Cambridge IELTS 12 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

Parents have always disagreed about how much freedom children should have. Some fear that letting them choose their own meals, clothes and entertainment will produce selfish adults, while others consider participation in decisions essential. I largely agree with the second view.

Those who worry about self-centred citizens have a point. A child who always decides what the family eats or watches may come to expect that their preferences take precedence, and may find it hard to compromise at school or at work later. Constant choice can also encourage consumerism, as children, influenced by advertising, demand the latest toys and fashions. Firm boundaries set by parents teach patience and respect for the needs of others, and a household in which adults sometimes say no is not necessarily an unhappy one.

However, denying children any say in matters that concern them carries its own risks. Making decisions is a skill that must be practised, and a teenager who has never chosen anything may struggle when facing university courses or financial choices. Children who are consulted about, for instance, which club to join or how to spend their pocket money tend to feel respected and become more responsible, because they must live with the consequences of their decisions. Over time, this practice builds the confidence needed for independent adult life.

In my opinion, the key is to offer choices that match a child's age and to explain the reasons behind any limits. A six-year-old might pick between two healthy meals, while a fifteen-year-old can help decide where the family goes on holiday. Such an approach lets children learn that their wishes matter, but also that other people's wishes matter equally, which is the opposite of selfishness.