IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Working Mothers on Children – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

The debate surrounding working mothers and their influence on child development has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly as more women enter the workforce globally. This topic reflects contemporary social changes and appears regularly in actual IELTS tests, making it essential for candidates to understand how to approach such questions effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover three meticulously crafted sample essays spanning band scores 6 to 9, complete with detailed scoring analyses, essential vocabulary, and high-scoring sentence structures. You’ll learn exactly what examiners look for at each band level and how to elevate your writing from competent to exceptional.

Here are verified past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions related to this topic:

1. “In many countries, women are now able to join the armed forces on an equal basis with men. However, some people think that only men should be members of the army, navy or air force. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” (British Council, 2019)

2. “Working mothers play an important role in society, but some believe their children suffer as a result. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” (IDP, 2020)

3. “In many countries, more and more women have full-time jobs as men, so there is logic that men and women should share household tasks equally. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” (IELTS-Blog, 2021)

This analysis focuses on a question that directly addresses the impact of working mothers on children, exploring multiple perspectives while requiring candidates to articulate their position clearly.

Question & Analysis

In some countries, many children have working mothers. Some people believe this may lead to negative consequences for children. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Question Type: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)

Key Terms Explained:

• “working mothers”: Women who balance employment with raising children
• “negative consequences”: Adverse effects on child development, wellbeing, or behaviour
• “To what extent”: Requires you to indicate how strongly you agree or disagree (fully, partially, or not at all)

Common Pitfalls:

1. Presenting only negative aspects without acknowledging any potential benefits
2. Failing to give a clear personal position throughout the essay
3. Writing about working parents generally instead of focusing specifically on mothers
4. Providing generic statements without concrete examples or explanations

Strategic Approach:

• Decide your position early (agree completely, disagree completely, or partially agree)
• Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint briefly before presenting your main arguments
• Use specific examples related to child development, family dynamics, and societal factors
• Maintain consistency in your position from introduction through conclusion
• Balance your discussion while clearly emphasizing your stance

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 8-9 Writing:
At this level, essays demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary use, complex grammatical structures with minimal errors, fully developed ideas with relevant examples, and seamless coherence throughout. The writer’s position is crystal clear, and all parts of the task are thoroughly addressed.

The increasing participation of mothers in the workforce has sparked considerable debate about its effects on children’s development. While some argue that maternal employment inevitably harms children, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint, as the quality of parenting and available support systems matter far more than a mother’s employment status alone.

Admittedly, critics of working mothers raise valid concerns about reduced time for parent-child interaction. Children whose mothers work full-time may receive less direct supervision during crucial developmental years, potentially leading to feelings of neglect or inadequate emotional support. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that quality consistently outweighs quantity in parenting. A mother who spends focused, meaningful time with her children during evenings and weekends can provide more valuable guidance than one who is physically present but emotionally disengaged throughout the day.

Moreover, maternal employment often brings substantial benefits that enhance children’s wellbeing. Financial stability resulting from dual-income households enables families to afford better education, healthcare, and enrichment activities, all of which contribute positively to child development. This is particularly relevant when considering the role of women in the workforce and its broader societal implications. Children of working mothers also develop greater independence and self-reliance, as they learn to manage responsibilities from an early age. Research conducted in Nordic countries, where maternal employment rates exceed 80%, demonstrates that children in these societies exhibit higher academic achievement and social competence compared to many countries where mothers predominantly stay home.

Furthermore, working mothers serve as powerful role models, particularly for daughters, demonstrating that women can successfully balance professional ambitions with family responsibilities. This exposure to diverse life choices equips children with progressive attitudes toward gender equality and career possibilities. The changing role of women in society has significantly influenced these family dynamics. Provided that adequate childcare arrangements exist and both parents share household duties equitably, children can thrive in families with working mothers.

In conclusion, maternal employment does not inherently disadvantage children. Rather, the determining factors are parenting quality, support systems, and family dynamics. With appropriate childcare infrastructure and equitable division of domestic responsibilities, working mothers can raise well-adjusted, successful children while pursuing fulfilling careers.

