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Child Development Essay

This is an IELTS model child development essay . The essay is about the factors that affect the way that children develop.

This is the question:

Some people think that the main factors influencing a child’s development these days are things such as television, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important.

Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.

The factors that you need to discuss are:

  • Social factors (such as television, music and friends)

Child on Computer

Which do you think has the biggest impact on a child as they grow up?

In this essay you have to discuss two opinions and give your opinion . The best way to do this is to dedicate one body paragraph to each opinion.

You can then give your opinion in the second body paragraph and the conclusion, or just the conclusion if you wish.

But however you organise it, you must make sure you do these three things:

  • Discuss the first opinion
  • Discuss the second opinion
  • Give your opinion

Now take a look at the question and the model answer.

IELTS Child Development Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Child Development Essay Model Answer:

While parents obviously play a major role in the way that their child develops as they get older, many people believe that social factors outside of the family now influence children much more. This essay will examine both sides of the argument.

There is no doubt that there are factors external to the family that significantly impact on a child’s development.  For example, there is television and the internet. Children these days have access to these much more than they used to in the past, and they will pick up language and see things that will teach them about life. Friends also have an important influence as a child will often copy peers that they admire and respect. This could be positive behaviour but it could also be negative, such as smoking or taking drugs.

Ultimately, however, it is family who have the most important impact. Children spend nearly all of their time with their family, especially in their early years. They develop their confidence, socialisation skills, morals, values and views on life through their interaction with them. Proof of the importance of this can be seen in the differences between some children. Those that grow up in a dysfunctional home often eventually have problems themselves, whilst those that are brought up in a warm and close environment end up more confident and secure in adult life.

To conclude, it is the family that can provide a supportive, secure, and nurturing environment, which is crucial to the way in which a child becomes an adult. Although it is clear that social factors play a part, I would argue that it is the former that is the most important.

(278 words)

The child development essay has a good introduction that clearly sets out what the two opposing opinions are ( this is done by paraphrasing the question ).

The thesis sentence ( last sentence of the introduction ) then clearly states what will be in the essay - a discussion of the two opinions.

The body paragraphs are coherent - each one clearly discusses one of the opinions. Topic sentences have also been used effectively in each body paragraph to identify the topic and controlling idea :

There is no doubt that there are factors external to the family that significantly impact on a child’s development. Ultimately, however, it is family who have the most important impact.

Note the use of ' however ' to show that a contrasting opinion is to be given. This gives the writing coherence .

The topic sentence of the second body paragraph also makes it clear that this other side of the argument is also the writers opinion .

There is some good topic related vocabulary . For example:

peers; socialisation skills; dysfunctional home; supportive; secure; nurturing

There are a mix of complex sentences in the child development essay. For example:

While parents obviously play a major role... There is no doubt that ... Friends also have an important influence as ... Ultimately, however, it is family who ... ... whilst those that are brought up... Although it is clear that ...

The candidates opinion is made clear in the second body paragraph, but the candidate clearly clarifies it in the conclusion and also summarises the main ideas of the essay again.

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118 Child Development Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Child development is a fascinating field of study that examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth and changes that occur in individuals from birth through adolescence. Whether you are a student studying child development or a parent interested in understanding your child's development better, writing an essay on this topic can provide valuable insights. To help you get started, here are 118 child development essay topic ideas and examples:

Physical Development:

  • The importance of physical activity in promoting healthy child development.
  • The effects of nutrition on a child's physical development.
  • The role of genetics in determining physical characteristics in children.
  • The impact of technology on children's physical development.
  • The influence of cultural practices on physical development.
  • The benefits and risks of sports participation for children.
  • The impact of sleep on physical development in children.
  • The effects of early motor skills development on later physical abilities.
  • The role of play in promoting physical development.
  • The effects of environmental pollutants on children's physical health.

Cognitive Development:

  • Piaget's theory of cognitive development and its relevance today.
  • The impact of language development on cognitive abilities in children.
  • The effects of media exposure on cognitive development in children.
  • The role of memory in cognitive development.
  • The influence of socio-economic status on cognitive development.
  • The effects of technology on children's cognitive abilities.
  • The importance of early literacy development for cognitive growth.
  • The impact of cultural factors on cognitive development.
  • The role of attention in cognitive development.
  • The effects of sleep on cognitive functioning in children.

Social Development:

  • The role of attachment in social development.
  • The impact of parenting styles on children's social skills.
  • The effects of peer relationships on social development.
  • The influence of media on children's social development.
  • The importance of empathy in social development.
  • The role of play in promoting social skills.
  • The effects of bullying on children's social development.
  • The impact of cultural factors on socialization.
  • The role of gender in social development.
  • The effects of divorce on children's social development.

