In contemporary society, there is a contentious debate regarding the responsibility for educating children about the dangers of drug use. While some advocate for schools to provide lessons on this topic, others argue that it falls within the purview of parental responsibility. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my opinion.
On one hand, proponents of drug education in schools argue that educational institutions are well-positioned to disseminate information and raise awareness about the risks associated with drug use. Schools provide a structured environment where children can receive accurate and comprehensive information from trained educators. Moreover, drug education in schools can reach a wide audience, including children from diverse backgrounds who may not receive adequate guidance at home. By integrating drug education into the curriculum, schools can empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure.
On the other hand, there is a strong argument that educating children about drug use is primarily the responsibility of parents or guardians. Parents play a central role in shaping their children's attitudes, values and behaviours. They have a unique insight into their children's lives and can tailor discussions about drugs to suit their individual needs and circumstances. Furthermore, parental involvement in drug education fosters open communication and strengthens the parent-child bond. By addressing the topic of drug use within the family unit, parents can instill moral values and provide ongoing guidance and support to their children.
In my opinion, both schools and parents have crucial roles to play in educating children about the dangers of drug use. While schools can provide structured lessons and factual information, parents offer invaluable guidance, support and moral guidance. Therefore, a collaborative approach involving schools and parents is essential to effectively address this issue. Schools should incorporate drug education into their curriculum, complemented by resources and support for parents to continue the conversation at home. By working together, schools and parents can empower children to make informed choices and lead healthy, drug-free lives.
In conclusion, the question of who should educate children about the dangers of drug use is multifaceted. While some advocate for schools to take the lead, others emphasize the role of parents. In my view, a collaborative approach that involves both schools and parents is the most effective way to equip children with the knowledge and skills to resist the temptation of drugs.
➡️ Why this essay qualifies for a Band 8 score:- Task Response: The essay explores both perspectives in depth, discussing the arguments for and against each viewpoint. It provides specific examples and explanations to support the points made.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is effective use of linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between sentences and paragraphs. This enhances the coherence of the essay and facilitates the reader's understanding.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is varied and appropriate for the topic. There is evidence of less common vocabulary and collocations, contributing to the overall lexical resource.
- Grammar Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and accurate use of verb tenses. While there may be occasional errors, they do not impede communication or understanding.
➡️ Errors and areas of improvement in the essay- Complex Sentences: While the essay includes some complex sentences, more variety could be added to enhance sophistication. For example, in the following sentence, a more complex structure could be used: "By integrating drug education into the curriculum, schools can empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure."
- Lexical Resource: While the vocabulary used is generally appropriate, incorporating more precise and varied vocabulary can further enhance the essay. For instance, instead of repeatedly using "drug education," alternative phrases such as "substance abuse prevention programs" or "anti-drug initiatives" could be employed.
- Introduction and Conclusion: While the essay includes an introduction and conclusion, they could be strengthened by providing a more concise summary of the main points and a clear thesis statement. This would provide a stronger framework for the essay and enhance coherence.
Overall, these are minor areas for improvement, and the essay already demonstrates a solid foundation in terms of structure, vocabulary, and grammar. With some refinement in these areas, the essay could potentially achieve a higher band score.