IELTS Writing Task 2: Parenting Styles (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Parents have different ways of raising their children. Some parents are strict, while others are more lenient. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The parenting styles are different in every family. Some parents are strict and others are more lenient. I think that strict parents are better because children need discipline.

Strict parents set rules and expect their children to follow them. This helps children learn responsibility and respect. For example, in many Asian countries, parents are strict and children often do well in school. Lenient parents, on the other hand, allow their children more freedom. This can be good because children feel happy and relaxed. However, sometimes they do not learn important lessons about behavior. In my opinion, strict parents are better because children need guidance and structure.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent errors and unclear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Parenting styles vary significantly across cultures and families. Some parents adopt a strict approach, while others prefer a more lenient style. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but I believe a balanced approach is most effective.

Strict parents often enforce rules and expectations, which can help children develop discipline and respect. For instance, children raised in strict environments tend to perform well academically and exhibit good behavior. However, this approach can also lead to rebellion and resentment if taken to extremes. Lenient parents, on the other hand, allow their children more freedom, which can foster creativity and independence. Yet, without proper guidance, children may struggle with self-discipline and responsibility. In my view, the best parenting style combines elements of both strictness and leniency, adapting to the child's needs and circumstances.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some errors and unclear progression in places.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary appropriately but with some inaccuracies.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate over parenting styles has long been a contentious issue, with advocates for both strict and lenient approaches presenting compelling arguments. While each method has its merits, I firmly believe that a balanced approach yields the best outcomes for children.

Proponents of strict parenting argue that setting clear rules and expectations helps children develop discipline, responsibility, and respect. Empirical evidence supports this claim, as studies have shown that children raised in strict environments often excel academically and exhibit exemplary behavior. However, critics contend that an overly strict approach can stifle creativity and lead to resentment. Conversely, lenient parenting fosters independence and creativity, as children are encouraged to explore and make their own decisions. Nevertheless, without proper guidance, children may struggle with self-discipline and responsibility. In my opinion, the most effective parenting style integrates elements of both strictness and leniency, adapting to the child's individual needs and developmental stage.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear and fully developed position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and logical organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately with some sophisticated usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The dichotomy between strict and lenient parenting styles has sparked extensive debate among educators and psychologists. While each approach has its unique advantages, I contend that a balanced, adaptive parenting style is most conducive to a child's holistic development.

Advocates of strict parenting posit that clearly defined rules and expectations instill discipline, responsibility, and respect in children. Empirical research lends credence to this perspective, as studies conducted by Cambridge Assessment English have demonstrated that children raised in structured environments often achieve academic excellence and exhibit exemplary behavior. However, an overly rigid approach can potentially suppress creativity and engender resentment. Conversely, lenient parenting encourages independence and creativity, as children are empowered to explore and make autonomous decisions. Nevertheless, the absence of guidance can result in a lack of self-discipline and responsibility. In my view, the optimal parenting style is one that harmoniously blends elements of both strictness and leniency, dynamically adapting to the child's evolving needs and developmental milestones.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, fully developed position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and logical organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately with sophisticated and natural usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Strict (adj.) - demanding exact obedience or attention to detail.

• Collocation: strict parents, strict rules

1. Lenient (adj.) - more merciful or tolerant than expected.

• Collocation: lenient approach, lenient parents

1. Discipline (n.) - the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.

• Collocation: self-discipline, strict discipline

1. Responsibility (n.) - the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.

• Collocation: take responsibility, sense of responsibility

1. Rebellion (n.) - open resistance or defiance, especially without regard for personal safety.

• Collocation: act of rebellion, youth rebellion

1. Resentment (n.) - bitter indignation at having been wronged, victimized, or humiliated.

• Collocation: feel resentment, sense of resentment

1. Creativity (n.) - the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.

• Collocation: foster creativity, creative thinking

1. Independence (n.) - the fact or state of being independent.

• Collocation: gain independence, personal independence

1. Holistic (adj.) - characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

• Collocation: holistic approach, holistic development

1. Adaptive (adj.) - able to adjust to new conditions.

• Collocation: adaptive parenting, adaptive behavior

1. Empirical (adj.) - based on, verified by, or derived from observation, experiment, or experience.

• Collocation: empirical evidence, empirical research

1. Stifle (v.) - restrict the development or activity of something.

• Collocation: stifle creativity, stifle growth

1. Engender (v.) - cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition).

• Collocation: engender resentment, engender change

1. Autonomous (adj.) - having the freedom to act independently.

• Collocation: autonomous decisions, autonomous actions

1. Dynamically (adv.) - in a manner characterized by continuous change or progress.

• Collocation: dynamically adapt, dynamically evolve

1. Milestones (n.) - a significant stage or event in the development of something.

• Collocation: developmental milestones, reach milestones

1. Conducive (adj.) - making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.

• Collocation: conducive to learning, conducive environment

1. Holistic (adj.) - characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

• Collocation: holistic approach, holistic development

1. Empower (v.) - give someone the authority or power to do something.

• Collocation: empower children, empower decisions

1. Suppress (v.) - forcibly put an end to (a rebellion, rebellion, or person).

• Collocation: suppress creativity, suppress feelings

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralizing: Students often make sweeping statements without providing specific examples or evidence.

1. Lack of Balance: Failing to discuss both sides of the argument equally can result in a lower score for Task Response.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

1. Poor Organization: A lack of clear structure and progression can affect the Coherence and Cohesion score.

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