1. Nonetheless, family life remains the heart of early psychological development. 2. Children are unlikely to have much access to new technology in their early years when researchers say the majority of personality formation occurs. 3. If parents are strict, unforgiving and withhold their love then children begin to either turn inwards feeling rejected or strive compulsively for their parent’s esteem. 4. These early, learned behaviours will manifest themselves in progressively more unhealthy behaviours and evolve as the child matures. 5. Conversely, a child who is loved unconditionally but given honest feedback from their parents has a much greater chance of becoming a well-adjusted adult with strong role models to imitate.
Write another topic sentence with a main idea for the other side.
Explain your main idea.
Use a hypothetical example if you don’t know a real one.
Develop the example.
Continue developing it and stating the end results.
1. In conclusion, despite the ubiquity of technology today, family is the key catalyst in early development. 2. Regardless of changes in society, parents will continue to be the main influence for their children in the foreseeable future.
Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many today feel that the home no longer plays the largest role in child development. In my opinion, though outside factors have become increasingly invasive, family life is still more influential.
Those who believe children these days are largely shaped by the outside world often focus on the expanding importance of technology. Decades ago, it was more common for families to engage in conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. Today, each family member might be more engaged with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For example, children now have constant access to streaming video sites like YouTube. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows all day long, both in and outside the home. The result is that kids often find niche channels and parents have a difficult time monitoring and keeping up with the appropriacy of their interests and influences.
Nonetheless, family life remains the heart of early psychological development. Children are unlikely to have much access to new technology in their early years when researchers say the majority of personality formation occurs. If parents are strict, unforgiving and withhold their love then children begin to either turn inwards feeling rejected or strive compulsively for their parent’s esteem. These early, learned behaviours will manifest themselves in progressively more unhealthy behaviours and evolve as the child matures. Conversely, a child who is loved unconditionally but given honest feedback from their parents has a much greater chance ofbecoming a well-adjusted adult with strong role models to imitate.
In conclusion, despite the ubiquity of technology today, family is the key catalyst in early development. Regardless of changes in society, parents will continue to be the main influence for their children in the foreseeable future.
Answers
plays the largest role do the most
child development how a kid grows up
outside factors not limited to the home
increasingly invasive more and more influential
influential have an impact
largely shaped mostly molded by
the outside world not in the home
expanding importance more and more important
decades ago 20+ years ago
engage in take part in
family member a person in your family
engaged with interacting with
constant access can use any time
streaming video sites Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.
all day long the whole day
niche channels not very popular, odd videos
monitoring supervising
keeping up with knowing about
appropriacy if they should/shouldn’t be watching them
remains the heart of still crucial
psychological development how their brain, emotions develop
unlikely probably won’t happen
access can get
early years when young
majority most of
personality formation how their temperament develops
occurs happens
strict harsh
unforgiving do not forgive, not lenient
withhold not give
turn inwards become introverted
rejected feel spurned
strive compulsively try very hard
parent’s esteem parent’s opinion of them
learned behaviours habits
manifest appear as
progressively more and more
evolve change over time
matures become older, more adult
conversely in contrast
unconditionally without strings attached
honest feedback honest opinion
greater chance more likely
well-adjusted adult normal person
strong role models someone to look up to
imitate copy
ubiquity everywhere
key catalyst chief cause
regardless of nonetheless
continue to be still remain
foreseeable future as far as we can see in the future
Many today feel that the home no longer p______________________e in c___________________________t. In my opinion, though o____________________s have become i_______________________e, family life is still more i__________________l.
Those who believe children these days are l_______________d by t_______________________d often focus on the e_________________________e of technology. D___________________o, it was more common for families to e______________n conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. Today, each f___________________r might be more e________________h their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For example, children now have c____________________s to s___________________s like YouTube. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows a___________________________g, both in and outside the home. The result is that kids often find n__________________s and parents have a difficult time m_______________g and k_________________h the a__________________y of their interests and influences.
Nonetheless, family life r_________________________f early p_______________________t. Children are u______________y to have much a___________s to new technology in their e________________s when researchers say the m__________y of p______________________n o__________s. If parents are s____________t, u________________g and w__________d their love then children begin to either t_________________s feeling r____________d or s____________________y for their p_________________m. These early, l_____________________s will m____________t themselves in p___________________y more unhealthy behaviours and e_____________e as the child m________________s. C________________y, a child who is loved u__________________y but given h__________________k from their parents has a much g_________________e ofbecoming a w_____________________t with s_________________s to i_________e.
In conclusion, despite the u_____________y of technology today, family is the k_______________t in early development. R________________f changes in society, parents will c_________________e the main influence for their children in the f______________________e.
Listening Practice
Learn about attachment theory below:
Reading Practice
Read here about the influence of technology on children:
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