IELTS General Training Task 2 Essays

1: Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this.

Some people believe that children should be taught by their parents about how to function as useful members of society, while others believe that sending children to educational institutions is the best way for them to study this. Although the latter opinion can be beneficial in some cases, I believe that family upbringing plays a more important role in educating children to be good parts of the community. Schools can be considered suitable places for children to learn to be good citizens. With standardized educational methods, schools can foster children’s cognitive development so that they are able to contribute to society in the future. For example, Trung Vuong school and Vinschool are well known for having nurtured successful alumni such as Professor Ngo Bao, Professor Nguyen Hung, who have devoted their talents to the development of the country. However, these people only represent a small fraction of the total number of students attending schools, and thus sending children to schools cannot be the best method of educating them to be good members of society. I believe that parents play a more important role in teaching them how to be good citizens. In Vietnam, the average class size is 20 students, which makes it difficult for educators to provide proper schooling for each student. One-to-one lessons at home, on the other hand, allow children to progress faster. Furthermore, parents form stronger bonds with their offspring and thus, it is easier for them to shape children’s personalities at an early age. For example, by telling stories such as Robin Hood and Cinderella before bedtime, parents can instil a sense of compassion and integrity in them. These children are likely to become good members of society when they grow up. In conclusion, although sending children to schools can be seen as a way of teaching them how to be good citizens, I believe that domestic upbringing has a bigger impact on determining who they are in the future.

2: There is an increasing trend around the world of married couples deciding not to have children.

An increasing number of married couples worldwide are choosing to remain childless. The main benefits of not having children include the ability to focus on careers and enjoy more personal freedom. However, the drawbacks include potential social isolation and a lack of support in old age. One significant advantage of remaining childless is that couples can prioritize their careers and personal growth. Without the added responsibility of raising children, they can pursue professional goals with fewer distractions. Another benefit is that child-free couples often enjoy greater flexibility and freedom in their schedules. Raising children can be time-consuming and demanding, whereas couples without children can invest time in hobbies, travel, or social activities. For instance, many parents find it challenging to socialize spontaneously, as they must prioritize their children's needs and routines. However, there are some notable disadvantages. One is the potential for social isolation, as child-free couples may struggle to relate to friends who have children. Many parents form close bonds with other parents, creating a shared network of support and understanding. Additionally, not having children can mean a lack of familial support as they age. In many cultures, children are expected to care for their elderly parents, providing both emotional and practical assistance. For example, studies show that people without children are more likely to rely on care facilities in old age, as they lack immediate family members to look after them. In conclusion, while remaining child-free allows couples to focus on their careers and personal interests, it may also lead to social and familial challenges as they grow older. Couples should carefully consider both the freedoms and potential drawbacks that come with this lifestyle choice.

3: Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this.

Some believe that parents should teach their children to be good members of society, while others argue that school is the ideal environment for this learning. This essay supports the latter view, showing that, despite the practical guidance parents offer, school lessons provide deeper insights into what it means to be a responsible citizen. Those who support the role of parents in teaching societal values argue that parents can pass on valuable lessons based on their own life experiences. The guidance parents offer is often direct, relatable, and easier for children to apply in real-life situations. For example, many children in Thailand become more polite, honest, and compassionate due to practical lessons from their parents at home. However, I believe that today’s parents often have limited time for such lessons due to work and other responsibilities. On the other hand, lessons at school can offer children meaningful insights into being productive members of society. In class, students learn about key characteristics of good citizens and then apply these lessons by solving real-life problems together. For instance, after participating in civic education classes, many Vietnamese students feel more motivated to help neighbors and even strangers, experiencing a sense of joy from doing good for others. For these reasons, I believe that school lessons have a stronger influence on young people. In conclusion, although parents can provide valuable, experience-based lessons, I believe that school education is more effective in helping students understand and embrace the responsibilities of being good members of society.

4: Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this.

Some individuals believe that the ideal place to teach children how to become responsible citizens is school, while others argue that parents should bear this responsibility. Although parents may significantly influence their children, I believe that educational institutions are better equipped to teach children to become valuable members of society. Parents influence their children more than anyone else. Since mothers and fathers are the ones who raise and spend the most time with their children, they substantially shape how children act and think. If parents exhibit positive behavior, their children are likely to imitate them, reinforcing the idea that no one has a stronger influence on a child’s character. For example, a British study showed that children are twice as likely to be influenced by their parents compared to their teachers. However, I believe that this influence alone is insufficient, and that schools should also play a major role in teaching civic values. Schools are trained environments that can build responsible citizens effectively. Teachers, who spend years studying child development and learning methods, are equipped to instill positive values in students. For example, a recent study in the USA showed that 90% of schools train teachers to help students become responsible members of society. For these reasons, I believe that schools are the best place to teach children to be good citizens.

5: Details of politicians’ private lives should not be published in newspapers.

It is argued that newspapers should not publish details of politicians’ private lives. This essay strongly disagrees with this view because public figures can build public trust through positive exposure, and media coverage can hold them accountable for any misconduct. On the one hand, politicians can gain public trust by building a positive image through media exposure. Sometimes, details of their personal interests end up in newspapers, which allows them to connect with the public, especially when their interests align with those of the general population. For example, a politician in Milan gained popularity when newspapers published photos of him playing football with local schoolchildren, making him well-liked among young people. On the other hand, publishing details of private affairs can reveal corruption and make politicians accountable. Many politicians hold public office and are responsible for managing public funds. If they misuse these resources, media investigations can expose these issues to the public. For example, when details of lavish spending by the Mayor of London during a vacation were revealed in a popular British newspaper, it prompted public outcry and ultimately led to investigations into financial mismanagement. In conclusion, the publication of politicians' personal details in newspapers can both help them build public trust and expose any wrongdoing, ensuring they are answerable to the public.