Asked on 23/03/2024: IELTS writing task 2:

Question :Children ‘s  life is greatly influenced by their friends. What kind of influence can friendship make in one’s life? To what extent parents can control it?

Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre

Peer influence plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of children, yielding both advantageous and detrimental outcomes. This essay endeavours to delve into the multifaceted nature of peer influence while scrutinising the efficacy of parental intervention in ameliorating its negative repercussions.

On the affirmative side, the companionship of morally upright peers can serve as a formidable asset. Echoing the adage, “one who walks with the wise will become wise,” associating with astute individuals offers myriad benefits. Particularly in educational spheres, children immersed in the company of intellectually stimulating peers engage in collaborative academic endeavours, fostering a positive ethos of competition and propelling them towards academic success. A recent survey conducted at Bangalore Christ University underscored this phenomenon, revealing that top-performing students often form cohesive groups, mutually supporting and challenging each other towards excellence.

Conversely, negative peer associations can precipitate deleterious consequences, exemplified starkly in substance addiction. Indeed, the aphorism “bad company corrupts good character” rings true, as many adults grappling with addiction trace the genesis of their affliction back to formative years tainted by negative influences. The repercussions are dire, ranging from moral erosion to criminality, with theft, abuse, and academic derailment among the most prevalent manifestations of such alliances.

In both scenarios, parents wield profound influence. Vigilant parental oversight is imperative in guiding children towards productive and safe social circles. By fostering transparent communication and nurturing intimate bonds, parents empower their children to make discerning choices regarding peer associations. Furthermore, parental role-modelling of moral rectitude and the virtues of positive friendship cultivates a lasting impact, as children often emulate the behaviours they witness at home.

In summation, peer influence yields a spectrum of effects, ranging from beneficial to detrimental, on the lives of children. Consequently, the proactive involvement of parents in monitoring and guiding their children’s social interactions emerges as indispensable. By instilling values of discernment and fostering environments conducive to positive peer associations, parents can steer their children towards fruitful and fulfilling social engagements, thus fortifying their overall well-being and development.

List of vocabulary used

1. Pivotal: Of crucial importance; central or essential.
2. Peer influence: The impact that peers, or individuals of the same age group, have on each other’s behavior, attitudes, and beliefs.
3. Advantageous: Offering favorable circumstances or advantages; beneficial or helpful.
4. Deleterious: Causing harm or damage; harmful or detrimental.
5. Outcomes: The results or consequences of actions or events.
6. Endeavors: Efforts or attempts to achieve a particular goal; undertakings or initiatives.
7. Delve into: To explore or investigate deeply; to examine closely or thoroughly.
8. Efficacy: The ability to produce the desired or intended result; effectiveness or efficiency.
9. Ameliorating: To make something better or more tolerable; to improve or alleviate.
10. Repercussions: The unintended consequences or effects of an action; outcomes or results.
11. Affirmative: Positive or favorable; indicating agreement or assent.
12. Astute: Having keen insight or shrewdness; perceptive or discerning.
13. Echoing: Resonating or mirroring; reflecting or repeating.
14. Adage: A traditional saying or proverb expressing a common observation or truth; a maxim or aphorism.
15. Myriad: A vast number or multitude; a great variety or abundance.
16. Intellectually stimulating: Engaging or challenging intellectually; thought-provoking or mentally stimulating.
17. Ethos: The characteristic spirit or culture of a community, group, or institution; the prevailing beliefs or attitudes.
18. Propelling: Driving or moving forward; impelling or pushing.
19. Excellence: The quality of being outstanding or exceptionally good; superiority or distinction.
20. Cohesive: United or integrated; forming a unified whole.
21. Mutually: In a shared or reciprocal manner; mutually or jointly.
22. Underscored: Emphasized or highlighted; underscored or accentuated.
23. Conversely: In contrast or opposition to something previously mentioned; on the other hand.
24. Precipitate: To cause or bring about suddenly or unexpectedly; to provoke or instigate.
25. Aphorism: A concise statement of a principle or truth; a maxim or adage.
26. Moral erosion: The gradual deterioration or decline of moral values or principles; ethical decay or corruption.
27. Affliction: A state of pain, distress, or hardship; suffering or affliction.
28. Dire: Extremely serious or urgent; grave or dreadful.
29. Manifestations: The display or demonstration of a particular trait, quality, or phenomenon; expressions or embodiments.
30. Vigilant: Watchful or attentive to potential dangers or problems; alert or cautious.
31. Empower: To give someone the authority or power to do something; to enable or authorize.
32. Discerning: Showing good judgment or insight; perceptive or discriminating.
33. Rectitude: Moral integrity or uprightness; righteousness or virtue.
34. Fortifying: Strengthening or reinforcing; making stronger or more resilient.
35. Nuanced: Characterized by subtle distinctions or variations; having a fine or subtle quality.
36. Sophistication: The quality of being complex or refined; sophistication or complexity.
37. Analytical depth: The thoroughness or profundity of analysis; depth or thoroughness in examination.
38. Enhancements: Improvements or refinements made to something; enhancements or upgrades