IELTS Writing Task 2:
Money And Happiness (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

IELTS Writing Task 2: Money And Happiness (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…

IELTS Writing Task 2 Prompt

Some people believe that money is the key to happiness. Others argue that money cannot buy happiness. Discuss both views and give your opinion. You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Money can make people happy because it allows them to buy things they want and need. With money, people can afford better housing, education, and healthcare. For example, rich people can live in nice houses and go to good schools. This can make them feel happy. Also, money can help people travel to different countries and experience new cultures.

However, money cannot buy everything. Some people have a lot of money but they are not happy. This is because money cannot buy love, friendship, or good health. For example, a rich person might be lonely if they do not have good friends. Also, having too much money can cause problems like stress and worry.

In my opinion, money can contribute to happiness but it is not the only thing that makes people happy. Other things like family, friends, and good health are also important.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but often mechanically
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors

Band 7.0 Answer

The relationship between money and happiness is a contentious issue. Proponents argue that financial wealth enhances life satisfaction by fulfilling material needs and providing security. For instance, affluent individuals can access superior education and healthcare, which contribute to overall well-being. Additionally, money enables people to pursue leisure activities and hobbies that bring joy.

Conversely, opponents contend that money cannot guarantee happiness. Psychological studies reveal that beyond a certain point, additional income does not significantly increase happiness. Moreover, the pursuit of wealth can lead to stress, anxiety, and social isolation. For example, wealthy individuals may experience loneliness due to a lack of genuine relationships.

In my view, while money is important for meeting basic needs and providing comfort, it is not the sole determinant of happiness. Other factors, such as strong relationships and personal fulfillment, play a crucial role.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some inconsistencies
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally communicates clearly

Band 8.0 Answer

The notion that money is synonymous with happiness has been debated extensively. On one hand, financial stability undoubtedly enhances quality of life by alleviating stress related to basic needs. Empirical evidence suggests that individuals with sufficient income report higher levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, money provides opportunities for personal growth and experiences that can be inherently rewarding.

On the other hand, the correlation between wealth and happiness is not absolute. Psychological research indicates that hedonic adaptation often diminishes the positive impact of financial gains. Additionally, the relentless pursuit of wealth can erode personal relationships and mental well-being. For example, high-earning professionals frequently cite work-life imbalance as a source of dissatisfaction.

In my opinion, while money is a significant factor in achieving happiness, it is not the be-all and end-all. A balanced approach that values both material and non-material aspects of life is essential for sustained well-being.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments and relevant examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and logically
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with precision and flexibility
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar

Band 9.0 Answer

The interplay between financial prosperity and emotional well-being is a multifaceted issue that warrants nuanced examination. Proponents of the money-happiness nexus argue compellingly that economic affluence facilitates access to resources that enhance life satisfaction. For instance, financial security mitigates stress associated with unmet basic needs, while disposable income enables investment in enriching experiences and personal development.

However, the notion that money is a panacea for unhappiness is demonstrably flawed. Neuropsychological studies reveal that the hedonic benefits of wealth plateau beyond a certain threshold. Moreover, the obsessive pursuit of material wealth can engender detrimental effects, including social alienation and psychological distress. For example, the pressure to maintain a lavish lifestyle can precipitate anxiety and depression, as evidenced by the elevated mental health issues among high-net-worth individuals.

In my considered view, while money is an undeniably important contributor to happiness, it is not the sole determinant. A holistic approach that prioritizes emotional well-being, strong social connections, and personal fulfillment is indispensable for achieving a meaningful and satisfying life.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments, relevant examples, and thorough discussion
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and logically, with a clear progression of ideas
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with accurate grammar and varied structures

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial, debated

• Example: The relationship between money and happiness is a contentious issue.

1. Affluence (noun): Wealth, prosperity

• Example: Affluent individuals can access superior education and healthcare.

1. Hedonic (adjective): Related to pleasure or happiness

• Example: Psychological studies reveal that hedonic adaptation often diminishes the positive impact of financial gains.

1. Erode (verb): Gradually destroy or diminish

• Example: The relentless pursuit of wealth can erode personal relationships.

1. Indispensable (adjective): Essential, crucial

• Example: A holistic approach is indispensable for achieving a meaningful life.

1. Neuropsychological (adjective): Related to the relationship between the brain and behavior

• Example: Neuropsychological studies reveal that the hedonic benefits of wealth plateau.

1. Lavish (adjective): Luxurious, extravagant

• Example: The pressure to maintain a lavish lifestyle can precipitate anxiety.

1. Alteration (noun): Change, modification

• Example: Money can alter one's lifestyle significantly.

1. Mitigate (verb): Reduce, alleviate

• Example: Financial security mitigates stress associated with unmet needs.

1. Investment (noun): Allocation of resources for future benefits

• Example: Disposable income enables investment in enriching experiences.

1. Precipitate (verb): Cause, bring about

• Example: The pressure to maintain a lavish lifestyle can precipitate anxiety.

1. Plateau (noun): A state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress

• Example: The hedonic benefits of wealth plateau beyond a certain threshold.

1. Holistic (adjective): Considering the whole, rather than just the parts

• Example: A holistic approach prioritizes emotional well-being and personal fulfillment.

1. Alienation (noun): Isolation, detachment

• Example: The pursuit of wealth can engender social alienation.

1. Demonstrably (adverb): Clearly, obviously

• Example: The notion that money is a panacea for unhappiness is demonstrably flawed.

1. Indispensable (adjective): Essential, crucial

• Example: A holistic approach is indispensable for achieving a meaningful life.

1. Undeniably (adverb): In a way that cannot be denied

• Example: While money is an undeniably important contributor to happiness, it is not the sole determinant.

1. Neural (adjective): Related to the nerves or nervous system

• Example: The neural mechanisms underlying happiness are complex and multifaceted.

1. Diminish (verb): Make or become less

• Example: The positive impact of financial gains can diminish over time.

1. Relentless (adjective): Continuous, unceasing

• Example: The relentless pursuit of wealth can erode personal relationships.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to present a clear stance on the issue, leading to a weak Task Response score.
2. Overgeneralization: Making sweeping statements without supporting evidence or examples.
3. Poor Cohesion: Using cohesive devices mechanically or inconsistently, which affects the flow of the essay.
4. Vocabulary Errors: Using less common vocabulary incorrectly or inappropriately.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that hinder communication.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.