IELTS Writing Task 2: Parenting Styles (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
Related guides:
The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt: Some people believe that strict parenting produces better-behaved children, while others argue that permissive parenting leads to more creative and independent individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
- Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some unclear progression.
- Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracies.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Makes frequent errors but meaning is usually clear.
Answer:
Some people think that strict parents make children behave well. Others believe that permissive parents help children be more creative. I think both styles have good and bad points.
Strict parents give rules and punishments. This can make children obey laws when they grow up. For example, in some Asian countries, children are very respectful because their parents are strict. However, strict parents can make children unhappy. They may not learn to think for themselves.
Permissive parents let children make their own choices. This can help children be creative and independent. For example, in Western countries, children often have many activities like sports and music. They learn to solve problems. But permissive parents can make children misbehave. They may not learn right from wrong.
In conclusion, both parenting styles have good and bad points. I think the best way is to mix strict and permissive parenting. Parents should give rules but also let children make some choices.
Band 7.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Makes occasional errors but meaning is clear.
Answer:
The debate over strict versus permissive parenting has been ongoing for decades. While some argue that strict parenting leads to well-behaved children, others contend that permissive parenting fosters creativity and independence. I firmly believe that a balanced approach is the most effective.
Proponents of strict parenting often cite the benefits of discipline and structure. Children raised under strict guidelines tend to exhibit better behavior and respect for authority. For instance, in many East Asian cultures, strict parenting is associated with academic success and social conformity. However, this approach can stifle creativity and critical thinking. Children may become overly reliant on external rules rather than developing their own moral compass.
On the other hand, permissive parenting encourages independence and self-expression. Children raised in such environments often display higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills. For example, in Scandinavian countries, permissive parenting is linked to higher levels of happiness and self-esteem among children. Nevertheless, this approach can lead to behavioral issues if not properly balanced with guidance and boundaries.
In conclusion, both parenting styles have their merits and drawbacks. The key is to strike a balance between discipline and freedom. Parents should provide a supportive environment that encourages both good behavior and personal growth.
Band 8.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position with extended and supported arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with only minor errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors.
Answer:
The dichotomy between strict and permissive parenting has been a subject of intense debate. While some advocate for the benefits of strict parenting in instilling discipline, others emphasize the advantages of permissive parenting in nurturing creativity. I contend that a balanced approach is optimal for child development.
Advocates of strict parenting argue that it inculcates a sense of responsibility and respect for authority. Historical evidence supports this view, as many successful leaders and professionals attribute their discipline and work ethic to strict upbringing. For example, in traditional Chinese culture, Confucian values emphasize filial piety and respect for elders, which are often reinforced through strict parenting. However, this approach can be overly restrictive, potentially leading to psychological issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem.
Conversely, permissive parenting fosters independence and creativity. Research has shown that children raised in permissive environments tend to exhibit higher levels of innovation and problem-solving skills. For instance, in countries like Sweden, permissive parenting is associated with higher levels of happiness and self-confidence. Nevertheless, this approach can lead to behavioral problems if not tempered with appropriate boundaries and guidance.
In conclusion, both parenting styles offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. The most effective approach is a balanced one, combining the structure of strict parenting with the freedom of permissive parenting. This balanced approach ensures that children develop both discipline and creativity, essential qualities for success in the modern world.
Band 9.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 9.0 - Presents a clear, sustained, and supported position.
- Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors.
Answer:
The ongoing discourse regarding the efficacy of strict versus permissive parenting has yielded compelling arguments on both sides. While strict parenting is often lauded for its ability to instill discipline and respect, permissive parenting is celebrated for fostering creativity and independence. I posit that a synthesis of both approaches is the most conducive to holistic child development.
Proponents of strict parenting contend that it cultivates a strong sense of responsibility and adherence to societal norms. Empirical studies have demonstrated that children raised under strict guidelines often exhibit superior academic performance and social compliance. For example, in Japan, the emphasis on discipline and respect for authority has been instrumental in producing a highly educated and socially cohesive society. However, the rigid structure of strict parenting can stifle creativity and critical thinking, potentially leading to psychological and emotional constraints.
Conversely, permissive parenting encourages self-expression and independent thought. Research indicates that children raised in permissive environments tend to display higher levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. For instance, in Finland, the emphasis on child-centered education and permissive parenting has resulted in some of the highest levels of student satisfaction and academic achievement globally. Nonetheless, the lack of structure in permissive parenting can lead to behavioral issues and a lack of respect for authority.
In conclusion, both parenting styles offer unique benefits and drawbacks. The optimal approach is a harmonious blend of strict and permissive parenting, tailored to the individual needs of the child. This balanced approach ensures that children develop both the discipline necessary for success and the creativity essential for innovation. By fostering an environment that values both structure and freedom, parents can nurture well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in an increasingly complex world.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Dichotomy (noun) - A division or contrast between two things.
- Example: The dichotomy between strict and permissive parenting.
- Inculcates (verb) - To instill an idea, attitude, or habit.
- Example: Strict parenting inculcates a sense of responsibility.
- Filial piety (noun) - Respect and devotion to one's parents and ancestors.
- Example: Confucian values emphasize filial piety.
- Holistic (adjective) - Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can only be understood in relation to the whole.
- Example: A holistic approach to child development.
- Cohesive (adjective) - Unified and consistent.
- Example: The essay uses cohesive devices effectively.
- Empirical (adjective) - Based on observation or experience rather than theory.
- Example: Empirical studies have demonstrated the benefits of strict parenting.
- Resilience (noun) - The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Example: Children raised in permissive environments display higher levels of resilience.
- Tailored (adjective) - Made or adapted for a particular purpose or person.
- Example: A parenting approach tailored to the individual needs of the child.
- Nurture (verb) - Care for and encourage the growth or development of someone.
- Example: Parents should nurture both discipline and creativity.
- Conducive (adjective) - Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
- Example: A balanced approach is conducive to holistic child development.
- Stifle (verb) - Prevent or constrain the expression or development of something.
- Example: Strict parenting can stifle creativity.
- Innovation (noun) - The introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices.
- Example: Permissive parenting fosters innovation.
- Synthesis (noun) - The combination of a number of things in order to form a coherent whole.
- Example: A synthesis of both parenting approaches.
- Adherence (noun) - The fact of sticking to a belief, principle, or course of action.
- Example: Strict parenting cultivates adherence to societal norms.
- Psychological (adjective) - Relating to the mind or mental processes.
- Example: Strict parenting can lead to psychological issues.
- Behavioral (adjective) - Relating to the way in which one acts or conducts oneself.
- Example: Permissive parenting can lead to behavioral issues.
- Structured (adjective) - Arranged according to a plan or system.
- Example: The rigid structure of strict parenting.
- Emotional (adjective) - Relating to a person's emotions.
- Example: Strict parenting can lead to emotional constraints.
- Complex (adjective) - Composed of many interconnected parts.
- Example: Thriving in an increasingly complex world.
- Well-rounded (adjective) - Having a wide range of skills or abilities.
- Example: Nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, resulting in a vague and unfocused essay.
- Inadequate Examples: Students often provide generic examples that do not effectively support their arguments. Specific, well-developed examples are crucial for a high score.
- Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Essays that lack logical progression and cohesive devices can be difficult to follow, leading to lower scores.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can make the essay appear less sophisticated and reduce the lexical resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the essay and lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.