Plan this discussion essay about work with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that young people should follow the same career as their parents. Others believe that they should choose their own path.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some people think that young people should follow the same career as their parents, whereas others believe they should choose their own path. I will discuss both views before giving my opinion.
There are some reasons to follow parents' careers. Children who grow up in a family business or profession already have knowledge of the work and may be able to use their parents' contacts, advice and reputation to start more easily. Taking over a family farm, for example, keeps land and skills in the family. Parents can offer support and guidance, and the outcome often provides financial security and the comfort of a known environment, which is attractive in an uncertain job market.
On the other hand, there are strong arguments for independence. People differ in talents and interests, and a young person forced into a career they do not enjoy may become unhappy and unproductive. The world of work is also changing quickly, and the jobs that were popular a generation ago may be disappearing, so following the same path may not be sensible. Choosing one's own career encourages self-reliance, personal growth and the chance to bring new ideas to society, and it allows individuals to fulfil their own ambitions rather than those of someone else.
In my view, young people should be free to decide for themselves. Parents can offer advice and share their experience, and if the child shares their interests, following the same profession can be a fine choice, but pressure is harmful.
In conclusion, a family career may offer security and support, but personal choice usually leads to greater satisfaction and success, so I favour young people choosing their own path.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| family business | company owned by relatives |
| inherit | receive from parents |
| career choice | decision about a job |
| passion project | work done for love |
| follow in someone's footsteps | do as a relative did |
| personal ambition | individual aim |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
Average your four skill bands, rounded the way IELTS rounds them.
Compare an IELTS band with TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE scores and CEFR levels.
Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.