(Word count: 398)

IELTS Writing Task 2 working mothers spending quality time with children after work

Band Score Analysis

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Clear thesis statement: The position is stated unambiguously in the introduction and maintained consistently throughout
2. Balanced argumentation: Acknowledges opposing views (“Admittedly”) before systematically refuting them
3. Concrete evidence: Includes specific reference to Nordic countries with quantifiable data (80% maternal employment rate)
4. Sophisticated cohesion: Uses advanced linking phrases that enhance rather than interrupt the flow
5. Nuanced conclusion: Doesn’t simply restate the introduction but synthesizes key points about quality over quantity
6. Natural language: Despite complexity, the writing sounds authentic and engaging rather than artificially academic
7. Comprehensive coverage: Addresses psychological, economic, and social dimensions of the topic

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 6.5-7 Writing:
Essays at this level show good control of grammar and vocabulary with some sophistication. Ideas are relevant and supported, though development may be less thorough than Band 8-9. Cohesion is effective but may occasionally be mechanical. Some errors occur but rarely impede communication.

These days, it is becoming more common for mothers to have full-time jobs. Some people think this situation has bad effects on children. In my opinion, I partially disagree with this statement because working mothers can have both positive and negative impacts on their children.

On the one hand, there are some disadvantages when mothers work outside the home. Firstly, children might not get enough attention from their mothers because they are busy with their jobs. For example, if a mother works long hours, she may be too tired to help her child with homework or talk about their problems. This can make children feel lonely or neglected. Secondly, young children especially need their mother’s care during important stages of development. When mothers are absent during the day, children may form weaker emotional bonds with them.

On the other hand, I believe that having a working mother also brings significant benefits to children. The main advantage is that working mothers provide better financial support for the family. With more income, families can afford better education, healthcare, and living conditions for their children. Government policies such as the impact of parental leave policies can help mitigate potential challenges. Additionally, children of working mothers often become more independent and responsible because they learn to do things by themselves from an early age. Furthermore, working mothers are good role models for their children, showing them that women can have successful careers and families at the same time.

Another important point to consider is that the negative effects can be reduced if there is good childcare available. When considering the importance of affordable childcare for working parents, quality matters significantly. As long as children receive proper care from relatives, daycare centres, or babysitters, they can still develop normally. The quality of time spent together is more important than the quantity.

In conclusion, although working mothers may have less time with their children, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when families have access to good childcare and mothers can balance their work and family life properly.

(Word count: 364)

Band Score Analysis

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

Professional childcare supporting children of working mothers in IELTS essay context

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 5-6 Writing:
Essays at this level address the task but with limited development. Vocabulary and grammar are adequate for basic communication but limited in range. Organization is apparent but may lack overall progression. Errors are noticeable but usually do not prevent understanding.

Nowadays, many mothers work outside home. Some people say this is bad for children. I agree with this opinion because children need their mother at home.

First, when mothers go to work, children stay alone or with other people. This is not good because children need to see their mother everyday. Young children need mother’s love and care. If mother is working, she cannot give enough time to children. For example, in my country, many working mothers send children to grandmother’s house. Children feel sad because they miss their mother.

Second, working mothers are always busy and tired. When they come home from work, they must do housework like cooking and cleaning. They don’t have energy to play with children or help with homework. This make children get bad grades in school. Also, children may watch too much TV or play video games because mother is not there to control them.

However, some people think working mothers is good because they earn money for family. With more money, family can buy better things for children like toys and clothes. But I think love is more important than money. Children need mother’s love more than expensive things. Question about should the government provide free childcare for working parents is important to think about this problem.

Also, if both parents working, who will take care of children? Daycare is expensive and not all families can afford it. Some children stay home alone and this is dangerous. They might have accidents or meet bad people.

In conclusion, I think working mothers have negative effect on children. Mothers should stay at home to take care of children because children need mother’s attention and love for good development. Money is important but family is more important.

(Word count: 311)

Band Score Analysis

Learning from Mistakes

How to Improve from Band 6 to 7:

1. Develop ideas more thoroughly: Instead of stating “children feel sad because they miss their mother,” explain HOW this affects their development and provide specific examples or evidence.

2. Balance your argument: Even when you disagree, acknowledge valid counterpoints and address them properly rather than dismissing them in one sentence.

3. Improve grammatical accuracy: Focus on subject-verb agreement, article usage, and sentence structure. Review basic grammar rules and proofread carefully.

4. Expand vocabulary range: Learn synonyms and topic-specific vocabulary. Instead of repeating “working mothers,” use “employed mothers,” “mothers in the workforce,” or “mothers with careers.”

5. Use more sophisticated cohesive devices: Move beyond basic “First, Second, Also” to more varied transitions like “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Conversely.”

