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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 5.0 Example

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

253 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 5.0

There are a few people who believe that teaching children to be good citizens should be taught in schools, while others think it should be taught by parents at home. This essay agrees that it should be taught by parents. Parents are often seen as role models to their children, so when a child is young, they can learn many important behaviours by watching their parents. For example, parents can teach children to respect older people, help with jobs at home and speak politely to others. These lessons are important because children usually spend a lot of time with their family, so they can see these behaviours regularly. If parents behave well, children may follow their example and become responsible people in the future.

On the other hand, schools are also a good place to teach children how to be good members of society. Students meet people from different backgrounds at school, and they need to learn how to share, cooperate and solve problems together. Teachers can also explain rules and discuss topics such as respecting other people and caring for the community. This can help students understand how to behave outside their family.

However, I believe parents should have the main responsibility because they are the first people children learn from and can guide them every day. Schools can support this teaching, but they cannot replace the influence of parents at home. In conclusion, both parents and schools can help children become good citizens, but parents should play the most important role.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Rewrite the first sentence using a direct structure, such as “Some people believe parents should teach children to be good citizens, while others think schools are better suited to this task.”
2
Develop the school paragraph with one concrete example, such as a group project in which students practise sharing responsibility and resolving disagreements.
3
Before finishing, check for repeated words and vague pronouns: replace some uses of “teach” with “model” or “reinforce,” and make clear what “it” refers to.

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