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

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay, candidates are expected to clearly express their viewpoint on a given issue and support it with relevant arguments and examples. This type of essay tests your ability to take a stance and justify it logically and coherently.

One such topic in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is: “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.” In this blog, you’ll find three Band 9 sample answers for the IELTS Opinion Essay topic along with high-level vocabulary to boost your writing skills and help you achieve a higher IELTS score. To prepare effectively, it's best to practice with different types of essay questions.  

Question

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.

People are Never Satisfied with What they Have - Sample Answer 1

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.

People are Never Satisfied with What they Have - Sample Answer 2

It is often said that human beings are inherently unsatisfied, constantly striving for more. I completely agree with this statement, as the desire for improvement and novelty is deeply embedded in human nature.

Firstly, ambition is one of the main driving forces behind personal and societal progress. People are rarely content to remain in the same situation for long; they seek better jobs, higher salaries, and improved living standards. For example, technological advancements we enjoy today—from smartphones to space exploration—are the result of humanity’s continuous desire for something more than the current reality. Without this drive, innovation would stagnate.

Secondly, psychological factors such as comparison and curiosity play a significant role. When people see others achieving more, they often set new goals for themselves. Similarly, the natural curiosity to explore different lifestyles, cultures, or experiences motivates individuals to pursue change. This restlessness keeps life dynamic but also means satisfaction is often temporary.

In conclusion, I firmly believe people are never truly satisfied with what they have. While this can sometimes lead to discontent, it is also the reason why humans keep evolving, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

People are Never Satisfied with What they Have - Sample Answer 3

While it may seem that people are constantly chasing something new, I believe many individuals are capable of feeling content with what they have. Satisfaction is largely a matter of perspective, and not everyone lives in a state of perpetual longing.

To begin with, gratitude and mindfulness can foster a deep sense of fulfillment. People who appreciate what they have—whether it is stable health, loving relationships, or a secure job—tend to experience less stress and a greater sense of well-being. For instance, individuals who practice daily gratitude exercises often report feeling more satisfied, even without acquiring more possessions or achievements.

Moreover, wanting more is not always sustainable or necessary. Constantly pursuing something different can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction when expectations are not met. On the other hand, those who embrace a simpler lifestyle often find joy in stability and routine. Societies that value balance over relentless ambition, such as some Scandinavian countries, demonstrate that contentment can be achieved without excessive desire for change.

In conclusion, while ambition can be positive, it is not accurate to say that people are never satisfied. With the right mindset and values, many can find lasting happiness in what they already have.

People are Never Satisfied with What they Have - IELTS Vocabulary

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary used in the sample answers for ‘People are Never Satisfied with What they Have - IELTS Writing Task 2’.

• 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.

Connectors to Use in the Sample Answers for ‘People are Never Satisfied with What they Have'

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

Overall, the IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay topic “People are never satisfied with what they have” challenges you to think critically and present your stance with logical reasoning in IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying the sample essays and vocabulary in this blog, you can learn how to build persuasive arguments and aim for a top band score. So, make a habit of taking up IELTS Writing practice tests regularly and create a strategy for yourself that will help you improve your writing skills for a Band 7+ score.

Also Check:

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• Tips to Write an Effective Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• Popular Synonyms for 'My Opinion' You Can Use in IELTS
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Should I give my opinion?
• Parallelism in IELTS Writing: What It Is and How to Use it?