For effectively crafting an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, it is crucial to address the assessment criteria and avoid potential penalties. Falling short of the 250-word requirement, straying off-topic, lacking supporting examples, committing grammatical and punctuation errors are some of the factors that can lead to a lower band score. Let’s now attempt the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

**Question:**

Some people say that giving a smaller amount of money weekly to children will help them become more capable as they grow older. Do you agree or disagree?

**Sample Answer:**

A segment of society believes that providing children with a weekly allowance can instill a sense of responsibility and money management. While there is some truth to this idea, I contend that giving money on a need basis, rather than a weekly basis, is more appropriate.

To commence with, many parents favor the idea of offering a regular allowance to their children. One possible reason for this is that it helps cultivate a sense of responsibility. By having a designated amount of money to manage, children may develop a better understanding of budgeting and saving. For instance, they might learn to allocate funds for different purposes, such as purchasing school supplies or treats. This hands-on experience can prove invaluable in shaping their financial literacy.

On the other hand, there are potential drawbacks to this approach. If children receive a weekly allowance regardless of their needs, they might become reliant on this constant inflow of money. Consequently, they could be tempted to spend more lavishly and frequently ask for additional funds from their parents. Moreover, this emphasis on regular monetary rewards might overshadow other important values, such as honesty, kindness, and trustworthiness. For instance, a child who receives a fixed amount every week might equate money with the ability to acquire anything they desire, neglecting the importance of virtues.

Overall, while it is argued that providing children with a regular allowance can foster financial acumen as they mature, I disagree with this viewpoint. Instead, I believe that offering a smaller amount of money based on actual needs, rather than a weekly routine, is a more balanced approach.

(284 words)

Useful Vocabulary:

Notice how the following words or phrases have been incorporated into the above IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

– To commence with

– Cultivate

– Invaluable

– Lavishly

– Constant inflow

– Overlooking

– Equate

– Virtues

– Foster

– Balanced approach