Pre-TOEFL writing, Parents should make important decisions for their older teenage children

Writing Topic

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (16-18 year-old) teenaged children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

☆Let’s Think

The phrase “other adult relatives” would be for cases people like grandparents or uncles or aunts are playing the role of the older teenager’s parents for some reason. 16-18-yea- old people are high school students in general. They are between older children and young adults. Examples of important decisions might be decisions on whether to have a part-time job, whether to study abroad, or whether to go to university or not.

☆Hints for Points

Yes, because …

1.    parents are responsible for their children’s actions till they become independent.

2.    adults usually have more experience, knowledge, and common sense than their children.

No, because …

1.    one should decide one’s own future.

2.    high school students already have established a sense of self.

☆Sample Essay Structures

Sample 1

【Introduction = Outline】It is parents not their children that should finalize an important decision-making.

【Point 1】Those in parental custody should not make an important decision.  e.g. mentally dependent on their custodians

【Point 2】Parents know their children best and can see the whole picture.  e.g. quitting school

【Counterargument-treatment】Parents should allow their children some freedom and respect their personality, but when it comes to a key decision, parents are the ones who take all the responsibility especially when some problem occurs.   e.g. traffic accident

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】Major decisions should be made by those who are responsible for the results.

Sample 2

【Introduction = Outline】I entirely disagree with the idea that people aged 16 to 18 should leave important decision-making about them to their parents.

【Point 1】Older teens are mature enough to decide important things by themselves.  e.g. voting right

【Point 2】Important decisions are related to children’s future, who will face the consequences.

e.g. whether to go to college or not, which major to choose

【Counterargument-treatment】Mistakes may occur, but trial and error is necessary to be independent.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】 late teens can make a right decision and not allowing it is over-parenting.

♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】