Children Are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough – IELTS Writing

The essay ‘Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough’ is an Advantages/Disadvantages writing task 2 question that has previously appeared in an IELTS test.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a section of the IELTS General Training and Academic tests that assesses your ability to write a well-structured and coherent essay in response to a given topic.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 for the given advantages/disadvantages essay – “Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough” requires you to discuss the pros and cons of it. You will be asked to provide a clear thesis, supporting arguments, and examples in a well-structured essay. Balancing advantages and disadvantages while maintaining coherence and clarity is essential for success in this task.

Here, you get access to 3 IELTS writing task 2 advantages/disadvantages sample answers ranging from band 7-9 along with their vocabulary. So, why wait? Start reading the blog!

Question

Learn some more ways to achieve a band score of 8 for Writing Task 2 and check out the IELTS essay for ‘Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough’ given below.

Structure Breakdown

Band 7 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 Question – Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough 

In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for parents to emphasize the importance of hard work to their children as a means of achieving success. This view carries both advantages and disadvantages, depending on how it is received. Both sides of this idea will be discussed in this essay with appropriate examples.

On the positive side, this encouragement can push children to work harder in school and other areas and is a very big advantage. For instance, when kids believe that putting in effort pays off, they may develop a strong work ethic, leading to better grades or achieving personal goals.

However, there are drawbacks to this that some children may feel stressed trying to meet their parents’ expectations. This pressure could lead to anxiety or fear of not doing well enough. Moreover, it might also take away from their enjoyment of being a kid. For instance, a child who feels constant pressure to excel in school might struggle with sleep or mood swings. In extreme cases, it could even lead to depression or burnout. It is important for parents to notice if their kids are too stressed and give them the help and support they need. By talking openly and giving them ways to relax and take care of themselves, parents can make it easier for their kids to handle tough times and feel confident.

In conclusion, while encouraging kids to work hard can have benefits, it’s important for parents to find a balance. By creating a supportive environment, parents can help their children strive for success while also prioritizing their happiness and well-being.

(264 words)

Vocabulary

• Emphasize

Meaning: to give special importance or attention to something.

Example: Parents often emphasise the importance of hard work to their children to instill a strong work ethic.

• Implications

Meaning: the possible effects or consequences of something.

Example: The message of hard work carries both positive and negative implications for children’s development.

• Encouragement

Meaning: the act of giving support, confidence, or hope.

Example: Providing encouragement to children can motivate them to put in greater effort and strive for success.

• Work ethic

Meaning: a set of values or principles that emphasize the importance of hard work and diligence.

Example: Developing a strong work ethic can lead to academic achievement and personal fulfilment.

• Anxiety

Meaning: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

Example: Some children may experience anxiety when faced with the pressure to meet their parents’ expectations for academic success.

• Supportive

Meaning: providing encouragement, assistance, or emotional backing.

Example: Parents play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment where children feel safe to express their concerns and seek help when needed.

• Well-being

Meaning: the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Example: Prioritizing their children’s well-being involves fostering a balance between academic achievement and emotional fulfilment.

Band 8 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 Question – Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough 

In many cultures, children are often taught that hard work can help them achieve anything. While this idea can boost their chances of success and personal growth, it also has downsides, like making them miss out on a happy childhood and making them doubt themselves.

Firstly, encouraging kids to work hard can indeed improve their chances of reaching their goals. For example, when they believe in their abilities, they’re more likely to keep trying even when things get tough. Moreover, this can lead to real achievements, like doing well in school or sports. Additionally, working towards a goal can teach them important qualities like not giving up and staying determined.

However, constantly pushing the idea of hard work might make children forget to enjoy being kids. For instance, if they think success only comes from working hard, they might skip playing with friends or having fun activities. Moreover, this could mean missing out on important experiences that help them grow emotionally and socially. Adding on to this, always focusing on hard work might hurt children’s confidence and self-esteem if they try their best but still fail, they might start doubting themselves and it could make them less likely to try again in the future, fearing they’ll just fail again.

In conclusion, while telling children to work hard can be helpful for their success and growth, it also has its drawbacks. Finding a balance between teaching hard work and letting kids enjoy their childhood is crucial for their overall well-being and development.

(251 words)

Vocabulary

• Achievements

Meaning: successful results brought about by effort or skill.

Example: Working hard can lead to tangible achievements, such as academic success or athletic accomplishments.

