Some people believe that it is important for parents to read or tell stories to their children. Others say that in the modern world, parents don't have to do this because children have so many other sources for stories, like books, movies, and TV.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people believe that it is important for parents to read or tell stories to their children. Others say that in the modern world, parents don't have to do this because children have so many other sources for stories, like books, movies, and…

Parents reading or telling stories to children versus modern media sources - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 · 370 words.

**Some people think that parents should read or tell stories to their children instead of allowing them to watch films or use other modern media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?**

In today's digital age, children have access to a wide range of modern media, including films, television programmes and online videos. Some people believe that parents should read or tell stories to their children rather than relying on these sources. I largely agree with this view because traditional storytelling provides important educational and emotional benefits, although modern media can also be useful when used appropriately.

One major advantage of parents reading or telling stories is that it strengthens the relationship between adults and children. When parents spend time telling stories, they can interact directly with their children, ask questions and discuss the characters and events. This creates an opportunity for children to express their opinions and emotions. In contrast, watching a film is generally a more passive activity, as children mainly receive information without having to participate actively. Moreover, listening to stories can improve children's language skills and imagination because they need to create mental images of the characters and situations themselves.

Another benefit is that parents can use stories to teach children important values. For example, stories about honesty, kindness or responsibility can help children understand appropriate behaviour in an engaging way. Parents can also choose stories according to their children's age and interests and explain difficult ideas when necessary. This level of personal guidance is not always available through online videos or television programmes.

However, modern media should not necessarily be regarded as harmful. Educational films and children's programmes can provide valuable knowledge and introduce young people to places, cultures and scientific concepts that may be difficult to explain through books alone. Visual content can also make learning more enjoyable and accessible. Therefore, the problem is not modern technology itself, but excessive or inappropriate use of it.

In conclusion, I believe that parents should continue to read and tell stories to their children because this encourages imagination, improves communication and strengthens family relationships. Nevertheless, modern media can also have educational value, so the best approach is to combine traditional storytelling with carefully selected digital content.

Examiner feedback

This is a well-structured and thoughtfully argued essay that clearly addresses all parts of the prompt. The language is natural, grammatically sound, and supported by a strong vocabulary range, reflecting a solid Band 7 performance.

Task Response - 7

- Fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both traditional storytelling and modern media. - Presents a clear, well-developed position throughout the response with relevant supporting ideas. - Extends main ideas logically, acknowledging the value of modern media while maintaining a clear stance.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Paragraphs are logically organized with a clear central topic in each paragraph. - Cohesive devices are used appropriately, ensuring a clear progression throughout the essay. - Referencing and paragraph transitions flow naturally without mechanical errors.

Lexical Resource - 7

- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. - Incorporates less common lexical items such as "passive activity" and "personal guidance" with accurate collocations. - Spelling and word formation are consistently accurate.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- Uses a variety of complex structures alongside simple forms effectively. - The majority of sentences are error-free with good overall command of grammar. - Punctuation is accurate and supports the clarity of the arguments.

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