GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 80
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Who should be teaching children to be ideal members of society has sparked off a heated debate of late. Some believe that such responsibility is placed on parents’ shoulders, yet others contend that this should be taught by schools. However, I am inclined to the opinion that parents ought to bear the responsibility.
People, who find schools very significant, believe that children, in schools, are members of a small community that exerts enormous influence on their moral development. Children get in touch with other peers and get a fair chance to practice the values that teachers instil into them. And teachers also have the opportunity to guide them if something goes wrong. For example, if a boy does something offensive to another child, then teachers can help him to focus on his victim’s feelings. They can even use mild punishments, for example, not allowing the child to have playtime if the same thing occurs again and again. Parents would often be partial to their own children in such cases. Thus, teachers are in a better position to teach children important life lessons.
On the contrary, parents play as powerful and important role models for children. To put it another way, children’s behaviour is considerably affected by their parents. They follow everything their parents do or incorporate the values that are practised by parents since children are just like sponges. According to recent research conducted by the University of California, children can learn standards of behaviour from their parents’ examples. Thus, parents can instil social values by setting the right example for their children. Moreover, parents have a tremendous emotional bond with their children. This relationship lays a firm foundation for their children’s personalities. Apart from it, parents are with their children during the most crucial time when character development is at a vital stage. At an early age, children are like wet clay. Therefore, parents can mould them to be good social members, I believe.
In fine, it seems reasonable to assume that it is the prime responsibility of parents to imbibe certain social values in their children. Therefore, parents ought to practice those values in their lives as they are role models for their children.
Model Answer 2:
It is commonly argued that young individuals should be taught how to become good contributors to society. While some people believe that parents are the primary source of such education, others contend that schools are responsible for this task. In this essay, I will discuss both views. However, as far as my opinion goes, it is a shared responsibility.
On the one hand, parents are the primary source of learning and guidance for children. They are the first and foremost teachers for youngsters, and their responsibilities go beyond providing basic necessities. Parents can impart good values, morals, and principles to their children, which will shape their personalities and character. Children learn from their parents’ behaviour and actions, which can teach them how to interact with others and how to make ethical decisions. For instance, children who see their parents volunteering in their communities are more likely to develop an altruistic mindset and give back to society.
On the other hand, schools play a significant role in shaping young individuals’ perspectives and personalities. Academies are an essential socialization tool for children, where they learn how to collaborate, communicate, and make decisions collectively. Schools can promote social responsibility by incorporating values such as kindness, respect, and empathy into the curriculum. Moreover, academies can also provide practical experiences and hands-on learning opportunities, such as community service projects, which can help children develop a sense of responsibility towards their communities.
In my view, both parents and schools play crucial roles in teaching children how to become good members of society. However, the level of responsibility each should take varies depending on the child’s age and developmental stage. Parents should focus on instilling good values and morals from an early age, while schools can complement this by reinforcing such values and providing practical experiences to apply them.
In conclusion, children need guidance and education on how to become good members of society. While parents and schools both have a role to play, it is essential to recognize the unique contribution of each. Ultimately, it is a collective responsibility that requires collaboration between parents and schools to ensure the next generation becomes responsible and compassionate citizens.
Sample Answer 3:
Some people believe that it is the responsibility of parents to teach their children how to become ideal members of society, while others think that schools should be the primary place for learning such values. In my opinion, parents should take on this responsibility as they are the ones who are primarily accountable for the upbringing and development of their children.
Parents are the first teachers of their children and have a significant impact on their lives. They have the opportunity to instil the right values and beliefs in their children from a very young age. For instance, teaching youngsters the importance of honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility can help them develop a strong sense of morality and ethics. Parents can also teach children to appreciate diversity and be empathetic towards others, which are important traits for living in a harmonious society.
Moreover, parents have a unique relationship with their children and can use this to their advantage in teaching them about social values. Juveniles are more likely to listen to and follow the advice of their parents than teachers or other authority figures. This means that parents have the potential to make a more significant impact on their children’s behaviour and beliefs.
On the other hand, schools also have a role in shaping the values and attitudes of children. Teachers can reinforce the values taught at home and help children learn how to interact respectfully with their peers. Schools can also provide a platform for children to learn about different cultures and beliefs, which can broaden their perspective and foster tolerance and understanding.
In conclusion, while schools can play a role in teaching children about social values, it is primarily the responsibility of parents to do so. Parents have a unique relationship with their children, and the values they ingrain at home can have a profound impact on their children’s conduct and attitudes.