• Qualities

Meaning: characteristics or attributes that define a person.

Example: Teaching children the value of hard work can help instil qualities like perseverance and determination.

• Pushing

Meaning: urging or compelling someone to take action.

Example: Constantly pushing the idea of hard work may inadvertently lead children to overlook the importance of enjoying their childhood.

• Skipping

Meaning: not doing something that is usually done or expected.

Example: If children believe that success only comes from hard work, they may skip leisure activities to focus solely on their goals.

• Confidence

Meaning: belief in oneself and one’s abilities.

Example: Constantly focusing on hard work alone may undermine children’s confidence if they do not achieve the desired results.

• Self-esteem

Meaning: confidence in one’s own worth or abilities.

Example: Experiencing failure despite hard work may lead to a decrease in children’s self-esteem.

• Doubting

Meaning: feeling uncertain or lacking confidence in something.

Example: Constantly emphasizing hard work as the sole path to success may lead children to doubt themselves if they face setbacks.

• Crucial

Meaning: extremely important or necessary.

Example: Finding a balance between teaching hard work and allowing children to enjoy their childhood is crucial for their overall well-being.

• Development

Meaning: the process of growth or advancement.

Example: Balancing hard work and leisure activities is essential for children’s healthy development and well-rounded upbringing.

Band 9 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 Question – Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough 

In many cultures, kids are often told that they can achieve anything if they work hard. While this idea has its benefits, it also has some downsides. This essay will talk about both the benefits and disadvantages of this belief with suitable examples.

Regarding the advantages, one good thing about this belief is that it can make children feel confident and determined. Moreover, when they believe that hard work pays off, they are more likely to face challenges with courage and keep trying even when things get tough. For instance, a child who thinks they can overcome obstacles through hard work might be eager to learn new things or try activities they’re not good at yet.

On the other hand, there can be possible issues with telling children that hard work always leads to success. It might make them spend too much time and effort on things where hard work alone won’t make a difference. For example, a child who dreams of being a famous singer might spend hours practising singing, even if they don’t have a natural talent. Similarly, artists need to have a special sense of style that can’t just be learned through hard work. Believing in hard work alone can make kids feel frustrated or even lead to mental health issues.

In conclusion, while telling kids that hard work pays off is a good way to keep them motivated, it’s important to remember that it’s not always enough. Sometimes, success depends on other things too and parents and teachers need to help kids understand this balance.

(259 words)

Vocabulary

• Determined

Meaning: having a strong desire to achieve a goal.

Example: Children who believe in the value of hard work are often more determined to overcome obstacles and pursue their aspirations.

• Courage

Meaning: the ability to face difficulty or danger despite fear.

Example: Encouraging children to believe in their ability to achieve anything through hard work can instill courage in them to confront challenges head-on.

• Obstacles

Meaning: challenges or difficulties that hinder progress.

Example: With the belief in the efficacy of hard work, children may see obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers.

• Issue

Meaning: a problem or concern.

Example: One potential issue with emphasizing hard work as the sole path to success is that it may overlook other factors that contribute to achievement.

• Talent

Meaning: natural ability or skill.

Example: Children may need to recognize their talents and interests alongside their work ethic to find success in areas where hard work alone may not suffice.

• Frustrated

Meaning: feeling upset or annoyed due to inability to achieve desired results.

Example: Children who invest significant effort into pursuits where talent is crucial may become frustrated when their hard work does not yield the desired outcomes.

• Mental health

Meaning: the state of one’s psychological and emotional well-being.

Example: Believing in hard work as the sole determinant of success may contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression if children do not achieve their goals.

• Motivated

Meaning: driven or inspired to take action.

Example: Telling children that hard work pays off can keep them motivated to persist through challenges and setbacks in pursuit of their goals.

• Balance

Meaning: a state of equilibrium or harmony between different aspects.

Example: It’s important for parents and teachers to strike a balance between promoting hard work and helping children understand that success often depends on a combination of factors.

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers of ‘Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough’ 

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• Firstly
• Moreover
• Additionally
• Adding on to this
• Lastly
• For instance
• For example
• However
• Similarly
• Regarding
• In conclusion

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages/Disadvantages essays like the ‘Children are Often Told that They Can Achieve Anything if They Try Hard Enough IELTS Writing Task 2.’

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