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

Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the essay topic and mention the view.

Body Paragraphs

Genetic factors are only a part of our personality. Various other factors form a person’s personality.

The upbringing of a child, life experiences and the kind of people one associate with determines the characteristics of an individual.

Conclusion

Summarize the topic and state the final verdict in brief.

Sample Essay

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

• Amalgamation

Meaning: the action, process, or result of combining or uniting.
Eg: The amalgamation of iron and other metals gives us steel.

• Countless

Meaning: too many to be counted; very many.
Eg: Countless innocent lives were lost during the Second World War.

• Disposition

Meaning: a person’s inherent qualities of mind and character.
Eg: She was of a very sweet disposition.

• Alterations

Meaning: the action or process of altering or being altered.
Eg: Various alterations were sanctioned by the municipal authorities.

• Intrinsic

Meaning: belonging naturally; essential.
Eg: An intrinsic quality of Indians is to bargain for a better price.

• Subtle

Meaning: so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe.
Eg: There were various subtle changes made to the plan.

• Persona

Meaning: the aspect of someone’s character that is presented to or perceived by others.
Eg: Celebrities have a different persona on certain occasions.

• Inherently

Meaning: in a permanent, essential, or characteristic way.
Eg: This kind of work is inherently risky.

• Consequential

Meaning: important; significant.
Eg: The arrival of raw materials is consequential in the construction of this villa.

• Sway

Meaning: control or influence (a person or course of action).
Eg: The minister had considerable sway over his followers.