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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.

285 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

Parenting undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s ability to effectively integrate into society. Conversely, proponents contend that educational institutions have a significant responsibility in instilling in children the necessary skills for societal integration. Personally, I am inclined to see the merits of both perspectives. On one hand, children inherently absorb a considerable amount of what they see at home. Parents who consistently model courtesy, honesty and empathy can teach these values through everyday interactions rather than formal lessons. They can also set boundaries and explain why behaviour such as taking responsibility or respecting others matters. These early habits often shape how children treat people beyond the family.

On the other hand, schools bring children into contact with classmates from different backgrounds, making them an important setting for learning cooperation and respect. Group projects, classroom discussions and shared rules give pupils regular opportunities to listen, negotiate and resolve disagreements. Teachers can also address topics such as fairness and civic responsibility in a structured way. This can help children understand that being a good member of society involves more than following their family’s expectations.

In my view, neither parents nor schools can fulfil this role as effectively in isolation. Parents have the advantage of close, ongoing relationships and can reinforce values at home, while teachers can provide broader social experiences and consistent guidance in a group setting. The two influences are strongest when they support one another—for example, when parents discuss respectful behaviour and schools give pupils opportunities to practise it.

Overall, both home and school are essential in preparing children to contribute positively to society. Parents lay the foundations, and schools help children apply and develop these values among a wider community.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Add one brief, specific example to each main viewpoint, such as a parent modelling an apology and a class project requiring pupils to share responsibilities.
2
Reduce the repeated abstract wording around “integration” by using one concrete expression about cooperating, showing respect or resolving disagreements.
3
Keep the clear balanced position, but vary linking phrases according to the relationship between ideas—for example, use “In contrast” for comparison and “As a result” for consequence.

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