IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample: A family has a great influence on children's development, but the outside of home plays a bigger part in children's life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Writing Evaluation

Try an IELTS Writing Task 2 Question! Topic: "A family has a great influence on children's development, but the outside of home plays a bigger part in children's life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

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This is an Opinion Essay, which is a standard question type in IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding how to recognize and respond to it correctly is essential for achieving a high band score. This essay examines the comparative influence of family and external factors on children's development.

An opinion essay requires you to express your viewpoint on a statement. You must evaluate both sides of the argument and provide a clear position. IELTS examiners expect a well-structured argument with balanced reasoning.

This essay examines the comparative influence of family and external factors on children's development.

We will explore the pivotal role of family and contrast it with the growing significance of external influences like peers, media, and education.

1. How to Analyze the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question about A family has a great influence on children's development

Full Question: A family has a great influence on children's development, but the outside of home plays a bigger part in children's life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question asks you to evaluate the influence of family against external environments on child development. Determine the extent of agreement or disagreement by considering different aspects of a child's life.

Keywords to focus on:

family influence
child development
outside environment
greater influence
agree or disagree

The Impact of External Influences on Child Development

Schools and teachers have a significant impact on children's educational and social development through structured learning and peer interactions.
Media provides children with diverse perspectives and knowledge beyond what they learn at home.
Peers influence children's behavior and attitudes, often more strongly during adolescence.

The Predominant Role of Family in Child Development

Family provides the initial and most consistent environment for emotional and moral development.
Parents instill foundational values and life skills that shape a child's personality.
Family support is crucial for academic success and emotional well-being, providing stability and guidance.

Examples and Reasoning Paths

Schools introduce children to social skills like teamwork through group projects and activities.
Television and internet resources expand children's understanding of global cultures and issues.
Parents' involvement in homework and school activities boosts children's academic performance.

Which side is easier to argue? Arguing for the family's influence might be easier, as it forms the core of a child's upbringing and provides numerous examples from personal experiences.

2. How to Plan Your Essay for a Opinion Essay

Focus on assessing both internal and external influences on child development. Highlight specific areas like education, social skills, and values to strengthen your argument.

Planning Steps:

Brainstorm influences from family and external environments on various aspects of development.
Outline your essay with a clear thesis and supporting points for each side of the argument.
Structure your paragraphs to first discuss one side, providing examples and analysis, then the other.

Question-Specific Considerations:

Consider the increasing role of technology and social media in modern children's lives.
Reflect on cultural differences in family structures and their impact on child development.
Evaluate the balance between parental guidance and independence in a child's growth.

3. What is the Ideal Structure for a Band 8 Essay?

Follow this structure to achieve a Band 8 score:

Introduction: While family undeniably influences children's development, external factors often play a more substantial role in shaping their overall life experiences.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the role of family in instilling initial values and providing emotional support, using examples like parental involvement in education.
Body Paragraph 2: Examine how external influences like schools and media contribute significantly to social and educational development, supported by relevant examples.
(Optional) Body Paragraph 3: Consider the interaction between family and external influences, such as parental mediation of media exposure.
Conclusion: Summarize the arguments and restate your position, emphasizing the balance between family and external factors in child development.

Detailed Paragraph Guidance

Introduction Tips: Begin by paraphrasing the question and clearly state your position on the influence of family versus external factors.
Body Paragraph 1 Tips: Use clear examples to illustrate the foundational role of family in early development stages.
Body Paragraph 2 Tips: Highlight examples where external factors like schooling and media have a profound impact, supporting with evidence.
Conclusion Tips: Reaffirm your stance, summarizing the key points discussed, and propose a balanced view if applicable.

4. Band 7 to 9 Sample Essays

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5. FAQ: What You Need to Know About Opinion Essay

How do I decide which side to argue?
Consider which side you have more examples and supporting evidence for. It's easier to argue the side with more concrete points.
Can I discuss both sides equally?
Yes, but ensure you clearly state your position and which side you lean towards in the conclusion.
What if I run out of examples?
Use general observations or hypothetical scenarios that logically support your argument.
Is it okay to mention personal experiences?
While personal experiences can be illustrative, ensure they are relevant and support your argument in an academic manner.
How much detail should I include in each argument?
Provide enough detail to clearly explain your point and include examples, but keep it concise to maintain essay coherence.

6. Useful Vocabulary for This Topic

Use these advanced vocabulary words to boost your band score:

Influence: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Example: Parents have a significant influence on their children's early development.
Development: The process of developing or being developed, like the growth of a child.
Example: Children's development is shaped by a variety of factors including family and education.
Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
Example: The school environment plays a crucial role in a child's social skills development.
Foundational: Denoting an underlying basis or principle.
Example: Family provides foundational values that guide a child's behavior.
External: Outside; situated on the outside.
Example: External influences such as peers and media greatly affect children's perspectives.
Exposure: The state of being exposed to contact with something.
Example: Exposure to diverse cultures via media broadens a child's understanding of the world.
Socialization: The activity of mixing socially with others.
Example: School plays a pivotal role in the socialization process of children.
Independence: Freedom from outside control or support.
Example: Developing independence is a key aspect of a child's growth, often encouraged by external experiences.
Mediation: Intervention in a process or relationship; intercession.
Example: Parents often mediate their children's interaction with media to ensure positive outcomes.
Perspective: A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example: Children gain different perspectives through interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds.

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8. Quick Writing Tips

Remember these key tips for success:

Identify clear examples of both family and external influences before writing.
Maintain a balanced tone, even if you strongly lean towards one side.
Use transitional phrases to smoothly connect your ideas.
Incorporate academic vocabulary relevant to the topic to demonstrate lexical resource.
Conclude with a synthesis of both views, reinforcing your main argument.

9. Ready to Practice?

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