Competitive spirit versus collaborative teamwork is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past exams from 2018-2023, this topic appears approximately twice per year, particularly in questions about education, workplace dynamics, and child development. Here’s a frequently tested question from recent exams:
Some people believe that competitive activities like sports and games are essential to help children develop well. Others think that only cooperative activities like group work and teamwork can help children become successful adults. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of Question Requirements
- Topic: Child development through competitive vs. cooperative activities
- Task: Discuss both views + personal opinion
- Key points to address:
- Benefits of competitive activities
- Advantages of cooperative activities
- Balanced perspective with supported opinion
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
In the debate between competition and cooperation in child development, both approaches offer distinct advantages that can contribute to a child’s future success. While I believe a balanced combination of both elements is optimal, this essay will examine the merits of each perspective.
Proponents of competitive activities argue that they instill essential life skills. Sports and games create scenarios where children must strive for excellence, developing resilience and determination in the process. For instance, when participating in academic competitions or athletic events, students learn to handle pressure, cope with both victory and defeat, and understand the relationship between effort and achievement. These experiences prepare them for real-world challenges where individual performance matters significantly.
However, advocates of cooperative activities present equally compelling arguments. Through group projects and team-based learning, children develop crucial social skills like empathy, communication, and compromise. In today’s interconnected world, success often depends more on ability to work within teams than individual brilliance. For example, most modern workplaces emphasize collaborative problem-solving and project management, skills directly fostered by cooperative learning experiences.
In my view, the most effective approach is integrating both competitive and cooperative elements in children’s development. Modern success requires both individual excellence and team collaboration skills. Schools could implement this through projects that combine individual accountability with team goals, such as group presentations where students receive both individual and team scores. This balanced approach ensures children develop comprehensive skill sets needed for future success.
Band 7.5 Sample Essay
The role of competitive versus cooperative activities in child development has become a significant topic of discussion in educational circles. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide my viewpoint on this matter.
Those who support competitive activities believe they are crucial for child development. When children participate in sports or academic competitions, they learn important life lessons. They discover how to set goals, work hard to achieve them, and handle both success and failure. These experiences can help build confidence and determination.
On the other hand, supporters of cooperative activities argue that teamwork is more valuable. Working in groups teaches children how to communicate effectively, respect others’ opinions, and contribute to collective goals. These skills are increasingly important in today’s workplace, where most jobs require collaboration with colleagues.
From my perspective, both types of activities have their place in child development. While competition can motivate individual achievement, cooperation teaches valuable social skills. The ideal approach would be to incorporate both elements into children’s education, preparing them for various situations they will encounter in adult life.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Some people think competitive activities are important for children, while others believe cooperative activities are better. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Competitive activities like sports and games are good for children. When children play sports, they learn to try their best to win. This helps them become stronger and more confident. They also learn that sometimes they win and sometimes they lose. This is an important lesson for life.
However, cooperative activities also have benefits. When children work in teams, they learn to help each other. They must listen to different ideas and work together to solve problems. These skills are very useful for their future jobs, where they will need to work with other people.
I think both competitive and cooperative activities are important. Children need to learn how to compete and how to work together. Schools should use both types of activities to help children learn different skills. This will help them become successful in the future.
Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Effective use of cohesive devices
- Balanced discussion with nuanced opinion
Band 7.5 Essay Features:
- Good vocabulary range
- Clear organization
- Relevant examples
- Some complex sentences
- Clear position with support
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear language
- Basic organization
- Limited example development
- Simple sentence structures
- Basic position statement
Key Vocabulary
- resilience (n) /rɪˈzɪljəns/ – ability to recover from difficulties
- proponents (n) /prəˈpəʊnənts/ – supporters of an idea
- instill (v) /ɪnˈstɪl/ – gradually establish a belief/attitude
- empathy (n) /ˈempəθi/ – ability to understand others’ feelings
- compromise (n,v) /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ – reaching agreement through concession
- collaborative (adj) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving working together
- accountability (n) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – responsibility for actions/decisions
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
Consider practicing with these similar topics:
- Individual achievement vs team success in the workplace
- Competition vs cooperation in modern society
- The role of competitive sports in education
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.