Band 7 Example

Question: Should parents reward children? Why and how?

Idea 1

Yes, parents should reward children
Model Answer
Yes, I think parents should reward children. When kids get rewards, they feel happy and want to do good things again, like finishing their homework or helping with chores. It helps them build good habits and feel proud of themselves. Parents can give small gifts, say “good job,” or let them play longer as a reward. For example, if a child does well in school, maybe they can watch their favorite cartoon. This way, children learn that working hard brings good results.
I believe parents should definitely reward their children because it’s a great way to motivate them to develop positive habits, such as studying regularly or helping out at home. Positive reinforcement encourages kids to repeat good behavior and boosts their self-confidence. Rewards don’t always have to be material; they can be as simple as praise or extra playtime. For instance, if a child completes their homework on time, parents could allow them to watch their favorite show. This helps children understand the link between effort and achievement, which is an important life lesson.
Grammar Analysis
1. Modal verbs for suggestion: "parents should definitely reward their children" uses "should" to express a strong recommendation. 2. Present simple tense for general truths: "Positive reinforcement encourages kids to repeat good behavior" uses the present simple to state a general fact. 3. Conditional structure: "if a child completes their homework on time, parents could allow them to watch their favorite show" uses a first conditional to describe a possible situation and its result. 4. Infinitive of purpose: "to motivate them to develop positive habits" uses the infinitive form to explain the purpose of rewarding.
Vocabulary
  • great way to motivate
  • positive habits
  • positive reinforcement
  • boosts their self-confidence
  • material rewards
  • praise
  • extra playtime
  • understand the link between effort and achievement
  • important life lesson

Idea 2

No, rewards are not always necessary
Model Answer
I don’t think rewards are always needed. If parents give rewards too often, children might start to expect something every time they do something good. They could lose interest in doing things just for the sake of it. It’s better to teach children to be responsible without always giving them gifts. Sometimes, just saying “well done” or giving a hug is enough. I think children should learn to do things because it’s the right thing to do, not just for a reward.
I don’t think it’s always necessary for parents to reward their children. If rewards are given too frequently, children may come to expect them every time they behave well, which can reduce their intrinsic motivation. They might lose interest in activities unless there’s a reward involved. Instead, it’s better to encourage children to be responsible and do the right thing without expecting something in return. Simple encouragement, like a sincere “well done” or a warm hug, can be just as effective. Ultimately, fostering intrinsic motivation is more valuable in the long run than relying on external rewards.
Grammar Analysis
1.Conditional clause: "If rewards are given too frequently, children may come to expect them..." uses a first conditional to explain possible consequences, showing cause and effect. 2.Passive voice: "If rewards are given too frequently..." uses the passive voice to focus on the action rather than the doer. 3.Infinitive of purpose: "to encourage children to be responsible" uses the infinitive to express purpose. 4.Comparative structure: "more valuable in the long run than relying on external rewards" uses a comparative structure to weigh two approaches.
Vocabulary
  • expect them every time they behave well
  • reduce their intrinsic motivation
  • lose interest in activities
  • reward involved
  • encourage children to be responsible
  • do the right thing
  • without expecting something in return
  • simple encouragement
  • sincere “well done”
  • warm hug
  • fostering intrinsic motivation
  • external rewards

Idea 3

How parents can reward children
Model Answer
Parents can reward children in different ways. They can use non-material rewards like saying nice things, giving hugs, or reading an extra story at bedtime. For bigger achievements, maybe a small treat or a family outing is good. Some parents use a reward chart to keep track of good behavior and celebrate when a child reaches a goal. It’s important not to give rewards too often, so children don’t expect them all the time. Parents should also explain why the child is getting a reward, so they understand what they did well.
There are many effective ways parents can reward their children. Non-material rewards, such as praise, hugs, or extra story time, are excellent for reinforcing good behavior. For special achievements, parents might offer small treats or organize a family outing. Allowing children to choose a family activity can also be a meaningful reward. Some families use reward charts to track progress and celebrate milestones, which helps children see their improvement over time. It’s crucial that rewards are given fairly and not too frequently, so they remain meaningful. Parents should always explain the reason for the reward, ensuring children understand the value of their actions and the connection between effort and recognition.
Grammar Analysis
1. Modal verbs for suggestion: "parents can reward their children" uses "can" to suggest possible actions, showing flexibility in language use. 2. Present participle as adjective: "reinforcing good behavior" uses "reinforcing" to describe the function of rewards, adding complexity. 3. Conditional structure: "It’s crucial that rewards are given fairly and not too frequently, so they remain meaningful" uses a conditional clause to explain the importance of moderation. 4. Infinitive of purpose: "to track progress and celebrate milestones" uses infinitives to express purpose, showing advanced sentence structure.
Vocabulary
  • non-material rewards
  • praise
  • hugs
  • extra story time
  • special achievements
  • small treats
  • family outing
  • choose a family activity
  • reward charts
  • track progress
  • celebrate milestones
  • given fairly
  • not too frequently
  • explain the reason
  • effort and recognition