First impressions and judging people based on initial encounters is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared multiple times in recent years, particularly in questions about social relationships, workplace dynamics, and human behavior. Similar questions have been asked about prejudice, stereotypes, and snap judgments in professional and personal contexts, making it highly relevant for future tests.
Analysis of Real IELTS Question
Some people believe that first impressions are the best way to judge someone’s character, while others think it takes time to truly understand a person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
First impression assessment during workplace meeting showing diverse professionals
Question Analysis
- Topic: Personal judgment and character assessment
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key areas to cover:
- Arguments for using first impressions
- Arguments against quick judgments
- Personal stance with justification
Just as in importance of diverse work environments, understanding different perspectives on personal evaluation is crucial for workplace success.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
People often debate whether initial encounters provide sufficient insight into someone’s character or if deeper understanding requires extended interaction. While first impressions can offer valuable preliminary information, I firmly believe that truly understanding an individual demands significant time and varied experiences together.
First impressions undeniably provide immediate insights into certain aspects of personality. When meeting someone, we can quickly assess their communication style, basic manners, and professional presentation. These initial observations often prove helpful in professional settings, where swift evaluations are sometimes necessary for business decisions or workplace dynamics. Moreover, evolutionary psychology suggests that humans have developed intuitive capabilities to make rapid judgments about others as a survival mechanism.
However, relying solely on first impressions can be deeply flawed. People may behave differently in initial meetings due to nervousness, cultural differences, or temporary circumstances. Many individuals who appear reserved at first later reveal themselves to be exceptionally warm and creative, while those who make strong first impressions might later demonstrate less favorable qualities. Furthermore, complex personality traits like reliability, integrity, and emotional intelligence only become apparent through prolonged interaction and various situations.
Similar to how Dress code and its impact on employee productivity can be misleading, external appearances and initial behaviors don’t always reflect true character.
In my opinion, while first impressions serve as useful preliminary indicators, they should not be the primary basis for character judgment. True understanding requires observing how people react in different situations, handle challenges, and maintain relationships over time. This comprehensive approach helps avoid prejudices and allows for a more nuanced appreciation of human complexity.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
These days, many people have different opinions about judging others based on first impressions. While some think it’s a good way to know someone, others believe we need more time to understand people properly. I think both views have their good points, but taking time is better.
People who support first impressions say they can tell a lot about someone quickly. When we meet people, we can see if they are friendly or rude, and if they dress well or not. In business meetings, this helps make quick decisions about working together. Also, some people say our instincts about others are usually right.
But judging quickly has problems. Sometimes people are nervous when they first meet others, so they don’t show their real personality. For example, my friend seemed very quiet when I first met her, but later I found out she is very funny and talkative. Also, we can’t know if someone is honest or reliable just by meeting them once.
I believe we should spend time with people to really know them. We need to see how they act in different situations and how they treat others over time. This helps us avoid making mistakes about people’s character.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay
- Task Response (9): Comprehensive coverage with clear position
- Coherence (8): Logical organization with effective paragraphing
- Vocabulary (8.5): Advanced vocabulary precisely used
- Grammar (8.5): Complex structures with minimal errors
Band 6.5 Essay
- Task Response (6): Basic coverage with simple examples
- Coherence (6.5): Clear but simple organization
- Vocabulary (6.5): Limited range but adequate
- Grammar (7): Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- preliminary (adj) /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/ – initial or introductory
- intuitive capabilities (n) /ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv keɪpəˈbɪlɪtiz/ – natural ability to understand
- nuanced (adj) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
- prejudices (n) /ˈpredʒudɪsɪz/ – preconceived opinions
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
Conclusion
Understanding how to evaluate first impressions versus long-term character assessment is crucial for IELTS success. Practice writing about similar topics like “snap judgments in professional settings” or “the role of prejudice in modern society” to prepare for the exam. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement.
