In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education - IELTS Writing Task 2

Across the world, early childhood has become a contested space where cultural beliefs, educational philosophies, and parental expectations collide. Some societies emphasise early academic exposure and structured learning, while others value unhurried childhoods filled with exploration and emotional growth. This difference in opinion gives rise to IELTS Writing Task 2 topics like ‘In some countries, it is thought advisable that children begin formal education’.

In this blog, let us explore Band 7+ model essays on the topic ‘In some countries, it is thought advisable that children begin formal education’ and topic-specific vocabulary to help you craft a high-scoring essay.

Essay Question for ‘In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education’

Outline for IELTS Opinion Essay

The provided outline will guide you to compose an IELTS opinion essay, which will be beneficial in helping you improve your writing skills to achieve a band score of 7 or higher on the IELTS exam.

Sample Answers for In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education IELTS Writing Task 2

You will find three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic ‘In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education’ below. They will help you in writing your own essay and achieving a high score.

In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education - Sample Answer 1

Many argue that children should begin formal education as early as four, whereas others feel it is better to delay schooling until they are older. I believe early schooling is beneficial because it enhances cognitive development and builds essential social skills. This essay will explain why an earlier start provides long-term advantages.

One key reason to support early formal education is that young children absorb knowledge rapidly during their formative years. Introducing structured learning at four allows them to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills sooner. Research consistently shows that early exposure to reading and problem-solving significantly boosts academic performance later in life. For instance, countries with lower school-starting ages, such as the UK, often report higher literacy rates by the age of seven. Thus, starting early equips children with strong academic building blocks.

Another compelling argument is that early schooling helps children develop critical social competencies. Being in a classroom environment teaches cooperation, turn-taking, communication, and emotional regulation, skills that are essential for future success. If children only begin formal schooling at seven or eight, they may face difficulty adjusting to large groups and structured routines. Early interactions with teachers and peers help them gain confidence and reduce separation anxiety. Therefore, a younger starting age fosters smoother social adjustment and emotional resilience.

Although some believe that starting school later protects childhood freedom, this view overlooks the value of guided learning. While play is important, structured education does not eliminate creativity; instead, it strengthens both academic and social foundations.

In conclusion, beginning formal education at four provides children with academic readiness and essential social skills. While later schooling has certain benefits, the advantages of early exposure clearly outweigh them, offering children a stronger and more confident start in life.

In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education - Sample Answer 2

Across different nations, school-starting ages vary widely, with some recommending formal education at four and others at seven or eight. I firmly believe that delaying schooling is more beneficial, as it supports emotional maturity and preserves the developmental value of unstructured play. This essay presents the reasons for this viewpoint.

A major argument for later schooling is that young children require time for emotional and psychological growth before entering structured environments. Between the ages of four and six, children develop self-control, curiosity, and independence, qualities that flourish best in play-based settings rather than academic ones. For example, Finland, known for its high-performing education system, starts formal schooling at seven and emphasises outdoor play and exploration during early childhood. This approach helps children develop intrinsic motivation and better mental well-being.

Additionally, postponing formal education allows children to strengthen motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through imaginative play. Studies show that children who experience fewer academic pressures early on often display higher creativity and better social collaboration later in life. A flexible environment encourages them to experiment, take risks, and learn at their own pace. By contrast, beginning school at four may expose children to unnecessary stress and competition, which can hinder their natural development and reduce enthusiasm for learning.

While early schooling advocates believe it accelerates academic achievement, such gains may be short-lived. Long-term research indicates that early academic advantages often fade, whereas the social and emotional benefits of later schooling remain strong.

In summary, starting school at seven or eight nurtures emotional health and holistic development. Although early schooling has merits, a delayed beginning better supports natural growth and fosters lifelong learning habits.

In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education - Sample Answer 3

In most countries, it is recommended that children start school education from the age of four. However, formal education begins when a child reaches seven or eight years of age in some other parts of the world. I am of the opinion that starting school early is better for the child’s overall development.

While it is true that children who begin school at age seven or eight tend to spend more time with their parents and friends, this practice is not always advantageous for their overall development. The early five years in a child’s life are vital for the child’s brain development. At home, the child will be in the care and protection of his parents or grandparents, and they are not always in a position to impart knowledge and expertise to him. While many parents do not have the expertise required to satisfy the curiosity of a toddler, those who can do so are usually immersed at work. Therefore, the child does not gain much from the time spent at home or in a daycare centre.

By contrast, there are many perks to starting school early. During the early years, children tend to have exceptional learning capabilities. They can grasp knowledge from both parents and teachers because, at that tender age, their minds are highly impressionable and they can retain faster. Parents can help and aid them in the learning process by providing children with a nurturing and loving environment at home. Additionally, teachers can educate them on formal subjects such as mathematics, science, and language. Better yet, the school is a microcosm of the world. Here, the children interact with their peers, elders, and teachers, which will help them grow into well-disciplined, good mannered adults.

On the other hand, a child at 7 or 8 years old, who is more mature and has more experience in life, can stand all the pressure at school. Moreover, with the advantage of a developed brain, an older child will perform better than a younger child in academic tests. Hence, whereas older children always feel confident to study and take the exam, budding ones may not rely on their ability due to the poor result in class. Consequently, this will have a detrimental effect on their mental development.

It is generally good to start formal education at four as the children are not too young and can begin obtaining an education. The argument that children must be fully developed before school at 7 is not reasonable. It is more of a delay in getting educated.

Vocabulary to Use for In Some Countries, It is Thought Advisable that Children Begin Formal Education - IELTS Writing Task 2

Here is a list of advanced vocabulary for IELTS essay related to the topic, In some countries, it is thought advisable that children begin formal education’, that will help you boost your overall vocabulary and showcase your lexical resources.

To conclude, the debate over the ideal age for beginning formal education continues to divide educators, parents, and policymakers. This topic provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate balanced argumentation, sophisticated vocabulary, and clear logic. So, with practice of recent IELTS topics in Writing Task 2, you can master questions on education and confidently aim for a Band 7 or higher.

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