Teenagers have problems at home and school

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Teenagers have problems at home and school. What difficulties are they facing now? What should parents and schools do to help them?

Give reasons for your answer and give any relevant example or experience you might have to support your answer.

Write at least 250 words.


Model Answer:
Adolescence is one of the crucial stages in the lifespan of human being. It is the time when very rapid changes take place both mentally and physically. Accordingly, it is quite natural that teenagers may encounter several problems like substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, bullying emotional problems and so forth. In this case, both the family and school have lot of things to do in aiding the youngsters.

Growing up into adulthood makes one to experience many difficulties in various sphere of life including personal, social and educational problems. One of the major problems is substance abuse. Very often teenagers are susceptible to drug addiction. Reliance on hard drugs and alcohol to cope with daily stresses reduce their responsible decision making proficiency that leads to serious adjusting problems including anti-social activities and depression. In order to avoid these problems, parents and teachers should come up with proper guidance while at the same time ensuring conductive atmosphere so that they can cope with their stresses.

Similarly, another noticeable problem they face is sexually transmitted problem. They are likely engaged in irresponsible sexual behavior which induces several sexual diseases. In this case, the youngster ought to be helped by teachers and family in discarding stereotypes about sex which throws them at higher risk. Adolescent should be rendered with proper sex education in an effective approach both at their homes and in school.

Again, widespread problem is bullying. Most of the cases, it takes place in areas which are less monitored by adults, for example in the student cafeteria, locker rooms, restrooms and on the school bus. Schools should keep these places under surveillance by using security techniques comprising close circuit camera. In addition, teacher can help to solve the problem through guidance and proper counseling. The parents can also play an important role in solving the problem. Parents should come as useful help for the growing teenagers.

In conclusion, at this period, adolescents want to be more competent and independent. They get opportunity to spend much of their time without any supervision. They need the acknowledgement of their developing maturity and since they are still children, they are needed guidance, discipline and above all protection of teachers and of parents. In order to set effective boundaries, both the parents and teacher should actively consider both sides of this balance.