IELTS Essay Topics on Family and Children: 30+ Questions

Quick Answer: The IELTS Writing Task 2 frequently includes questions about family and children – from parenting styles and gender roles to the impact of technology on family life. This guide covers 30+ real exam topics, high-band sample answers, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're aiming for Band 7 or Band 9, you'll find everything you need to write a clear, well-structured essay on these themes.

Table of Contents

Why Family and Children Topics Appear So Often

30+ IELTS Essay Questions on Family and Children

How to Structure Your Essay for Band 7+

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Family and Children Topics Appear So Often

Family is a universal experience. IELTS examiners choose these topics because they are relatable across cultures and allow test-takers to express opinions, compare traditions, and discuss social changes. You might be asked about:

Parenting – discipline, work-life balance, single parents

Children’s development – education, technology, play

Family structure – nuclear vs. extended, roles of grandparents

Social issues – divorce, ageing population, birth rates

Knowing these themes helps you prepare vocabulary and examples in advance.

30+ IELTS Essay Questions on Family and Children

Here is a comprehensive list of real and practice questions. Use them to practice brainstorming and outlining.

Parenting & Discipline

Some people believe that parents should be strict with their children. Others think that a more relaxed approach is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, both parents work full‑time. Do you think this has a positive or negative effect on children?

Should children be allowed to make their own decisions? Why or why not?

Some people think that physical punishment is necessary to raise well‑behaved children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The role of grandparents in bringing up children is becoming more important. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Children’s Education & Development

Some people believe that children should start formal education as early as possible. Others think they should stay at home and play. Discuss.

Do you agree that children learn better when they are taught by parents at home rather than by teachers at school?

Should schools teach children about moral values, or is that the responsibility of parents?

In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. What are the causes and solutions?

Some people think that children should be taught to compete, while others believe that cooperation is more important. Discuss.

Technology & Family Life

How has modern technology affected the relationship between parents and children?

Many children spend hours on smartphones and tablets. Is this a positive or negative development?

Should parents limit screen time for their children? Why?

Some people say that the internet has made family members more distant. To what extent do you agree?

Do you think that video games have a harmful effect on children’s behaviour?

Family Structure & Roles

In many cultures, the traditional nuclear family is being replaced by single‑parent families. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative trend?

Should men and women share household chores equally? Why or why not?

Some people believe that mothers should stay at home to raise children. Others argue that fathers can do this just as well. Discuss.

In some countries, extended families live together. What are the benefits and drawbacks?

The divorce rate is increasing. What are the effects on children, and how can they be minimised?

In many countries, the number of elderly people is growing. Who should take care of them – the family or the state?

Some people think that having children later in life is better. Others disagree. Discuss.

Should the government provide financial support to families with children? Why or why not?

In some cultures, arranged marriages are still common. Do you think this is a good practice?

Many young people today prefer to live alone rather than with their parents. Is this a positive or negative development?

Health & Well‑being

What can parents do to ensure their children eat a healthy diet?

Some people think that children should be encouraged to play outdoor games rather than indoor activities. Agree or disagree?

Do you believe that children need to be protected from failure, or should they learn from it?

How can families help elderly members stay active and happy?

Some people say that the best way to raise a child is to give them plenty of love and attention. Others argue that discipline is more important. Discuss.

Bonus (Advanced)

“The generation gap is wider today than ever before.” To what extent do you agree?

Should children be required to do household chores? Why or why not?

In some countries, children are raised by grandparents while parents work abroad. What are the effects on the children?

How to Structure Your Essay for Band 7+

For any IELTS essay on family and children, follow this proven structure:

Introduction: Paraphrase the question, state your thesis (opinion or balanced view).

Body 1: Present one side of the argument with a clear topic sentence, explanation, and example.

Body 2: Present the other side (or your second point), again with support.

Conclusion: Summarise your main points and restate your opinion without new ideas.

Always use specific examples from family life – e.g., “In my country, many parents work long hours, so grandparents often take care of the children.”

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Addresses the question but may be repetitive. Limited range of vocabulary. Simple sentence structures. Some errors in grammar/cohesion. Example: “I think parents must be strict because children need rules.”
7	Clear position, well‑organised paragraphs. Good range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Few errors. Example: “While some advocate strict parenting, I believe a balanced approach that combines discipline with emotional support is more effective.”
8	Fully addresses all parts of the question. Coherent and cohesive throughout. Wide range of precise vocabulary and complex structures. Example: “The debate over parenting styles is multifaceted; however, research suggests that authoritative parenting – which blends warmth with firm boundaries – yields the most positive outcomes for children’s development.”
9	Flawless grammar and vocabulary. Sophisticated ideas expressed naturally. No repetition. Example: “The perennial question of whether to employ a permissive or authoritarian parenting style obscures a more nuanced reality: the most successful child‑rearing practices are those that adapt to the child’s temperament and cultural context, fostering both autonomy and responsibility.”

