PTE Write Essay Task Sample 204

You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words. 

Child Marriage: A harmful traditional practice

Child marriage, a harmful traditional practice, refers to the union of a child (usually defined as someone under the age of 18) in matrimony, often without their consent or understanding. This practice persists in various parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, where it is driven by cultural, social, and economic factors.

One of the main reasons for child marriage is poverty, as families may view marrying off their daughters at a young age as a way to reduce financial burdens or secure economic stability. Additionally, traditional beliefs, gender inequality, and social norms that prioritize early marriage and childbearing perpetuate the practice.

Child marriage has severe consequences for the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children, particularly girls. It deprives them of their right to education, limits their opportunities for personal and economic development, and exposes them to increased risks of domestic violence, early pregnancy, and maternal mortality.

Moreover, child marriage perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, as girls who marry young are less likely to complete their education or participate in the workforce, trapping them in a cycle of dependency and vulnerability.

Efforts to end child marriage require comprehensive strategies, including legislative reforms, community mobilization, and education campaigns to challenge harmful norms and empower girls with knowledge and resources. By investing in girls’ education, promoting gender equality, and strengthening child protection systems, societies can work towards ending child marriage and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and lead healthy, empowered lives.