justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community in order to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community in order to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's society, individual greed and selfishness have indeed become the driving forces shaping our world. However, I firmly believe that a return to older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community is crucial in creating a better world to live in.

The modern world is often characterized by a relentless pursuit of personal gain, often at the expense of others. This has led to a breakdown of family bonds and a decline in community spirit. As a result, many individuals feel disconnected and isolated, contributing to a range of societal issues such as loneliness and mental health problems. Returning to traditional values can help address these issues by fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness within communities.

Furthermore, traditional values emphasize the importance of collective well-being over individual desires. By prioritizing the needs of the family and the local community, individuals can contribute to a more harmonious and supportive society. This approach can lead to a greater emphasis on empathy, compassion, and cooperation, which are essential for building a more inclusive and equitable world.

Moreover, traditional values often place a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. By reconnecting with these values, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. This is particularly important in the face of global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion.

In conclusion, the modern world has undoubtedly been shaped by individual greed and selfishness, leading to a range of societal problems. Returning to traditional values of respect for the family and the local community offers a promising pathway towards creating a better world. By prioritizing collective well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and embracing sustainability, we can pave the way for a more compassionate, connected, and sustainable future.

Model Essay #2:

Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local community in order to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's world, individual greed and selfishness are often seen as the driving forces of modern society. However, there are those who argue that returning to traditional values of respect for the family and the local community is essential for creating a better world. In my opinion, while modern society has its flaws, the solution does not solely lie in reverting to old traditions.

It is undeniable that individual selfishness has played a significant role in shaping modern society. The pursuit of personal gain often takes precedence over the well-being of others, leading to a culture of competition and materialism. This has led to a breakdown of traditional values and a decline in community cohesion. However, advocating for a complete return to older values may not be the most effective solution.

While traditional values of respect for the family and community are important, modern society offers numerous benefits that should not be overlooked. Technological advancements, improved access to education, and greater opportunities for personal and professional growth are just some of the advantages of the modern world. These aspects have the potential to contribute positively to society and should not be dismissed in favor of a complete return to the past.

Instead of completely rejecting modernity, a balance between traditional values and the benefits of modern society can be sought. For instance, promoting ethical business practices, fostering a sense of community through local initiatives, and prioritizing family time can help bridge the gap between individualism and traditional values. This approach allows for the preservation of valuable aspects of modern society while addressing the shortcomings associated with individual greed and selfishness.

In conclusion, while the impact of individual greed and selfishness on modern society cannot be ignored, a complete return to traditional values may not be the most viable solution. By finding a balance and integrating the positive aspects of both modernity and tradition, a better world that values both individual and community well-being can be achieved.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.