作者：赵云绮（雅思写作）

Although family has a great influence on children’s lives, it is influences from outside the home that play a bigger part in their development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The notion that outside influences, rather than domestic ones, play a major role in child development remains open to debate. Persuasive as it sounds, I would contend that this concept is flawed and, in fact, exactly the opposite is true.

Children’s overall development correlates with their families, who are the people they spend more of their childhood with. Character traits are moulded buy this kind of domestic exposure. In contrast, although other people, the media and the local culture also exert a strong influence on all people, these external factors compare unfavorably with the powerful, up-close relationships within a family. Evidence can be readily found by for example, looking in a schoolroom where students share the same teachers, peers and atmosphere, but their lives differ considerably because they do not share the same family.

Based on this point, it is clear that children tend to rely on and trust the family more. Children often expect family members, rather than a book or other people, to answer questions when they are uncertain. For example, if a child has trouble getting along with another one from their school, or does not know what exactly to value, usually they turn to their family to learn how to deal with the situation. Because elders in family are usually regarded as wise and compassionate towards children, the words of parents and grandparents penetrate deeply into children’s thoughts, and because they have been exposed to these words since they were born, they leave a lasting impact. This, in turn, shapes the aspirations the children have and impacts the future choices they will make.

Each child’s development also depends largely on how they are supported. Were it not for the help of his mom, Mary Gates, who is an outstanding figure in business, Bill Gates likely would have never become who he is today. Children’s progress is often impeded by insufficient backing, either in terms of financial resources or courage, which cannot easily be provided by anyone other than the family.

In conclusion, a family doubtless influences children’s development more than other people.