People are Never Satisfied with What they Have- IELTS Writing Task 2

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the essay with the help of synonyms to create an understanding of the topic.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will elucidate the never-ending desire to want more.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Mention our nature to crave more and constantly desire new things.

Paragraph 2 – Talk about people always wanting more and more and can never be satisfied.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge the argument against it and how wanting more benefits humankind.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay

Humans will always have a psychological behaviour that will have a never-ending desire to want more of what they already possess. We have already embraced a materialistic world, and I couldn’t agree more that we all incessantly demand more. The following essay will elucidate my views on it.

Though it will sound a bit pessimistic, people always feel that there is something better than what they have. It is in one’s nature to crave more and constantly desire new things. People are endowed with this character that aids them to grow and evolve by continually transforming themselves and their environment. This may be the chief reason why people never feel content with their present condition and struggle to do better for themselves in the future.

To give a better idea, if one wants to use public transport, first, one needs the bus to come on time, then hope the bus is not crowded. But, even if one gets a seat, they wish to get a window seat. This desire to get something better is endless, and as a result, our wants can never be satisfied. Moreover, we tend to compare ourselves with others, and as they say, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. People very often think about what others have that they do not. Consequently, people tend to compare their financial, social, emotional, and intellectual conditions that keep their discontent about their requirements.

But to see on the other side, if one’s goal is happiness, and one is happy with what they have and do not have, they would be silly to disturb that. Further, most people find pleasure in simple things like having one’s favourite food, watching the sunrise or sunset, spending time with close ones. So, it is not always that people push for action in the name of selfish desires that develop and tempers overly negative characteristics and traits. However, there is no harm in wanting more unless one starts competing with others so that they forget to enjoy what they already have.

Finally, it may be concluded that I think people have different feelings and characters, and it cannot be attributed to all in general that they are never satisfied with what they want. On the contrary, one’s basic desires have encouraged them to push further to help the unquenchable thirst for their needs.

Vocabulary

• Embraced

Meaning – accept (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.

Example – Boris embraced him in a quiet, friendly way and kissed him three times.

• Materialistic

Meaning – excessively concerned with material possessions; money-oriented.

Example – We live in a materialistic age where there is a growing obsession with money.

• Elucidate

Meaning – make (something) clear; explain.

Example – You must also elucidate your plan for reaching your distribution channels.

• Pessimistic

Meaning – tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

Example – I can’t stand being around pessimistic people for too long; they bring me down.

• Endowed

Meaning – provide with a quality, ability, or asset.

Example – She is not heavily endowed with common sense or ambition but has certain attributes.

• Intellectual

Meaning – involving a person’s ability to think and to understand ideas and information

Example – Amit’s intellectual comments on the piece of art were helpful.

• Discontent

Meaning – dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances; lack of contentment.

Example – The new law provoked discontent among the educated classes.

• Resistance

Meaning – the refusal to accept or comply with something.

Example – The paint shows good weather resistance.

• Unquenchable

Meaning – not capable of being satisfied, quelled or discouraged

Example – Aquarius has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

• Humankind

Meaning – human beings considered collectively (used as a neutral alternative to ‘mankind’).

Example – Many more not-so-famous dogs have made their contributions to humankind.