The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas – IELTS Writing Task 2

Agree Disagree essays, like ‘The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas’, are the most common type of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2.

In contrast to classic Agree Disagree essays, ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ questions do not specifically ask you to declare your level of agreement or disagreement with the statement. You can either say for or against the notion or you can partly agree or disagree with it. Once you’ve made up your mind, come up with two or three arguments in favor of it.

Since Writing Task 2 can be challenging for many IELTS candidates, practising topics like ‘The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas’ will help you acquaint yourself with the format of structuring an IELTS Agree Disagree essays. Also, if you want to practise regularly, check out the Writing Task 2 practice tests.

Let’s have a look at the Agree Disagree essay – The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas – with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores.

Question

Outline

Check Out – IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas

People’s opinions differ on whether the ideals of previous generations are still applicable in modern society. Although certain beliefs have expired in their usefulness, I believe that many ideas are still relevant in today’s environment.

On the one hand, some of the traditional beliefs of past generations are already out of date. First of all, I think that job advice from older people is outdated. Earlier, people used to select a steady profession like a doctor, teacher, or engineer. Nowadays, choosing good employment is more flexible. For example, those who decide to launch their own businesses or work as freelancers may do so without facing criticism for their incorrect career decisions. Similarly, it is important to recognise that old beliefs on gender roles have become invalid. While men held prominent positions in society, women were traditionally expected to take care of the home. However, at present times, gender equality exists not only within families but throughout the society.

On the other hand, certain concepts are still relevant today. One argument in favour of the appropriateness of old concepts is the strong value placed on hard work, despite the advancements made in contemporary society. It is why the lessons our ancestors’ hard work and dedication have followed are always helpful. Also, it is necessary to note that manners and politeness are traits people must learn. It is so because certain actions, like being kind to the elderly or acting appropriately in public, are in line with established cultural norms.

In conclusion, I argue that some values will endure over time despite the notion that traditional ideas no longer apply to contemporary society. It is, therefore, the duty of the younger generations to preserve them and prepare for the future. (288 words)

Band 7 Vocabulary 

• Ideal (Noun)

Meaning: a principle, idea, or standard that seems very good and worth trying to achieve

Example: He follows the ideals of Buddha with sincerity.

• Expired (Verb)

Meaning: to come to an end; terminate

Example: Once the food has expired, you should throw it away.

• Outdated (Adjective)

Meaning: old-fashioned and no longer useful or relevant to modern life

Example: The professor was hated because of his outdated views of the dress of women.

• Freelancer (Noun)

Meaning: an individual who makes money on a per-job basis

Example: Smriti is working as a freelancer and earning enough money to support her family.

• Relevant (Adjective)

Meaning: having something to do with the matter being considered

Example: It is wise to carry all relevant documents on the test day to avoid complications.

• Trait (Noun)

Meaning: a particular characteristic that can produce a particular type of behavior

Example: If parents are careful, they can observe these violent traits from early childhood and rectify them.

• Endure (Verb)

Meaning: to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful

Example: Michael endured all the pain and insult and ultimately won the competition to everyone’s surprise.

Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas

Over the years, there has been a shift in people’s ways of thinking, acting, and living. While some believe that traditional thinking is the most significant way to live, others argue that children raised with these ideas are unprepared for modern life. Although I believe that the older generation will not completely impact the behavior and lives of the younger age, conventional methods are also essential.

There is no denying that younger people are more capable of handling technology to make their work more accessible than elderly individuals, as they find it challenging to keep up with some contemporary developments. For instance, youngsters can use various AI tools and gadgets to increase productivity, while older people still follow the manual process. As a result, they are unable to counsel or become involved in the young people’s daily activities. Moreover, due to the generation gap, their opinions diverge on topics like internet usage, career paths, and gender equality. For example, although most parents force their kids to pursue professional careers like engineering or medicine, the younger ones choose to pursue their interests.

Nonetheless, young people should not overlook the conventional beliefs that might help them through life. Firstly, old folks have more life experience since they have overcome many challenges. A person with a seasoned mentor can handle life more easily than someone who ignores the elders. Secondly, seniors possess knowledge about human conduct and can provide guidance on navigating a social situation. For example, older employees can coach junior employees on work communication. Thus, we should not discard older people’s beliefs because they are based on their experiences.

In summary, there are positive aspects to letting conservative ideas rule our lives, just as there are harmful aspects. Therefore, it is for our good that we take the best of both viewpoints and move forward as a generation. (308 words)

Band 8 Vocabulary 

• Conventional (Adjective)

Meaning: things that are normal, ordinary, and following the accepted way

Example: She wants to get married in the conventional way with all the colours and ceremonies.

• Accessible (Adjective)

Meaning: able to be reached or easily obtained

Example: After the development in these areas, the villages in this part of the country has become more accessible.

• Gadget (Noun)

Meaning: a small device or machine with a particular purpose

Example: Nowadays, we have multiple kitchen gadgets to make cooking easy and perfect.

• Counsel (Verb)

Meaning: to give advice, esp. on social or personal problems

Example: Whenever we faced any problem, we went to our grandfather for counsel.

• Folk (Noun)

Meaning: people, especially those of a particular group or type

Example: All the village folks are eagerly waiting for the new Chief Minister to visit them.

• Seasoned (Adjective)

Meaning: having a lot of experience of doing something and therefore knowing how to do it well

Example: Maggie is a seasoned actor and everyone asks her for acting advice.

• Coach (Verb)

Meaning: to give instruction or advice; instruct

Example: Rick’s father used to coach him on how to become a top baseball player.

Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas

Band 9 Vocabulary 

• Advocated (Verb)

Meaning: to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something

Example: Seema advocated for the rights of women in her country and won the prestigious award.

• Hinder (Verb)

Meaning: make it difficult for (someone) to do something or for (something) to happen

Example: The storm hindered their journey to the top of Mount Everest.

• Timeless (Adjective)

Example: lasting forever; never showing the effects of aging

Example: Kishore Kumar’s voice is timeless and is loved by everyone irrespective of the age.

• Navigate (Verb)

Meaning: to direct or manage

Example: Everyone believed that Rohan will navigate through all his problems.

• Customary (Adjective)

Meaning: according to or depending on custom; usual

Example: It is customary to have a one to one meeting with the interns and guide them through their tasks.

• Undervalue (Verb)

Meaning: to decide or say that something is less valuable or important than it really is

Example: Rafu’s mother always undervalued his talent.

• Departure (Noun)

Meaning: the action of leaving, especially to start a journey

Example: All the departure of the guests, the house became quiet and lonely.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors Used in the Sample Answers for The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas

Connectors are used to add coherence to your writing, which helps you achieve a high IELTS band score. So, check out the list of connectors used in the above-given sample answers used in IELTS Writing Task 2 – The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas.

• On the one hand
• First of all/Firstly
• For example/For instance/To illustrate
• Similarly
• However/Nonetheless/Conversely
• On the other hand
• Also/Moreover
• In conclusion/In summary/To sum up
• Therefore/As a result/Thus
• Secondly
• To begin with
• Most importantly
• From my perspective

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas – 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!

Additional Resources

• In Many Countries The Proportion Of Older Is Steadily Increasing- IELTS Writing 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: People are living longer
• Learn How to Complete IELTS Task 2 Writing in 40 Minutes
• Leaders and directors in an organization are normally older people – IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Essays
• In Britain When Someone Gets Old They Often Go To Live In A Home- IELTS Writing Task 2 
• Even though Doctors advise Old People to get More Exercise- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Young People Find it Difficult to Communicate With Older People- IELTS Writing Task 2 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: The increase in people’s life expectancy