This is the next in my series of sample IELTS essays. This one is on the theme of the family and social problems caused by teenagers. In addition to the essay to download, I also give you some help with the language of cause and effect and impersonal essay vocabulary language.
The question and essay structure
In many countries there has been an increase in social problems involving teenagers in recent years. Many people believe that this is due to modern lifestyles because parents spend more and more time at work and have less time to supervise their children. To what extent do you believe this is true?
This is an essay question that can be dealt with in a variety of ways. If you decide the answer is “completely yes” or “completely no”, then you could have 2/3 content paragraphs explaining your arguments. I have chosen to use a “for and against” type structure and say that it is partly but not completely true. The benefit of this is that you normally had more to say.
The language of cause and effect
To essay this essay, you need to discuss cause and effect. This is some of the most important language you can learn for IELTS essays. It does help to use a variety of different words and structures. You can find some variations in my lesson on cause and effect vocabulary.
See the cause and effect language
There is no question that standards of behaviour have fallen among teenagers. The popular belief is that the principle cause is that parents are unable to supervise their children because they are away at work. There are, however, a number of other potential factors and in this essay I will examine what some of the reasons are.
It is undeniable that parents should bear some responsibility for the actions of their teenaged children. This is particularly true when they are absent from the home and not in a position to control their children. The argument is that if they were at home, then they would be able to make certain that their children did not join gangs and spent their time on socially acceptable activities.
However, it can also be said that working parents are in fact setting a good example to their children. Indeed, it is very often the case that teenagers who come from hardworking families spend their time on schoolwork and conduct themselves well. In fact, the teenagers who do create social problems by, for example, getting drunk or painting graffitti come from homes where parents are unemployed.
Other factors that lead to teenagers getting into trouble relate to the educational system. This is due to the fact that many teenagers leave school aged 16 and do not find work because of lack of qualifications. As a result, they spend time on the street with nothing productive to do. Likewise, social problems with teenagers can be the consequence of poor discipline at school with teachers failing to control their classes.
In conclusion, it is possible to say that this sort of problem is only sometimes the result of parents not supervising their children. It is equally possible to say that discipline in schools is at fault.
(299 words)
Impersonal language
If you are trying to make your essays more academic, it is also a good idea to try and use some impersonal language to give opinions. You can find some examples of this in my lesson on impersonal essay vocabulary. You are probably ring to use this language at the beginning of your sentences to help structure your writing.
See the impersonal vocabulary
There is no question that standards of behaviour have fallen among teenagers. The popular belief is that the principle cause is that parents are unable to supervise their children because they are away at work. There are, however, a number of other potential factors and in this essay I will examine what some of the reasons are.
It is undeniable that parents should bear some responsibility for the actions of their teenaged children. This is particularly true when they are absent from the home and not in a position to control their children. The argument is that if they were at home, then they would be able to make certain that their children did not join gangs and spent their time on socially acceptable activities.
However, it can also be said that working parents are in fact setting a good example to their children. Indeed, it is very often the case that teenagers who come from hardworking families spend their time on schoolwork and conduct themselves well. In fact, the teenagers who do create social problems by, for example, getting drunk or painting graffitti come from homes where parents are unemployed.
Other factors that lead to teenagers getting into trouble relate to the educational system. This is due to the fact that many teenagers leave school aged 16 and do not find work because of lack of qualifications. As a result, they spend time on the street with nothing productive to do. Likewise, social problems with teenagers can be the consequence of poor discipline at school with teachers failing to control their classes.
In conclusion, it is possible to say that this sort of problem is only sometimes the result of parents not supervising their children. It is equally possible to say that discipline in schools is at fault.
The essay to download
Teenagers - sample IELTS essay (3445)Get more free lessons
I like it
The Impersonal language is so useful. It would probably help me to improve my academic writing. Thank you.
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