IELTS Writing Task 2: Working Parents (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Many parents today work full-time jobs while raising children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend. Give relevant examples and support your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Working parents have both good and bad points. On the good side, parents can earn money to support their family. They can also set a good example for their children by showing them the importance of work. However, working parents may not have enough time to spend with their children. This can lead to problems in the family.

For example, a mother who works full-time may not be able to help her children with their homework. This can cause the children to do poorly in school. On the other hand, a father who works hard can provide a good life for his family. He can buy a nice house and send his children to good schools.

In conclusion, working parents have both advantages and disadvantages. It is important for parents to find a balance between work and family life.

Scoring Breakdown:

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

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The phenomenon of working parents has become increasingly common in contemporary society. This trend has both beneficial and detrimental effects on families and children.

On the positive side, working parents can provide financial stability for their families. They can also serve as role models, demonstrating the value of hard work and dedication. For instance, a working mother can show her children the importance of pursuing a career while maintaining a family life. Additionally, working parents can afford better education and opportunities for their children, which can lead to improved academic performance and future success.

However, there are also several disadvantages to consider. Working parents may have less time to spend with their children, which can lead to a lack of emotional support and guidance. For example, a working father may not be able to attend his child's school events or help with homework, which can negatively impact the child's development. Furthermore, the stress of balancing work and family life can lead to conflicts and tension within the family.

In conclusion, while working parents can provide financial and educational benefits, they must also be mindful of the potential negative impacts on their children's emotional and social development. It is crucial for parents to find a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent but not persistent errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The proliferation of working parents in today's society has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for families and children. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this trend, supported by relevant examples.

One of the primary advantages of working parents is the financial stability they can provide. With two incomes, families can afford better housing, education, and healthcare, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for their children. For instance, parents who work in high-paying professions can send their children to prestigious schools, providing them with better educational opportunities. Additionally, working parents can serve as role models, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

However, there are also several disadvantages to consider. Working parents may have less time to spend with their children, which can lead to a lack of emotional support and guidance. For example, parents who work long hours may not be able to attend their children's school events or help with homework, which can negatively impact the child's academic performance and self-esteem. Furthermore, the stress of balancing work and family life can lead to conflicts and tension within the family, which can have long-term negative effects on the children's emotional and social development.

In conclusion, while working parents can provide financial and educational benefits, they must also be mindful of the potential negative impacts on their children's emotional and social development. It is crucial for parents to find a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, ensuring that they provide their children with the support and guidance they need to thrive.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, with some depth of treatment.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with some less common lexical items and some awareness of style and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent but not persistent errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The escalating trend of working parents in contemporary society has engendered a plethora of discussions regarding its ramifications on familial dynamics and child development. This essay will delineate the advantages and disadvantages of this phenomenon, substantiated by pertinent examples and empirical evidence.

One of the most salient advantages of working parents is the financial stability they can afford. With dual incomes, families can secure better living conditions, access superior educational institutions, and procure high-quality healthcare services. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Cambridge revealed that children of working parents tend to achieve higher academic scores due to the enhanced educational opportunities they receive. Moreover, working parents can serve as exemplars, embodying the virtues of diligence, commitment, and resilience, which can inspire their children to emulate these qualities.

However, the disadvantages of this trend are equally noteworthy. The paucity of time that working parents can devote to their children can engender emotional neglect and a dearth of guidance. For example, a report by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that children of working parents are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues due to the lack of parental involvement. Furthermore, the stress of juggling professional and familial responsibilities can precipitate marital discord and familial strife, which can have deleterious effects on the children's psychological well-being.

In conclusion, while the financial and educational benefits of working parents are undeniable, the potential negative impacts on children's emotional and social development cannot be overlooked. It is incumbent upon parents to strike a harmonious balance between their professional aspirations and familial obligations, ensuring that their children receive the nurturing and support they need to flourish.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, with full development and depth of treatment.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, with a clear progression of ideas and a logical organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with great flexibility and precision, including less common lexical items and some awareness of style and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Phenomenon (noun) - A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.

• Example: The phenomenon of working parents has become increasingly common.

1. Proliferation (noun) - Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.

• Example: The proliferation of working parents in today's society.

1. Ramifications (noun) - A consequence of some action or event, especially when extensive or long-term.

• Example: The ramifications on familial dynamics and child development.

1. Exemplars (noun) - A person or thing serving as a desirable model.

• Example: Working parents can serve as exemplars, embodying the virtues of diligence.

1. Deleterious (adjective) - Causing harm or damage.

• Example: The deleterious effects on the children's psychological well-being.

1. Incumbent (adjective) - Necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.

• Example: It is incumbent upon parents to strike a harmonious balance.

1. Nurturing (adjective) - The process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something.

• Example: Ensuring that their children receive the nurturing they need.

1. Flourish (verb) - To grow or develop successfully; to prosper.

• Example: To flourish in a supportive environment.

1. Delineate (verb) - To describe or portray something precisely.

• Example: This essay will delineate the advantages and disadvantages.

1. Substantiated (verb) - To provide evidence or proof for something.

• Example: Supported by pertinent examples and empirical evidence.

1. Salient (adjective) - Most noticeable or important.

• Example: One of the most salient advantages.

1. Secured (verb) - Obtained (something) by effort or skill.

• Example: Families can secure better living conditions.

1. Embody (verb) - To represent or be a symbol of something.

• Example: Embodying the virtues of diligence and commitment.

1. Emulate (verb) - To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.

• Example: Inspire their children to emulate these qualities.

1. Precipitate (verb) - To cause (an event or situation, typically a negative one) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.

• Example: The stress can precipitate marital discord.

1. Deleterious (adjective) - Causing harm or damage.

• Example: The deleterious effects on the children's psychological well-being.

1. Harmonious (adjective) - Free from disagreement or dissent; peaceful.

• Example: To strike a harmonious balance.

1. Aspirations (noun) - A hope or ambition of achieving something.

• Example: Professional aspirations and familial obligations.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the topic, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Poor Organization: Some students do not organize their ideas logically, resulting in a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion.
3. Limited Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
5. Lack of Examples: Failing to provide relevant examples can weaken the argument and lower the overall score.

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