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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that competition helps children to be better prepared for their future, while others say that competition can be harmful to children and should be limited to adults. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answers and provide relevant example and experience you might have.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people believe that competition helps children to be better prepared for their future, while others say that competition can be harmful to children and should be limited to adults.

Some people argue that competition is beneficial for children as it prepares them for the challenges they will face in the future. They believe that competition teaches important life skills such as resilience, determination, and the ability to cope with pressure. For instance, in a competitive academic environment, students may learn to work hard and strive for excellence in order to succeed, which can benefit them in their future careers.

On the other hand, opponents of competition for children argue that it can have detrimental effects on their mental and emotional well-being. They believe that excessive competition can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, especially if children feel that they are constantly being compared to their peers. This can create a toxic environment and hinder their overall development.

In my opinion, while a certain level of healthy competition can be beneficial for children, it is important to recognize the potential negative impacts it can have. For example, participating in sports competitions can teach teamwork, discipline, and the value of hard work. However, it is essential to ensure that the competition does not become overly intense or create an unhealthy obsession with winning at all costs.

In conclusion, I believe that competition can be both beneficial and harmful for children, depending on how it is managed. It is important for adults to create a balanced and supportive environment that encourages healthy competition while also prioritizing the well-being and development of the children involved.

Model Essay #2:

Some people believe that competition helps children to be better prepared for their future, while others say that competition can be harmful to children and should be limited to adults.

Some people contend that competition can have detrimental effects on children and should be limited to adults. They argue that excessive competition can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, especially if children feel constantly compared to their peers. This can create a toxic environment and hinder their overall development. For instance, young students might feel immense pressure to outperform their classmates in academic or extracurricular activities, leading to negative consequences on their mental well-being.

However, proponents of competition for children believe that it is essential for their future preparedness. They argue that competition teaches important life skills such as resilience, determination, and the ability to cope with pressure. For example, participating in competitive sports can instill values of teamwork, discipline, and the importance of hard work, which are crucial for success in adulthood.

In my view, it is crucial to strike a balance between the benefits and potential harms of competition for children. While it is important for children to learn valuable skills through healthy competition, it is equally important to ensure that the competitive environment is nurturing and supportive. For example, adults should emphasize the importance of participation, improvement, and sportsmanship over mere winning, and create an atmosphere where every child's efforts are acknowledged and celebrated.

In conclusion, while some argue that competition should be limited to adults due to its potential harm to children, I believe that with proper guidance and support, competition can be a valuable tool for children's development. It is the responsibility of adults to create an environment where healthy competition fosters growth, resilience, and important life skills, without compromising the well-being of the children involved.

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