6. Improve sentence variety: Combine short, choppy sentences into more complex structures using subordination, relative clauses, and participle phrases.

7. Provide specific examples: Replace vague statements like “in my country” with concrete, detailed scenarios that illustrate your points effectively.

Essential Vocabulary

Working mother as positive role model for children in IELTS writing context

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex Subordination with Concessive Clauses

Formula: Although/While/Even though + [contrasting idea], [main point]

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“While some argue that maternal employment inevitably harms children, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint, as the quality of parenting and available support systems matter far more than a mother’s employment status alone.”

Why it scores well:
This structure demonstrates sophisticated thinking by acknowledging counterarguments before presenting your position. It shows the examiner you can handle complex ideas and multiple perspectives simultaneously, a hallmark of Band 8-9 writing.

Additional examples:

• “Although critics raise concerns about reduced supervision, children of working mothers often develop greater independence and self-reliance.”
• “Even though working mothers may have less time at home, the quality of their engagement during available hours proves more significant than mere physical presence.”
• “While financial benefits are important, working mothers provide equally valuable lessons about gender equality and professional achievement.”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ “Although working mothers are busy, but they can still care for children.” (Don’t use “but” after “although”)
• ❌ “While mothers work, children suffers.” (Subject-verb agreement error)
• ✅ “While mothers work, children may face challenges.”

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Formula: [Noun phrase], which/who [additional information], [verb]…

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“Children whose mothers work full-time may receive less direct supervision during crucial developmental years, potentially leading to feelings of neglect or inadequate emotional support.”

Why it scores well:
Non-defining relative clauses add sophisticated detail without creating new sentences, demonstrating grammatical range and the ability to construct complex sentences naturally. They make writing flow more smoothly and sound more academic.

Additional examples:

• “Working mothers, who balance multiple responsibilities daily, demonstrate exceptional time management skills that children naturally absorb.”
• “Scandinavian countries, which have high maternal employment rates, consistently rank highest in child wellbeing indicators.”
• “Quality childcare facilities, which employ trained professionals, can provide structured learning environments that complement parental care.”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ “Working mothers, that have careers, are role models.” (Use “who” for people, “which” for things)
• ❌ “The policy which was implemented in 2015 it helped many families.” (Don’t add extra pronoun)
• ✅ “The policy, which was implemented in 2015, helped many families.”

3. Participle Phrases

Formula: [Present/Past participle phrase], [subject] [verb]…

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“Financial stability resulting from dual-income households enables families to afford better education, healthcare, and enrichment activities, all of which contribute positively to child development.”

Why it scores well:
Participle phrases demonstrate advanced grammatical control by reducing unnecessary words while maintaining sophisticated meaning. They create variety in sentence openings and show you can manipulate grammar flexibly.

Additional examples:

• “Having established stable careers, working mothers can provide enhanced educational opportunities for their children.”
• “Exposed to diverse role models from an early age, children develop broader perspectives on career possibilities.”
• “Supported by quality childcare systems, families with working mothers achieve outcomes comparable to traditional family structures.”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ “Working long hours, children feel neglected.” (Dangling modifier – children aren’t working long hours)
• ✅ “Working long hours, mothers may have limited time for direct supervision.”
• ❌ “Providing financial support, it helps children access better education.” (Unclear subject)
• ✅ “Providing financial support, working mothers help children access better education.”

4. Cleft Sentences for Emphasis

Formula: It is [noun phrase] that/who [verb]… / What [subject] [verb] is…

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“However, this perspective overlooks the fact that quality consistently outweighs quantity in parenting.”

Why it scores well:
Cleft sentences allow you to emphasize particular information strategically, demonstrating control over discourse and the ability to guide the reader’s attention. This technique is particularly effective in academic argumentation.

Additional examples:

• “What matters most is not whether mothers work, but rather the quality of care children receive overall.”
• “It is the availability of support systems that determines outcomes, not maternal employment per se.”
• “What research consistently demonstrates is that children benefit from financially secure, emotionally stable families.”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ “It is working mothers that is important.” (Subject-verb agreement)
• ✅ “It is working mothers who are important” OR “It is maternal employment that is important.”
• ❌ “What children needs is attention.” (Agreement error)
• ✅ “What children need is attention.”

5. Advanced Conditionals

Formula: Provided that/As long as/Unless + [condition], [result]

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“Provided that adequate childcare arrangements exist and both parents share household duties equitably, children can thrive in families with working mothers.”

