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Discussion (Discuss both views) Work and employment Task 2

in some cutures children are often told that they can achieve anything if they work hard. what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message.

A full IELTS Writing Task 2 answer to this question, with a paragraph plan and what this question type is asking you to do.

The question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

in some cutures children are often told that they can achieve anything if they work hard. what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

How to read this question

You are given two opposing views and asked to discuss both before giving your own. The single most common Band 6 cause here is discussing both sides but never stating your own opinion, or stating it only in the conclusion.

Paragraph plan

Introduction — Neutral paraphrase without opinion

Body 1 — Focus on positive aspects

Body 2 — Focus on negative aspects

Conclusion — Neutral summary of both sides

Model answer

Model answer

273 words

In certain societies, young people are frequently encouraged with the belief that persistent effort will enable them to accomplish any objective. This approach to child-rearing carries both significant benefits and notable drawbacks that merit careful examination.

Teaching children that hard work leads to success offers several compelling advantages. Most importantly, this message instills strong motivation and resilience in young minds. Children who embrace this philosophy typically develop superior persistence when facing academic challenges or personal setbacks. For instance, students who believe their efforts directly influence outcomes are more likely to spend additional time studying difficult subjects rather than accepting poor performance. Furthermore, this mindset cultivates personal responsibility and self-reliance, as children learn that their achievements depend primarily on their own dedication rather than external circumstances.

However, this message also presents significant disadvantages that cannot be overlooked. The primary concern is that it may create unrealistic expectations about life's complexities. Children might develop excessive self-blame when they fail despite genuine effort, not understanding that factors such as natural aptitude, socioeconomic background, or simply luck play crucial roles in success. Additionally, this philosophy can generate harmful psychological pressure, leading some children to overwork themselves or develop anxiety about performance. In extreme cases, young people may ignore their mental health and well-being in pursuit of goals that may be genuinely unattainable regardless of effort.

In conclusion, while encouraging children to believe in the power of hard work can foster determination and personal responsibility, it may also create unrealistic expectations and psychological pressure. The effectiveness of this message largely depends on how it is communicated and whether it acknowledges the complex nature of success in real life.

Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.

This is a discussion (discuss both views) question. The model answer above shows you what a strong answer looks like when it is finished. What it cannot show you is how to get there from a blank page in forty minutes.

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