Task 2 · · 15 samples

There is an increasing trend around the world of married couples deciding not to have children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for couples who decide to do this.

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Discuss how not having childcare responsibilities may allow partners to focus on careers, study or travel.
  • Explain that couples may have more time and resources for their relationship and personal interests.
  • Consider possible social exclusion or concerns about later-life support, while noting that these outcomes are not inevitable.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the trend and indicate that both advantages and disadvantages will be discussed.
  2. Use one body paragraph to explain benefits, supported by concrete examples such as further education or travel.
  3. Use a second body paragraph for social and later-life concerns, qualifying claims rather than treating them as certain.
  4. Conclude by summarising the trade-off and noting that the choice depends on individual priorities.
Useful vocabulary & examples
daily responsibilities
The regular duties that need to be done each day.

Without the daily responsibilities of raising children, couples may have more time for work and personal interests.

career ambitions
A person’s goals and plans for professional progress.

Some couples may choose a child-free life to give more time to their career ambitions.

social inclusion
Feeling accepted and involved in a social group or community.

Couples may seek shared activities to maintain social inclusion when many friends are parents.

family support network
Relatives who may offer practical help or companionship.

Some people worry that they may have a smaller family support network in later life.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

352 words · Illustrative target band

Nowadays, there is a raising trend of married couples around the world not wanting to have children. The benefits of not having a child is career and having enough time for themselves. The main drawback is loneliness when they are old. The main advantage for a childless couples is work. They see having children as a commitment that changes their available time and resources. This can be an advantage when their priori…

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AI-completed learning example

280 words · Illustrative target band

There is a substantial rise in the number of married couples deciding to remain childless. Benefits to this emerging trend could be maybe the added responsibility that children bring into peoples lives ,and the freedom that comes along with being child free. Drawbacks could be that the couple might not have any support in their old age, especially if they have no close relatives or friends to help them. However, adul…

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AI-completed learning example

353 words · Illustrative target band

In the modern world, there is a rising trend among youngsters that married couples remaining childless. Moreover, this essay will explore both perspectives on advantages and disadvantages and propose its own stance. Initially, this essay will argue about the benefits. Eventually, this essay will discuss the backfires of deciding not to have. The main benefits can include greater flexibility and different financial pr…

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