Should Children Do Their Own Homework?
IELTS Writing Sample Answer
It is strongly believed by some parents that it is their duty, as parents, to assist their children with regard to homework. However, the view that such assistance with homework is counter-productive is also held by some parents.
Often the limited number of class hours and class size can mean that a child might not fully grasp a particular point. It could be argued that parents should assist their children in getting the maximum from their education. However, this does not necessarily mean doing their homework for them. Assisting with homework is an excellent way to be involved in the lives of their children, help build their confidence, provide support and also keep up to date with current educational methods and requirements.
Research has shown that parental involvement in education is a key determinant in terms of the educational achievement of their children. As children become older, the development of independent study and thinking skills is necessary; nonetheless, assisting with homework is a key element in the development of self-confidence, ability, and respect for education in a broader sense.
In contrast, some parents might believe that homework is predominantly about the child's learning and not the parents; therefore, the responsibility for completing homework must be with the child. Parental involvement should not be required, and if parents provide too much assistance, it may indeed hinder the child in learning the essential self-reliance and responsibility homework is designed to foster.
Moreover, homework is a central element in the development of cognitive ability in children, which also contributes to building up confidence in their own abilities and independent thinking. With this in mind, it could be considered as counter-productive for parents to be involved.
Overall, it is very much a personal decision based on the perspective of the parents in terms of their view of education and the purpose of homework as to whether or not they actively engage in providing help to their children, or not.
How would you answer this IELTS Writing Task 2 question?
- What's your opinion?
- Should parents help their children with homework or not?
- Should children do their own homework?