IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt
Some people think that schools should teach students how to become good citizens. Others believe that this should be the role of parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Source practice test: IELTS Writing Test 1
Band 9 model answer
Expert-level response
The question of who should teach children to become good citizens is often framed as a choice between schools and parents. In reality, both have different but complementary responsibilities. Parents should model everyday values, while schools should provide the civic knowledge and shared standards that a modern society requires.
Parents are the first influence on a child's behaviour. Long before children study laws or institutions, they learn honesty, empathy and respect by observing how adults at home treat neighbours, workers and family members. If parents routinely lie, behave aggressively or ignore social responsibilities, a weekly lesson at school is unlikely to reverse those habits. Citizenship begins with repeated examples in ordinary life, especially when children are too young to understand abstract rules and public duties.
Schools, however, are also essential because they expose children to a wider community than the family. In class, students can learn about rights, responsibilities, voting, public services and the reasons behind rules. They also practise citizenship when they cooperate with classmates from different backgrounds, follow fair procedures and discuss social issues respectfully. These experiences are difficult for parents to provide alone, especially in societies where families hold very different political or cultural views.
In my opinion, parents should build the moral foundation, but schools must turn those values into informed civic behaviour. A child who learns kindness at home and democratic responsibility at school is more likely to become a thoughtful citizen than one who receives only private guidance or only classroom instruction alone today.
Why this meets Band 9
- The answer discusses both views and gives a clear, integrated opinion.
- Each body paragraph has a central idea, explanation and a realistic consequence.
- Vocabulary is flexible and precise, including 'civic knowledge', 'shared standards' and 'moral foundation'.
- The conclusion develops the position rather than merely restating it.
Band 6 sample answer
Competent but limited response
Some people say schools should teach children to be good citizens, but others think parents should do this. In my opinion, both are important, although parents have the first responsibility.
Parents are very important because children spend a lot of time with them when they are young. They can teach children to be polite, honest and helpful. Children also copy their parents' behaviour, so if parents respect other people, children may do the same. These lessons are learned every day, not only in one class. For example, parents can show children how to help neighbours or speak respectfully to older people.
Schools also have a role. Teachers can explain laws, rules and social duties. Students can learn why they should vote, protect the environment and help the community. In school, children meet different people, so they can learn tolerance and cooperation. This is useful because some parents may not have enough time or knowledge to teach these topics. Schools can also make the lesson fair because every student receives the same basic information.
To conclude, parents and schools should work together. Parents can teach good behaviour at home, while schools can teach information about society. If both sides do this, students will become better citizens in the future. If only one side takes responsibility, children may receive incomplete education about how to live with other people. This is why cooperation is better than blaming only parents or only teachers for the problem in society today and in future adult life.
Why this sits around Band 6
- The response is relevant and complete, but the argument is predictable.
- Organisation is clear, with simple paragraphing and direct linking.
- Vocabulary communicates the ideas but has limited flexibility and some repetition.
- Grammar is generally accurate, though sentence structures are mostly simple.
Can I say both parents and schools are responsible?
Yes. A balanced opinion is appropriate here as long as you explain the different role each side plays instead of simply saying both are important.