Family & ParentingDiscuss Both ViewsIntermediateMedium FrequencyFREE
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Choice for Children (IELTS Cambridge 12)
Prompt
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 views and give your own opinion.
Band 7 → 9 — Band 7 acknowledges nuance (autonomy in certain domains aids development while parental oversight prevents harm), whereas Band 9 demonstrates sophistication about how autonomy itself teaches prosocial thinking through experiencing consequences.
Model essay
The question of whether children should make their own everyday decisions requires careful consideration of both potential risks and developmental benefits. While some contend that unrestricted autonomy fosters self-centred attitudes, I believe that age-appropriate decision-making within parental guidance is essential for developing responsible, independent individuals.
Admittedly, excessive freedom in childhood choices can cultivate problematic attitudes. Young children lack the cognitive maturity to comprehendlong-term consequences, making them vulnerable to immediate gratification. When children consistently satisfy every impulse—whether choosing sugary foods, expensive toys, or endless entertainment—they may develop entitlement and struggle to defer gratification. Furthermore, consumerist peer pressure can amplify materialistic values, especially without parental mediation. These concerns are legitimate; uninformed decision-making during formative years can indeed shape selfish behavioural patterns.
However, structured autonomy remains fundamentally important for healthy development. When children make choices within appropriate boundaries, they develop crucial executive functions and critical thinking skills. For instance, deciding between lunch options or managing pocket money teaches practical economics and consequence-awareness. This process builds self-confidence and intrinsic motivation—children take ownership of outcomes. Moreover, age-appropriate decision-making provides safe spaces for experimentation; mistakes become valuable learning experiences rather than catastrophes. Research consistently demonstrates that children with some autonomy develop stronger problem-solving abilities and resilience.
The solution lies not in whether to permit choice, but in how parents frame it. Thoughtful guidance—setting parameters, explaining reasoning, encouraging reflection—allows children to develop judgment without descending into selfishness. In conclusion, denying children meaningful choices stunts their autonomy, while unlimited freedom risks entitlement. Strategic parental involvement enabling graduated decision-making creates individuals who are both autonomous and considerate.
Thesis
While excessive autonomy in childhood may foster self-centeredness, I believe that age-appropriate decision-making is essential for developing autonomous, responsible individuals.
Body paragraph 1
Unrestricted choice-making can cultivate selfish attitudes
Children lack cognitive development to understand long-term consequences
Constant gratification of desires creates entitlement
Peer influence and consumerism exacerbate materialistic values
e.g. Allowing children to always choose sugary foods or expensive gadgets without guidance
Body paragraph 2
Structured autonomy develops critical thinking and responsibility
Decision-making within boundaries teaches judgment and consequence
Children gain self-confidence and intrinsic motivation
Real-world problem-solving skills emerge through trial and error
e.g. Children choosing between healthy lunch options or deciding how to spend pocket money develop practical wisdom
Counter-argument
Critics fear autonomy produces self-centred individuals, but this depends on parental guidance and the scope of choices permitted
Conclusion
Synthesise both views: the key is not whether to allow choice, but how to frame it—with appropriate boundaries and parental mentorship
Word count: 259 words·Target: 250+ words for Task 2
Key concepts in this essay
autonomy vs. guidance
balance between freedom and responsibility
psychological development stages
Pitfalls the model essay avoids
Oversimplifying one side (e.g., claiming total freedom always leads to selfishness)
Failing to distinguish between everyday choices and important life decisions
Not considering developmental psychology or age-appropriate autonomy