Some People Think That a Sense of Competition in Children Should be Encouraged – IELTS Writing Task 2

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essays, students are required to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, typically structured into 4-5 paragraphs. The task involves discussing both sides of a given topic and providing a balanced conclusion. While the task format and scoring criteria are the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training, the essay topics in General Training are often simpler and more relatable compared to those in the Academic test.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion Essay

Introduction

Sentence 1: Some people believe that there should be more competition among children so that they achieve their goals in future.

Sentence 2: Others opine that children should be encouraged to cooperate to become a useful citizen. I believe that both behaviours should exist in children that will help them become a useful and knowledgeable person in future.

Body

Paragraph 1: Some people think that competition in children should be instilled from childhood as it assists them to work hard in achieving their aim. Further, competition enhances motivation, and gives a sense of accomplishment.

Paragraph 2: In contrast some people opine that cooperation is more important than competition for a person to become successful in future.

Conclusion

Restate my views

Band 7 Sample Essay for Task 2 Question – Some People Think That a Sense of Competition in Children Should be Encouraged

There are different opinions of people on upbringing and to make children responsible human beings in the future. Some people argue that competition should be taught in children, while others think that both competitive and cooperative behaviours are equally important. However, I believe that a sense of cooperation is more important than competition as it helps a child become a better person in society.

On the one hand, some people suggest that a sense of competition in children should be instilled from childhood as it motivates them to work hard and understand their true potential by achieving their aim. Thus, competition enhances motivation and gives a sense of accomplishment. A healthy competition may build a child’s self-confidence and determination to accomplish the goal in competitive situations. But if a child is pressurized too much, it will be counterproductive. For instance, if a child participates in a quiz competition and competes with others, the child undergoes the pressure of teachers or parents. They try to win the competition at any cost without zeal in learning or any knowledge acquiring spirit.

On the other hand, some people opine that cooperation is more powerful than competition for an individual to become successful. In other words, people believe that cooperation will allow children to understand and adjust to the requirements of others in their team. It will encourage children to have a good relationship with others and respect others’ opinions. Moreover, the collaboration will bring wonderful outcomes for a team. For example, if children cooperate, they can understand the importance of sharing, exchanging ideas and help, accepting and respecting each other’s opinions, and tolerating each other. Cooperation is a must-have attribute at every step of our life.

To summarize, in my opinion, both competition and cooperation are highly vital for children’s development. While I believe that competition is required at some point in our lives, cooperation is necessary for overall development.

Band 8 Sample Essay for Task 2 Question – Some People Think That a Sense of Competition in Children Should be Encouraged

In society, a lot of people believe that competition is an essential part of establishing positive behaviour and personality. For instance, parents always claim that life is a consistent battle and to be successful, training children to be competitive in the early stages of their lives will be extremely helpful. However, some people argue that competition is not advantageous and may leave a negative effect on children. In this essay, I will be closely examining both views and will state my opinion.

On the one hand, people argue that competition is beneficial. According to their perspective, structuring the environment under the pretext of competition is going to be challenging and will implement the need to strive harder and work more to attain a specific goal. Thus, competition helps enhance motivation and offers a sense of fulfillment. For example, children in schools take part in competitions to compete with other children. They try to put their best foot forward so as to maximise resources and win the competition. In return, the reward they get gives them a fulfilling feeling.

On the contrary, some people have a belief that the drawbacks are outweighing the positive impacts of the competition and teach children to cooperate better. People explain how cooperation lets children grab an opportunity to comprehend and adjust the requirements of other children, hence training them to be sensitive individuals in the coming future. For instance, in our home, my parents never encouraged any competition between us siblings. They always highlighted our own unique skills and talents and allowed us to share our knowledge with one another without any tinge of jealousy. Thus, every time we do some task, we help each other instead of competing.

In summary, establishing a cooperative and competitive environment has its merits. However, as far as my opinion is concerned, teaching children to cooperate is beneficial in honing a useful and mature individual.

Band 9 Sample Essay for Task 2 Question – Some People Think That a Sense of Competition in Children Should be Encouraged

The current generation’s inclination towards conquering every aspect of life is quite evident. Presently, being competitive is not seen as a negative trait, but such characteristics are encouraged, especially among the youth. It is believed by many that an ambitious disposition is essential to survive in the fast-paced environment that we live in today. However, the value of being complaisant with peers is also recognized by certain segments of society. I feel that youngsters should be taught to be cooperative from an early age. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I will explore the topic from both these viewpoints.

First and foremost, we must address the circumstances that are prevalent in this day and age. Today, nearly every trade is saturated with highly educated and trained professionals. The notion of seeking high-paying employment with an ordinary college degree has become old-fashioned. If an individual does not possess an array of qualifications and skills, they are considered ineligible for a majority of lucrative job roles in reputed organizations. Thus, if the standards and goals of a person are not set high from a young age in this present era, they are left to lead a substandard lifestyle in the future.

Nevertheless, the significance of having positive life skills and an amenable nature should also be acknowledged. It is a discernible fact that a person who has constructive social skills and an ethical moral compass is always valued more than a self-centred individual. For example, children who share their toys with classmates and enjoy them together are always well-liked and can make friends easily. Similarly, individuals who include others in their successes are the ones who are supported by their loved ones to reach even greater heights in life. Therefore, it can be surmised that having a cordial personality is more favourable since, with the aid of others, our potential triumphs become limitless.

In conclusion, both zealous and generous attributes are vital to a person’s character as both have their merits in society. That being said, children should be taught to recognize the value in uplifting others along with themselves as there is strength in unity.

Vocabulary

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary for the sample answers on 'Some People Think That a Sense of Competition in Children Should be Encouraged'.

• Collaboration

Meaning: the action of working with someone to produce something.
Eg: The company’s collaboration with the national environment team brought global recognition to the company.

• Vital

Meaning: absolutely necessary or essential
Eg: it is vital to water the plants.

• Zeal

Meaning: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit or a cause or an objective
Eg: Soldiers are full of zeal for their mission.

• Determination

Meaning: the quality of being determined
Eg: It was John’s determination that paved the way for his success.

• Tolerate

Meaning: allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one dislikes or disagrees with) without interference.
Eg: Nora couldn’t tolerate domestic violence, so she complained about it to the police.

• Instill

Meaning: gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Eg: It’s the teachers’ responsibility to instill moral values in children.

• Upbringing

Meaning: the treatment and instruction received by a child from its parents throughout its childhood
Eg: Everyone praised Mary for her upbringing.

• Pressurized

Meaning: attempt to persuade or coerce someone to do something
Eg: Her parents pressurized her to study MBBS.

• Outcome

Meaning: the way a thing turns out; a consequence
Eg: I was impressed with the product’s outcome.

• At any cost

Meaning: regardless of the price to be paid or the effort needed.
Eg: Joshua wanted to get selected at any cost.

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