IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: The Impact of Parental Leave Policies (Band 6-9)

The topic of parental leave policies frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in questions about work-life balance, gender equality, and social welfare. Based on recent exam trends, this theme has appeared in approximately 15% of tests over the past two years, making it a highly relevant topic for IELTS candidates.

Should governments introduce policies to support work-life balance? This question directly relates to the growing debate about parental leave policies worldwide.

Analysis of a Recent IELTS Task 2 Question

Some people believe that both parents should have equal parental leave rights after their child is born. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

This question requires candidates to discuss gender equality in parental leave policies and present their viewpoint with supporting arguments.

Parents discussing equal parental leave rights in modern workplace

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)

In my opinion, I strongly agree that both parents should be entitled to equal parental leave rights, as this approach promotes gender equality and benefits child development. This essay will examine the key advantages of such policies and their broader societal impact.

Firstly, equal parental leave rights contribute significantly to workplace gender equality. When both parents have access to the same leave duration, employers are less likely to discriminate against women in hiring processes, as the potential for extended absence applies to all employees regardless of gender. This should employees receive equal parental leave creates a more balanced work environment and helps reduce the motherhood penalty that many women face in their careers.

Moreover, shared parental responsibilities during early childhood foster stronger family bonds and support optimal child development. Research has consistently shown that children benefit from having both parents actively involved in their early care. When fathers have equal leave rights, they can establish deeper connections with their children and better understand the challenges of childcare, leading to more equitable distribution of parenting duties long-term.

However, implementing such policies requires careful consideration of economic factors. Companies need to adapt their operations to accommodate extended leave periods for all parents, which may initially impact productivity. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits, including improved employee satisfaction and retention, often outweigh these temporary challenges.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)

I agree that parents should get equal parental leave rights because it is fair and good for families. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this opinion.

The first reason is that equal leave helps both parents take care of their baby. When fathers can also take long leave, they can help mothers with baby care and house work. This makes things easier for the whole family and helps the baby grow better.

Parents equally sharing childcare responsibilities at home

Also, equal leave is good for work places. Some companies don’t like hiring women because they think women will take long leave for babies. If men also take leave, this problem can become less serious. This helps make work more fair for everyone.

But there are some problems too. Companies might spend more money when both parents take long leave. Some small businesses might find it hard to give equal leave to all workers. However, I think the good things are more important than these problems.

Key Vocabulary

1. parental leave (n) /pəˈrentl liːv/ – time allowed away from work to care for a child
2. gender equality (n) /ˈdʒendər ɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – fair treatment of both males and females
3. discrimination (n) /dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/ – unfair treatment based on prejudice
4. motherhood penalty (n) /ˈmʌðəhʊd ˈpenəlti/ – career disadvantages faced by working mothers
5. equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial

High-scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex sentence with concession:
   “Although implementing equal parental leave policies may present initial challenges, the long-term societal benefits justify such measures.”

2. Conditional structure:
   “If companies were to adopt more flexible parental leave policies, both workplace productivity and employee satisfaction would likely improve.”

3. Cause-effect relationship:
   “When both parents have access to equal leave rights, it consequently leads to more balanced family dynamics and improved child development outcomes.”

the role of gender-neutral policies in the workplace provides additional context for understanding these concepts.

We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion.