Some people are born with certain talents – IELTS Writing Task 2

Kasturika Samanta

9 min read

Updated On Nov 16, 2023

Question
Band 7 Sample Answer
Band 8 Sample Answer
Band 9 Sample Answer
Connectors from the Sample Answers You can Use to Gain Brownie Points in IELTS Writing Task 2
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According to the updated sequence for the IELTS exam, the Writing Module is the first to be conducted. As it is important to begin the exam on the right foot, it is necessary to master your writing skills by practising essay topics, like It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, which is from IELTS Cambridge 7, Test 1.

The essay topic- It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents – is a Discussion essay and will help you acquaint yourself with the format of structuring an IELTS Discussion. If you want, have a look at the Writing Task 2 practice tests.

Since most IELTS aspirants consider IELTS Writing to be challenging and we don’t want you to feel the pressure of this task, we have provided expert-curated Band 7, 8 & 9 sample answers for you.

Let’s have a look at the discussion essay – Some people are born with certain talents.

Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance, for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You should write at least 250 words for each answer.

Outline

Type of Essay:

Discussion Essay (with opinion)

Structure Breakdown:

Introduction
- Briefly explain the question in your own words in one-two sentences.
- State which side you are in favor of in one sentence
- Mention both sides will be discussed in this essay.
Body Paragraph 1
- Present your ideas in support of one side.
- Provide examples to explain this point of view.
Body Paragraph 2
- Present your ideas in support of the other side.
- Provide examples to support this viewpoint.
Conclusion
- Summarize the main points made in the essay.
- State your opinion.

Band 7 Sample Answer

It is commonly believed that some individuals are inherently gifted in areas such as sports or music, while others lack such innate talents. Nonetheless, there is an assertion that every child can be instructed to excel as a sportsperson or musician. I believe that the latter view is more rational. The forthcoming essay shall discuss both aspects and explain why I believe in the latter.

On one hand, individuals who exhibit a remarkable capacity for learning and adaptation are often regarded as naturally gifted. This is because they can enhance their skills with minimal external guidance, and, in some instances, they can achieve a high level of proficiency without formal instruction. For example, the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan and Indian singer Kishore Kumar serve as prime examples of natural talent, as they developed their singing skills without any professional training.

On the other hand, proponents argue that any child can be nurtured to become a skilled athlete or musician. They assert that consistent practice can foster proficiency and confidence in a person’s aptitude. Moreover, the influence of a skilled teacher can transform any child into a proficient athlete. For instance, the current star of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, left a mark on the cricket world through the sheer determination and guidance he received at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. This serves as a compelling demonstration that, with effective guidance and skill development, a child can excel in their chosen profession.

To conclude, there is no denying that a knack for sports, music, etc., creates great artists and sportspeople. However, as mentioned above, I believe that with perseverance and hardcore practice, one can create his/her place in the world. (278 words)

Vocabulary

Innate (Adjective)

Meaning: existing in one from birth
E.g.: We were impressed by his innate talent to cook from such a young age.

Rational (Adjective)

Meaning: based on clear thought and reason
E.g.: Shiny needs to make a rational decision to win this competition.

Minimal (Adjective)

Meaning: very small in amount
E.g.: Kids should have minimal exposure to social media.

Proponent (Noun)

Meaning: a person who speaks publicly in support of a particular idea or plan of action
E.g.: Proponents believe that the dam should be built across the river to control flood damage.

Nurture (verb; Past Tense – Nurtured)

Meaning: care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing
E.g.: My mother nurtures all the plants in our garden kitchen with love.

Foster (verb)

Meaning: to encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelings
E.g.: Open discussions fosters learning and transparency.

Sheer (Adjective)

Meaning: nothing other than
E.g.: Richard was able to achieve a Band 9 in IELTS with sheer determination and practice.

Compelling (Adjective)

Meaning: very exciting and interesting and making you want to watch or listen
E.g.: The recent performance by Indian cricket in the World Cup is compelling to watch.

Knack (Noun)

Meaning: an ability or special method for doing something easily and well
E.g.: Even as a little girl, she had a knack for dancing.

Perseverance (Noun)

Meaning: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
E.g.: The team has won the trophy due to their perseverance and hard work.

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Band 8 Sample Answer

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It is a prevailing assertion that the exceptional talent of artists and sportsmen is inherently genetic, requiring no formal training in music or sports. However, the opposing viewpoint is that with appropriate guidance and effective instruction, any child can excel, be it as the world’s best chess player or the fastest swimmer. I second the latter school of thought and consider that dedicated teaching is pivotal in nurturing and maximizing a child’s potential in various fields. This essay shall see both sides of the discussion and my opinion on the topic.

Supporters of pure genius point out that genetic attributes undeniably confer advantages crucial for achieving excellence in certain domains. For example, the inherent physical disadvantage of shorter individuals in basketball compared to taller counterparts illustrates the undeniable role of heredity. Additionally, numerous children exhibit exceptional aptitude in sports and music from a young age, suggesting that innate qualities may significantly contribute to their success. For instance, Kanye West, the American rapper, was a sales assistant before he became a musician.

