This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of having children at an older age and the reasons and advantages and disadvantages of this.
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Some people choose to have their first child at an older age.
What are the reasons?
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have opted to start their families later in life. This trend raises the question of why more people are choosing to have their first child at an older age and whether the benefits of doing so justify the drawbacks.
One of the primary reasons for delaying parenthood is the pursuit of career stability in a worrying economic climate. In today’s competitive job market, many individuals, particularly women, prefer to establish themselves professionally before starting a family. By focusing on their careers in their twenties and early thirties, they can achieve financial security and attain higher positions, which often translates to job satisfaction and greater resources for their future children. This growing trend is reflected in how mainstream society now places significant emphasis on personal development and achieving personal goals before embarking on parenthood. For that reason, many young adults prioritize their own personal and financial welfare, a situation that engenders an atmosphere less conducive to having children early in life.
There are legitimate disadvantages connected with having children later in life. One of the primary concerns is the potential health risks for both the mother and the child. Advanced maternal age is often associated with a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities. However, despite these drawbacks, the advantages of having children later in life due to greater maturity overshadow the hypothetical drawbacks. The emotional maturity and life experience that older parents bring to child-rearing can result in a more stable and nurturing environment. Older parents are likely to be more financially secure and better prepared to provide for their children’s education and well-being. The ability to make well-considered decisions and the patience developed over time can contribute to a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to parenting.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns regarding the health risks associated with having children later in life, the benefits, such as financial stability, emotional maturity, and better preparation for parenthood, outweigh these disadvantages. As societal norms and medical advancements continue to evolve, the trend of delaying parenthood is likely to remain prevalent, reflecting the changing priorities and values of modern individuals.
Analysis
1. In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have opted to start their families later in life. 2. This trend raises the question of why more people are choosing to have their first child at an older age and whether the benefits of doing so justify the drawbacks.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. One of the primary reasons for delaying parenthood is the pursuit of career stability in a worrying economic climate. 2. In today’s competitive job market, many individuals, particularly women, prefer to establish themselves professionally before starting a family. 3. By focusing on their careers in their twenties and early thirties, they can achieve financial security and attain higher positions, which often translates to job satisfaction and greater resources for their future children. 4. This growing trend is reflected in how mainstream society now places significant emphasis on personal development and achieving personal goals before embarking on parenthood. 5. For that reason, many young adults prioritize their own personal and financial welfare, a situation that engenders an atmosphere less conducive to having children early in life.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Better to have more detail.
1. There are legitimate disadvantages connected with having children later in life. 2. One of the primary concerns is the potential health risks for both the mother and the child. 3. Advanced maternal age is often associated with a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities. 4. However, despite these drawbacks, the advantages of having children later in life due to greater maturity overshadow the hypothetical drawbacks. 5. The emotional maturity and life experience that older parents bring to child-rearing can result in a more stable and nurturing environment. 6. Older parents are likely to be more financially secure and better prepared to provide for their children’s education and well-being. 7. The ability to make well-considered decisions and the patience developed over time can contribute to a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to parenting.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Don’t overuse linking phrases to start sentences.
Make your examples very specific and detailed.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, while there are valid concerns regarding the health risks associated with having children later in life, the benefits, such as financial stability, emotional maturity, and better preparation for parenthood, outweigh these disadvantages. 2. As societal norms and medical advancements continue to evolve, the trend of delaying parenthood is likely to remain prevalent, reflecting the changing priorities and values of modern individuals.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have opted to start their families later in life. This trend raises the question of why more people are choosing to have their first child at an older age and whether the benefits of doing so justify the drawbacks.
One of the primary reasons for delaying parenthood is the pursuit of career stability in a worrying economic climate. In today’s competitive job market, many individuals, particularly women, prefer to establish themselves professionally before starting a family. By focusing on their careers in their twenties and early thirties, they can achieve financial security and attain higher positions, which often translates to job satisfaction and greater resources for their future children. This growing trend is reflected in how mainstream society now places significant emphasis on personal development and achieving personal goals before embarking on parenthood. For that reason, many young adults prioritize their own personal and financial welfare, a situation that engenders an atmosphere less conducive to having children early in life.
