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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.

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 6.0

Some would say that parents should teach their offspring how to be good members of society, while others are of the opinion that school is the best in this regard. This essay agrees with the latter point and will show that, despite the practical experiences that parents give their children, school lessons can give deep insight into social responsibilities and prepare young people to live cooperatively with others.

Parents have an important influence because they are often a child’s first role models. Through everyday situations, such as sharing household responsibilities or helping a neighbour, they can demonstrate kindness, honesty and consideration. These practical experiences can make social values easier to understand than simply hearing them explained. Parents also know their children well, so they can respond to particular behaviour and reinforce good habits consistently at home.

Nevertheless, schools are better placed to teach these lessons systematically. Students meet classmates from different backgrounds and must cooperate with people who may have different opinions and needs. Group projects, classroom rules and discussions about citizenship can give them regular opportunities to practise listening, taking turns and resolving disagreements. Teachers can also explain why rules matter and how individual actions affect a wider community. In this way, school provides both clear guidance and a setting in which students can apply it.

In my view, schools are the best place for children to learn how to become good members of society because they combine structured teaching with daily interaction among peers. However, this does not make parents’ role unimportant. The strongest approach is for schools to teach these principles explicitly while parents model and reinforce them at home. Together, these influences can help children become responsible and considerate adults.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Add one specific illustrative situation to the school argument, such as how a teacher-guided group task can help students practise resolving a disagreement.
2
Replace formal or less idiomatic combinations in the opening with natural collocations, for example, “teach their children” and “provide a deeper understanding.”
3
Make the comparison between the two views explicit: explain that parents model values at home, while schools offer structured lessons and regular practice with peers.

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