The topic of changing family structures has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 15-20% of the time in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam questions and the influence of technology on traditional family structures, this trend is likely to continue given its relevance to modern society.
Sample Question Analysis
In many countries, traditional family structures and roles within families are changing. What are the main causes of these changes? Do you think these changes have more positive or negative effects on society?
This question requires discussion of:
- Causes of changing family structures
- Evaluation of impacts on society
- Personal opinion with supporting evidence
Modern families experiencing structural changes in contemporary society
Band 9 Sample Essay
The transformation of traditional family structures has become increasingly evident worldwide, driven primarily by socioeconomic factors and evolving social norms. This essay will examine the key drivers of these changes and argue that while they present certain challenges, their overall impact on society is predominantly positive.
The primary causes of changing family dynamics can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Changing role of women in society has led to increased female participation in the workforce, resulting in delayed marriages and smaller family sizes. Additionally, technological advancement and urbanization have influenced how families interact and communicate, often leading to nuclear family units rather than extended family arrangements.
These changes have brought numerous positive effects to society. Higher female employment rates have contributed to economic growth and greater gender equality. Moreover, smaller family sizes have enabled parents to invest more resources in their children’s education and development. The shift towards nuclear families has also promoted individual autonomy and personal growth.
However, these transformations have not been without drawbacks. The decline of extended family systems has sometimes led to reduced support networks for childcare and elderly care. Furthermore, effects of technology on interpersonal communication within families has occasionally resulted in decreased face-to-face interaction.
Despite these challenges, I believe the positive impacts outweigh the negative ones. Modern family structures have created more opportunities for personal development, economic prosperity, and gender equality. While traditional support systems may have weakened, new social structures and institutional support mechanisms have emerged to address these gaps.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, family structures are changing a lot in many countries. There are several reasons for this change and it affects society in different ways.
The main causes of changing family structures are women working more and modern technology. When women work, they often get married later and have fewer children. Also, because of technology, family members don’t spend as much time together as before.
These changes have some good effects. Women can earn money and be more independent. Children in small families can get better education because parents have more money to spend on each child. Also, people have more freedom to choose their lifestyle.
But there are also bad effects. Old people sometimes feel lonely because they don’t live with their children anymore. Children might not get enough attention from their busy parents. Also, some traditional values are being lost.
In my opinion, these changes have more positive effects than negative ones. Even though there are some problems, modern family structures help create a more equal and developed society. However, we should try to keep some good traditional values while accepting these changes.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “socioeconomic factors”, “autonomous”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization and cohesion
- Balanced argument with specific examples
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some organization present
- Limited development of ideas
- Informal tone at times
Key Vocabulary
- transformation (n) /ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃən/ – complete change
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɑːmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- autonomy (n) /ɔːˈtɑːnəmi/ – independence
- interpersonal (adj) /ˌɪntərˈpɜːrsənl/ – relating to relationships between people
- prosperity (n) /prɑːˈsperəti/ – success, wealth
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
- Complex Cause-Effect: “The shift towards nuclear families has not only promoted individual autonomy but also led to decreased traditional support systems.”
- Concession Pattern: “While traditional support systems may have weakened, new social structures have emerged to address these gaps.”
- Complex Opinion: “Despite the challenges posed by changing family structures, their contribution to societal progress cannot be overlooked.”
I encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
