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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness affect individuals? Is it a positive or negative trend? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. S

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness affect individuals?

Competitiveness is a quality that drives individuals to excel and achieve their goals. It affects people in various ways, both positively and negatively. In my opinion, competitiveness can have both positive and negative effects on individuals, depending on how it is managed and balanced.

On the positive side, competitiveness can motivate individuals to work harder, improve their skills, and strive for success. For example, in a competitive job market, individuals may put in extra effort to stand out among other candidates, leading to personal growth and professional development. Furthermore, in sports and academics, healthy competition can inspire individuals to push their limits and achieve outstanding results.

However, competitiveness can also have negative effects when it becomes excessive or leads to negative behaviors such as jealousy, stress, and unethical practices. For instance, in highly competitive work environments, individuals may experience heightened stress levels and burnout, affecting their mental and physical well-being. Moreover, in extreme cases, competitiveness can lead to unethical behavior, such as cheating and sabotaging others, which can be detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, while competitiveness can be a driving force for personal and professional growth, it is essential to maintain a balance and ensure that it does not lead to negative consequences. By promoting healthy competition and cultivating a supportive environment, individuals can harness the positive effects of competitiveness while avoiding its potential drawbacks.

Model Essay #2:

Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness affect individuals?

Competitiveness is a quality that is often praised in society for its ability to drive individuals towards success. However, its effects on individuals can be both positive and negative. In my view, competitiveness has predominantly negative impacts on individuals due to the stress and negative behaviors it can breed.

Competitiveness can lead individuals to experience high levels of stress and anxiety as they constantly compare themselves to others and strive to outperform their peers. This can result in detrimental effects on mental and emotional well-being, causing individuals to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. For example, in academic settings, students may experience intense pressure to outshine their classmates, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Moreover, competitiveness can foster negative behaviors such as jealousy, resentment, and unethical practices. In highly competitive environments, individuals may resort to undermining their peers or engaging in dishonest actions to gain an advantage. This can create a toxic and cutthroat atmosphere, eroding trust and collaboration among individuals. For instance, in the corporate world, cutthroat competition can lead to unethical practices such as corporate espionage and sabotage, ultimately harming the overall work environment.

In conclusion, while competitiveness is often celebrated as a positive quality, its detrimental effects on individuals cannot be overlooked. The stress and negative behaviors it fosters can have profound impacts on individuals' well-being and the overall harmony of society. It is crucial to recognize the negative repercussions of excessive competitiveness and strive to promote a more balanced and supportive approach to personal and professional growth.

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