GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 26
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic.
“Fatherhood ought to be emphasised as much as motherhood. The idea that women are solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that they are also responsible for bringing the children up.”
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You should write at least 250 words.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Model Answer 1: [Viewpoint: The parenting responsibilities should be shared]
The role of fatherhood is equally important as motherhood, and it is crucial to emphasize its significance in society. While traditionally the decision to have children and the responsibility of upbringing have been primarily associated with women, it is essential to shift the narrative towards recognizing the shared responsibility of both parents.
One reason why fatherhood should be emphasized is the positive impact it has on children’s development. Research has shown that children who have actively involved fathers tend to have better cognitive and emotional development, improved social skills, and higher academic achievements. For instance, a study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that children with involved fathers were more likely to perform well in school and have healthier social relationships.
Emphasizing fatherhood also contributes to gender equality and dismantles traditional gender stereotypes. When society acknowledges and encourages men to actively participate in child-rearing, it challenges the notion that caregiving responsibilities solely belong to women. This shift can have a profound impact on gender dynamics, promoting equal opportunities and choices for both men and women. It enables women to pursue their career aspirations without being burdened by the societal expectation of being the sole caregiver, while also allowing men to experience the joys and responsibilities of parenthood fully.
In conclusion, it is imperative to emphasize fatherhood on par with motherhood. By recognizing the vital role fathers play in child development, promoting gender equality, and fostering strong family bonds, we create a more inclusive and supportive society. Emphasizing fatherhood not only benefits children but also empowers both men and women to share parenting responsibilities and contribute to the holistic well-being of their families.
Model Answer 2: [Viewpoint: The responsibilities should be shared]
Mothers bear the brunt of the responsibilities in bringing a child into this world, but, as far as the issue of raising a child is concerned, both father and mother are equally responsible even though some would suggest that mothers, in fact, are more responsible than fathers in raising a child. I believe that fatherhood is just as important as motherhood and both parents have equal responsibilities to raise a child.
To begin with, the role of a father in raising a child is absolutely essential since it is his first and foremost responsibility to provide for all the financial needs of not only raising the child but also that of the nursing mother. Of course, a mother can also chip in to share the expenses if she wants, but it is not her responsibility, after all. Many researchers and studies have shown that a father’s involvement is absolutely crucial in a child’s cognitive and physical growth. So, when a father plays with his child, feeds him, cuddles him and cleans him/her up, he is building a very strong bond with his child which may prove to be very crucial in shaping his/her life as a confident and responsible adult in future. Besides, contrary to popular misconception or belief, fathers also do enjoy this very natural father-child relationship which serves both really well.
Moreover, modern-day mothers are just not able to look after their children always, despite their best efforts and intentions, while having demanding careers at the same time. Therefore, it is quite natural that the mothers will expect a bit more help from the fathers as far as raising a child is concerned. On top of that, when it comes to providing better security and emotional support to a child, a fatherly figure quite “naturally” has a greater role to play more often than not. Finally, when a child sees how both parents are enjoying sharing the responsibilities of raising a child, he/she grows an even stronger sense of support and security in him.
To conclude, fatherhood should also be highlighted and encouraged just as much as motherhood because it is no less special and unique than motherhood. Also, a child needs the support and care of both parents and that’s why the responsibilities should be shared.
Model Answer 3: [Viewpoint: both parents should play an equal role in raising the child.]
In modern society, the roles of mothers and fathers in deciding to have a baby and later on, the upbringing of the baby has been transformed to a great extent. Undeniably, a mother has a greater role in bringing a child into this world, but once the baby is born both parents should play an equal role in raising the child.
To begin with, a baby needs care, time and support from both parents as it ensures his/her proper cognitive development and infallible attachment to the family. When a father plays his role properly, it gives the mother some space and time to look after other important aspects of the family besides taking the best care of the baby. Besides, when fathers spend more time with their children, they learn some special skills and important life lessons that make them ready to face the challenges in the future. Thus a child needs a mother’s affection and a father’s companion to grow as a good and rational human being. Finally, it is practically impossible for a woman to look after her child and still pursue a demanding career without help from her husband.
Moreover, I do not believe that mothers alone decide when to have a baby as modern parents decide it mutually considering both parents’ wishes and circumstances. Thus the responsibility of upbringing a child should not be automatically bequeathed upon the mother and exempt the father from all responsibilities. I believe that the active participation of both parents is essential in maintaining a healthy relationship and properly nurturing the child.
To conclude, I believe the pure joy of parenthood is as unique and special for a father as it is for a mother and both parents should share the parenting responsibilities equally.
Model Answer 4: [Viepoint: Fatherhood is important for children.]
Some people go on arguing that mothers should be responsible for child-rearing as the decision of whether or not to have children is exclusively made by them. I, however, believe that fatherhood is as noteworthy as motherhood regarding children’s upbringing because fathers can inculcate a sense of confidence and intellect, and offer different perspectives to their children.
It goes without saying that fathers instil a feeling of self-confidence. In simple words, fathers provide their children with a sense of security, both emotional and physical. By helping children to demonstrate how much they are loved and valued, children with affectionate fathers are more likely to build up self-esteem and are usually more confident and happier as well. A growing number of studies reveal that when fathers are supportive, it produces an effect on children’s cognitive and social development, which, in turn, helps foster a sense of self-confidence and well-being.
Likewise, fathers also provide alternative viewpoints that open up new horizons of worldview. In most cases, children are usually curious, and fathers and mothers approach those curiosities in different ways. Active parents with dissimilar approaches to parenting pave the way for exposing children to a wide range of paradigms of thoughts that hones the problem-solving skill set. Active fathers can share their outlook on life and teach their children crucial life skills. This is why fathers are asked to spend quality time with their children by many child psychologists.
To reiterate, fathers play such a pivotal part in their children’s upbringing and that cannot be filled by others. This is because fathers boost confidence and provide different views to their children. I would end by quoting “The fathers have eaten a sour grape and the children’s teeth are set on edge”.