The topic of happiness versus other life goals like success or fulfillment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams, this subject appears approximately once every 4-6 months, making it a high-frequency topic that test-takers should prepare for.
Analysis of Task Requirements
Some people believe that happiness is the ultimate goal in life, while others argue that it is more important to pursue other values, such as success or fulfillment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss two contrasting viewpoints about life goals
- Analyze the relationship between happiness and other values
- Present and justify their personal opinion
- Provide relevant examples to support their arguments
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The eternal debate about whether happiness should be prioritized over other life aspirations continues to spark discussions worldwide. While some individuals consider happiness the paramount objective in life, others maintain that pursuing success and fulfillment holds greater importance. I believe that these goals are interconnected and equally vital for a meaningful existence.
Those who advocate for happiness as life’s ultimate goal argue that emotional wellbeing forms the foundation of a satisfying life. They contend that without happiness, achievements and accomplishments feel hollow and meaningless. For instance, many successful professionals who sacrifice their personal joy for career advancement often report feeling empty despite their impressive achievements. This perspective emphasizes that genuine contentment should take precedence over societal metrics of success.
Professional balancing happiness and career success
Conversely, proponents of pursuing success and fulfillment maintain that these objectives provide a deeper sense of purpose. They believe that working towards concrete goals and achieving personal growth leads to lasting satisfaction. For example, researchers and scientists often dedicate years to their work, finding profound fulfillment in their contributions to society, even when facing challenges and temporary discomfort. This view suggests that meaningful accomplishments generate a more sustainable form of contentment than the pursuit of happiness alone.
In my opinion, happiness, success, and fulfillment are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing. Personal satisfaction often stems from achieving meaningful goals, while success becomes more rewarding when accompanied by genuine happiness. Consider entrepreneurs who build successful businesses aligned with their passions – they experience both professional achievement and personal joy. Therefore, rather than viewing these values as competing priorities, we should strive to integrate them harmoniously.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
In modern society, people have different opinions about what should be the main goal in life. Some think happiness is most important, while others believe success and fulfillment matter more. I will discuss both sides and share my thoughts on this topic.
Many people say happiness should be our biggest goal in life. They think that if we are not happy, nothing else matters. For example, some rich people have lots of money but feel sad and lonely. Also, when we are happy, we can enjoy our life more and have better relationships with family and friends. This shows that happiness is very important for our life quality.
On the other hand, some people think success and fulfillment are more important than just being happy. They believe that working hard to achieve goals gives life more meaning. For instance, students who study hard may not always feel happy, but they get satisfaction from good grades and learning new things. Many successful people also say that their achievements make them proud, even if the journey was difficult.
In my opinion, we need both happiness and other goals in life. If we only focus on being happy, we might miss chances to grow and achieve important things. But if we only care about success, we might forget to enjoy life. I think the best way is to find a balance between happiness and other goals. For example, choosing a job we like can give us both happiness and success.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with smooth transitions
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Nuanced discussion showing deep understanding
- Coherent personal perspective with strong support
Band 6.5 Essay Characteristics:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple yet adequate sentence structures
- Some development of ideas but less sophisticated
- Examples are relevant but more general
- Personal opinion expressed but less thoroughly supported
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- paramount (adj) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – of utmost importance
- inextricably (adv) /ˌɪnɪkˈstrɪkəbli/ – in a way that cannot be separated
- contentment (n) /kənˈtentmənt/ – a state of happiness and satisfaction
- fulfillment (n) /fʊlˈfɪlmənt/ – satisfaction from achieving something
- aspirations (n) /ˌæspəˈreɪʃnz/ – strong desires to achieve something
- harmoniously (adv) /hɑːˈməʊniəsli/ – in a way that is peaceful and balanced
- metrics (n) /ˈmetrɪks/ – standards of measurement
- profound (adj) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or similar ones like:
- “Is career success more important than personal relationships?”
- “Should people prioritize money over job satisfaction?”
- “Does achieving life goals guarantee happiness?”
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