Why it scores well:
Advanced conditional structures show you can express nuanced relationships between ideas, demonstrating logical thinking and grammatical sophistication beyond simple if-clauses.

Additional examples:

• “As long as mothers maintain emotional availability during time spent together, employment status becomes less relevant to child outcomes.”
• “Unless societies provide comprehensive support systems, working mothers will continue facing unreasonable burdens.”
• “Children develop normally provided that they receive consistent, loving care regardless of its source.”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ “Provided that mothers work, so children benefit financially.” (Don’t use “so” in the result clause)
• ✅ “Provided that mothers work, children benefit financially.”
• ❌ “As long as there is childcare, but children will be fine.” (Don’t mix conditional with “but”)
• ✅ “As long as there is quality childcare, children will be fine.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis

Formula: Not only/Rarely/Seldom/Never + [auxiliary verb] + [subject] + [main verb]…

Example construction:
“Not only do working mothers contribute economically, but they also serve as powerful role models for gender equality.”

Why it scores well:
Inversion is an advanced grammatical feature that adds variety and emphasis to your writing. Using it correctly signals Band 8-9 level grammatical control and adds sophistication to your argumentation.

Additional examples:

• “Rarely does maternal employment alone determine child development outcomes; rather, multiple factors interact to shape children’s wellbeing.”
• “Never before have women had such opportunities to balance careers and family, thanks to evolving workplace policies.”
• “Seldom do we consider that working mothers might provide benefits that compensate for reduced time at home.”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ “Not only working mothers contribute, but also they inspire.” (Missing auxiliary verb after inversion)
• ✅ “Not only do working mothers contribute, but they also inspire.”
• ❌ “Rarely mothers have time to rest.” (Incorrect word order)
• ✅ “Rarely do mothers have time to rest.”

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (5 minutes)

Task Analysis:

• [ ] Have I identified the question type correctly? (opinion, discussion, problem-solution, etc.)
• [ ] Do I understand exactly what the question is asking?
• [ ] Have I identified all key terms that must be addressed?
• [ ] Is my position clear in my mind before I start writing?

Planning:

• [ ] Have I brainstormed at least 2-3 main ideas for each side (if discussion) or 2-3 supporting points (if opinion)?
• [ ] Do I have specific examples or evidence for each main idea?
• [ ] Have I decided on a clear structure with 4-5 paragraphs?
• [ ] Do I know how my conclusion will synthesize my arguments?

While Writing (30 minutes)

Introduction (5 minutes):

• [ ] Have I paraphrased the question rather than copying it directly?
• [ ] Is my thesis statement clear and directly answers the question?
• [ ] Have I outlined what the essay will discuss (optional but helpful)?
• [ ] Is my introduction 2-3 sentences and approximately 40-60 words?

Body Paragraphs (20 minutes):

• [ ] Does each paragraph have ONE clear main idea stated in a topic sentence?
• [ ] Have I explained each main idea thoroughly (not just stated it)?
• [ ] Have I included specific examples, evidence, or explanations?
• [ ] Am I using cohesive devices appropriately and naturally (not mechanically)?
• [ ] Are my paragraphs balanced in length (approximately 80-100 words each)?
• [ ] Does each paragraph connect logically to my thesis?

Conclusion (5 minutes):

• [ ] Have I restated my position clearly without simply copying the introduction?
• [ ] Have I synthesized my main arguments briefly?
• [ ] Have I avoided introducing completely new ideas?
• [ ] Is my conclusion 2-3 sentences and approximately 40-60 words?

Language Throughout:

• [ ] Am I varying my sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)?
• [ ] Am I using topic-specific vocabulary appropriately?
• [ ] Am I avoiding repetition by using synonyms and pronouns?
• [ ] Am I using formal academic language (avoiding contractions, informal phrases)?

After Writing (5 minutes)

Content Check:

• [ ] Have I addressed ALL parts of the question fully?
• [ ] Is my position consistent throughout the essay?
• [ ] Are all my ideas relevant to the topic?
• [ ] Have I written between 250-290 words? (Count carefully!)
• [ ] Does each body paragraph directly support my thesis?

Grammar & Accuracy:

• [ ] Have I checked subject-verb agreement in every sentence?
• [ ] Are my articles (a, an, the) used correctly?
• [ ] Have I checked verb tenses are consistent and appropriate?
• [ ] Are all my complex sentences grammatically complete?
• [ ] Have I corrected any obvious spelling errors?

