You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Some people think that it is beneficial for children to do paid work, while others think that it can be harmful for children. What are the advantages and disadvantages of children doing paid work?
Give specific reason and explain them with examples from your own experience or knowledge.
You should write at least 250 words in IELTS writing task 2.
Question Overview
Topic : Work Type : advantages and disadvantages
Model Essay
Although paid work is thought by some to be a useful experience for children, other people consider that it can be detrimental. Children can learn about earning money and gain independence from doing paid work but there are also drawbacks to be taken into account.
Firstly, one benefit of children doing paid work is that they understand the value of money. This also teaches them not to waste money as they realise the work needed to earn it. Secondly, having a paid job is advantageous because children take their first steps in learning how to manage and save money. Many older children, for instance, have a part time job in order to save up for something they would otherwise be unable to afford. Thirdly, working teaches children responsibility and independence. These skills help children to develop into self-supporting adults ready to enter society and the work force.
On the other hand, one problem when children have a job is that it potentially exposes them to exploitation through slave labour. For example, in some developing countries children are made to work full time but due to their age are not protected by law. As a result, they are paid negligible wages for work that can be tough, manual work. Another possible issue is that the time children spend working prevents them from focusing on their school work. Having a good education is the key to a successful future so being employed as a child can result in a poor academic performance which can be harmful in the long run.
In conclusion, while children can benefit from some work experience, it can also lead to exploitation or lower grades at school.
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Model Answer
Although paid work is thought by some to be a good experience for children, other people think it can be detrimental. In my opinion, I think that paid work can bring about more problems for children compared to any advantages it might bring.
Admittedly, there are some basic benefits of children working for money. Firstly, children can develop an understanding of the value of money. This teaches them that money does not grow on trees and helps them appreciate the hard work needed to earn it. Secondly, they take the first steps in learning how to manage money. Many older children, for instance, have a part time job in order to save for something they would otherwise be unable to afford. Understanding money management, furthermore, is useful when, as adults, they will need to balanced their finances.
Nevertheless, despite the advantages above, I believe children could face serious drawbacks from paid work. One potentially dangerous problem is that it exposes them to exploitation, through slave labour. In some countries that do not enforce children employment laws, they may end up working under extreme conditions or even in life threatening situations for negligible wages. Starting life in this way makes it almost impossible for them to escape poverty as an adult. Another obvious issue is that working may affect a child’s ability to focus on their school work. This is a concern as only with a strong academic performance can a child hope to advance as an adult.
In conclusion, being exploited or struggling with academic grades far outweighs any of the minor benefits that could result from children being involved in work experience.
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Model Answer
Although paid work is thought by some to be a good experience for children, other people think that it can be detrimental. In my opinion, I consider that paid work can bring about more advantages for children compared to any problems it might bring.
Despite the drawbacks below, I believe the benefits gained by children doing work experience are extremely useful for their future. Firstly, children can develop an understanding of the value of money. This is a crucial lesson to learn as it teaches them not to waste money by realising the amount of work needed to earn it. Secondly, children take their first steps in learning how to save and manage money. Take many older children, for instance, who have a part time job in order to save up for something they would otherwise be unable to afford. Learning money management is an essential skill later in life when they earn salaries and have bills to pay.
Admittedly, there are some issues involved when children do paid work. One problem is that it might expose them to exploitation through slave labour. For example, in some developing countries children are made to work full time but due to their age are not protected by law. However, this situation is rare, only happening in certain countries. Another negative aspect is that the time children spend working could prevent them from focusing on their school work. Having a good education is the key to a successful future so if work interferes with their academic performance this can be a problem.
In conclusion, the critical lessons that children can learn when they work for money will stand them in good stead when they are adults and clearly outweigh any disadvantages.
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