IELTS Writing Samples

Samples for: Some people think that children should spend all of their free time with their families. Others believe that this is not necessary and that children should spend their free time outside the home. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Children's Free Time: Family vs. Outside Activities

IELTS Writing Task 2

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Complete
7.5
Response: There is a debate about how children should spend their spare time. While it is argued that they should spend all of their free time with their family, I do believe that it would be more beneficial for children to engage in activities outside the home. On one hand, spending free time at home can strengthen family bonds. Frequent interactions create an intimate atmosphere among family members, which allows children to reveal their emotions and share their daily activities. For instance, describing the issues they face at school or planning for their birthday party. These situations enable parents to be aware of their children's activities, giving them advice to deal with their concerns while providing emotional support through spending quality time together. Children also feel more secure because of their parents' support and benefit from their guidance. Therefore, spending time at home offers a mutual closeness between parents and children, leads to more efficient decision making as well as finding reassurance. However, outdoor activities provide an excellent opportunity for children to improve their social skills. When children allocate their time away from home, they have to communicate with a variety of age groups, requiring appropriate responses. For example, young people will learn how to manage a conflict with their peers when have disagreements or show good manner while communicating with older people. These social competencies are less likely to become achievable at home as the youngsters only interact with family members. As a result, the young acquire adaptive response in different situations through spending their free time outside. In conclusion, it is true that allocating spare time at home offers children a safe place to express their concerns; However, it gives them a limited social circle as well. Spending time outside provides obtaining social skills, which is crucial for life. Then, I do agree with the latter opinion.
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