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Parents Have Great Influences on Children’s Development - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay


Parents Have Great Influences on Children’s Development - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay


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Sample Essay 1

The debate over whether children’s development is predominantly shaped by family life and parental influence or external factors remains contentious. While some argue that parents are the cornerstone of a child’s upbringing, others believe external influences, such as peers, education, and media, are more decisive. This essay examines both perspectives, ultimately asserting that family and parental influence are more critical in shaping children’s values, character, and overall development.


External influences undoubtedly play a significant role in children’s development. For instance, school environments expose children to diverse perspectives, fostering social skills and intellectual growth. Peer groups, in particular, influence behaviours, decision-making, and even identity formation, especially during adolescence. Additionally, modern media, including the internet and social platforms, significantly impact attitudes and knowledge acquisition. For example, educational programs and online resources can enhance cognitive skills, while social media shapes cultural awareness. However, these influences often lack the emotional depth and moral guidance essential for holistic development. External environments may also expose children to risks, such as peer pressure or inappropriate content, which can hinder positive growth if not mediated by family. Thus, while these factors are influential, their impact is largely situational and dependent on family involvement.


In contrast, family life and parental influence form the foundation of a child’s character and moral compass. Parents are typically a child’s first teachers, instilling core values such as empathy, discipline, and respect. Research consistently highlights the importance of a nurturing home environment in fostering emotional resilience and self-esteem. For instance, children raised in supportive families often excel academically and socially, as parental encouragement boosts their confidence. Furthermore, family routines, such as shared meals, create opportunities for communication and problem-solving, strengthening bonds and promoting psychological stability. Unlike external influences, which can be fleeting or inconsistent, parental guidance provides continuous, tailored support. Even when external factors come into play, the foundation laid by parents often determines how children respond to these influences, underscoring the irreplaceable role of family in holistic development.


In conclusion, while external factors like peers, education, and media contribute to children’s growth, family and parental influence remain paramount. Parents shape foundational values and provide emotional stability that external factors often lack. Thus, a balanced view recognizes the importance of external influences but affirms that family plays the dominant role in shaping children into well-rounded individuals.


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Sample Essay 2

The debate about whether children’s development is more influenced by family life or external factors continues to divide opinion. While parents undeniably provide a foundational framework for early growth, external influences such as education, peers, and media often play a more significant role in shaping a child’s personality and worldview. This essay examines both perspectives, ultimately asserting that external influences have a more profound and lasting impact on children’s development.


Family and parents undeniably play a critical role in a child’s early development by instilling fundamental values and behaviours. Parents act as primary role models, shaping children’s attitudes towards life and fostering emotional security. For instance, consistent parental support and guidance often promote higher self-confidence and better emotional management in children. Moreover, family traditions and close-knit relationships provide stability and identity, which are essential during formative years. However, parental influence can sometimes be limited by personal biases or insufficient exposure to diverse ideas. Children raised in overly sheltered environments may struggle to adapt to the complexities of the modern world. While parents lay the groundwork, their influence tends to diminish as children grow older and become more susceptible to external forces, making this influence less dominant in the long term.


External factors, including peers, education, and media, significantly shape children’s personalities, skills, and worldviews, especially in later stages of development. Education, for example, broadens children’s intellectual horizons, teaching them critical thinking and problem-solving skills that go beyond familial teachings. Peer groups play a vital role in socialization, encouraging teamwork and adaptability. Additionally, the influence of media—ranging from online platforms to global news—exposes children to diverse cultures, opinions, and innovations. Consider a child who grows up in a multilingual society: external exposure might lead to fluency in multiple languages, an achievement less likely to stem solely from parental influence. Unlike family, external forces continuously evolve, offering dynamic learning opportunities that keep pace with societal changes. Consequently, external influences tend to have a broader and more transformative impact on children’s development.


In conclusion, while family provides essential early support, external influences such as education, peers, and media exert a greater impact on children’s development in the long run. These factors offer diverse, evolving opportunities for growth that parents alone cannot provide. Therefore, external influences are more instrumental in shaping children’s personalities, equipping them to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.



Sample Essay 3

The question of whether children’s development is predominantly influenced by family life or external factors sparks significant debate. While parents provide a moral and emotional foundation, external influences such as peers, education, and media are pivotal in shaping perspectives and skills. This essay explores both views, ultimately arguing that a balanced approach, recognizing the complementary roles of family and external factors, is essential for a child’s holistic development.


Parents play an irreplaceable role in shaping a child’s early character and moral framework. They provide the first lessons in empathy, discipline, and resilience, laying the groundwork for future behavior. For example, children raised in nurturing households are often more emotionally stable and perform better in academic and social settings. Moreover, parents’ active involvement in education and extracurricular activities can significantly enhance children’s self-esteem and success. However, parental influence is not always perfect; some parents may unintentionally impose their biases or limit their children’s exposure to diverse viewpoints. In today’s interconnected world, such limited exposure could hinder adaptability and critical thinking. While the family is crucial, it cannot fully equip children with the diverse experiences needed to navigate broader societal complexities, highlighting the necessity of external influences.


External factors such as education, peers, and media are equally critical in fostering children’s intellectual, social, and cultural growth. Schools, for instance, provide structured environments that encourage teamwork, innovation, and exposure to diverse ideologies. Peer interactions during adolescence play a formative role in shaping identity and decision-making skills, often introducing ideas and challenges absent at home. Media, too, offers unparalleled access to global cultures, scientific advancements, and innovative problem-solving techniques. For example, a child inspired by educational documentaries might develop interests and ambitions beyond the scope of parental influence. However, the risks of unfiltered external exposure, such as negative peer pressure or misinformation, must not be overlooked. Hence, the impact of external influences is most effective when complemented by parental guidance to filter and contextualize these experiences.


In conclusion, both family and external influences are indispensable in shaping children’s development. While parents provide moral grounding and emotional stability, external factors introduce broader perspectives and skills. A balanced approach, where parental guidance harmonizes with the opportunities offered by external environments, ensures holistic growth, enabling children to navigate both personal and societal challenges effectively. Such a synergy is key to optimal development.

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