IELTS Writing Discussion Essay Model Answer 13 – Topic: Formal Education

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people think that formal education should start for children as early as possible. While others think that it should not start until 7 years of age. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer

Some people have the opinion that the ideal time for children to begin their formal education is as soon as possible, others believe that it should not start until they are 7 years old. I believe that it is better to not start until they have at least reached the age of 7.

Those that believe in beginning formal education for children early have their reasons. Firstly, they believe that the earlier the children start to learn, smarter they will be. This is because they will have a head-start over those children who start late. Another reason is that children will learn to be independent, motivated and competitive as they aim to get the best scores and to complete their homework on their own.

Even after these arguments, I believe starting at age 7 is the right choice. This is because overburdening them with study and trying to beat others in the competitive environment simply leads to stress. This is not a good thing for very young children, who should be encouraged to enjoy their lives and make friends. Also, parents should focus on play-based activities at home, which will help them both learn and play and develop cognitive abilities more effectively. For example, in countries such as Sweden and Finland children start formal education later and they have shown better results than many other countries. And this is clear evidence of its benefits.

I think that children should not start school until the age of 7 because they can learn more through play-based activities than formal education. Formal education at an early age simply leads to stress and does not help children achieve higher grades long-term as it builds up pressure.

STRUCTURE OF IELTS DISCUSSION ESSAY

Question Paraphrased -Some people have the opinion that the ideal time for children to begin their formal education is as soon as possible, others believe that it should not start until they are 7 years old.

A thesis statement – I believe that it is better to not start until they have at least reached the age of 7.

Body Paragraph 1

Central idea: ‘Reasons to begin formal education early.’

Supporting points:

• They believe that the earlier the children start to learn; smarter they will be. This is because they will have a head-start over those children who start late.
• Children will learn to be independent, motivated and competitive as they aim to get the best scores and to complete their homework on their own.

Body Paragraph 2:

Central idea: Reasons to start formal education late.

Supporting points:

• This is because over-burdening them with study and trying to beat others in the competitive environment simply leads to stress. This is not a good thing for very young children, who should be encouraged to enjoy their lives and make friends.
• Parents should focus on play-based activities at home, which will help them both learn and play and develop cognitive abilities more effectively.

Conclusion

I think that children should not start school until the age of 7 because they can learn more through play-based activities than formal education. Formal education at an early age simply leads to stress and does not help children achieve higher grades long-term as it builds up pressure.