You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, young people are granted certain privileges and responsibilities at the age of sixteen. Clearly, parents have a responsibility to both care for and prepare their children as they approach this important milestone.
To what degree should parents intervene in the lives of their 14-15 years old children?
How to Approach This Essay: Young People, Privileges, and Parental Responsibilities
Before diving into the Band 9 sample essays, here’s a quick briefing to set you up for success. If you’re eager to skip ahead, scroll down to view the essays immediately! This question focuses on the critical age when young people are granted certain privileges, such as independence and decision-making responsibilities. It also emphasizes the vital role parents play as their children navigate this transformative stage.
When writing about this topic, adopt a strategy centered on depth over breadth. Focus on one or two well-developed points instead of listing multiple underdeveloped ideas. For example, you might argue whether parents should actively monitor their children’s activities or allow them more autonomy to build life skills. Always prioritize explaining your ideas clearly, providing relevant examples to support your arguments. Remember, examples don’t need to be factual—made-up ones work as long as they align with your discussion. Additionally, don’t stress over choosing the “correct” opinion; instead, choose the side you can argue well. Meeting the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors—Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resources, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy—is key to achieving Band 9.
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Sample Essay 1
In many countries, adolescents are granted new privileges and responsibilities as they reach the age of sixteen. Parents, however, hold the crucial responsibility of guiding their children as they approach this transition. While some intervention is necessary during the ages of 14-15 to ensure proper development, it is equally important to allow teenagers to develop autonomy. This essay will argue that parents should strike a balance by offering support while gradually encouraging independence, focusing on communication and experiential learning.
One of the most critical roles of parents during this phase is to provide structured guidance while respecting their children’s individuality. At the ages of 14-15, young people are on the brink of gaining certain privileges, such as the ability to make independent decisions. However, without parental oversight, they may struggle to make informed choices. For instance, helping children manage their schedules or advising on career aspirations can provide a stable foundation for future independence. This approach ensures that teenagers feel supported, reducing the likelihood of impulsive decisions that could have long-term consequences. At the same time, parents must avoid over-controlling, as this can stifle their children’s confidence and critical thinking skills.
Equally significant is the need for parents to foster experiential learning by gradually giving teenagers more responsibility. Allowing young people to make minor mistakes in a safe environment helps them develop resilience and decision-making skills. For example, parents could encourage their children to manage a small budget or participate in community activities. This teaches accountability while reinforcing the importance of their emerging responsibilities. As teenagers grow older, these lessons empower them to handle the privileges they will soon receive. Parents should adopt a supportive, rather than authoritarian, role during this process, emphasizing trust and open dialogue to prepare their children for adulthood.
In conclusion, while parents have a responsibility to guide their children at this critical stage, they must also allow space for personal growth. By balancing structured support with opportunities for independence, parents can prepare their teenagers to navigate the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood successfully.
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Sample Essay 2
As young people approach the age of sixteen, they are often granted significant privileges and responsibilities, making early adolescence a critical period for parental involvement. While parents have a responsibility to prepare their children for these milestones, their intervention should focus on instilling strong moral values and fostering emotional resilience. This essay will argue that emphasizing ethical guidance and teaching problem-solving skills are key strategies for ensuring young people transition successfully into adulthood.
Parents play a vital role in instilling moral and ethical values during early adolescence, laying the foundation for responsible behavior in adulthood. At 14-15 years old, children are highly impressionable and vulnerable to external influences, including peer pressure. Parents must actively engage in conversations about integrity, empathy, and accountability to help their children develop a strong moral compass. For instance, discussing real-world scenarios—such as the consequences of dishonesty or the importance of respecting others—provides teenagers with a practical understanding of ethical behavior. This proactive approach ensures that as young people are granted certain privileges, they can make principled decisions even in challenging situations. Without this moral grounding, adolescents may struggle to navigate the complexities of adult responsibilities effectively.
Equally critical is the role of parents in fostering emotional resilience and problem-solving skills. Adolescents often face new challenges, such as managing social relationships or academic pressures, which can become overwhelming without proper guidance. Parents should encourage their children to analyze problems critically, weigh potential outcomes, and devise solutions independently. For example, allowing teenagers to resolve conflicts with friends or plan projects teaches them adaptability and perseverance. By stepping in only when necessary, parents empower their children to build confidence in their decision-making abilities. This developmental process prepares adolescents to handle the greater responsibilities and freedoms they will soon encounter, such as managing finances or making career choices.
In conclusion, parental intervention during early adolescence is crucial for fostering moral integrity and emotional resilience in teenagers. By focusing on these aspects, parents can equip their children with the skills and values needed to navigate the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood successfully.
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