Writing Academic Task 2 Band 9.0 Example

In every society, teaching children to become responsible, ethical, and knowledgeable individuals remains a subject of debate. Some believe that the younger generation becomes valuable members of society primarily through parental guidance. However, others argue that schools serve as the ideal environment to instill these important values. From my perspective, both parental influence and formal education play complementary roles, although parents should provide the foundation for a child’s character.

Parents have a particularly strong influence because they are usually a child’s first teachers. Through everyday example, they can demonstrate honesty, respect and consideration for others. They also know their children well and can reinforce appropriate behaviour consistently at home. For instance, a parent who encourages a child to share and take responsibility for household tasks helps them practise values that matter in wider society. This influence begins early and is closely connected to family life.

Schools, on the other hand, bring children into contact with people from different backgrounds and provide opportunities to learn how to cooperate beyond the family. Teachers can explain civic responsibilities, such as respecting rules and listening to different points of view. Group projects and classroom discussions also allow students to practise teamwork and resolve disagreements. In this way, schools can make social learning more structured and expose children to perspectives they may not encounter at home.

Nevertheless, schools cannot replace parents, since teachers have limited time with each student and cannot guide every aspect of their personal development. The most effective approach is therefore cooperation: parents establish basic values, while schools help children apply them in a diverse community. In conclusion, both settings are important, but parental guidance should form the foundation, supported by what children learn at school.