Sample Answers

Band 7: Question: Some people believe that parents should be strict with their children. Others think that a more relaxed approach is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Both views have valid points. Strict parenting can teach children discipline and respect for rules. For example, children who have clear boundaries often perform better at school because they understand the importance of homework and deadlines. On the other hand, a relaxed approach allows children to express themselves freely and develop creativity. If parents are too strict, children may become anxious or rebellious. In my opinion, a balanced method is best. Parents should set important rules but also listen to their children’s feelings. This helps children grow into confident and responsible adults.

Band 8: While some advocate for strict parenting, I believe a balanced approach that combines discipline with emotional support is more effective. Strict parents often instil a sense of responsibility and respect for authority, which can be beneficial in structured environments like school. However, excessive rigidity may stifle a child’s independence and lead to resentment. Conversely, overly permissive parenting risks children lacking self‑control. The optimal strategy, therefore, involves setting clear expectations while encouraging open communication. For instance, a parent might enforce a study schedule but also allow the child to choose their extracurricular activities. This fosters both accountability and personal growth. Band 9: The perennial question of whether to employ a permissive or authoritarian parenting style obscures a more nuanced reality: the most successful child‑rearing practices are those that adapt to the child’s temperament and cultural context, fostering both autonomy and responsibility. Authoritarian approaches, characterised by high demands and low responsiveness, may produce obedient children but at the cost of diminished self‑esteem. Permissive parenting, while nurturing creativity, often fails to teach essential boundaries. Research in developmental psychology consistently supports authoritative parenting – a middle ground that combines warmth with firm guidance. For example, a parent using this style explains the reasoning behind rules, thereby cultivating intrinsic motivation rather than mere compliance. Ultimately, the goal is not to choose one extreme but to dynamically calibrate discipline and affection according to the child’s evolving needs.

Common Mistakes

❌Using only personal opinion without examples. The examiner wants evidence, not just “I think.” Always support with a general example (e.g., “In many societies, …”).

❌Ignoring the other side of the argument. If the question asks you to discuss both views, you must cover both – even if you disagree with one.

❌Overgeneralising about “all children.” Avoid absolute statements like “all children need strict parents.” Use qualifying language: “some children may benefit from …”

❌Writing about your own family too much. IELTS essays should be objective and academic, not personal anecdotes.

Top Tips

Tip 1: Memorise 5–6 topic‑specific phrases (e.g., “nuclear family,” “work‑life balance,” “role models,” “developmental milestones”) to use naturally.

Tip 2: Always plan for 5 minutes. For family topics, quickly list two contrasting views and one example for each.

Tip 3: Use linking words for contrast (“whereas,” “on the other hand”) and cause/effect (“as a result,” “consequently”) to improve cohesion.

Tip 4: Practice with the 30+ questions above – time yourself for 40 minutes and write a full essay.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials. Their topic‑specific vocabulary lists and sample essays can help you refine your writing further.

FAQ

Q: Are family topics common in IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Yes, they appear regularly because they are universal and allow discussion of social change, culture, and personal values. Q: Can I use personal examples from my own family? A: It’s better to use general examples (e.g., “In many cultures, …”) rather than personal stories. The examiner wants a formal, academic style. Q: How do I organise an essay that asks “Discuss both views and give your opinion”? A: Body 1 = first view with support; Body 2 = second view with support; Conclusion = your opinion with a brief reason. Q: What vocabulary should I learn for family topics? A: Words like “upbringing,” “discipline,” “nurture,” “generation gap,” “authoritative,” “permissive,” “work‑life balance,” and “single‑parent household” are very useful. Q: Is it okay to agree with both sides? A: Yes, you can take a balanced view, but you must still state a clear opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

Key Takeaways

✅Family and children topics are frequent in IELTS – prepare 30+ questions to build confidence.

✅Use a clear structure: introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion.

✅Support every point with a general example, not personal anecdotes.

✅Aim for a balanced discussion even if you have a strong opinion.

✅Practice with the sample answers above to see the difference between Band 7, 8, and 9.

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