Model Answer A

Model Answer A - Band 9

Some people insist that children should have the freedom to decide what they should eat,
wear, read or watch. Others opine that if children have the freedom to make their own choices,
they will grow up into selfish individuals. In my opinion, children should definitely have the
freedom to make their own choices; however, parents should also teach them to respect
the needs and wants of others.

It is important for children to make their own choices. This way they can learn to be
independent and grow up into strong willed adults who achieve success. What’s more, a
child who knows what he wants is more likely to be successful than one who has no clear
goals or ambitions. Needless to say, children who take small decisions right from their
childhood are better at dealing with challenges and conflicts.

However, there is an important downside to this. Children who make their own choices have
increased chances of becoming selfish. For instance, my nephew always insists on watching
his favourite programmes on television. He does not care whether the rest of the family likes
those shows or not. He is only concerned about what he wants. In future, this attitude will
impact his ability to work in a team. He may even fail in his relationships. In short, the lack of
emotional intelligence is detrimental to the success and happiness of a child.

In conclusion, although it is important for children to learn to make choices regarding their
day to day life, parents must ensure that they are also learning to respect the decisions and
choices of others. Only then can they grow up into free-willed adults who also possess
empathy.

(280 words)

Model Answer B - Band 8+

Recently, parents have become increasingly worried about the best way to bring up their
children. The question is, whether or not children should be encouraged to make their own
decisions, or whether this will lead to an overly individualistic society in the future.

To start with, it is possible to argue that letting children make every day decisions could lead
to a more individualistic society. Firstly, it will make them more independent. And, as a result,
it is suggested that in the long run they will be more likely to consider their own needs as they
mature. Similarly, proponents of this theory believe that as this happens, future adults will pay
less attention to the needs of the group, such as their family, and the country as a whole.

On the other hand it can easily be argued that children should be allowed to make their own
decisions. The first reason is it is undoubtedly true that independent children go on to have
happier adult lives. This is generally because whenever a crisis arises they are better
equipped to deal with it. Take for example, if they are traveling alone, or if they are suddenly
fired, or their parents die. In all these situations are person who has experience thinking for
themselves is much more likely to get through it. The second point is that children who feel
more involved in their daily lives will often be more likely to agree with their parents decisions.
In other words, if a child gets to choose between two or three limited options, they are often
happier. This is true even if it is only choosing between which of three t-shirts to wear to
school.

In conclusion, while it is possible that giving children chances to make decisions will cause
future societal problems, they will likely benefit more throughout their childhood and when
they are adults. Therefore, despite the potential problems involved, I believe it is better to
offer children limited choices throughout their childhood.

(333 words)

Model Answer C - Band 8+

How much freedom children should be given on everyday matters is controversial. People
who are against allowing boundless liberty to children believe allowing too much freedom
would create selfish individuals in our society while others think it is necessary to nurture
creativity and to create self-reliant individuals. I personally believe that parents should neither
give absolute immunity to their children nor they should restrain them in every matter - there
must be a balance.

On the one hand, permitting children to do whatever they want and letting them chose
everything they like on a daily basis would convince youngsters that they can do whatever
they like. This is detrimental to the growth of children and those children would become
selfish and self-centered when they grow up. Scientific research reveals that someone’s
childhood experience has a permanent effect on his personality and thinking pattern. This is
why parents should make important decisions for their offspring and deter them from doing
things that are harmful to their psychological and physical growth.    

On the other hand, psychologists express that if parents do not allow their children to pick
certain things on their own and restrict them on everything, the children would become
fragile-minded and lack confidence. If children cannot choose things they like and do not
have any freedom of choice, they would end up being less creative than those who were
given freedom to make their own decisions.

To conclude, our society needs more creative and selfless people and that is why we should
allow a certain freedom to our child but there should be a boundary of this liberty.

(267 words)