In the modern world, dual-income households have become increasingly common. As the cost of living rises and career ambitions grow, both parents often need to work full-time. However, this trend has also led to a decline in the amount of time parents and ch...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-08-01
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the essay topic, "Most modern families have both parents working," exploring both the reasons for this trend and the resulting problems. You will find a full model essay, detailed commentary, and concrete strategies to elevate your own writing from a passing grade to a top mark.
Why this matters on the exam
This type of prompt, asking for the causes of a social trend and its effects, is a classic in English exams for VG1–VG3. It tests several core skills simultaneously. Firstly, it assesses your ability to structure an argumentative essay logically, addressing both parts of the question equally. Secondly, it requires you to demonstrate an understanding of contemporary societal issues, drawing on your knowledge of economics, technology, and social change. Finally, it provides a perfect platform to showcase a nuanced and precise vocabulary.
For example, an exam might present a task like: "Discuss the reasons behind a significant social change in your country over the past 20 years and analyse its main consequences." The skills needed to tackle that prompt are identical to those required here. You must identify causes (e.g., economic shifts, new technologies) and analyse effects (e.g., on family life, mental health, community). Mastering the structure and analytical depth for this essay will prepare you for a wide range of similar exam questions.
Furthermore, this topic specifically invites you to engage with complex ideas that lack simple answers. A top-grade response will avoid black-and-white thinking and instead embrace complexity, for instance by acknowledging that the rise of dual-income households represents both social progress for women and a potential strain on family cohesion. This demonstrates an advanced level of critical thinking, a key assessment objective in the English subject curriculum. …