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 2026-09-16
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.
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.
To write a sophisticated essay on this topic, you need to understand and use several key terms correctly. Using this vocabulary will make your arguments more precise and academic.
| Concept | Definition | Example of Use in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Income Household | A family structure in which both parents or partners are employed and contribute to the household income. | The transition to dual-income households has become a defining feature of the late 20th and early 21st-century economies. |
| Socioeconomic Pressures | Forces related to social standing and economic factors that compel individuals or families to make certain life choices. | Socioeconomic pressures, such as rising housing costs and student debt, often necessitate that both parents work full-time. |
| Work-Life Balance | The equilibrium between the demands of one's professional life and personal life, including family, leisure, and self-care. | Many companies are now introducing flexible work policies to help employees achieve a healthier work-life balance. |
| Emotional Neglect | A specific type of neglect where a parent or caregiver is emotionally unavailable to a child, failing to provide the necessary affection, attention, and support. | Even when physically present, a parent distracted by work can inadvertently cause emotional neglect, impacting a child's self-esteem. |
| Digital Divide | In this context, it refers not to access but to the experiential gap between family members who are physically together but mentally absorbed in separate digital worlds. | The family dinner is often interrupted by a digital divide, with parents on work emails and teenagers on social media. |
The following sections contain the original model essay, preserved verbatim. Each section is followed by an examiner's commentary that expands on the ideas, adds depth, and suggests how to achieve an even higher grade.
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 children spend together. This essay will explore the main reasons for this situation and discuss the problems that can arise when family members spend less time bonding and communicating.
Examiner's Commentary: This is a strong, standard introduction. It begins by establishing the context (dual-income households are common), states the central issue (less time together), and clearly signposts the essay's structure ("explore the main reasons... and discuss the problems"). This roadmap is crucial for the reader. To elevate it further, one could use a more powerful opening sentence or include a hint of the argument's nuance, for example: "What was once hailed as a landmark of gender equality—the dual-income family—is now revealing a complex and challenging side effect: a growing temporal and emotional gap between parents and their children."
The primary reason most parents work today is financial necessity. The cost of housing, childcare, education, and healthcare has risen sharply in many countries. A single income is often not enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, especially in urban areas. In addition, changing gender roles and social expectations mean that women now pursue careers just as actively as men. Many parents see dual employment as a way to achieve equality, independence, and self-fulfillment. While this social progress is positive, it also reduces the time families can spend together. Long working hours, commuting, and the stress of modern jobs further limit opportunities for shared activities or even simple conversations at home.
Examiner's Commentary: This paragraph correctly identifies the two main drivers: economic necessity and social change. An examiner would credit the writer for this balanced view. To add more depth, you can provide more concrete examples:
Another factor contributing to this issue is the influence of technology and fast-paced lifestyles. Even when parents are physically present, they may be mentally occupied with work emails or social media. Likewise, children often prefer spending their free time online rather than engaging with family. This digital divide weakens emotional connections and reduces meaningful interaction. Furthermore, many parents enroll their children in numerous extracurricular activities to ensure academic or athletic success. While these activities are beneficial, they often leave little room for family meals, outings, or shared leisure time. As a result, the family unit becomes fragmented.
Examiner's Commentary: This paragraph effectively introduces technology and overscheduling as secondary factors. The concept of the "digital divide" within the home is a strong point. To improve, get more specific: …