Emotional Development:

  • The importance of emotional regulation in child development.
  • The impact of parenting practices on emotional development.
  • The effects of trauma on emotional development in children.
  • The influence of temperament on emotional development.
  • The role of self-esteem in emotional growth.
  • The effects of media on children's emotional well-being.
  • The importance of empathy in emotional development.
  • The impact of cultural factors on emotional development.
  • The role of play in promoting emotional expression.
  • The effects of divorce on children's emotional development.

Parenting and Family Influences:

  • The impact of parenting styles on child development.
  • The effects of divorce on children's development.
  • The role of siblings in child development.
  • The influence of family structure on child development.
  • The effects of parental involvement on child outcomes.
  • The impact of parental stress on child development.
  • The role of grandparents in children's development.
  • The effects of parenting programs on child outcomes.
  • The influence of cultural factors on parenting practices.
  • The role of fathers in child development.

Education and Learning:

  • The impact of early childhood education on later academic success.
  • The effects of standardized testing on children's learning.
  • The role of play in promoting learning in young children.
  • The influence of technology on children's learning.
  • The importance of early literacy development for school readiness.
  • The effects of teacher quality on student achievement.
  • The impact of school climate on children's learning.
  • The role of motivation in student learning.
  • The effects of school transitions on children's academic performance.
  • The influence of cultural factors on educational outcomes.

Language and Communication:

  • The importance of early language development for later academic success.
  • The effects of bilingualism on children's language development.
  • The role of technology in promoting language and communication skills.
  • The impact of socio-economic status on language development.
  • The effects of media exposure on children's language skills.
  • The influence of cultural factors on language development.
  • The role of play in promoting language and communication.
  • The effects of language disorders on children's communication abilities.
  • The impact of parent-child interactions on language development.
  • The role of early intervention in supporting language development.

Special Needs and Inclusion:

  • The importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities.
  • The effects of early intervention programs for children with special needs.
  • The impact of stigma on children with disabilities.
  • The influence of cultural factors on the inclusion of children with special needs.
  • The effects of assistive technology on children's independence.
  • The role of peer relationships in supporting children with special needs.
  • The impact of family involvement on the well-being of children with disabilities.
  • The effects of inclusive recreational programs on social skills development.
  • The importance of person-centered planning for individuals with disabilities.
  • The influence of policy and legislation on the inclusion of children with special needs.

Media and Technology:

  • The effects of media violence on children's behavior.
  • The impact of social media on adolescents' self-esteem.
  • The role of technology in promoting learning and creativity.
  • The influence of media on children's body image.
  • The effects of screen time on children's development.
  • The importance of media literacy education for children.
  • The impact of advertising on children's consumer behavior.
  • The role of media in shaping children's gender stereotypes.
  • The effects of cyberbullying on children's mental health.
  • The influence of cultural factors on media use and its impact on children.

Adolescence and Identity:

  • The impact of puberty on adolescents' physical and emotional development.
  • The effects of peer pressure on adolescent behavior.
  • The role of identity formation in adolescent development.
  • The influence of media on adolescents' self-image.
  • The effects of adolescent romantic relationships on development.
  • The importance of parental involvement in supporting adolescents' well-being.
  • The impact of cultural factors on adolescent identity formation.
  • The role of school climate in promoting positive adolescent development.
  • The effects of substance abuse on adolescent brain development.
  • The influence of social media on adolescents' self-concept.

Mental Health and Resilience:

  • The importance of promoting mental health in children.
  • The effects of trauma on children's mental health.
  • The impact of bullying on children's psychological well-being.
  • The role of resilience in promoting positive development.
  • The influence of cultural factors on mental health outcomes.
  • The effects of stress on children's mental health.
  • The importance of early intervention in supporting children's mental health.
  • The impact of family functioning on children's emotional well-being.
  • The role of play therapy in promoting children's mental health.
  • The effects of social support on children's resilience.

Gender and Development:

  • The impact of gender stereotypes on children's development.
  • The effects of gender socialization on children's behavior.
  • The role of media in shaping children's gender roles.
  • The influence of cultural factors on gender development.
  • The effects of gender identity on children's well-being.
  • The importance of gender-equitable parenting in supporting children's development.
  • The impact of gender bias in educational settings.
  • The role of gender in shaping children's career aspirations.

These essay topics provide a wide range of ideas for exploring different aspects of child development. Remember to choose a topic that interests you and aligns with your research or personal interests. Good luck with your essay!

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Home / Essay Samples / Psychology / Child Development

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