IELTS HUB
Discuss both views SocietyGovernment Essay #77
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits.

Discuss both sides 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.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
298 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

In the contemporary discourse of societal structures, two contrasting views prevail: one posits that egalitarian societies foster personal achievement, while the other asserts that individual meritocracy is the key to high personal achievement. I align myself with the latter perspective, advocating for the freedom to succeed or fail based on personal merits.

Body 1

Those who champion egalitarian societies have cogent reasons for their stance. They argue that equality in opportunities ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their background, have a fair shot at success. To elucidate, in such societies, a child from a low-income family can access the same quality of education as a child from a wealthy family, thereby leveling the playing field. Additionally, proponents of egalitarianism contend that it promotes cooperation and mutual support, which can enhance collective achievement. For instance, in a society where resources and opportunities are evenly distributed, individuals are more likely to collaborate, leading to shared success and innovation.

Body 2

However, despite the aforementioned arguments, I am more inclined towards the view that personal achievement thrives in an environment of individual meritocracy. A primary reason is that merit-based systems encourage competition, which can stimulate personal growth and innovation. To illustrate, in a meritocratic society, individuals are motivated to outperform their peers, leading to the development of new ideas and advancements. Furthermore, meritocracy respects and rewards individual effort and talent, which can be a powerful motivator for personal achievement. A virtuoso musician, for instance, may be driven to perfect their craft knowing that their talent and hard work will be recognized and rewarded in a meritocratic society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while egalitarian societies present compelling arguments such as equal opportunities and cooperative advancement, I firmly believe that the meritocratic approach, with its emphasis on competition and individual recognition, provides a more potent environment for personal achievement.

How our answers are made

Go further with the books

Writing Task 2

100 Essential IELTS Essays

Band 9 Sample Answers for the Real Exam

₹199$6.99CAD 8.99AUD 9.99£4.99NZD 10.99€5.99AED 24SGD 8.99

Free preview

Writing Task 2

Break the Band 6.5 Ceiling

Find the gaps and raise your Task 2 score

₹399$13.99CAD 18.99AUD 20.99£9.99NZD 22.99€11.99AED 49SGD 17.99

Free preview

Kit · 3 books + 1 marked essay

Writing 7 Kit

The strategy to break the 6.5 ceiling, the mistakes that cost marks, the vocabulary that lifts Lexical Resource, then one essay marked to check you are there.

₹799$26.99CAD 37.99AUD 39.99£20.99NZD 45.99€23.99AED 99SGD 34.99 ₹1,296$43.96CAD 60.96AUD 65.96£33.96NZD 73.96€38.96AED 166SGD 56.96

Next question: Housing and accommodation has become a major problem in many countries around the world. What are some of the main factors that have contributed to this problem? What can be done to help reduce the number of homeless people?