In Some Parts of the World, People Have Become More Focused on Themselves- IELTS Writing Task 2

In some parts of the world, people have become more focused on themselves than their communities. What problems can this situation cause and how can they be solved?

Outline

Essay Type

Cause/solution type

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – In today’s materialistic era, people are driven by self-interest to a large extent rather than concern for others. This may be due to individuals today being tied down by more responsibilities and commitments than in the past.

Sentence 3 – In the following paragraphs, I will discuss the problems resulting from this and discuss possible solutions.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – People’s increased focus on themselves have caused them to participate in harmful behaviours, be overly concerned with materialistic gains rather than value interpersonal relationships and profit using unethical means, and a decline in altruism.

Paragraph 2 – The solution to the above would be to increase community involvement and efforts at social welfare along with authorities implementing laws preventing people from engaging in harmful activities.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the increasing focus of people towards others have caused disastrous problems for society in the present day and age. However, if adequate measures are implemented, the issues can be resolved and build a hospitable society.

Sample Essay

In today’s materialistic era, people are driven by self-interest to a large extent rather than concern for others. This may be due to individuals today being tied down by more responsibilities and commitments than in the past. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss the problems resulting from this and discuss possible solutions.

Firstly, one of the major adverse ramifications of people becoming preoccupied with themselves is their tendency to participate in baneful acts such as littering and smoking, which shows their disregard for others. Another important consequence is driven by the contemporary consumer culture, which has led people to be overly concerned with making avaricious gains at the cost of building connections and nurturing relationships with others. Self-interest coupled with strong rapacious desires has led many people to resort to unethical means to make profits. Lastly, the most concerning problem caused by increased egotism is the blatant lack of concern for the lives of others and a steep decline in altruism.

Some viable solutions to the aforementioned problems can be increasing community involvement by providing more opportunities for people to socialize and contribute to society. For example, starting social outreach programs and organizing community-based activities can prove useful. Secondly, having the concerned authorities enact stringent laws about pernicious activities such as smoking and littering can help reduce the problems mentioned above. Encouraging social welfare can also turn people’s focus towards others.

To sum it up, the increasing focus of people on others has caused disastrous problems for society in the present day and age. However, if adequate measures are implemented, the issues can be resolved and build a hospitable society.

Vocabulary

• Materialistic

Meaning – Consumerist or concerned with material gains
Example – Being materialistic, he cared more about making profits from his business than he cared for his family.

• Ramifications

Meaning – Consequences or outcomes
Example – He could not have foreseen the ramifications of his decision.

• Baneful

Meaning – Destructive
Example – The myth surrounding the jewel stated that it exercised a baneful spell on those who were in possession of it.

• Nurture

Meaning – To support and protect or to encourage
Example – Her parents wanted to nurture her in the best ways possible.

• Disastrous

Meaning – Catastrophic or severely damaging
Example – The only cinema hall in the town was destroyed in a disastrous fire.

• Outreach

Meaning – Community involvement by an individual.
Example – The university has decided to start an outreach program for its students.

• Stringent

Meaning – Strict
Example – The government enforced stringent laws regarding the purchase and possession of weapons.

• Pernicious

Meaning – Harmful or adverse
Example – Electronic devices have had a pernicious impact on our lives.

• Egotism

Meaning – Selfishness
Example – His actions were the result of his profound egotism.

• Hospitable

Meaning – Congenial or welcoming
Example – Our host was charming and hospitable and ensured we had a pleasant stay.