IELTS General Task 2: Children and Household Chores
IELTS Writing Practice — AI-Powered Feedback
Writing Prompt
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that children should be given household chores to do as soon as they are old enough to manage them. Others think that children should be free to spend their time playing and studying.
Do you agree or disagree that children should help with household tasks?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Show Band 8–9 model answer
Whether children ought to participate in household chores is a subject of ongoing debate. While some argue that youngsters should focus exclusively on play and academic work, I firmly believe that age-appropriate domestic tasks are essential for children’s development, provided they are balanced sensibly with leisure and study.
Allowing children to help at home nurtures a sense of responsibility and independence from an early age. Simple chores such as tidying their rooms, setting the table or feeding a pet teach them that a household functions through shared effort rather than invisible adult labour. Over time, children who contribute regularly tend to develop better time-management skills, as they must learn to organise their homework and recreation around these duties. These everyday experiences are an invaluable preparation for adult life, when they will be expected to manage both professional commitments and domestic responsibilities without constant supervision.
In addition, participating in chores can strengthen family relationships. When parents and children cook meals together or clean common areas as a team, they have natural opportunities for conversation and cooperation. This not only makes the work lighter but also helps children feel that they are valued members of the family whose contributions matter. Such a feeling of belonging can be just as important for emotional well-being as playtime with friends or good grades at school.
Admittedly, there is a legitimate concern that excessive chores could deprive children of rest or study time. However, this is an argument for moderation rather than total exemption. If tasks are limited in number, appropriate to the child’s age and shared fairly between siblings, they are unlikely to be burdensome.
In conclusion, children should indeed be encouraged to help with household tasks. When carefully managed, chores complement rather than compete with play and learning, fostering practical skills, maturity and closer family bonds.
Why this response works
This essay presents a clear position throughout, firmly supporting children’s involvement in chores with appropriate balance. Ideas are logically organised in well-structured paragraphs, each with a distinct central topic and smooth progression. A wide range of vocabulary (e.g. “age-appropriate,” “time-management,” “exemption,” “burdensome”) is used naturally and accurately. Grammar is largely error-free, with varied complex structures and precise control of tense and agreement. Specific examples of typical chores and their benefits effectively extend the argument and keep it closely relevant to the task.
Your Answer
Keep practising
Build consistency with another Writing practice item.