Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society- IELTS Writing Task 2

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay, test-takers must present a clear viewpoint on a given issue and support it with strong arguments and relevant examples. This task assesses your ability to take a stance and justify it in a logical and coherent manner.

One commonly asked IELTS Writing Task 2 topic is: “Individuals can do nothing to change society. New developments can only be brought about by governments and large institutions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

In this blog, you’ll find three Band 9 sample answers for this IELTS Opinion Essay, along with advanced vocabulary and connectors to enhance your writing. Practicing with varied essay questions like this one is an effective way to sharpen your skills and aim for a higher band score.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

• Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Sentence 1: Making substantial changes in society has always been a major concern for every nation.

Body paragraphs

• Paragraph 1: ( Focus on Changes by govt ) With strong financial foundations, governments can invest in various aspects, such as building infrastructures, supporting scientific research and paying for the manpower.
• Paragraph 2: ( Focus on changes that can be brought upon by individuals ) On the other hand, Despite government aid, individuals should understand the responsibilities towards the betterment of a society.

Conclusion

• Provide your opinion
• Summarize your answers

Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society - Sample Answer 1

Making substantial changes in society has always been a major concern for every nation. It is believed that these changes can be made only by the government, whereas others argue that an individual can make a difference and eventually change the society. In my opinion, the influences from the former are by far more significant than that from the individuals owing to financial consideration and their authorities.

In order to initiate changes in a society, money plays a pivotal role in supporting the progress as well as motivating the participants. With strong financial foundations, governments can invest in various aspects, such as building infrastructures, supporting scientific research and paying for the manpower. These financial inputs help tremendously in initiating and sustaining a change or a development. Monetary contributions are also helpful in bringing positive messages in a society. For example, the government Awards study grants and scholarships for deserving pupils This creates a positive learning atmosphere among pupils.

Secondly, The social influences from governments and large corporations also bring changes on a larger scale. By improving regulations and laws, governments can affect the public behaviors on a national level through civil obligation. Large corporations can influence societies too by being a leading role in their industries.This way individuals are also accountable to the responsibilities towards the betterment of a society. Furthermore, governments are shaped by individuals. As a result, both individuals and governments should accompany each other in order to prepare healthier community conditions.

In conclusion, it is undoubtedly that individuals’ participation is crucial to social changes. However, governments and large institutions have greater potential in provoking changes more significantly and effectively with the help of their financial support and authorities.

Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society - Sample Answer 2

Some people believe that only governments and big organizations can bring real change in society, while individuals have no role to play. I strongly disagree with this view because history shows that individuals often spark movements, and small actions can grow into large transformations.

To begin with, many social and political changes in the world started with the actions of single individuals. For instance, figures like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. began as ordinary people, yet their efforts inspired millions and changed the course of history. This proves that individuals can play a powerful role in shaping society.

Moreover, even small actions by individuals can create a ripple effect. A single person choosing to recycle, volunteer, or raise awareness about an issue may encourage others to do the same. Over time, these small contributions can add up and result in large-scale change. Modern environmental movements, for example, often began with individuals raising their voices before governments took action.

Of course, governments and institutions have more resources and influence to implement nationwide changes, such as making laws or funding new technologies. However, these changes often happen because individuals first bring issues to public attention. Without people demanding action, many governments would not act.

In conclusion, individuals are far from powerless. They may not always have immediate authority, but their actions can inspire others and push institutions to act. Therefore, I believe both individuals and governments are equally important in creating positive change.

Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society - Sample Answer 3

It is often argued that individuals cannot bring about significant changes in society and that only governments and large institutions are capable of doing so. I partly agree with this statement because, while individuals can contribute, meaningful large-scale developments usually require government involvement.

On the one hand, individuals can certainly influence society in many ways. For example, social media has given ordinary people a platform to share ideas, raise awareness, and mobilize communities. Campaigns against plastic pollution, started by individuals, have gone viral and influenced people’s behaviour worldwide. Similarly, entrepreneurs and innovators like Elon Musk have shown that individual vision can lead to developments in technology and sustainability.

On the other hand, most large-scale improvements need government support to be successful. Governments can pass laws, invest in infrastructure, and provide funding on a scale that individuals cannot. For instance, tackling climate change requires international agreements, renewable energy projects, and strict regulations—things that only institutions have the power to enforce. Without their involvement, individual efforts may remain limited.

In reality, both sides are interconnected. Individuals can raise issues and set examples, but governments and institutions have the authority to implement these changes widely. Therefore, it is fair to say that while individuals are important, governments usually play the bigger role in bringing about long-term societal progress.

In conclusion, individuals can contribute by raising awareness and inspiring change, but large-scale development often depends on governments and institutions. Both play a role, but the scale of impact differs.

Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society - IELTS Vocabulary 

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary used in the sample answers for ‘Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society - IELTS Writing Task 2’.

• Substantial 

Definition : A considerable importance, size, or worth.
Sentence : A substantial increase in sales of products and services

• Former 

Definition : The previous , having previously been a particular thing.
Sentence : The former government was toppled over by the people

• Initiate

Definition : cause (a process or action) to begin.
Sentence : He decided to initiate discussions on planning procedures

• Monetary 

Definition : relating to money or currency.
Sentence : There were some documents which has no monetary value

• Manpower

Definition : The number of people working or available for work or service.
Sentence : the police had only limited manpower to withhold citizens

• Infrastructure

Definition : organizational structures and facilities
Sentence : the social and economic infrastructure of a country”

• Pupils 

Definition : a person who is taught by another,, student
Sentence : they are former pupils of the school

• Tremendous 

Definition : very great in amount, scale, or intensity.
Sentence : The staff in companies put in a tremendous effort into the development of vaccines

• Grants 

Definition : a sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose.
Sentence : “a research grant”

• Provoke 

Definition : stimulate or incite (someone) to do or feel something,
Sentence : a teacher can provoke you into working harder

Connectors to Use in the Sample Answers for 'Individuals Can do Nothing to Change Society - IELTS Writing Task 2'

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• Moreover
• However
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In conclusion
• While
• Instead
• By
• Moreover
• In addition

Understanding how to approach topics like “Individuals Can Do Nothing to Change Society – IELTS Writing Task 2” is key to building strong essay-writing skills. By studying the sample essays and vocabulary provided, you’ll learn how to present balanced arguments, express opinions clearly, and aim for a higher band score.

To achieve this, make it a habit to practice IELTS Writing practice tests regularly and develop a personal strategy. Consistent practice will sharpen your ideas, improve your essay structure, and gradually help you move towards a Band 7+ score or higher.

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• Popular Synonyms for 'My Opinion' You Can Use in IELTS
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