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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some believe that people are fully responsible for their happiness and they can be happy if they want. Others, however, feel that happiness depends on other factors in their life than just their wishes. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some believe that people are fully responsible for their happiness and they can be happy if they want. Others, however, feel that happiness depends on other factors in their life than just their wishes.

Some people think that individuals are solely responsible for their own happiness and can achieve it if they really desire it. On the other hand, there are those who believe that happiness is influenced by external factors in their lives, not just their own desires. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and give my opinion.

Those who argue that people are fully responsible for their happiness believe that individuals have the power to make choices that lead to their own happiness. For instance, a person can choose to surround themselves with positive people and engage in activities that bring joy. They can also seek personal growth and development to improve their overall well-being.

Conversely, others argue that happiness is not solely dependent on personal desires and choices. External factors such as socio-economic status, health, and relationships can significantly impact a person's happiness. For example, someone facing financial difficulties or dealing with an illness may struggle to find happiness despite their strong desire for it.

In my opinion, while personal choices and attitudes play a crucial role in determining happiness, external factors also have a significant influence. It is important to recognize that individuals may face circumstances beyond their control that can affect their well-being. However, having a positive mindset and making proactive choices can certainly contribute to overall happiness.

In conclusion, both personal desires and external factors contribute to an individual's happiness. While individuals have the power to make choices that lead to happiness, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of external circumstances. Striking a balance between personal agency and external influences is key to achieving true happiness.

Model Essay #2:

Some believe that people are fully responsible for their happiness and they can be happy if they want. Others, however, feel that happiness depends on other factors in their life than just their wishes.

Some people argue that individuals are fully responsible for their happiness and that they can achieve it if they truly desire it. On the contrary, others believe that happiness depends on various external factors in their lives, rather than just their own wishes. In this essay, I will discuss both viewpoints and provide my own opinion.

Those who advocate for personal responsibility for happiness claim that individuals have the power to make choices that lead to their own happiness. They argue that by cultivating a positive mindset and engaging in activities that bring joy, individuals can create their own happiness, regardless of external circumstances.

Conversely, others argue that happiness is not solely determined by personal desires and choices. External factors such as socio-economic status, health, and relationships can significantly impact a person's happiness. For instance, individuals facing socio-economic challenges or health issues may find it difficult to experience happiness, despite their strong desire for it.

In my view, while personal choices and attitudes play a crucial role in determining happiness, external factors also have a significant influence. It is important to recognize that individuals may face circumstances beyond their control that can affect their well-being. However, having a positive mindset and making proactive choices can certainly contribute to overall happiness.

In conclusion, while personal desires and external factors both contribute to an individual's happiness, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of external circumstances. Striking a balance between personal agency and external influences is key to achieving true happiness.

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