Last Updated: 20th April 2023
GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 357
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think it would be a good idea for schools to teach every young person how to be a good parent.
Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Describe the skills a person needs to be a good parent.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: Agreement]
It is often argued that schools should provide education on parenting skills to young individuals. While some people believe that it would be beneficial, others disagree with this notion. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument and provide my own opinion on the matter. Additionally, I will highlight the essential skills required to be a good parent.
Those who support the idea of teaching parenting skills in schools argue that it can be highly beneficial for young individuals who are soon-to-be parents. They believe that providing education on important topics such as child development, health, nutrition, discipline, and communication can help parents to raise their children in a better way. Moreover, it can also prevent potential issues such as child abuse, neglect, and other negative consequences that can arise from a lack of knowledge about parenting.
On the other hand, some people believe that it is not the responsibility of schools to teach individuals how to be good parents. They argue that parenting is a personal matter, and parents should learn on their own rather than relying on schools. Additionally, schools should focus on academic education rather than teaching personal skills such as parenting.
In my opinion, teaching parenting skills in schools is an essential step towards ensuring better parenting and child welfare. By providing education on parenting skills, schools can help parents raise their children in a positive and healthy way, which can ultimately lead to a better society.
To be a good parent, one should possess several skills. First, good communication skills are essential to be able to communicate with children effectively. Secondly, parents should have patience and understanding to deal with their children’s emotions and behaviour. Thirdly, it is important to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and learn. Additionally, parents should have a good knowledge of child development, health, and nutrition to provide proper care to their children.
In conclusion, teaching parenting skills in schools can be highly beneficial for young individuals who are soon-to-be parents. The essential skills required for good parenting include good communication, patience, providing a safe environment, and having knowledge of child development, health, and nutrition.
Sample Answer 2: [Disagreement]
While the idea of teaching young people how to be good parents may seem appealing, I believe it is not a suitable role for schools to take on. Parents and caregivers have the primary responsibility for teaching their children how to be responsible and caring individuals, including how to raise children of their own in the future. Moreover, the skills necessary for effective parenting are diverse and complex, making it difficult for schools to provide comprehensive instruction.
It is undeniable that not every young person will choose to become a parent, so teaching parenting skills may not be relevant or helpful to them. Furthermore, cultural and societal expectations regarding parenting practices can vary greatly, and it is not the role of schools to impose a particular view on all students.
The skills required for effective parenting are also multifaceted and cannot be easily taught in a classroom setting. For example, parents must have the strong emotional intelligence to be able to effectively communicate with their children and understand their needs. They must also have the financial literacy to provide for their children’s needs, as well as be able to balance work and family life. Additionally, parents must have a good understanding of child development and psychology to help their children navigate the challenges of growing up. To illustrate, a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research in the United States found that parenting practices varied significantly by income and education level. The study found that parents with higher levels of education were more likely to read to their children, have more books in the home, and engage in more educational activities with their children. This suggests that parenting skills are strongly influenced by the social and economic context in which individuals live, making it difficult for schools to provide comprehensive instruction.
In conclusion, while the idea of teaching young people how to be good parents may seem appealing, I believe it is not a suitable role for schools to take on. The skills required for effective parenting are multifarious and intricate, making it difficult for schools to provide comprehensive instruction.