IELTS Task 2 - Q4: Student jobs provide experience and opportunities

In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility.

What are your opinions on this? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

 

Introduction/First paragraph

In this modern era, more and more children are working to facilitate their expenses or get extra pocket money. Whether this exposure is beneficial for their practical life or not is an ongoing debate. In my opinion, paid jobs have their own merits and demerits based on the following reasons.

Points for the second paragraph

• Minimum wage student jobs in retail or fast food industries develop an appreciation for labour and its associated rewards.
• Earning a paycheck, albeit small, results in practical knowledge and understanding of handling finances, taxes and savings.
• These temporary jobs provide new skillsets and hands-on work experience. Furthermore, this eventually trains them to become responsible adults, capable of financially supporting their own families.

Points for the third paragraph

• Students who work long hours have little time and energy to concentrate in school and finish their assignments.
• Many become dropouts since a steady supply of income looks more appealing than continuing with education for several more years, even though low. This education abandonment, in turn, affects society since a chunk of high potential skills and abilities are lost due to a lack of proper education.
• Sometimes financial independence can lead to lousy peer influences and regrettable choices.

Conclusion

In brief, such work experience boosts confidence and instills a sense of responsibility in most children. With the proper parental guidance and schooling, the benefits can outweigh its negative impact.