IELTS Writing Task 2: Sex Education (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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Prompt
Some people believe that sex education should be taught in schools, while others argue that it should be the responsibility of parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Sex education should be taught in schools because it is important for young people to learn about safe sex. Parents may not always be comfortable talking about this topic, so schools can provide accurate information. However, some people think parents should teach their children about sex because they know their child best. I agree that schools should teach sex education because they have experts who can give the right information.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but meaning is usually clear.
Band 7.0 Answer
The debate over who should teach sex education—schools or parents—has been ongoing. On one hand, schools can provide comprehensive and scientifically accurate information. Teachers are trained to discuss sensitive topics and can present facts without bias. On the other hand, parents argue that they know their children best and can tailor the information to their child's needs. In my view, schools should take the lead in sex education because they can ensure all students receive consistent and up-to-date information.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally communicates effectively.
Band 8.0 Answer
The question of whether sex education should be taught in schools or left to parents is a contentious one. Proponents of school-based sex education argue that it ensures all students receive accurate and comprehensive information. Schools can provide a structured curriculum that covers topics such as contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and consent. Conversely, those who advocate for parental responsibility believe that parents can tailor the information to their child's maturity level and cultural background. While both views have merit, I firmly believe that schools are better equipped to handle sex education due to their resources and expertise.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with few errors.
Band 9.0 Answer
The role of schools versus parents in teaching sex education is a topic of much debate. Advocates for school-based sex education contend that it ensures all students receive consistent, scientifically accurate information. Schools can provide a comprehensive curriculum that addresses topics such as safe sex practices, consent, and relationships. Moreover, teachers are trained to handle sensitive subjects with professionalism and objectivity. Conversely, proponents of parental responsibility argue that parents are best suited to teach their children about sex, as they understand their child's individual needs and values. However, relying solely on parents can lead to inconsistencies and gaps in knowledge. In my view, a collaborative approach where schools provide the foundation and parents supplement with personal guidance is the most effective solution.
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 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with rare errors.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Comprehensive: Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
- Example: A comprehensive sex education curriculum.
- Scientifically accurate: Based on or in accordance with the principles of science.
- Example: Scientifically accurate information about contraception.
- Consent: Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
- Example: Teaching students about the importance of consent.
- Structured curriculum: A planned and organized course of study.
- Example: A structured curriculum that covers all aspects of sex education.
- Tailor: To make or adapt for a particular purpose or person.
- Example: Tailor the information to the child's maturity level.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Example: A contentious topic in education.
- Proponents: A person who advocates for a cause or proposal.
- Example: Proponents of school-based sex education.
- Maturity level: The stage of development or sophistication.
- Example: Tailor the information to the child's maturity level.
- Cultural background: The set of beliefs, customs, and practices that characterize a particular group of people.
- Example: Tailor the information to the child's cultural background.
- Collaborative approach: A method of working that involves cooperation and teamwork.
- Example: A collaborative approach to sex education.
- Foundation: The basis or groundwork of something.
- Example: Schools provide the foundation for sex education.
- Supplement: To add to something in order to improve it or make it more complete.
- Example: Parents can supplement the information provided by schools.
- Professionalism: The competence or skill expected of a professional.
- Example: Teachers handle sensitive subjects with professionalism.
- Objectivity: The quality of being unbiased; impartiality.
- Example: Teachers handle sensitive subjects with objectivity.
- Gaps in knowledge: Areas where information is lacking or incomplete.
- Example: Relying solely on parents can lead to gaps in knowledge.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Balance: Failing to discuss both views equally.
- Repetition: Repeating the same ideas without adding new information.
- Vague Examples: Using general statements without specific examples.
- Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that obscure meaning.
- Inconsistent Arguments: Presenting arguments that do not logically follow from one another.
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