IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic Writing Task, the Essay
The Essay Question:
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
The Essay Answer :
Many a times children are given the message in few cultures that they could accomplish just about anything, provided they strive sufficiently hard. According to me, while this approach can spur children to attain the seemingly impossible, it may also put undue pressure on them.
First, children would be motivated and charged up and start believing that they can acheive their dreams, when frequently told that they could attain anything with strenuous efforts. Young ones lack self confidence and doubt their ability to shine in any field. Chief Operating Officer of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg, mentions that her mother told them they could achieve anything and thus was instrumental in her successful career.
Second, there would be more achievers in society and the nation as a whole would be very progressive when more children start believing in themselves and their dreams, on constantly being said that can do anything. New inventions and products would emerge taking the world forward. When little ones have faith in their capabilities, they will more likely bring accolades for their nation with their stupendous work.
Nonetheless, when children are conveyed that they can do anything with strenuous exertion more often than not, they may be unnecessarily pressurised with undue expectations. Besides, not all children are ambitious or willing to labour towards a high goal. Hence, they could be pressured into fulfilling their parents wishes.
To conclude, the practice of telling children several times that they can attain anything with arduous work in some cultures, would encourage children to reach great heights, bringing glory at the individual as well as the national level, albeit resulting in a load on few children.