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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 8.0 Example

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

284 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 8.0

In contemporary society, there has been a noticeable trend where parents are believed to take responsibility for educating their children while others think such a manoeuvre should be done at school. From my perspective, both opinions are integral in raising a kid to become a good citizen. On the one hand, I believe that parents are the first and most influential teachers in a child’s life. Children learn how to treat others by observing their parents’ behaviour at home. For example, parents can model honesty, respect and kindness in everyday situations, while also teaching children to share responsibilities and consider other people’s feelings. As this guidance is given consistently from an early age, it can shape a child’s values and behaviour beyond the classroom. On the other hand, schools are also important because they bring together children from different backgrounds and provide opportunities to practise cooperation. In class, pupils can learn to follow shared rules, work in teams and resolve disagreements with people who may have different opinions. Teachers can also explain why laws and civic responsibilities matter, giving children a broader understanding of how society functions. These lessons may be difficult for parents to provide in a structured and impartial way. In my view, parents should lay the foundations for good citizenship, while schools should reinforce and extend this learning. Neither can fully replace the other: good examples at home are more effective when supported by a fair school environment, and classroom lessons are more meaningful when children also practise these values in their family lives. Overall, both parents and schools have a responsibility to prepare children to contribute positively to society, although parents should take the lead in establishing their basic values.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace the indirect opening phrase with a concise statement of the two positions, then state your opinion explicitly.
2
For each side, develop one main reason with a concrete example: parental modelling at home and cooperation or civic learning at school.
3
Use precise topic vocabulary such as “social values” and “civic responsibilities”; avoid broad or mismatched words such as “manoeuvre” in this context.

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