Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 1
Some argue that early formal education is essential for young children's development, while others believe that children should remain at home until they are six or seven years old. In my view, although early schooling can provide structure and socialization, it is more beneficial for children to engage in unstructured play during their early years. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that early play fosters better holistic development.
Proponents of early schooling argue that formal education from a young age helps children develop essential academic and social skills. Being in a structured environment introduces them to routines, problem-solving, and collaboration with peers. For example, research shows that children who attend preschool often perform better in language and numeracy skills compared to their peers who stay at home. Additionally, early schooling exposes children to diverse perspectives, enabling them to adapt to different social settings from a young age. For working parents, early schooling can also serve as an essential form of childcare, ensuring their children are safe and engaged while they focus on their careers.
On the other hand, advocates for allowing children to stay at home until age six or seven emphasize the importance of play in early childhood. Play-based learning enhances creativity, emotional regulation, and physical development, skills that are often neglected in formal educational settings. For instance, many psychologists argue that unstructured play helps children develop cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience. By staying at home, children can explore their surroundings in a less pressurized environment, enabling them to grow at their own pace. Moreover, early schooling can sometimes lead to burnout, as children are pushed to meet academic standards before they are developmentally ready.
In conclusion, while early formal education provides certain benefits, I believe that young children should be given the freedom to engage in unstructured play until they are six or seven. This approach supports better emotional, social, and cognitive development, allowing children to thrive both in and out of the classroom in the long term.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 2
Some believe that young children should start formal schooling early to promote intellectual and social growth, while others argue that staying at home and engaging in play until the age of six or seven is more beneficial. In my opinion, delaying formal education and allowing children to develop through play is a better approach for fostering creativity, emotional development, and a love of learning. This essay will discuss both perspectives before concluding that unstructured play is more advantageous in the early years.
Advocates for early schooling argue that formal education helps children develop crucial academic skills and social behavior. By attending school from a young age, children are exposed to structured learning environments, which can help them build foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. For example, children who attend preschool may have an early advantage in language acquisition and problem-solving. Additionally, early schooling helps children learn social norms and etiquette, such as sharing and teamwork, which are necessary for functioning in group settings. This structured environment also helps working parents by providing a reliable and educational form of childcare.
However, those who support delaying formal education believe that young children benefit significantly from play-based learning at home. Play nurtures creativity, independence, and emotional resilience, which are critical for long-term success. Through unstructured play, children learn to navigate social interactions, solve problems, and develop their imagination without the constraints of formal academic pressure. For instance, a child building a simple tower out of blocks is not just playing; they are developing spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and even basic engineering concepts. Moreover, research has shown that children who are given more time to play tend to develop better emotional regulation and mental well-being. By avoiding the academic pressures of early schooling, children can explore their world at their own pace, fostering a deeper curiosity for learning.
In conclusion, while early schooling may have some advantages in terms of socialization and basic academic skills, I believe that allowing children to play freely until they are six or seven leads to more balanced emotional, social, and cognitive development. Early childhood should be a time of exploration and discovery, and delaying formal education enables children to develop in a more holistic and natural way.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 3
Some argue that children should start formal education at a young age to enhance cognitive development, while others believe that allowing them to remain at home and engage in play until they are six or seven is more beneficial. In my opinion, the latter approach offers greater benefits for a child’s overall growth, particularly in fostering creativity and emotional intelligence. This essay will explore both viewpoints before concluding that delaying school is more advantageous for young children.
Proponents of early schooling maintain that introducing formal education at a young age prepares children for the academic demands they will face later in life. By starting early, children are exposed to structured learning, which helps them acquire essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. For instance, children who begin school early may show quicker progress in areas like literacy and numeracy due to their continuous exposure to academic content. Furthermore, the school environment promotes socialization by encouraging interactions with peers, teaching children to cooperate and work as part of a group. Early schooling can also help parents who need to balance childcare with their professional lives, providing a structured, educational environment for their children.
On the other hand, those who advocate for delaying formal schooling until children are six or seven emphasize the importance of unstructured play in early childhood development. Play encourages children to think independently, develop problem-solving skills, and explore their creativity. For example, a child role-playing as a chef or a firefighter is not only using their imagination but also learning to navigate complex social situations and make decisions. Additionally, early exposure to formal education can sometimes overwhelm children, leading to academic pressure and a loss of interest in learning. Play-based learning, however, allows children to develop at their own pace, building confidence and emotional resilience. This natural growth fosters a love for learning and a better understanding of the world around them.
In conclusion, while early schooling may offer academic advantages, I believe that allowing children to engage in play until they are six or seven better supports their emotional, social, and intellectual development. The freedom and creativity that come from unstructured play lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, making it a more holistic approach to early childhood education.
Get your personalized IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Comments