The Use of Corporal Punishment in Schools Is In Decline, Yet it Should Be Used to Improve Behavior – IELTS Writing Task 2

The use of corporal punishment (physically hitting students) in schools is in decline, yet it should be used to improve behavior. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Outline

Essay type

Opinion essay

Introduction

Sentence 1: introduction of the topic

Sentence 2 to 6: Objections to the essay’s idea and discussion points.

Body Paragraph

Paragraph 1: Being beaten in front of classmates can also be insulting for some students, which may cause them to avoid school altogether.

Paragraph 1: Physical punishment in childhood has been associated with aggressive or delinquent behavior in later life.

Conclusion

Summarize your thoughts and express your final opinion.

Sample Essay

Education institutions no longer use corporal punishment, but some believe that it helped to improve behaviour. I totally disagree with this view. Teachers have a number of responsibilities and are in an authoritative position. It is not uncommon for them to misuse this position by hitting students physically to punish them for doing anything wrong. Nowadays, parents disapprove of corporal punishment in schools as they do not want to see their children getting hurt physically. Thus, these actions are becoming less common, which is a good sign.

Students understand better when they learn with a free and calm mind. If one forces them to perform activities by physically hitting them, the overall result may be quite disappointing. It is possible that they will not be able to demonstrate their actual capabilities because of fear and stress. Being beaten in front of classmates can also be infuriating and insulting for some students, which may cause them to avoid school altogether.

The consequences of violent discipline are detrimental to students. It is undeniable that corporal punishment can cause physical injury and long-term mental distress to children. The use of physical punishment in childhood is associated with maladaptive behaviour patterns in later life, such as aggression or delinquency. Also, schools are more successful when they articulate nicely and do not get offensive with children when addressing the issues. Furthermore, when a child does an unacceptable act, other forms of punishment are available, such as suspension or expulsion rather than correcting with physical force.

Although some believe that corporal punishment can help improve a child’s behaviour, in my opinion, it is more important to teach a child with love and patience.

In conclusion, physically hitting a child will not necessarily improve their behaviour, as some children may become more aggressive and stubborn. They need to be treated gently and respectfully.

Vocabulary

• Authoritative

Meaning: having authority; demanding or expecting that people obey you.
Eg: He is polite but authoritative.

• Demonstrate 

Meaning: give a practical exhibition and explanation of
Eg: His actions demonstrated his thoughts clearly.

• Infurative 

Meaning: making one extremely angry and impatient.
Eg: she gave me an infuriating grin.

• Consequences

Meaning: a result or effect, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
Eg: There are consequences for our wrong deeds.

• Detrimental

Meaning: harmful
Eg: Junk foods are detrimental to your health.

• Maladaptive

Meaning: not adjusting adequately or appropriately to the environment or situation
Eg: His mental illness made him very maladaptive to the new environment.

• Delinquency

Meaning : bad or criminal behavior, especially among young people
Eg: Juvenile delinquency is widespread here

• Articulate

Meaning: to say something clearly or to express your ideas or feelings
Eg: She knows how to articulate herself.

• Expulsion

Meaning: the act of making somebody leave a place or an institution
Eg: There have been two expulsions from school this month.

• Stubborn

Meaning: not wanting to do what other people want you to do
Eg: she is too stubborn to apologies

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