IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample: Some people think that parents have an powerful influence in child's life, while the influence from outside the home plays a bigger part of child's development.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Writing Evaluation

Try an IELTS Writing Task 2 Question! Topic: "Some people think that parents have an powerful influence in child's life, while the influence from outside the home plays a bigger part of child's development.To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

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This is an Opinion Essay, which is a standard question type in IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding how to recognize and respond to it correctly is essential for achieving a high band score. This essay explores the influence of parental figures versus external factors in a child's development, asking which has a more significant impact.

An opinion essay asks you to express your view on a particular statement or question. You should clearly state your position and support it with logical arguments and examples.

This essay explores the influence of parental figures versus external factors in a child's development, asking which has a more significant impact.

We will examine both the strong influence parents have on their children and the significant role external factors play in shaping a child's growth.

1. How to Analyze the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question about Some people think that parents

Full Question: Some people think that parents have an powerful influence in child's life, while the influence from outside the home plays a bigger part of child's development.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The question asks you to evaluate the influence of parents versus external factors on a child's development. You need to decide if you agree more with the statement that external influences play a bigger part or if you believe parental influence is stronger. Then, support your view with evidence.

Keywords to focus on:

parents
influence
child development
external factors
agree or disagree

The Impact of Parental Influence on Child Development

Parents shape a child’s core values and behavior from an early age, providing emotional and moral guidance.
Parental involvement in education can lead to better academic outcomes and learning attitudes.
The family environment is crucial for providing stability and support, which are fundamental for child development.

The Role of External Influences in Child Development

School and peers expose children to diverse ideas and social skills, which are essential for personal development.
Media and technology significantly influence children's knowledge and perceptions of the world.
Community and cultural influences provide children with a broader understanding of societal norms and expectations.

Examples and Reasoning Paths

A child with attentive parents might develop strong ethical beliefs, mirroring their family's values.
Students engaged in extracurricular activities often exhibit enhanced teamwork and leadership skills, influenced by peer interactions.
Exposure to diverse cultures through media can help children cultivate a global perspective.

Which side is easier to argue? Arguing that external factors have a greater impact might be easier due to the wide variety of influences like peers, media, and education that can be explored.

2. How to Plan Your Essay for a Opinion Essay

For this opinion essay, consider the age at which external influences become predominant and how different environments contribute to a child's development. Address the balance between parental influence and external factors.

Planning Steps:

Brainstorm examples of parental influence such as moral guidance and emotional support.
Outline the structure focusing first on parental influence, then on external factors like education and media.
Organize paragraphs to first present one side of the argument clearly, followed by the counterargument, concluding with your stance.

Question-Specific Considerations:

Consider the age range of the child when discussing influences as they vary with age.
Reflect on cultural differences in parental involvement versus societal influences.
Think about technological advancements and their impact on external influences.

3. What is the Ideal Structure for a Band 8 Essay?

Follow this structure to achieve a Band 8 score:

Introduction: Rephrase the question by summarizing the debate about parental versus external influences on child development and state your position.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss how parents influence a child's core values and behavior, supported by examples of moral and emotional guidance.
Body Paragraph 2: Examine the role of external influences such as education, peers, and media, illustrating with examples of how these shape social skills and worldviews.
(Optional) Body Paragraph 3: Consider a balanced view that acknowledges both influences but emphasizes one as more significant.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points of both influences and restate your opinion on which plays a more dominant role in child development.

Detailed Paragraph Guidance

Introduction Tips: Clearly introduce the topic by stating both influences and your overall position.
Body Paragraph 1 Tips: Focus on specific parenting examples that highlight their impact on developing fundamental skills.
Body Paragraph 2 Tips: Use real-world examples like school interactions and media exposure to illustrate external influences.
Conclusion Tips: Reinforce your position by summarizing the arguments presented and clearly stating your conclusion.

4. Band 7 to 9 Sample Essays

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5. FAQ: What You Need to Know About Opinion Essay

How should I decide which side to support in this opinion essay?
Consider which side you have more examples and evidence for. If you can think of more concrete examples for external influences, lean towards that argument.
Is it okay to have a balanced view in my essay?
Yes, a balanced view is acceptable as long as you make it clear which side you think is slightly more influential and provide strong reasoning.
Can I include personal anecdotes in my essay?
While personal anecdotes can be effective, make sure they are relevant and clearly illustrate the point you are trying to make.
How many examples should I include in each paragraph?
Aim for at least one strong example per paragraph that is well-explained and directly supports your argument.
What if I run out of time while writing my essay?
Focus on completing the introduction and body paragraphs first. If needed, write a brief conclusion summarizing your main points.

6. Useful Vocabulary for This Topic

Use these advanced vocabulary words to boost your band score:

influence: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Example: Parents often have a profound influence on their children's values and beliefs.
development: the process of developing or being developed, such as the growth of a child.
Example: External factors like education play a critical role in a child's cognitive development.
external: coming or derived from a source outside the subject affected.
Example: External influences such as media and peers can shape a child's worldview.
guidance: advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty.
Example: Parental guidance is crucial during the formative years of a child's life.
environment: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
Example: A nurturing home environment is essential for healthy child development.
exposure: the state of being exposed to contact with something.
Example: Children's exposure to different cultures can enhance their adaptability and empathy.
moral: concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior.
Example: Parents are instrumental in instilling moral values in their children.
cognitive: relating to cognition, involving conscious intellectual activity.
Example: Educational activities are designed to boost children's cognitive development.
stability: the quality of being stable, providing consistency and security.
Example: Family stability is a significant factor in a child's emotional well-being.
norms: standards or patterns of social behavior that are typical or expected.
Example: Social norms learned from peers can influence a child's behavior.

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8. Quick Writing Tips

Remember these key tips for success:

Start by clearly stating your opinion in the introduction.
Use paragraphs to separate different arguments and examples.
Always link back to the question in your conclusion to reinforce your position.
Use specific examples to support your points, such as studies or real-life scenarios.
Avoid overly complex sentences to ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.

9. Ready to Practice?

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