There are legitimate disadvantages connected with having children later in life. One of the primary concerns is the potential health risks for both the mother and the child. Advanced maternal age is often associated with a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities. However, despite these drawbacks, the advantages of having children later in life due to greater maturity overshadow the hypothetical drawbacks. The emotional maturity and life experience that older parents bring to child-rearing can result in a more stable and nurturing environment. Older parents are likely to be more financially secure and better prepared to provide for their children’s education and well-being. The ability to make well-considered decisions and the patience developed over time can contribute to a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to parenting.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns regarding the health risks associated with having children later in life, the benefits, such as financial stability, emotional maturity, and better preparation for parenthood, outweigh these disadvantages. As societal norms and medical advancements continue to evolve, the trend of delaying parenthood is likely to remain prevalent, reflecting the changing priorities and values of modern individuals.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Certainly! Here’s a rephrased version of each line using synonyms or alternative phrases:
In recent years, an increasing number of In recent times, a growing number of
opted to start chose to begin
later in life at a more advanced age
This trend raises the question of why This phenomenon prompts the inquiry into why
at an older age in later years
justify explain
One of the primary reasons for delaying parenthood A key factor for postponing parenthood
pursuit of career stability in a worrying economic climate quest for job security in an uncertain economic environment
today’s competitive job market the current cutthroat employment landscape
prefer to establish themselves professionally choose to secure their professional standing
focusing on their careers concentrating on their professional lives
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
I______________s, a__________________f individuals have o___________t their families l___________e. T______________________________________y more people are choosing to have their first child a______________e and whether the benefits of doing so j______y the drawbacks.
O_______________________________________d is the p________________________________________________________________e. In t________________________________t, many individuals, particularly women, p_____________________________________________y before starting a family. By f________________________s in their twenties and early thirties, they can a______________________y and a_____________________________-s, which often t__________s to j____________n and g__________________s for their future children. T_______________________________________________________________y now p_______________________________________________t and a_______________________s before e________________d. F______________-n, many young adults p__________e their own personal and f________________e, a s__________n that e_______________s an a________________________________________________e.
There are l____________________________________h having children later in life. O_________________________s the p___________________________r both the mother and the child. A_____________________________________________________________________s such as g________________s, h_____________n, and c______________________________________s. However, d_______e these drawbacks, the advantages of having children later in life d_________________________________y overshadow the h___________________s. The e_________________y and life experience that older parents bring to c_____________g can r_______________________________t. Older parents are likely to be more f______________-e and better prepared to p_______________________________________g. The ability to m________________________s and the p_______________________________o a more t______________l and d______________h to parenting.
In conclusion, while there are v_______________________________g the h_____________________________h having children later in life, the benefits, such as f__________________y, e__________________y, and b__________________________________d, outweigh these disadvantages. A________________________________________________________________e, the t_____d of d___________________________________d is likely to r____________________t, r___________________________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Question 1: Do you think that parents should make all decisions for their children?
Question 2: At what age do you think children can be trusted to make their own decisions?
Question 3: What are some of the biggest challenges that parents face when raising children?
Question 4: Do you think that parents today face different challenges than parents did in the past? Why or why not?
Question 5: What do you think are some of the most important things that parents can do to help their children grow up to be responsible and successful adults?
Question 6: In your opinion, what are some of the most effective discipline techniques for children?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:
Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.
Many people believe that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. Other believe that there are health benefits to living in cities.
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
Some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many today are of the belief that advances in technology have done more to combat, rather than aid, criminal behavior. In my opinion, although there are certain novel avenues now available to criminals related to online fraud, technology generally benefits law enforcement.
Those who argue as to the negative implications of technology on crime point out the increased prevalence of cybercrimes. These crimes range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances. In the early stages of the internet, such crimes were common online and difficult for enforcement agencies to combat. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more technologically-savvy. A clear example of this would be the occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords that warns users to update passwords and be more wary of storing private information online.
However, the crimes mentioned above are rare and technological innovations now help prevent many crimes before they even occur. The strongest instance illustrating this point would be the deterrence resulting from security cameras in private and public spaces. Countries and cities that emphasize the value of these cameras over personal privacy concerns are significantly safer than unmonitored locations. A more specific example of this would be cameras that take photos of individuals speeding and send them speeding tickets through the mail or electronically. This simple and effective innovation can greatly reduce traffic infractions and as a result the number of accidents on a given road.
In conclusion, despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of new technologies by a small percentage of total criminals, the deterrent effect of security cameras has made the world considerably safer. There is always a balance between safety and security that must be carefully maintained.
Analysis
1. Many today are of the belief that advances in technology have done more to combat, rather than aid, criminal behavior. 2. In my opinion, although there are certain novel avenues now available to criminals related to online fraud, technology generally benefits law enforcement.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue as to the negative implications of technology on crime point out the increased prevalence of cybercrimes. 2. These crimes range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances. 3. In the early stages of the internet, such crimes were common online and difficult for enforcement agencies to combat. 4. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more technologically-savvy. 5. A clear example of this would be the occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords that warns users to update passwords and be more wary of storing private information online.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Better to have more detail.
