Plan this advantages and disadvantages essay about family 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:
In some families, grandparents look after young children while the parents are at work.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
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
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Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
In some families, grandparents look after young children while the parents are at work. I believe the advantages of this arrangement outweigh the disadvantages.
The most obvious advantage is practical. Childcare is expensive in many countries, and relying on grandparents can save a family a large part of their monthly income. Parents also gain peace of mind, as they are leaving their children with someone who loves them and whom they trust completely, rather than with a stranger. For the children, spending time with their grandparents offers emotional security and a link to family history, culture and traditions. A grandfather who teaches a child traditional songs or recipes passes down heritage that no nursery could provide. The arrangement benefits the elderly, too, as caring for young children gives them a sense of purpose, keeps them active and reduces loneliness. In societies such as Turkey and China, this has long been the normal pattern, and many people look back on it warmly.
Nevertheless, there are disadvantages. Looking after energetic children is tiring, and older people with health problems may find the work too demanding. Grandparents may also hold different views on discipline, diet or education, and this can lead to conflict with the parents, or leave the child receiving mixed messages. Some grandparents indulge their grandchildren too much, which makes it harder for parents to set rules. In addition, the arrangement may limit the grandparents' own freedom to travel or enjoy their retirement.
These problems can be reduced through open discussion, clear agreements on routines and limits on the hours of care.
In conclusion, although grandparent care can be tiring and may cause disagreements, its financial, emotional and cultural benefits make it a valuable option for many families.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| childcare | looking after children |
| extended family | relatives beyond the parents and children |
| pass down traditions | teach customs to the next generation |
| generation gap | difference in attitudes between age groups |
| dual-income household | home where both parents earn |
| rely on | depend on |
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