Nonetheless, upon closer examination of the journeys of top achievers in diverse fields, such as Mozart in music or Michael Phelps in sports, it becomes apparent that their success is not primarily attributable to inborn attributes. Rather, these individuals are exposed to their areas of eventual excellence from a very young age. Furthermore, their relentless adherence to perfecting their skills, whether composing symphonies or perfecting specific sports maneuvers, is instrumental in their remarkable achievements.

In conclusion, while the prevailing belief may attribute talent to elemental qualities, I assert that, except for purely physical traits like height, individuals of any age can attain top-tier proficiency in their chosen field through dedicated practice and effort. (286 words)

Vocabulary

Assertion (Noun)

Meaning: a statement that you strongly believe is true
E.g.: The assertion by the public that the police force does not work properly led to serious actions.

Second (Verb)

Meaning: formally support or endorse
E.g.: The umpire should second the injured player.

Pivotal (Adjective)

Meaning: central and important
E.g.: Sheen got to play a pivotal role in the sitcom.

Undeniable (Adjective)

Meaning: certainly true
E.g.: The undeniable statement is that you need to rectify your mistakes to move forward.

Heredity (Noun)

Meaning: the process by which characteristics are given from a parent to their child through the genes
E.g.: Her beauty is attributed to her royal heredity.

Inborn (Adjective)

Meaning: existing from the time someone is born
E.g.: It is a half-truth that inborn talent will make a person famous.

Adherence (Noun)

Meaning: the obeying of a rule or law
E.g.: Adherence to the law will make the country a safe place.

Maneuvers (Noun)

Meaning: a planned action that is intended to obtain an advantage
E.g.: A clever maneuver by the player led to a victory goal in the last few minutes of the game.

Traits (Noun)

Meaning: a particular characteristic that can produce a particular type of behaviour
E.g.: She had all the traits to become a great singer.

Top-tier (Adjective)

Meaning: of the highest level or quality
E.g.: The top-tier participants had to go home as the show was canceled.

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Band 9 Sample Answer

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From a traditional viewpoint, people opine that inborn abilities vary among individuals, while a contending outlook suggests that training can transform any child into a proficient individual in specific domains. I align with the conventional approach, as I believe that genetics underpin the upper limit of one’s potential, even though training can enhance one’s performance to some extent. In essence, innate abilities, rooted in genetics, set a fundamental boundary that training can augment but not surpass. In the upcoming discussion, both perspectives will be critically examined.

From one perspective, the evidence supporting spontaneous talent is exemplified by numerous renowned personalities, like Shakespeare, Einstein, and Pele, whether musicians or professional athletes, who never received formal training or specialized instruction during their formative years. Moreover, many of these individuals emerged from impoverished backgrounds with limited resources. This raises questions about the influence of talent on success, given that well-endowed students with superior resources should logically outperform their less fortunate peers if inherent talent is not a pivotal factor.

On the contrary, talent, in isolation, does not guarantee success. It must be coupled with diligent practice and unwavering effort. Even the most naturally gifted individuals, like Leonardo da Vinci and Newton, must continually nurture and enhance their abilities through relentless practice and learning. As a result, celebrated singers and sports personalities invest hours daily in specific exercises to preserve the quality of their intrinsic talent.

To sum up, while a combination of self-development, resolute commitment, hard work, and meticulous nurturing enables the preservation and maximization of ingrained talents, I firmly believe that talent is undeniably a pivotal factor in achieving success. (268 words)

Vocabulary

Contending (Adjective)

Meaning: opposing
E.g.: The contending view on the cutting down of trees for road development is creating unrest in the area.

Underpin (Verb)

Meaning: to give support, strength, or a basic structure to something
E.g.: He underpinned the profit of the current quarter with the recent stats.

Augment (Verb)

Meaning: to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase
E.g.: The changing weather conditions augmented the number of illnesses.

Exemplified (Verb)

Meaning: to be or give a typical example of something
E.g.: The increased greenery in this area exemplified the power of Mother Nature.

Impoverished (Adjective)

Meaning: very poor
E.g.: Although they lived in an impoverished condition, he gained popularity with his hard work and positivity.

Well-endowed (Adjective)

Meaning: having a lot of something, especially money or possessions
E.g.: The family is well-endowed and takes good care of their neighborhood.

Coupled with (Phrasal Verb)

Meaning: to be linked to another thing, situation, etc.
E.g.: The poor weather conditions, coupled with the lack of financial support, led to the suicides of the farmers.

Unwavering (Adjective)

Meaning: continuing in a strong and steady way
E.g.: The child’s unwavering effort to speak properly helped him to overcome stammering.

Meticulous (Adjective)

Meaning: very careful and with great attention to every detail
E.g.: The headmaster’s meticulous work sets a good example for the teachers.

Ingrained (Adjective)

Meaning: (of beliefs) so firmly held that they are not likely to change
E.g.: Our traditional beliefs are so ingrained in us that we are against positive changes.

Connectors from the Sample Answers You can Use to Gain Brownie Points in IELTS Writing Task 2

Check out the list of connectors used in the above-given sample answers that will help you add coherence to your writing and earn points for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Nonetheless
On one hand
On the other hand
Moreover
For instance/For example
To conclude
However
Additionally
In conclusion
On the contrary

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our FREE evaluation service!