Here you will find an IELTS “family size” essay and some advice on how to answer this question.
Take a look at the question below.
As countries have developed there has been a trend towards smaller family sizes.
Why does this happen?
How does this affect society?
Narrowing Down the Topic
You should always analyze the question carefully to see if the topic is narrowed down to a particular group of people or place.
In this case, the question says “As countries have developed…”.
This tells you that you need to write about decreasing family sizes in relation to countries that are developing. If you start writing about family size generally with no mention of this then you will not be fully answering the question.
The prompt is very clear, but it is still common for candidates to miss one part. There are two parts that need to be answered:
- Why there is a trend towards smaller family sizes in countries that are developing
- How this affects society in those countries
Again, you must make sure you explain how it is affecting society, not just the family itself.
IELTS Family Size Essay
| You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: As countries have developed there has been a trend towards smaller family sizes. Why does this happen? How does this affect society? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. |
Family Size Essay – Model Answer
Many countries around the world are becoming richer as they develop and at the same time these countries are seeing a reduction in the size of the family unit. This essay will discuss the reasons for this phenomenon and examine some of the possible effects it will have on society.
One of the principal reasons for smaller family units is birth control. As a country develops and becomes richer, birth control becomes more readily available. This may be due to a rise in the number of medical clinics or the distribution of free contraception. The result of this is that people can choose family size. Another important factor is the rise in the levels of education that occur as a country develops, which means that women are more educated and more likely to be working. Consequently, many will want to delay having children and so will likely have fewer in the long term.
This can impact on society in a number of ways. One positive effect is that the population will fall, which will likely result in less poverty as there will be less competition for scarce resources. The parents can also provide a better education to their children as it will cost less, which will benefit society as a whole. A possible negative impact is that there will be fewer younger people in the workforce in the future, thus making the sustainability of future economic growth less certain.
In conclusion, family size has fallen due to birth control and education, and this can have positive and negative impacts on society. Regardless of any impacts, this trend is likely to continue as countries around the world develop and become wealthier.
(281 words)
IELTS Evaluation
Band Score: 8.0
1. Task Achievement: Band 8
The essay effectively addresses both parts of the task: explaining the reasons for smaller family sizes and analyzing its societal effects. The examples provided, such as the impact of birth control and education, are relevant and well-developed. The discussion is balanced, exploring both positive and negative consequences, showing a clear understanding of the topic. However, the conclusion could have been slightly more nuanced, perhaps with a deeper reflection on long-term societal challenges.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-structured, with clear paragraphs that logically progress from causes to effects. Linking words such as “One of the principal reasons,” “Another important factor,” “This can impact on society,” and “In conclusion” effectively guide the reader through the argument. A minor area for improvement could be varying the connectors to enhance readability further.
3. Lexical Resource: Band 8
The vocabulary is varied and precise. Phrases such as “readily available,” “distribution of free contraception,” “delay having children,” and “sustainability of future economic growth” demonstrate a strong lexical range. Some expressions, however, could be more sophisticated to push toward Band 9, such as replacing “less competition for scarce resources” with a more advanced phrase like “reduced strain on finite resources.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences (“As a country develops and becomes richer, birth control becomes more readily available.”) and passive constructions (“This may be due to a rise in the number of medical clinics.”). Errors are minimal, but some sentences, such as “This can impact on society in a number of ways,” could be streamlined for a slightly more formal tone.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Expand on the conclusion with a more reflective or forward-looking statement.
- Use more advanced vocabulary and expressions for even greater lexical sophistication.
- Vary the sentence starters and linking phrases slightly more for better cohesion.
Overall Comments
This essay is well-written, insightful, and highly relevant to the task. It effectively balances factual discussion with a critical analysis of the topic, showcasing strong IELTS writing skills. A few minor adjustments could raise the score even higher.
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