Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children – IELTS Writing Task 2

Discussion essays, like ‘Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children’, are the second most common type of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2.

An IELTS Discussion essay question will begin with a statement that presents two opposing points of view. Your task will be to address both sides of the argument and offer your own viewpoint. As it is important to begin the exam on the right foot, it is necessary to master your writing skills by practising essay topics, like ‘Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children’.

Let’s have a look at the discussion essay – Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children- with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores.

Question

Outline

Check Out – IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips/Tricks 2023

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children

Some people believe that reading aloud to their kids or sharing stories with them is the duty of parents. Then again, a different group of people says that children can read books on their own and get information from other forms of entertainment on their own. This essay will discuss both arguments, but I believe parents should read to their children or tell them stories.

Many think parents must read books or tell their children stories for various reasons. To start, children usually begin reading at the age of five, according to scientific research. But it is recommended that before children learn to read, they should hear stories read to them by their parents, which will help them learn pronunciation and be easily memorised. Secondly, reading books to kids can encourage their ability to think creatively. And lastly, reading and telling stories to children can strengthen the bonds between the parents and the child.

However, some people think children should be taught how to read books and discover other types of enjoyment independently. It is because parents become busy working or taking care of the house and do not get enough time to read books or spend time with their kids. Also, learning to read or gather information on their own helps children to become self-dependent from a young age.

Finally, different people have different opinions about reading or telling stories to their children. Since reading to children has so many advantages for both parents and children, I truly think that parents should make time for this activity. (258 words)

Vocabulary 

• Aloud (Adverb)

Meaning: in a voice loud enough to be heard

E.g.: My mother always made me read aloud as she believed it helped me learn faster.

• Arguments (Noun)

Meaning: an exchange of diverging or opposite views

E.g.: The couple started having arguments and left the restaurant.

• Pronunciation (Noun)

Meaning: the act or result of producing the sounds of speech, including articulation, stress, and intonation

E.g.: You should listen to English news or podcasts to learn the correct pronunciation of words.

• Creatively (Adverb)

Meaning: in a way that produces or uses original and unusual ideas

E.g.: It was surprising to see how Ray had presented such a simple topic so creatively.

• Strengthen (Verb)

Meaning: make or become stronger

E.g. Clear communication strengthens relationships.

• Independently (Adverb)

Meaning: in a way that is free from outside control or influence

E.g.: Jon’s father wanted him to do things independently so that he will not have any issues in the future.

• Self-dependent (Adjective)

Meaning: depending on yourself for everything you need, rather than on other people

E.g.: It is really important that children become self-dependent and learn certain things on their own.

Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children

The argument over whether parents should actively engage in reading or telling stories to their children versus allowing them to explore books, TV, or movies independently has been going on for a while. Both perspectives have their merits, and in my opinion, a balanced approach may benefit a child’s overall development.

On the one hand, supporters of parent-child storytelling argue that it builds a unique bond between parents and their children. The act of storytelling not only provides an opportunity for quality time together but also helps in the mental and emotional development of the child. Additionally, storytelling allows parents to impart values and morals through descriptions, offering a personalized touch that may be lacking in television shows or movies.

On the flip side, those who approve of independent exploration argue that exposure to various media can enhance a child’s creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Books, TV shows, and movies can introduce children to multiple perspectives, experiences, and knowledge that parents may not cover in their stories. Also, encouraging independent reading and viewing habits can encourage a sense of independence and a love for learning.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that a balanced approach is the most effective. While parent-child storytelling provides a special connection and a path for passing on values, independent exploration through books, TV, and movies develops a child’s mind. For instance, the Harry Potter series, both in book and film form, has captivated the imaginations of children globally. Parents reading the books aloud or allowing children to explore them independently can contribute positively to a child’s development. (265 words)

Vocabulary 

• Engage (Verb)

Meaning: to interest someone in something and keep them thinking about it

E.g.: The teacher is planning to engage the children in different activities.

• Perspectives (Noun)

Meaning: a particular way of considering something

E.g.: We might have different perspectives on this topic but that does not mean we will fight.

• Unique (Adjective)

Meaning: being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way

E.g.: The chameleon has a unique way to adapt itself to the surroundings by changing its color.

• Impart (Verb)

Meaning: to make known; tell

E.g.: The guru imparts knowledge to his students and makes them ready for life.

• Personalized (Adjective)

Meaning: used to describe an object that has someone’s name on it, or that has been made for a particular person

E.g.: Mr. Richie bought a personalized car for his daughter on her birthday.

• Exploration (Noun)

Meaning: the activity of searching and finding out about something

E.g.: Before he left on the exploration, he met his family for the last time.

• Exposure (Noun)

Meaning: an act or instance of revealing

E.g.: Continuous exposure to the sun led to skin cancer.

• Captivated (Verb)

Meaning: to hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, charming, or attractive

E.g.: Various acts in the circus captivated my young mind for a long time.

Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children

Vocabulary 

• Unassisted (Adjective)

Meaning: without being helped by anyone or anything

E.g.: She found the correct path unassisted.

• Cognitive (Adjective)

Meaning: relating to or involving the processes of thinking and reasoning

E.g.: Participating in word games and quiz shows helped to develop their cognitive skills.

• Comprehension (Noun)

Meaning: the ability to understand something

E.g.: For solving the IELTS Reading module, you need to sharpen your comprehension skills.

• Inculcate (Verb)

Meaning: to cause someone to have particular beliefs or values by repeating them frequently

E.g.: Parents and grandparents should inculcate good habits in their children.

• Resonate (Verb)

Meaning: to have particular meaning or importance for someone

E.g.: The opera resonated with him on a deeper level.

• Instilling (Verb)

Meaning: to put a feeling, idea, or principle gradually into someone’s mind, so that it has a strong influence on the way that person thinks or behaves

E.g.: Pops believes in instilling good values in his children and grandchildren.

• Ethics (Noun)

Meaning: a system of accepted beliefs that control behavior, especially such a system based on morals

E.g.: One of the foundational principles of our academy is good ethics.

• Self-reliance (Noun)

Meaning: the ability to do things and make decisions by yourself, without needing other people to help you

E.g.: Learning self-reliance is essential, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

• Literacy (Noun)

Meaning: knowledge of a particular subject, or a particular type of knowledge

E.g.: Computer literacy is one of the most important skills a student needs nowadays.

• Nurtures (Verb)

Meaning: care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing

E.g.: The nurse nurtures the newborn like her own children.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors for Gaining Bonus Points in the Sample Answers for Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children

Connectors or Linking words helps to bring coherence to your writing and increase your chances of scoring a high band. So, check out the list of connectors/linking words used in the sample responses for the IELTS Writing Task 2 – ‘Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children’ given below.

• To start
• But
• Secondly
• Lastly
• However
• Also
• Finally
• On the one hand
• Additionally
• On the flip side
• In conclusion
• For instance
• To begin with
• Besides
• Furthermore
• Conversely
• Further
• Most importantly
• Overall
• Therefore

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our FREE evaluation service!

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