The relationship between ambition and success has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past decade. Based on analysis of past exam patterns and role of teamwork in workplace success, this topic maintains high relevance in modern discourse about personal and professional achievement.
The complex relationship between ambition and success in IELTS essays
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that ambition is necessary for success, while others think there are more important factors. To what extent do you agree that ambition is essential for success?
This question requires candidates to:
- Evaluate the role of ambition in achieving success
- Consider other potential factors contributing to success
- Present a clear position with supporting arguments
- Provide relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The question of whether ambition plays a crucial role in achieving success has long been debated. While I acknowledge that other factors contribute to success, I firmly believe that ambition is indeed essential for reaching significant achievements in life.
Ambition serves as the primary driving force behind personal and professional accomplishments. Just as why financial planning is crucial for long-term success, ambitious goals set the direction and magnitude of one’s efforts. For instance, successful entrepreneurs like Jack Ma demonstrated how their ambitious visions transformed small startups into global enterprises. Without such ambitious aspirations, they might have settled for mediocre achievements or given up when facing initial obstacles.
Moreover, ambition fuels persistence and resilience, which are crucial for overcoming challenges. When individuals possess strong ambition, they develop the mental fortitude to persist through difficulties and setbacks. This is particularly evident in the scientific community, where researchers often spend decades pursuing breakthrough discoveries, driven by their ambitious goals to advance human knowledge.
However, it would be naive to suggest that ambition alone guarantees success. Other crucial factors like hard work, opportunity, and skill development play vital roles. Much like the effects of celebrity culture on youth aspirations, success requires a balanced approach. Additionally, social support, education, and timing can significantly influence outcomes.
In conclusion, while success is multifaceted, ambition remains an essential cornerstone for achieving significant goals. It provides the necessary motivation and determination that, when combined with other important factors, creates the optimal conditions for success.
Key components of success including ambition and supporting factors
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many people think ambition is very important to be successful. I partially agree with this idea because there are also other things that help people succeed in life.
First, ambition helps people work harder. When someone has big dreams, they usually try their best to achieve them. For example, students who want to get into good universities study very hard and prepare well for exams. Without ambition, they might not study so hard.
However, ambition is not enough for success. People also need good skills and knowledge. Sometimes, very ambitious people fail because they don’t have enough ability. Also, luck and good opportunities are important. Many successful people say they were lucky to meet the right people or find good chances.
Another thing is that too much ambition can be bad. If people are too ambitious, they might do wrong things to succeed. They might hurt others or break rules. This is not good success.
In conclusion, I think ambition is important but not the only thing needed for success. People need both ambition and other things like skills, opportunities, and good character to be truly successful.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Coherence and Cohesion: Excellent paragraph organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary (“mental fortitude,” “multifaceted,” “cornerstone”)
- Task Response: Comprehensive coverage with nuanced position
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization with simple linking
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary
- Task Response: Addresses main points but lacks depth
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Cornerstone (n) /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/ – fundamental element
- Mental fortitude (n) /ˈmentl ˈfɔːtɪtjuːd/ – strength of mind
- Multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many aspects
- Resilience (n) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – ability to recover from difficulties
- Mediocre (adj) /ˌmiːdiˈəʊkə/ – of moderate quality
- Persistence (n) /pəˈsɪstəns/ – determination to continue
- Aspiration (n) /ˌæspɪˈreɪʃn/ – strong desire to achieve something
For further practice, try writing your own essay addressing how importance of promoting gender diversity in leadership relates to ambition and success. Share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
