IELTS Band 9 Essay About free time activities for children

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about ” free time activities for children should be organized by parents”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 100 band 9 IELTS sample released in 2024.

Introduction (100 Words)

The debate surrounding how children should spend their free time raises compelling arguments. Some believe that parents should organize activities to ensure children’s time is used productively and aligned with developmental goals. Proponents argue that structured activities foster discipline and skill-building. Conversely, others advocate for allowing children the freedom to choose their leisure pursuits, emphasizing creativity, autonomy, and the natural exploration of interests. Balancing these perspectives is vital, as over-structuring may stifle individuality, while excessive freedom could lead to unproductive habits. A balanced approach considers both guided activities and independent exploration, ensuring holistic growth and personal satisfaction.

Band 9 Sample Answer

Some people say free time activities for children should be organized by parents. Others say that children should be free to choose what they do in their free time.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Free time is a crucial aspect of a child’s development, offering opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and growth. However, opinions differ on whether parents should organize these activities or allow children the freedom to choose their pursuits. Both perspectives offer compelling arguments and deserve careful consideration.

Those in favor of parent-organized activities highlight the importance of structure in fostering valuable skills and habits. Guided activities, such as sports, music lessons, or academic clubs, provide children with a sense of discipline and purpose. Furthermore, parents can ensure that their children engage in constructive and enriching activities that align with long-term developmental goals. For example, a child involved in team sports not only improves physical fitness but also learns collaborative and social skills. However, excessive parental control can sometimes lead to resentment and a lack of independence, which are counterproductive to a child’s emotional and psychological growth.

On the other hand, advocates for children’s autonomy argue that free time should be an opportunity for self-directed exploration. When children choose their activities, they are more likely to pursue genuine interests, fostering creativity and intrinsic motivation. For instance, a child allowed to experiment with painting or coding in their free time may discover a passion that could shape their future. Additionally, giving children freedom teaches them essential decision-making and time-management skills. Nevertheless, a lack of guidance might result in unproductive behavior, such as excessive screen time or inactivity.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is most beneficial. Parents should guide their children by offering a range of choices, encouraging participation in structured activities while leaving room for self-exploration. For example, parents might enroll their child in a music class but also allow unstructured time for activities like reading or imaginative play. Such an approach ensures children reap the benefits of both structure and independence, fostering well-rounded development.

In conclusion, while structured activities offer discipline and skill-building, unstructured free time nurtures creativity and autonomy. By balancing parental guidance with freedom, children can develop both essential life skills and personal fulfillment, ensuring a holistic approach to their growth.

Academic Vocabulary in sample for free time activities for children

1. constructive (kənˈstrʌk.tɪv): Activities that are productive and beneficial.
   • Example: Engaging in constructive discussions can enhance critical thinking skills.
2. collaborative (kəˈlæb.ər.ə.tɪv): Involving cooperation and teamwork.
   • Example: The project was completed successfully due to the collaborative efforts of the team.
3. resentment (rɪˈzɛnt.mənt): A feeling of anger or displeasure about being controlled or restricted.
   • Example: The strict rules led to resentment among the employees.
4. balanced (ˈbæl.ənst): Having the right proportion of elements; fair and equitable.
   • Example: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health.
5. autonomy (ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi): The ability to make one’s own decisions independently.
   • Example: Many young people seek autonomy when choosing their career paths.

Advanced Grammar Structures in sample for free time activities for children

1. Complex Sentences with Concessive Clauses:
   • “While structured activities offer discipline and skill-building, unstructured free time nurtures creativity and autonomy.”
     • These structures demonstrate a nuanced argument and highlight contrasts effectively.
2. Conditional Sentences:
   • “When children choose their activities, they are more likely to pursue genuine interests.”
     • The conditional adds depth and logic to the argument.
3. Passive Voice:
   • “Both perspectives offer compelling arguments and deserve careful consideration.”
     • The passive structure emphasizes the ideas over the subject.
4. Parallelism:
   • “Parents should guide their children by offering a range of choices, encouraging participation in structured activities while leaving room for self-exploration.”
     • Parallel structures enhance clarity and sophistication.
5. Examples and Elaboration:
   • “For instance, a child allowed to experiment with painting or coding in their free time may discover a passion that could shape their future.”
     • This technique adds credibility and enriches the argument.

Writing Format and Features for Band 9

1. Clear Introduction and Thesis: The essay begins with a clear statement of the issue and an overview of both perspectives, setting the tone for balanced discussion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Each paragraph transitions smoothly with linking phrases such as “On the other hand” and “In conclusion.”
3. Academic Tone and Vocabulary: The use of precise, formal language like “constructive” and “collaborative” elevates the essay.
4. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses the prompt, discussing both views in detail and presenting a clear opinion.
5. Variety in Grammar and Sentence Structure: Advanced grammatical structures enhance the essay’s complexity, showcasing linguistic proficiency.

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