IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

[Point 1] One change in recent times is that some married couples choose not to have children to have a better life. [Extension] They view raising kids as a financial burden, especially if the wife must leave work for the children. The drawback, however, is that family lines may not be continued. [Point 2] Another difference is that many professionals must now seek employment elsewhere to support their families, as extended relatives often live at home. [Extension] The rising costs plus the many mouths to feed may require people to go to another city or country for work.

Yes, modern mass media certainly has had a powerful effect on family life, both negative and positive. [Point 1] The negative is the rift that it has created between family members. [Extension] Children mindlessly watch videos on their tablets while the parents are scrolling endlessly on their smartphones, neither interacting with the other. Although family connections cannot be made electronically, families do receive benefits from modern mass media. [Point 2] They are able to access a ton of information with ease. [Extension] As a result, they are able to make informed decisions about their family's health, finance, and education.

[Point 1] A few characteristics distinguish a good parent from a bad one, the primary being patience. [Extension] Children are not robots that we can control. Instead, they are independent beings with their own thoughts and behaviours. At times, those behaviours are upsetting to us. Instead of yelling at them, the parent should guide the child with love and compassion. [Point 2] Being equipped with proper etiquette is a hallmark of a good parent. [Extension] By imitating their parents, children will learn how to treat other people with respect.

I do not think there is a big difference in the roles that men and women play in a family; however, some roles must be filled to function as a family. [Point 1] The first role is a breadwinner. [Extension] The gender of the breadwinner isn't as important as their ability to provide financial support. After all, expenses need to be paid regardless of who provides the funds. [Point 2] Another role that needs to be filled is socializing. [Extension] One or both parents must provide opportunities for children to socialize with their peers and guide them along the way. In short, family roles should be gender-neutral.

Teenagers do have responsibilities towards their parents, but these responsibilities should grow incrementally as they mature. [Point 1] One responsibility that can be assigned to teenagers is completing their education. [Extension] In order to help support their parents in the future, they should go to college and get a good job. [Point 2] Next, they are liable for tracking birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. [Extension] As they get older, they can be put in charge of scheduling and setting their own doctor's appointments. These will ease the burden on parents and teach teenagers responsibility.

[Point 1] The best advice that parents should give to their children is to be empathetic towards others. [Extension] It is essential to teach empathy to children as it helps build their relationships with others. Empathy also assists children in managing their own emotions. [Point 2] Parents should also advise children to follow their hearts. [Extension] Children must trust their feelings, instincts, and intuition. Plus, it encourages children to be their authentic selves and pursue their interests.

[Point 1] I think it is necessary because most people are unaware of the many aspects of parenting. [Extension 1] Training should take place because people need to make informed decisions about important things, such as how to prepare for the arrival of a child, and how to raise them best. [Extension 2] Training should primarily be about the psychological aspect of parenting. Topics can cover issues like loss in pregnancy, reformulating one's identity, postpartum depression, and relationship issues. These are all problems that may be too difficult for new parents to find a satisfying solution.

[Point 1] I think parents are equipped with the knowledge to do so. [Extension 1] For example, sewing skills are no longer taught in schools. Simple sewing techniques that are necessary for everyday life should be taught to the young. These techniques include mending a hole in a sock, sewing a button back on a shirt, or shortening the hem of a pair of pants. [Extension 2] Parents can also teach how to handle conflict. Schools typically do not teach interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence. In other words, schools manage reaction, not prevention. Children should be taught how to de-escalate a confrontation.