In many societies today, discussions about children’s independence have become increasingly common. Some people believe that modern children live overly controlled lives, with strict schedules, constant supervision, and limited opportunities to explore or m...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
This in-depth guide analyses the question, 'Should younger children be given more freedom?', by breaking down the core arguments of a model essay, providing examiner insights, and showing you how to structure a high-scoring argumentative text on child development and autonomy.
Why this matters on the exam
Questions about childhood, parenting, and education are perennial topics in English exams. This theme directly connects to the core curriculum's aim of exploring social conditions, ethical questions, and differing values in the English-speaking world. You might encounter tasks phrased as "Discuss the impact of modern parenting styles on child development" or "To what extent should schools be responsible for teaching life skills?". The ability to write a well-structured argumentative essay on a topic like children's freedom demonstrates several key competencies the examiner is looking for: your ability to formulate a clear thesis, support it with relevant arguments and examples, consider and refute counterarguments, and use precise, academic language. Mastering this topic prepares you for a wide range of potential exam questions about society and individual responsibility.
Model Essay: Should Younger Children Be Given More Freedom?
Introduction
In many societies today, discussions about children’s independence have become increasingly common. Some people believe that modern children live overly controlled lives, with strict schedules, constant supervision, and limited opportunities to explore or make decisions on their own. Others argue that giving children too much freedom can expose them to risks and prevent them from learning discipline. This essay will argue that although younger children do require guidance and protection, they should also be given more freedom to explore, make choices, and develop independence—provided that this freedom is balanced with appropriate boundaries and support from adults. …