27. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Undoubtedly, moral education holds immense significance in shaping an individual's character. Over the past 50 years, the landscape of student behavior has undergone more transformations than the preceding two centuries. The debate surrounding whether moral principles and responsibilities should be instilled at home or within the school environment is contentious, as there are compelling arguments both in favor and against each approach.

On one hand, parents wield considerable influence over their children's behavior as the primary educators in a child's life. The home serves as the initial classroom, laying the foundation for personality development. During the formative years, children are under the exclusive care of their parents, a period crucial for holistic development. The emotional bond formed during this time contributes significantly to the acquisition of traits essential for becoming a responsible member of society. The notion of being a productive contributor to society is often considered a significant milestone in a student's life.

Conversely, educators also play a pivotal role in molding a child's character and personality. Interactions with peers in school enable children to learn the values of collaboration and compromise, fostering the development of discipline. The imposition of strict rules and regulations within the school environment serves as a catalyst for essential skill acquisition. Children understand that disobedience carries consequences, instilling a sense of accountability that shapes their behavior.

In conclusion, from my perspective, moral education should undeniably be an integral component of modern education. Both the nurturing environment at home and the structured discipline within schools contribute significantly to shaping individuals with strong moral compasses and a sense of responsibility to society. A collaborative effort between parents and educators ensures a more comprehensive approach to moral development in the younger generation.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Undoubtedly (adverb): Without question or doubt.

 Example: Undoubtedly, moral education plays a key role in shaping character.

Transformations (noun): Significant changes or developments. 

Example: Student behavior has undergone more transformations in the past 50 years than in the previous two centuries.

Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause argument or disagreement. 

Example: The debate about where moral education should happen is contentious.

Wield (verb): To use or control something powerful or influential. 

Example: Parents wield considerable influence over their children's behavior.

Holistic (adjective): Relating to the whole of something, rather than just a part. 

Example: Moral education contributes to holistic development.

Collaboration (noun): The act of working together to achieve a shared goal. 

Example: School fosters collaboration and discipline.

Catalyst (noun): A substance that causes or speeds up a chemical reaction. Used figuratively here to mean something that triggers a change. 

Example: School rules act as a catalyst for skill acquisition.

Accountability (noun): The state of being answerable for one's actions. 

Example: Understanding consequences fosters accountability.

Nurturing (adjective): Caring for and encouraging the growth and development of something. Example: The home provides a nurturing environment.

Perspective (noun): A particular way of thinking about something.

 Example: Both parents and educators have different perspectives on moral education.

Comprehensive (adjective): Including everything that is important. 

Example: Collaboration ensures a more comprehensive approach.

27. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

The question of whether parents or institutions should be responsible for teaching children to be productive members of society is the subject of debate. This essay will investigate both perspectives and provide my opinion on the issue.

Advocates of parental responsibility argue that parents play a crucial role in moulding their children's behaviour and character. They believe that parents are their children's primary carers and role models, and are therefore best suited to inculcate values, ethics, and social norms. Teaching good behaviour within the family environment fosters strong emotional connections, promotes healthy relationships, and allows for personalised guidance and discipline.

On the other hand, proponents of school-based education contend that schools play a crucial role in preparing children to be contributing members of society. According to them, schools provide a structured and inclusive environment in which children can learn and practise social skills, empathy, and respect for others. Schools provide a diverse social environment, allowing students to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, thereby fostering tolerance and understanding.

Parents and schools, in my opinion, play distinct but complementary responsibilities in teaching children appropriate behaviour. Love, guidance, and discipline are provided by parents as the basis for moral development. They have the chance to model positive behaviour, instill empathy, and establish family values. In contrast, schools can reinforce and build upon these values by providing a broader social context and formal education on ethics, citizenship, and social responsibility.

A holistic approach to character development requires collaboration between parents and institutions. Open communication, parental participation in school activities, and the incorporation of character education into the curriculum can create a cohesive and effective structure for teaching good behaviour.

In conclusion, both parents and institutions play vital roles in preparing children to become contributing members of society. By recognising and supporting the shared responsibilities of parents and institutions, we can provide children with the necessary guidance, knowledge, and values for healthy social development.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Advocates (noun): People who publicly support a particular cause or policy.

Example: Advocates of parental responsibility emphasize the importance of family influence.

Inculcate (verb): To gradually teach someone something, especially values or attitudes.

Example: Parents inculcate honesty and respect in their children through everyday interactions.

Proponents (noun): People who support a particular idea or theory.

Example: Proponents of school-based education highlight the benefits of structured learning environments.

Contend (verb): To argue or maintain that something is true.

Example: Some contend that schools are better equipped to teach social skills than families.

Complementary (adjective): Working well together to achieve a particular goal.

Example: Parental and institutional roles are complementary in fostering responsible citizens.

Holistic (adjective): Considering all aspects of something as a whole, rather than just the individual parts.

Example: A holistic approach to education addresses both academic and social-emotional development.

Cohesive (adjective): Unified and consistent.

Example: Collaboration creates a cohesive system for shaping responsible behavior.

Vital (adjective): Absolutely necessary or essential.

Example: Both parents and institutions play vital roles in children's lives.

Shared responsibilities: Duties or obligations that are undertaken by multiple parties jointly.

Example: Recognizing the shared responsibilities of parents and schools benefits children's development.

27. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer 3

Band 8

Certainly, the significance of moral education in an individual's life cannot be overstated. Over the past 50 years, student behavior has undergone more profound transformations than in the preceding 200 years. The debate surrounding whether to instill moral values and duties at home or in school is undoubtedly controversial, given the compelling arguments both in favor and against each approach.

To commence, parents wield considerable influence over their children's behavior, assuming the primary role as educators in a child's life. The home serves as the initial school where the bedrock for personality development is laid. During the formative years, children are exclusively under the care of their parents, a period that significantly contributes to their overall growth. The emotional bond forged during this time facilitates the assimilation of qualities essential for becoming genuine and responsible members of society. Becoming a valuable citizen is rightfully considered a milestone in a student's life.

Conversely, educators also play a vital role in shaping a child's character and personality. Interactions with peers in school impart values of cooperation and compromise, fostering the development of discipline. The imposition of strict rules and regulations within the school environment serves as a catalyst for acquiring necessary skills. Children understand that disobedience carries consequences, contributing to shaping their behavior.

In conclusion, from my perspective, moral education should undoubtedly be an integral part of modern education. Both the nurturing environment at home and the structured discipline within schools contribute significantly to shaping individuals with strong moral compasses and a sense of responsibility to society. A collaborative effort between parents and educators ensures a more comprehensive approach to moral development in the younger generation.

27. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer 4

Band 8

Absolutely, the role of children as the future of every nation is undeniable, and instilling strong values and ethics in their early years is crucial for building a decent society. The debate over whether parents or teachers should take the lead in teaching these values is indeed controversial, with compelling arguments on both sides.

Parents hold a pivotal position in this educational journey. Primarily, they serve as a child's first and most influential teachers. Children absorb and mimic the behaviors they observe in their families, making parents instrumental in shaping their moral compass. Families can impart lessons on citizenship by fulfilling their responsibilities and setting positive examples. Research from "The Times of India" indicates that a significant 80 percent of adolescents follow their parents more closely than their educators. Moreover, parents, driven solely by concern for their children's well-being, have a unique ability to instill positive values, given their direct accountability for their children's upbringing.

On the flip side, contemporary challenges often hinder parents from dedicating ample time to their children. In such cases, schools become a crucial environment for children to learn essential values and societal norms. Considering that youngsters spend a significant portion of their time at educational institutions, teachers become key influencers in their overall development.

In conclusion, it's evident that both parents and teachers play pivotal roles in a child's life, sharing accountability for nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society. While parents offer unique insights and early guidance, teachers become influential mentors in a child's formative years. The collaborative efforts of both parties contribute significantly to molding responsible and productive members of the community.

27. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer 5

Band 8

Undoubtedly, children represent the cornerstone of a nation's future, and the cultivation of strong morals and ethics during their formative years is crucial for forging a positive and responsible society. The ongoing debate over whether parents or teachers should take the lead in imparting these values remains contentious, with compelling arguments on both fronts.

Parents, occupying a unique and primary position in this educational journey, wield profound influence over their offspring. As a child's inaugural educators, parents significantly shape their moral character. Children naturally absorb and reflect the behaviors exhibited by their family members, making parents powerful agents in molding not only academic proficiency but also instilling the qualities of good citizenship. A noteworthy survey conducted by "The Times of India" underscores this influence, revealing that a staggering 80% of teenagers place more obedience in their parents than their teachers. Moreover, driven solely by a genuine concern for their children's well-being, parents bear a direct and intimate responsibility for instilling positive values.

Nevertheless, contemporary challenges often hinder parents from dedicating sufficient time to their children. In these instances, educational institutions play a pivotal role in imparting essential values and societal norms. Given the substantial amount of time children spend in schools, teachers emerge as influential figures in their overall development.

In conclusion, it becomes evident that both parents and teachers play pivotal roles in a child's life, sharing accountability for nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society. While parents provide unique insights and early guidance, teachers become influential mentors during a child's formative years. The collaborative efforts of both parties significantly contribute to molding responsible, empathetic, and productive members of the community.

27. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer 6

Band 8

In the dynamic landscape of the past two decades, societal expectations have undergone substantial shifts, emphasizing the paramount importance of cultivating positive behavior and garnering respect from one's peers. The discourse surrounding the allocation of responsibility for instilling moral values in children has given rise to a contentious debate, with perspectives leaning towards either parents or schools.

Undoubtedly, parents exert a profound influence on shaping the character of their offspring. With children spending a substantial amount of time at home in many countries, the familial environment becomes the primary locus for learning ethics and social responsibilities. The unique bond between parents and children allows for a nuanced understanding of individual needs, enabling parents to identify specific areas for improvement. Armed with this knowledge, parents are well-positioned to impart essential values and guide their children towards becoming responsible, empathetic individuals.

On the opposing front, proponents argue that schools serve as pivotal institutions for instilling social values in students. Educators, armed with the stories of exemplary figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Ravi Singh, act as conduits for behavioral models. Unlike parents, teachers engage with a diverse array of students on a daily basis, providing them with a unique and influential platform to convey messages effectively. A recent article in the Times of India underscores this perspective, revealing that over 70% of children are more influenced by teachers than parents when it comes to imbibing ethics and moral values.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of both parents and teachers play integral roles in the holistic development of a child. Shared accountability between these two pillars of influence is crucial for nurturing children into productive members of society. Recognizing the unique strengths of each—parents' intimate knowledge and teachers' broad influence—forges a powerful alliance, contributing significantly to the development of individuals with strong moral foundations in an ever-evolving world.