Model Answer - Ielts Writing (Task 2)

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

In societies where there is a capitalist system, competition is present in all areas; in the classroom, in the workplace, in athletics, in keeping up with fashion, consumer goods, technology etc. While some people view this as a useful trait, other support teaching children how to co-operate and work as part of a team as a useful skill for later life.

Encouraging competition in children can be seen as a realistic approach. When children enter the adult world they should be prepared for this aspect of life. Competition makes people work harder and try to reach their highest level. Children also learn how to lose gracefully.

Team work and co-operation has now replaced competition to some extent. A common saying these days is ‘two brains are better than one’. Co-operation is a milder, more acceptable form of working which takes into account the team over the individual. Teaching children how to co-operate involves accepting others, being open to other viewpoints and being able to share ideas. A group effort sometimes has better final results.

In my opinion, comptetion is a basic human instinct and one that can be seen in the animal kingdom as well. Competition is not often seen in a positive way as people are capable of going to all lengths to get ahead. However, competition still remains necessary and a part of society. On the other hand co-operation is being promoted these days, as a humanistic approach in which people work together. I believe this is a healthier option for children.

Cambridge Ielts 5 past papers, p. 76

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