Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born - IELTS Writing Task 2

The debate over whether human personality is shaped entirely by genetics or influenced by life experiences remains highly controversial. To write a high-scoring essay for the topic ‘Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born’, one of the common IELTS essay topics for Writing Task 2, you need to demonstrate critical thinking, balanced argumentation, and precise academic vocabulary. 

This blog provides three sample answers for the IELTS agree and disagree essay, ‘Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born’, along with an outline and relevant vocabulary, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.

Essay Question for ‘Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born’

Outline for IELTS Agree Disagree Essay

Given below is the outline that will help you to understand how to write agree-disagree essays in IELTS like ‘Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born’.

Sample Answers for Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born IELTS Writing Task 2

You will find three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic ‘Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born’ given below. 

Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born - Sample Answer 1

Some people argue that personality traits are inherited genetically and remain largely unchanged throughout life. I agree with this view, as scientific research and observable behaviour suggest that core aspects of character are predominantly determined by biology rather than environment.

There is compelling evidence that genetics shape fundamental behavioral tendencies from birth. Numerous twin studies have demonstrated that identical twins raised in different households often display strikingly similar personalities. For instance, research conducted by institutions such as the University of Minnesota found that separated twins frequently shared traits such as introversion, optimism, or risk-taking behavior despite growing up in contrasting environments. Such findings indicate that temperament, emotional responsiveness, and even stress tolerance are deeply rooted in genetic inheritance. 

Furthermore, while environmental factors may superficially influence behavior, they rarely alter an individual’s intrinsic disposition. Education and professional training can teach people how to regulate their emotions or adapt socially, but these adjustments often mask rather than transform their true personality. For example, an inherently introverted individual may learn public speaking skills for career advancement, yet still prefer solitude and experience mental exhaustion after social interactions. Similarly, someone genetically predisposed to impulsiveness might develop coping strategies, but their instinctive reactions often remain unchanged under pressure. This suggests that the environment shapes expression rather than essence.

In conclusion, although life experiences and social conditioning can modify how personality traits are displayed, the underlying characteristics are largely inherited and stable throughout life. Therefore, personality should be regarded as fundamentally predetermined, with environmental factors playing only a secondary and superficial role in shaping human behavior.

Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born - Sample Answer 2

It is often argued that people’s personalities are fixed by their genetic makeup before birth and cannot be altered throughout life. I strongly disagree with this view because environmental influences and personal experiences play a decisive role in shaping and reshaping individual character traits over time.

One significant reason to reject this claim is the powerful impact of upbringing and social surroundings. Children raised in nurturing and communicative families are more likely to develop confidence, empathy, and emotional stability. In contrast, those exposed to neglect or constant criticism may initially struggle with insecurity or social withdrawal. For example, a naturally introverted child who is encouraged to participate in debates, sports teams, or drama clubs at school may gradually become more self-assured and socially competent. Teachers and mentors often observe remarkable transformations in students who receive consistent support and constructive feedback. 

Another compelling argument is that individuals can consciously modify their behavior through sustained effort and self-awareness. Psychological theories, including those developed by Albert Bandura, emphasize the role of social learning and personal agency in behavioral change. Traits such as patience, discipline, and resilience can be cultivated through practice and reflection. For instance, a person with a quick temper may attend counseling sessions, practice mindfulness techniques, and gradually learn to respond calmly in stressful situations. Similarly, individuals who once lacked confidence may build assertiveness through professional training and repeated exposure to challenging tasks. 

In conclusion, although genetics may provide a foundational framework for temperament, environmental conditions and deliberate personal development significantly influence who we ultimately become. Therefore, it is inaccurate to claim that personality traits are entirely predetermined and incapable of change.

Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born - Sample Answer 3

The nature of an individual is an amalgamation of countless mental factors. It is a well-known fact that our personality is distinct at different stages of life. Even between small periods of time, there are subtle variabilities in our disposition. Such alterations are quite natural and are a part of a human being’s existence. However, it is often assumed that our personality is entirely dependent on genetics. I totally disagree with this idea. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the topic from my point of view.

As we know, we inherit a variety of intrinsic qualities from our parents. Our nature is often quite similar to that of one of our parents. There are often traits that both a child and a parent share but are too subtle to be perceived by anyone outside of one’s immediate family. Even so, there are numerous other aspects that shape the persona of an individual. The environment that a child is raised in is one of the most significant determinants of a person’s nature.

Furthermore, the kind of upbringing and the moral values that a child is taught by their parents also contribute to their individual development. Children are known to be influenced by the people around them to a great extent. The behaviour of our parents inherently affects our psyche and we tend to portray similar characteristics throughout our lives. Additionally, life experiences are also a consequential determinant of our personality. Experiences during childhood and adolescence determine the characteristics that we hold for the rest of our lives.

Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that genetic traits hold considerable sway in our temperament. That being said, such features are often overtaken by new attributes that we acquire over time.

Finally, there is no doubt that hereditary traits are always present in our nature. Nonetheless, as we grow into adulthood, we often evolve into very different individuals from what we used to be at a certain age.

Vocabulary to Use for Our Personalities are Predetermined as a Result of Our Genes before We are Born - IELTS Writing Task 2

Here is an advanced vocabulary word list for IELTS related to the topic, ‘Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born’ to help you boost your vocabulary.

In conclusion, the debate over whether personality is genetically predetermined remains central to psychology and social science. The key to scoring Band 7+ lies in presenting a balanced yet decisive argument supported by clear reasoning and relevant examples. So, look into the recent IELTS Writing actual test & model answers and practice essays on this theme to improve your writing skills.

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