Children Making Their Own Everyday Choices

  • Children
  • Parenting
  • Personal choices

Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Annotated response

1 correction note

In today's society, the role of children in decision-making is a topic of hot debate. While some argue that giving children the freedom to make choices on everyday matters can lead to self-centeredness, others believe it is essential for their development. This essay will explore both viewpoints. In my opinion, however, they should be given some freedom to

On the one hand, those who believe that children should not be permitted to make their own choices on everyday matters argue that this approach can result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. These individuals may not have a sense of responsibility towards others and may find it challenging to make necessary sacrifices for the greater good. They may lack the ability to compromise, which can lead to interpersonal conflicts.

On the other hand, some believe that it is essential for children to make decisions about matters that affect them. Allowing children to have a say in things such as clothing, food, and entertainment can enhance their decision-making skills and promote independence. It can also help children develop a sense of responsibility, which is essential in adulthood. In addition, children who are allowed to make their own choices may have a better understanding of the consequences of their actions.

In my opinion, children should be given the opportunity to make their own choices on everyday matters within a reasonable limit. While children need to understand the importance of compromise and social responsibility, it is also necessary to give them some freedom to express themselves. By doing so, they will develop a sense of identity and self-confidence, which is essential for their growth.

In conclusion, while some argue that allowing children to make their own choices can lead to self-centeredness, others believe that it is essential for their development. However, I believe that children should be allowed to make their own choices within a reasonable limit to promote their decision-making skills, independence, and sense of responsibility.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response fully addresses both views and states a clear, consistent opinion, with well-organized paragraphs and relevant supporting ideas. Its main limitation is a somewhat formulaic structure and repetitive phrasing, which prevents the ideas from being developed with greater depth and precision.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task, discusses both views with relevant ideas, and presents a clear consistent position throughout, though some points remain generally rather than fully developed.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas are logically organized with clear paragraphing and a range of cohesive devices used naturally, though progression within paragraphs is somewhat formulaic at times.

Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is sufficiently flexible and precise, using appropriate topic-related terms such as self-centeredness, compromise, and sense of responsibility, though some phrasing is repetitively recycled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A variety of complex structures is used with good control and frequent error-free sentences, including relative clauses and conditional relationships. Some sentence patterns recur, but the phrase "within a reasonable limit" is grammatical and should not be treated as an accuracy error.

More responses with feedback

View all 6 responses (6.5–7.0)