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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 6.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

279 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your answer

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Ideas to explore

  • Parents shape social values through repeated everyday examples and guidance tailored to a child’s behaviour.
  • Schools let children practise cooperation, conflict resolution and respect among peers with different perspectives.
  • A balanced argument can assign parents the primary role while explaining how schools reinforce and extend lessons from home.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the debate and state your position clearly.
  2. Explain the case for parents, supported by a specific example of modelling or guidance.
  3. Explain what schools contribute through peer interaction and structured learning.
  4. Give your judgement on which role is primary and why.
  5. Conclude by showing how cooperation between families and schools benefits children.
Useful vocabulary & examples
lead by example
to teach or influence others through one’s own behaviour

Parents can teach respect by leading by example in their everyday interactions.

resolve conflicts
to settle disagreements constructively

Group activities give pupils opportunities to resolve conflicts with their peers.

civic responsibility
the duties and conduct expected of people in a community

Teachers can introduce civic responsibility by discussing fairness and shared rules.

reinforce consistent standards
to strengthen shared expectations by applying them reliably

Families and teachers can reinforce consistent standards for respectful behaviour.

Task Prompt

Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 6.0

Some people believe that children should be taught by their parents about how to function as useful members of society, while others believe that sending children to educational institutions is the best way for them to study this. Although the latter opinion can be beneficial in some cases, I believe that family upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping children's values and behaviour. At home, parents can teach respect, honesty and responsibility through everyday example. For instance, children who are expected to help with household tasks may learn to cooperate and consider the needs of others. Parents also know their children's personalities well, so they can explain why certain behaviour is harmful in a personal and consistent way.

However, schools provide a wider social environment in which children can practise these qualities. They meet classmates from different backgrounds and must follow shared rules, take turns and work in teams. Teachers can also introduce topics such as citizenship, fairness and environmental responsibility in lessons. This makes schools a useful place to learn how society works beyond the family. Nevertheless, the quality of this teaching may vary, and school lessons alone cannot shape a child's behaviour every day.

In my view, both have important but different roles, with parents providing the foundation and schools reinforcing it. Children are more likely to become considerate citizens when the values taught at home are supported by rules and group activities at school. For example, a student may learn the importance of helping others at home, then put it into practice by supporting a classmate in a group project. Therefore, parents should take primary responsibility, while schools should complement their efforts rather than replace them.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Make the object of learning explicit in the introduction—for example, name values such as respect, responsibility and cooperation instead of referring to “this.”
2
Add a direct comparison sentence explaining why parental influence is primary, while schools provide wider opportunities to practise social behaviour.
3
Review repeated uses of “children” and “learn”; replace some with precise references such as “young people,” “pupils,” or “develop these qualities” where appropriate.

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