IELTS Recent Questions: Some people believe that parents have the most important role in a child's development. However, others argue that other things have the most significant influence. Discuss.
- Envertiz Academy Blogger
- Jun 13, 2025
- 4 min read
IELTS recent questions are one of the most valuable resources for IELTS students preparing for the IELTS exam. Consistent practice with these up-to-date materials helps you stay familiar with the latest test format, boosts your confidence, and supports top performance on exam day. Whether you’re studying independently or attending IELTS coaching, using IELTS recent questions keeps your preparation focused, efficient, and relevant.
Now, let’s look at a recent IELTS practice question to understand how this approach benefits your preparation.
Some people believe that parents have the most important role in a child's development. However, others argue that other things like television or friends have the most significant influence. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
IELTS Band Score - 6
It is thought by some people that parents are the most important in children’s development. However, others think that things such as, friends and television have a bigger effect. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.
To begin with, parents play a very important role in children’s early development. They teach their children good manners, discipline, and values. For example, a child learns how to behave, what is right and wrong, and how to talk from their parents. Parents also guide them in their studies and future plans. So, they have a strong influence in shaping a child’s future.
On the other hand, some people think that television and friends are more important in today’s world. Children spend many hours watching TV or being with their friends. They learn language, trends, and behaviour from TV shows and social media. Also, friends can influence them in both good and bad ways. For example, if a child’s friends are interested in studying, he may also study hard. But if friends do bad things, it can also affect him negatively.
In conclusion, both parents and outside factors have an effect on children’s development. But I believe that parents still have the most important role because they are the first teachers and can guide children in the right path from the beginning.
IELTS Band Score - 7.5
It is often argued that parents play the most crucial role in the development of a child, while others believe that external influences such as friends or television have a greater impact. In my opinion, parents hold most significant role for the overall development of the children.
To commence with, parents are typically a child’s first teachers. To be precise, from birth, children observe and learn from their parents, absorbing values, language, and behaviour. They are responsible for setting boundaries and providing emotional support, which forms the foundation for a child’s personality and decision-making. For instance, children raised in a nurturing environment often grow up to be confident and responsible adults. Moreover, parental involvement in education and discipline greatly shapes a child’s academic and moral development.
However, as children grow, external influences such as, peer groups and media begin to play a more prominent role. Friends, especially during adolescence, can have a strong effect on behaviour, choices, and attitudes. A teenager may choose to study or skip classes based on their peer group’s habits. Similarly, television and online content can impact children’s interests, language, and even body image. Moreover, in today’s digital age, children are exposed to various ideas that may not align with their parents’ teachings, sometimes leading to confusion or conflict.
In my opinion, while external influences are undeniably powerful, especially in modern society, parents still hold the most significant role in shaping a child’s development. A strong parental foundation can help children make better choices when faced with peer pressure or harmful media content.
In conclusion, although media and friends do influence children, the values and guidance provided by parents are more lasting and fundamental in their overall development.
Points to remember :
View 1: Parents have the most important role
Foundation of values and behaviour: Parents are the first teachers and instil core values, discipline, and social behaviour.
Emotional support and guidance: A stable and supportive home environment shapes confidence and emotional intelligence.
Role modelling: Children often imitate parents’ habits, language, and attitudes.
Continuous presence in early years: Especially in infancy and early childhood, parents influence language, cognitive development, and social norms.
View 2: Other influences like television and friends are more significant
Exposure to media: Children spend hours watching TV and using the internet, which can shape attitudes, language, and interests.
Peer pressure and friendships: Especially in adolescence, friends can influence decisions related to fashion, academics, and even risky behaviour.
Access to information: Technology provides knowledge and alternative perspectives that may differ from parental views.
Changing family dynamics: In dual-income or single-parent families, children might spend more time with peers or screens than with parents.
To succeed in the IELTS exam, keeping up with recent IELTS questions is crucial. Envertiz Academy offers trusted access to the most current materials, supporting you to prepare efficiently and stay ahead in your IELTS preparation.
Great breakdown of how parents, friends, and media influence child development – this topic really made me think! I especially appreciate how the essay models balanced arguments while still guiding readers to form their own opinion, which is so helpful for anyone preparing for English exams. I’ve been doing TOEFL writing practice and also working through an IELTS practice test on similar topics, and seeing real examples like this definitely boosts confidence and shows how to structure ideas effectively. Thanks for sharing these insights!
This is a thoughtful discussion on how both parents and external influences shape a child’s development. Supporting a child’s growth academically is equally important when they reach higher education. At Gradding Homes, we provide secure and comfortable student accommodation in the UK, helping students focus on their studies while exploring their independence. Just as strong parental guidance lays a foundation, a supportive living environment allows young adults to make the most of university life and prepare for future careers.
Parents undeniably play a vital role in a child’s development, as they shape values, behavior, and emotional stability from an early age. Through guidance, discipline, and support, parents influence a child’s confidence and moral outlook. However, other factors such as schools, peers, media, and society also have a significant impact. Teachers develop academic and critical-thinking skills, while friends influence social behavior and personality. In today’s digital age, online content and technology further shape opinions and habits. To practice such balanced viewpoints effectively, attempting an IELTS writing mock test online helps learners structure arguments clearly and improve coherence for higher band scores.
For students preparing for exams like IELTS, many also consider the exciting opportunity of studying abroad to expand their academic and cultural horizons. Studying in the UK, for instance, provides exposure to world-class education, diverse communities, and international networking—experiences that can enrich personal growth and academic performance.
If you’re planning to pursue higher education in the UK, arranging reliable student accommodation in Birmingham is essential. Quality accommodation ensures a safe, convenient, and supportive living environment, allowing students to focus on their studies and make the most of their time abroad. This combination of international learning and comfortable housing creates a strong foundation for both academic success and personal development.
When preparing for IELTS questions about a child’s development, it’s important to present balanced arguments with examples. Similarly, knowing Oxford University fees in Indian Rupees helps students plan their budget effectively for higher education abroad