Model Answer - IELTS (Task 2)

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Being a good member of society involves having a good character and being able to contribute positively to society. Such skills need to be learnt as they do not come with us when we are born. This can be taught in the home environment by parents or during school hours.

Parents are the first source of contact for children and ideally they should be good role models for their children. Considering that many children start going to school only after having spent several years at home, parents are their initial teachers. At this crucial young age, adults may teach their children manners, social skills, how to respect others and accept difference.

School is another influential environment for children. Teachers continue the work of a parent. As a classroom is a social setting, children get to learn how to be part of society on a larger scale there. Teachers are impartial and well-equipped to offer useful lessons to children whereas some parents may not have adequate training in this area. On the other hand, a school may have a limiting view of how a good society member should act and what principles are important.

As parents have a good idea of what kind of future citizens they would like their children to be and as what children learn at home stays with them for a lifetime, perhaps it would be better if they taught their children how to be good society members. School can play a facilitating role extending and building upon what has been learnt in the home environment.
Question taken from IELTS 8 past papers p. 31