Money Cannot Buy Happiness, it is Often Claimed- IELTS Writing Task 2

Money cannot buy happiness, it is often claimed. But with money, you can buy most of the things that are necessary for happiness – good food, accommodation, travel, health, entertainment, etc. No wonder people want to make as much money as possible. Do you agree or disagree?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Happiness is an important goal that people strive to achieve in life. Some people consider money as a vital ingredient in attaining happiness whereas others regard financial resources as inconsequential when it comes to happiness.

Sentence 3 – In this essay, I will explore whether or not money is a crucial element in determining happiness and offer my views on this issue.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Money allows people to fulfill basic needs.

Paragraph 2 – Money provides better access to resources

Paragraph 3 – However, money cannot buy the simple pleasures of life such as spending time in nature or enjoying the company of one’s family

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some people are of the opinion that money may not necessarily be important in making a person happy, I believe it can be a useful stepping stone on the path to attaining happiness in this lifetime

Sample Essay

Happiness is a consequential goal that people strive to accomplish in life. Some people regard money as a vital ingredient in attaining contentment, whereas others consider financial resources inconsequential when it comes to pleasure. In this essay, I will explore whether or not money is a crucial element in determining happiness and offer my views on this issue.

In the present day and age, finances have acquired added significance concerning bliss. It is because it enables people to accomplish their elemental necessities such as food and shelter and satisfying one’s needs paves the way toward delight. Also, owning money opens up a vast avenue of possibilities for people and authorises them to pursue their desires. It is the luxury of freedom and a sense of equilibrium provided by money that paves the way toward happiness. For many people, money offers a chance at a better life and is often their ticket out of an adverse situation.

Furthermore, an affluent individual is unlikely to be plagued by concerns such as financial insecurity and work-related tensions and, consequently, possesses a much more buoyant perspective conducive to pursuing pleasurable experiences that could provide happiness. Again, the access to better resources, such as education, that money provides often lays the foundation for happiness in contemporary society. Lastly, spending money on the welfare of others can also fill an individual with happiness.

However, some people also believe that certain aspects of life other than money can make an individual happy. For example, spending quality time with one’s family and experiencing the beauty of nature are some invaluable experiences that money cannot buy. Moreover, it is also said that money does not necessarily help meet spiritual and emotional needs outside the realm of material comforts.

In conclusion, while some people are of the opinion that money may not necessarily be important in making a person happy, I believe it can be a useful stepping stone on the path to attaining happiness in this lifetime.

Vocabulary

• Contentment

Meaning – satisfaction
Example – Nishant strives to get better at playing the violin by practising as much as possible.

• Elemental

Meaning – essential
Example – A portfolio is elemental for a student to gain entry to an art school.

• Inconsequential

Meaning – insignificant, lacking much importance
Example – Although they had been best friends since college, they fell out over a difference of opinion about something quite inconsequential.

• Equilibrium

Meaning – stability
 Example – The government is anxious to restore a sense of economic equilibrium within the country.

• Affluent

Meaning – wealthy, prosperous
Example – “They certainly are the most affluent family to ever set foot in this village,” remarked the baker to his wife.

• Plagued

Meaning – to bother or distress
Example –The residents have been plagued by a particularly unruly swarm of bees since the morning.

• Buoyant

Meaning – cheerful or lively
Example – She appears to be in quite a buoyant mood since this afternoon.

• Conducive

Meaning – Favourable for, helpful
Example – The climatic conditions in Darjeeling are very conducive for the cultivation of tea.

• Contemporary

Meaning – belonging to the present times or of the same generation
Example – Letter-writing has found renewed appreciation among some members of contemporary society who are trying to revive this activity.

• Realm

Meaning – domain or field
Example – She has considerable expertise in this realm which is why we should not hesitate to consult her.