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Competition at Work, at School and in Daily Life is a Good Thing - IELTS Task 2 Sample Essay

Updated: Oct 19


Competition at Work, at School and in Daily Life is a Good Thing - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

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Sample Essay 1

Some believe that competition in professional, educational, and personal settings drives excellence, while others argue that fostering cooperation yields better outcomes. This essay explores both perspectives, arguing that a balance between competition and cooperation is essential. While competition promotes growth by challenging individuals to excel, cooperation builds harmonious relationships, fostering collective success.


On the one hand, competition pushes individuals to perform at their highest potential. In workplaces, for example, healthy rivalry among colleagues can spark innovation and improve productivity. Similarly, students driven by competition are often more motivated to enhance their skills and achieve academic success. In daily life, competition can foster resilience and a proactive attitude, as people learn to face challenges head-on. However, the effectiveness of competition depends on its nature; if overly intense, it may lead to stress, burnout, or strained relationships. Thus, it is crucial to maintain a healthy balance to prevent negative consequences.


On the other hand, cooperation nurtures social bonds and promotes sustainable growth. In collaborative workplaces, teamwork often results in shared knowledge, creative problem-solving, and smoother processes. For instance, companies that emphasize team spirit rather than individual competition often experience higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. In academic settings, students working together develop communication skills and empathy, preparing them for real-world challenges. Moreover, cooperation encourages inclusivity, where individuals with different abilities feel valued and supported, leading to more equitable outcomes.


In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have distinct advantages, and neither should be prioritized exclusively. While competition motivates individuals to strive for personal excellence, cooperation strengthens relationships and creates an environment where collective success flourishes.


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Sample Essay 2

The debate between the virtues of competition and cooperation is pivotal in shaping individual and societal progress. This essay argues that competition, by stimulating personal and economic growth, outweighs cooperation, which enhances collaboration and creativity. I will demonstrate how competition drives innovation and skill development, while also acknowledging the significant benefits of cooperative approaches in fostering diverse and inclusive environments.


Competition is often seen as a catalyst for personal growth and excellence. By setting benchmarks and challenging individuals to exceed their own limitations, it encourages the development of critical skills and self-discipline. For example, academic competitions such as science fairs or math olympiads drive students not only to master their subjects but also to innovate and think critically, skills that are indispensable in the modern workforce. Similarly, in the professional realm, businesses that vie for market dominance must continuously improve their offerings, ensuring that innovation thrives, which in turn benefits society by improving the quality of goods and services available.


However, cooperation should not be undervalued, as it plays a crucial role in achieving broader, collective goals. Collaborative efforts, particularly in diverse teams, can amalgamate different perspectives, fostering creativity and inclusivity. For instance, in multinational companies, teams composed of members from various cultural backgrounds are often more successful in global markets because they can merge diverse viewpoints and approaches, leading to more universally appealing products and strategies.


Despite these benefits, the edge that competition offers in promoting high standards and efficiency is unmatched. It prepares individuals and organizations to face challenges with resilience and adaptability, qualities necessary for personal and collective success. Countries that embody this competitive spirit, like Singapore and South Korea, have seen remarkable progress in their educational and economic spheres.


In conclusion, while cooperation is undoubtedly beneficial in nurturing inclusive environments and merging diverse ideas, competition is a more potent force for eliciting the highest potential in individuals and societies. It is the competitive drive that ultimately equips us with the tools to innovate and excel in an increasingly complex world.


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Sample Essay 3

Some people argue that competition is beneficial in workplaces, schools, and daily life, enhancing personal and communal growth. Conversely, others advocate for increased cooperation, emphasizing its potential for generating more inclusive and creative outcomes. This essay will explore both perspectives and argue in favour of the benefits of competition. It will discuss how competition can maximize individual potential and drive societal progress, and contrast these benefits with the advantages of cooperative approaches, including enhanced teamwork and mental well-being.


There are some reasons why competition seems to be more beneficial. The main one is that competition can foster a person’s biggest potential at school and in the workplace. To be more specific, by participating in competitions, most people make an effort to compete against others, which can boost individuals’ potential and enhance their capabilities. Another factor is that competition can make the whole society improve rapidly since it motivates people to hard-working in their realm. Before winning a competition, people should dedicate themselves to their work or study. If most people endeavour and focus on their work, the competitiveness of society will increase undoubtedly.


However, the option of cooperating with each other is attractive for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, cooperating together combines various ideas, providing better outcomes and diverse thoughts. For instance, when a team conducts some project together, their discussion includes different topics and views from a wide range of fields or disciplines, which can definitely make the project more special and well-established. Furthermore, cooperation boosts a sense of belonging for every member in a team, further enhancing mental well-being. By cooperating with classmates or colleagues, individuals find that they are part of their teams, which lowers the possibility of getting mental illness like depression.


In conclusion, both sides have merits. On balance, it is my opinion that competitions grant more benefits to community, as I feel that fostering potential and making people dedicating on their work increase the competitiveness of society, which is an essential part for achieving long-term success in developing the whole nation.


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