IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

It is said that the basic unit of society is the family. A nation cannot prosper if the families within are in chaos. Thus, many countries offer various kinds of public services to help. In some places, public schooling is free, allowing families to allocate their money elsewhere. Sometimes some medical services like vaccinations may be free for the family, especially for newborns and infants. And if needed, some communities offer counselling services to families undergoing difficulties.

The common idea of the family is the nuclear family, consisting of the parents and children. But in some areas, like in Asia, extended families may live together. Sometimes siblings and their respective families live under one roof, allowing cousins to become as close as brothers and sisters. And in many places, there may be three generations in the same home as the grandparents also live there. Though not everybody appreciates having a crowded household, especially if one's relatives are nosey and regularly give unsolicited advice, other people appreciate having many family members around. Family bonds are often tighter when everyone lives together, and older relatives can provide sound advice to troubled teens who might not listen to their parents. It may also be advantageous if these families pool their money together for the expenses—though others may argue that it also means there are too many mouths to feed.

Since family life is so important, parents must do a good job raising their children. But like many things in this world, parenting is not easy. Since parents need to provide for the daily needs, there is a constant struggle between working and rearing the children, especially if both spouses need to earn. Taking care of a newborn is also a challenge for first-time parents since they cannot decipher the meaning of their baby's cries. Though parents may be relieved that a child is now in school, the next concern becomes how the child copes with studying, following the rules, and making friends. And then comes the teenage years when even the most well-behaved child may rebel due to peer pressure or influences from media. Since a teenager is too old to be spanked, parents must instead enforce the rules at home in other ways. Additionally, they must explain the pros and cons of certain decisions and help map out their teen's studies and future career.

Parenting is no joke indeed. It requires much love, care, and guidance. But if parents can stay the course, it will be well worth it once they see their son or daughter enter the adult world as a responsible and productive member of society.