1. However, the crimes mentioned above are rare and technological innovations now help prevent many crimes before they even occur. 2. The strongest instance illustrating this point would be the deterrence resulting from security cameras in private and public spaces. 3. Countries and cities that emphasize the value of these cameras over personal privacy concerns are significantly safer than unmonitored locations. 4. A more specific example of this would be cameras that take photos of individuals speeding and send them speeding tickets through the mail or electronically. 5. This simple and effective innovation can greatly reduce traffic infractions and as a result the number of accidents on a given road.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of new technologies by a small percentage of total criminals, the deterrent effect of security cameras has made the world considerably safer. 2. There is always a balance between safety and security that must be carefully maintained.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many today are of the belief that advances in technology have done more to combat, rather than aid, criminal behavior. In my opinion, although there are certain novel avenues now available to criminals related to online fraud, technology generally benefits law enforcement.
Those who argue as to the negative implications of technology on crime point out the increased prevalence ofcybercrimes. These crimes range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances. In the early stages of the internet, such crimes were common online and difficult for enforcement agencies to combat. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more technologically-savvy. A clear example of this would be the occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords that warns users to update passwords and be more wary of storing private information online.
However, the crimes mentioned above are rare and technological innovations now help prevent many crimes before they even occur. The strongest instance illustrating this point would be the deterrence resulting from security cameras in private and public spaces. Countries and cities that emphasize the value of these cameras over personal privacy concerns are significantly safer than unmonitored locations. A more specific example of this would be cameras that take photos of individuals speeding and send them speeding tickets through the mail or electronically. This simple and effective innovation can greatly reduce traffic infractions and as a result the number of accidents on a given road.
In conclusion, despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of new technologies by a small percentage of total criminals, the deterrent effect of security cameras has made the world considerably safer. There is always a balance between safety and security that must be carefully maintained.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Many today are of the belief that
A lot of people nowadays think that
advances in technology have done more
progress in technology has contributed more
combat
tackle
rather than aid
instead of assisting
criminal behavior
unlawful activities
certain novel avenues now available to
some new methods currently accessible for
related to online fraud
connected to internet scams
generally benefits law enforcement
typically supports police work
Those who argue as to
Individuals who contend regarding
negative implications of
adverse effects of
increased prevalence of cybercrimes
growing frequency of cyber offenses
range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances
span from internet scams and phishing attacks to political offenses and drug trafficking
In the early stages of
At the initial phase of
difficult for enforcement agencies to combat
challenging for law enforcement to address
technologically-savvy
tech-savvy
occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords
sporadic news reports about major password theft
warns users
alerts individuals
update passwords
change passwords
be more wary of storing private information online
be more cautious about keeping personal data online
mentioned above
previously discussed
rare
uncommon
technological innovations now
recent technological advancements
prevent
stop
occur
happen
illustrating this point would be
exemplifying this notion is
deterrence resulting from
prevention stemming from
private and public spaces
personal and communal areas
emphasize
highlight
personal privacy concerns
individual privacy issues
significantly safer than unmonitored locations
much safer than unsupervised areas
A more specific example of this would be
A clearer illustration of this is
take photos of individuals speeding
capture images of speeding drivers
speeding tickets through the mail
traffic citations sent by mail
electronically
digitally
simple and effective innovation
straightforward and efficient advancement
greatly reduce traffic infractions
significantly decrease traffic violations
as a result the number of accidents on a given road
consequently, the frequency of accidents on a specific road
despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of
notwithstanding the minor drawbacks associated with misuse of
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
M__________________________________t a________________________y have done more to c_______t, r________________d, c___________________-r. In my opinion, although there are c________________________________o criminals r_____________________d, technology g__________________________________________t.
T__________________________o the n_____________________f technology on crime point out the i____________________________________s. These crimes r__________________________________________________________________________________________________s. I__________________f the internet, such crimes were common online and d_____________________________t. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more t____________________y. A clear example of this would be the o_____________________________________________________________________s that w_____________s to u_________________-s and b________________________________________________________-e.
However, the crimes m__________________e are r___e and t_______________________________w help p____________t many crimes before they even o______-r. The strongest instance i_________________________e the d_______________________________-m security cameras in p___________________________-s. Countries and cities that e____________e the value of these cameras over p_____________________________s are s__________________________________s. A________________________________e cameras that t__________________________________________g and send them s__________________________l or e_________________y. This s______________________________n can g____________________________s and a______________________________________d.
In conclusion, d_________________________________________f new technologies b________________________________y criminals, t_________________________________________-s has made the world c________________-r. There is always a b______________________________________y that must be c______________________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Question 1: What technology do people currently use?
Question 2: Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
Question 3: Why are people so keen on buying an iPhone even though they haven’t changed much from one to the next?
Question 4: Does technology deeply affect people’s lives?
Question 5: Is there any difference between technology in cities and in small towns?
Question 6: Do you agree that men are more obsessed with new technology than women?
Question 7: How to teach older generations to use new technology?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:
Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public a better education.
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Young people are often influenced in their behaviors by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.
Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair.
Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes.
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.
Many people believe that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. Other believe that there are health benefits to living in cities.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
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.
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