Coherence:

• [ ] Does each paragraph flow logically into the next?
• [ ] Have I used a variety of cohesive devices appropriately?
• [ ] Is my writing easy to follow with clear progression of ideas?
• [ ] Have I checked that pronouns have clear references?

Critical Read:

• [ ] If I read this essay cold, would I understand the writer’s position clearly?
• [ ] Does each paragraph contribute something meaningful to the argument?
• [ ] Would an examiner see evidence of Band 7+ writing in vocabulary, grammar, and ideas?

Time Management Tips

For 40-Minute IELTS Writing Task 2:

Minutes 0-5: Planning

• Read question 2-3 times carefully
• Identify question type and requirements
• Decide your position clearly
• Brainstorm 2-3 main supporting ideas
• Quickly note 1-2 examples for each idea
• Outline paragraph structure

Minutes 5-15: Introduction + Body Paragraph 1

• Write introduction (2-3 sentences, clear thesis)
• Write first body paragraph fully developed
• Include topic sentence, explanation, example
• Check coherence before moving on

Minutes 15-25: Body Paragraph 2 (+ optional 3)

• Develop second main supporting idea thoroughly
• If using 4-paragraph structure, ensure this paragraph is substantial
• If using 5-paragraph structure, write third body paragraph more concisely
• Maintain focus on supporting your thesis

Minutes 25-35: Conclusion + Word Count Check

• Summarize main arguments briefly
• Restate position clearly without repetition
• Count words (should be 250-290)
• If under 250, identify where to add brief elaboration
• If over 300, identify what can be made more concise

Minutes 35-40: Proofreading

• Priority 1: Check task response (answered everything?)
• Priority 2: Subject-verb agreement and articles
• Priority 3: Spelling of topic-specific vocabulary
• Priority 4: Obvious grammatical errors
• Don’t rewrite extensively—make targeted corrections only

Strategic Time Savers:

• Don’t waste time thinking of perfect examples—use simple, relevant ones
• Write your body paragraphs in the order that comes most naturally (not necessarily logical order)
• If stuck on introduction, write body paragraphs first and come back
• Use familiar grammatical structures you’re confident with rather than attempting overly complex sentences you might get wrong

Conclusion

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on topics like the impact of working mothers requires understanding not just what to write, but how to structure, develop, and express your ideas at different proficiency levels. As this analysis demonstrates, the difference between band scores often comes down to depth of development, precision of language, and sophistication of expression rather than simply having “correct” opinions.

Key Takeaways:

1. Task response matters most: Always address every part of the question with a clear, consistent position throughout your essay.

2. Quality trumps quantity: A well-developed 270-word essay scores higher than a rushed 320-word essay with superficial ideas.

3. Sophistication shows in details: The difference between Band 6 and Band 8 often lies in specific examples, varied vocabulary, and complex grammatical structures used naturally.

4. Balance demonstrates maturity: Even when you strongly agree or disagree, acknowledging counterarguments briefly shows sophisticated thinking.

5. Authentic language wins: Examiners can recognize genuine language proficiency versus memorized phrases, so focus on expressing ideas naturally.

Your Path to Improvement:

Moving from Band 6 to Band 7+ typically requires 3-6 months of focused practice, including:

• Writing at least 2-3 full essays weekly under timed conditions
• Analyzing model essays to understand what makes them effective
• Systematically expanding topic-specific vocabulary
• Practicing specific grammatical structures until they become natural
• Getting feedback on your writing from qualified instructors or experienced users

Take Action Today:

Choose one of the verified IELTS questions presented in this guide and write your own response. Time yourself strictly to 40 minutes. Then compare your essay with the band score characteristics outlined here. Identify two specific areas for improvement (perhaps article usage and example development, or cohesive devices and grammatical variety) and focus on those in your next practice essay.

Share your essays and questions in the comments below—learning together accelerates everyone’s progress. Remember that consistent, deliberate practice with honest self-assessment is the most reliable path to achieving your target band score.

Additional Resources:

For further practice on related topics, explore these connected subjects:

• How government policies affect family dynamics and workplace equality
• The broader context of gender roles evolving in modern societies
• Economic implications when both parents participate in the workforce

Every essay you write brings you closer to your goal. The students who succeed aren’t necessarily the most naturally talented—they’re the ones who practice consistently, learn from feedback, and refuse to give up. You have all the tools you need in this guide. Now it’s time to apply them.

Good luck with your IELTS preparation, and remember: your effort today creates your success tomorrow.