IELTS Writing Task 2: Single Parent Families - Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that single-parent families are bad for society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should write at least 250 words. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The single-parent families are bad for society. I agree with this statement.

Firstly, children from single-parent families may not have enough support. They might not get help with homework or emotional support. For example, a study showed that children with one parent do worse in school.

Secondly, single parents may have financial problems. Raising a child is expensive, and one income may not be enough. This can lead to stress and other problems.

However, some people say that single parents can do a good job. They might have help from family or friends. But I still think it is better for children to have two parents.

In conclusion, I agree that single-parent families are bad for society. Children need two parents for the best support.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but with limited development. (Band 5.0-6.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition. (Band 6.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Limited range of vocabulary with some errors. (Band 5.0-6.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Mostly simple sentences with some errors. (Band 5.0-6.0)

Band 7.0 Answer

The notion that single-parent families are detrimental to society is a contentious issue.

On one hand, single-parent families may face significant challenges. Financially, raising a child on one income can be difficult, leading to stress and limited opportunities for the child. Emotionally, children may lack the support and guidance that two parents can provide. For instance, research indicates that children from single-parent households often perform poorly academically compared to their peers.

On the other hand, single parents can provide a stable and loving environment with the help of extended family or community support. Many single parents successfully raise well-adjusted children, proving that the absence of a second parent does not necessarily lead to negative outcomes.

In conclusion, while single-parent families may face more challenges, it is not accurate to say they are universally bad for society. The well-being of the child depends more on the quality of care and support they receive rather than the number of parents.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with some extension and supported ideas. (Band 6.0-7.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. (Band 7.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Sufficient range of vocabulary with some errors. (Band 6.0-7.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors. (Band 6.0-7.0)

Band 8.0 Answer

The assertion that single-parent families are detrimental to society is a complex issue that warrants careful consideration.

Proponents of this view argue that single-parent families often face financial and emotional challenges that can negatively impact the well-being of the child. Financially, raising a child on a single income can be arduous, leading to stress and limited resources for the child's development. Emotionally, children may lack the support and guidance that two parents can provide, which can affect their academic performance and social skills. For example, studies have shown that children from single-parent households are more likely to struggle academically and socially compared to their peers from two-parent families.

However, it is essential to recognize that single parents can provide a stable and loving environment with the help of extended family or community support. Many single parents successfully raise well-adjusted children, demonstrating that the absence of a second parent does not necessarily lead to negative outcomes. Furthermore, societal attitudes towards single-parent families are evolving, with increasing acceptance and support for these families.

In conclusion, while single-parent families may face more challenges, it is not accurate to say they are universally bad for society. The well-being of the child depends more on the quality of care and support they receive rather than the number of parents. Society should focus on providing support and resources to single parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with well-extended and supported ideas. (Band 7.0-8.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 7.0-8.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Sufficient range of vocabulary with some sophisticated usage and minimal errors. (Band 7.0-8.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Mix of simple and complex sentences with minimal errors. (Band 7.0-8.0)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj): Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument. Example: The issue of single-parent families is contentious.
2. Detrimental (adj): Causing harm or damage. Example: The effects of single parenting can be detrimental to a child's development.
3. Arduous (adj): Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring. Example: Raising a child on a single income can be arduous.
4. Well-adjusted (adj): Mentally and emotionally healthy; well-balanced. Example: Many single parents raise well-adjusted children.
5. Evolving (adj): Developing gradually; changing and improving over time. Example: Societal attitudes towards single-parent families are evolving.
6. Proponents (n): A person who advocates for a cause or proposal. Example: Proponents of this view argue that single-parent families face significant challenges.
7. Warrants (v): Justifies or deserves. Example: This issue warrants careful consideration.
8. Stable (adj): Not likely to change or move; firmly fixed. Example: Single parents can provide a stable environment for their children.
9. Arguably (adv): Used to express that something is likely to be true or correct, but not definitely. Example: Arguably, the well-being of the child depends more on the quality of care.
10. Resources (n): A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. Example: Society should provide resources to single parents.
11. Impact (n): A strong effect or influence. Example: The financial challenges can have a significant impact on the child's development.
12. Guidance (n): Advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty. Example: Children may lack the guidance that two parents can provide.
13. Struggle (v): To experience great difficulty and strain in doing something. Example: Children from single-parent households may struggle academically.
14. Acceptance (n): The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. Example: There is increasing acceptance of single-parent families.
15. Ensure (v): To make certain that something will occur or be the case. Example: Society should ensure the best possible outcomes for children.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
2. Lack of Coherence: Failing to organize ideas logically, leading to a disjointed response.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without adding new information.
4. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited vocabulary, which can make the response seem simplistic.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the response.

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