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

349 words · Illustrative target band

In recent years, an increasing number of married couples globally are opting to remain childless. This decision entails various advantages and disadvantages that significantly impact their lives. Primarily, the benefits include enhanced focus on career development and the luxury of additional personal time. Conversely, several disadvantages arise, such as social isolation from peers and the possibility of later regre…

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AI-completed learning example

355 words · Illustrative target band

Globally, there has been a notable increase in the number of married couples opting to remain childless. This trend presents several advantages as well as disadvantages that merit discussion. The principal advantage of child-free living is the opportunity for individuals to concentrate on their professional development. Conversely, a significant drawback is the potential lack of an experience of parenthood they may l…

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AI-completed learning example

355 words · Illustrative target band

In this technological era, people are becoming more pragmatic. Recent data from around the globe indicate that the number of people choosing to become parents is decreasing. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this trend in the following sections. Couples who decide not to have children cite several reasons for their choice, including how they wish to use their time and resources. Those r…

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