IELTS Writing Task 2: Happiness — Band 6/7/8/9 Samples

Prompt

Some people believe that happiness is simply a matter of luck, while others think that it is the result of hard work and determination. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0
• Coherence & Cohesion: 5.0
• Lexical Resource: 6.0
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 5.0

Answer:

Some people think that happiness is just luck, but others believe it comes from hard work. I think both are important.

On one hand, luck can make people happy. For example, winning the lottery can make someone very happy. But this happiness does not last long. On the other hand, hard work can bring long-term happiness. For instance, studying hard can help you get a good job and a stable life.

In my opinion, both luck and hard work are important. Luck can give you a quick happiness, but hard work can give you a stable and lasting happiness. Therefore, people should not rely only on luck but also work hard to achieve their goals.

Band 7.0

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 6.5
• Coherence & Cohesion: 6.5
• Lexical Resource: 7.0
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 6.5

Answer:

The debate over whether happiness is a matter of luck or hard work has been ongoing for years. Both perspectives have their merits, and I believe a balance of both is essential for a fulfilling life.

Those who advocate for luck as the primary source of happiness argue that external factors such as winning the lottery or inheriting wealth can bring instant joy. However, this type of happiness is often fleeting and superficial. In contrast, proponents of hard work contend that achieving goals through dedication and perseverance leads to a more profound and lasting sense of happiness. For example, completing a challenging project or earning a promotion can provide a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

In my view, while luck can play a role in happiness, it is not the sole determinant. Hard work and determination are crucial for achieving long-term happiness. Therefore, individuals should strive to balance both luck and hard work in their pursuit of happiness.

Band 8.0

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.5
• Coherence & Cohesion: 7.5
• Lexical Resource: 8.0
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.5

Answer:

The notion that happiness is solely a matter of luck is a contentious one, with many arguing that it is the result of diligent effort and perseverance. This essay will explore both viewpoints and present a balanced perspective.

Proponents of the luck argument posit that external circumstances, such as winning a significant amount of money or receiving an unexpected inheritance, can lead to instantaneous happiness. However, this type of happiness is often transient and does not contribute to long-term well-being. Conversely, those who advocate for the role of hard work in achieving happiness contend that the sense of accomplishment derived from overcoming challenges and achieving goals is far more enduring. For instance, graduating from university or securing a coveted job position can provide a lasting sense of fulfillment.

In my opinion, while luck can indeed bring momentary happiness, it is the consistent effort and determination to overcome obstacles that lead to a more profound and enduring sense of well-being. Therefore, individuals should focus on cultivating a mindset of resilience and perseverance in their pursuit of happiness.

Band 9.0

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0
• Coherence & Cohesion: 9.0
• Lexical Resource: 9.0
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 9.0

Answer:

The dichotomy between viewing happiness as a product of luck or hard work has been a subject of extensive debate. This essay will delve into both perspectives and present a nuanced argument.

Those who subscribe to the notion that happiness is a matter of luck often cite examples of sudden windfalls, such as winning the lottery or receiving an unexpected inheritance, as sources of immediate joy. However, the ephemeral nature of such happiness is a significant drawback. In contrast, the argument that happiness is the result of hard work is supported by the enduring sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving long-term goals. For example, the culmination of years of dedicated effort in pursuing a higher education or establishing a successful career can provide a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment.

In my view, while luck can indeed play a role in bringing momentary happiness, it is the sustained effort and determination to overcome adversity that leads to a more profound and lasting sense of well-being. Therefore, individuals should strive to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Luck (noun): Chance or fortune; good luck, bad luck

• Example: She attributed her success to pure luck.

1. Determination (noun): Firmness of purpose; resolve

• Example: His determination to succeed was evident in his daily routine.

1. Fleeting (adjective): Lasting for a very short time

• Example: The fleeting moment of joy was quickly replaced by sadness.

1. Perseverance (noun): Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success

• Example: Her perseverance paid off when she finally achieved her goal.

1. Accomplishment (noun): Something that has been achieved through great effort

• Example: Graduating from university was a significant accomplishment.

1. Transient (adjective): Lasting only for a short time; impermanent

• Example: The transient nature of the happiness was evident in her fleeting smile.

1. Diligent (adjective): Careful and persistent in one's work or duties

• Example: His diligent efforts were rewarded with a promotion.

1. Resilience (noun): The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness

• Example: Her resilience in the face of adversity was inspiring.

1. Cultivate (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality, skill, or habit

• Example: She cultivated a positive attitude despite the challenges she faced.

1. Windfall (noun): A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune

• Example: Winning the lottery was a significant windfall.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
2. Lack of Coherence: Failing to organize ideas logically, leading to a disjointed essay.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using vague or inappropriate words that do not convey the intended meaning effectively.
4. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the essay.
5. Inadequate Task Response: Not fully addressing the prompt or providing a balanced discussion of both viewpoints.

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