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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say that success is ‘10 percent talent and 90 percent hard work’. Is hard work the key to success, or is talent also important? 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 people say that success is ‘10 percent talent and 90 percent hard work’. Is hard work the key to success, or is talent also important?

Success is a topic that has been debated for a long time. Some people believe that success is mainly due to hard work, while others argue that talent plays a crucial role as well. In my opinion, both hard work and talent are important for achieving success.

Hard work is undeniably essential for success. It is through hard work that individuals can hone their skills and abilities. For example, many successful people, such as entrepreneurs and athletes, attribute their achievements to years of dedicated effort and perseverance. Without hard work, even the most talented individuals may not be able to reach their full potential.

On the other hand, talent also plays a significant role in achieving success. Some individuals are naturally gifted in specific areas, such as music, sports, or academics. This innate talent can give them a head start in their respective fields. For instance, a talented musician may find it easier to learn and excel in playing instruments compared to someone with less natural ability.

Moreover, the combination of talent and hard work often leads to the greatest success. Take, for example, successful professionals in various fields. While they may possess natural talent, it is their relentless dedication and hard work that enable them to stand out and achieve remarkable accomplishments.

In conclusion, both hard work and talent are crucial for achieving success. While hard work is the driving force behind honing one's skills, talent provides individuals with a natural advantage. Ultimately, it is the combination of both factors that leads to the highest levels of success.

Model Essay #2:

Some people say that success is ‘10 percent talent and 90 percent hard work’. Is hard work the key to success, or is talent also important?

Success is a topic that is often attributed to a combination of hard work and talent. However, the extent to which each of these factors contributes to success is a matter of debate. While hard work is undoubtedly important, I believe that talent plays a more crucial role in determining success.

Talent, in many cases, acts as a natural advantage that propels individuals towards success. For instance, individuals born with exceptional artistic or intellectual abilities may find it easier to excel in their respective fields compared to those without such innate talents. This natural aptitude sets them apart and provides a strong foundation for their success.

Furthermore, talent often serves as a catalyst for hard work. When individuals possess a natural affinity for a particular skill or area of interest, they are more likely to invest time and effort into honing their abilities. This intrinsic motivation stemming from talent can lead to a deeper and more sustained commitment to achieving success.

While hard work is important and can certainly lead to improvements in skills and performance, its impact may be limited without an underlying talent. For example, in the realm of sports, dedicated training and practice are vital, but without the inherent physical abilities and coordination, reaching the highest echelons of success may prove to be a challenging feat.

In conclusion, while hard work is undeniably valuable, talent holds greater significance in determining success. The innate abilities and natural inclinations of individuals provide them with a head start and serve as the driving force behind their pursuit of excellence. Therefore, talent should be considered as the key factor in achieving success.

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