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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

A person's worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust, no longer seem important.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:
It is argued by many that an individual’s worth today is judged by his socio-economic condition rather than his personal morality and quality. I totally agree with this opinion. This essay will first delineate how people often make instant judgments about others by their clothing choices and belongings and then it will suggest that most celebrities are adored despite lacking moral values demonstrating that material possessions are more important to society.

People are often held in high regard for their elegant clothes, luxurious cars or the latest gadgets. This quite superficial paradigm of thought is prevalent among all segments of society, whether be it how an attendant treats consumers in a restaurant, or what interviewers might think of applicants while interviewing them for a job. In professional contexts, for example, people who dress in a well-tailored business suit are perceived as more competent, professional, and successful than those who wear casual clothes. Thus, people hold someone in considerable respect for his material possessions.

This is also apparent in our celebrities’ cases. Most actors, singers and models are revered for their lavish lifestyle or superior status in the social hierarchy. However, many of these superstars lack moral fibre as they get involved in substance abuse, cheat spouses and so on. Things like having a magnificent mansion, maintaining an extravagant lifestyle or achieving a high position in society are exalted above moral principles. A case in point is a famous celebrity in Bollywood, who was convicted for poaching rare antelope, yet he still continues to receive accolades for his acting career.

To conclude, I think that material possessions are more important to society these days, and this can blatantly be obvious by how we behave towards those with no money and how we treat vacuous celebrities. 

Model Answer 2:
We live in a world in which everyone is judgmental to the extent that one often makes inconsequential remarks in regards to things that does not affect one in the least bit, such as if other people are driving a Lamborgini or if they are carrying a Hermes bag. It seems as though old fashioned values such as honour, generosity, and trust do not amount to much in today's condemnatory world. Apropos of the statement, I am in part accordance with it.

It is inarguable that a staggering number of people only consider about how their connection can bring advantages to them when befriending someone. For instance, one might think twice before making friends with someone who is kind but impoverished, as there is no benefit that is likely to stem from the connection. On the flip side, ingratiating with someone who displays ostentatious wealth might be more auspicious for one in the future.

Similarly, one from a wealthy family might feel hesitant to befriend someone who is struggling to make ends meet, seeing as the latter is not on the same level with one in terms of social status. Also, there is no guarantee that one will not be on the receiving end of bullying if one befriends someone of a lower status. Case in point, kids from my school will not let Jaycea hear the end of it because she is friends with Elaine, a driver's daughter, notwithstanding the fact that Elaine is trustworthy and dependable.

On the contrast, I also believe that it is unreasonable to stereotype the whole society based on the behaviour and way of thinking of some people. Like the aforementioned case in which Jaycea is willing to befriend Elaine despite being bullied, it shows that it is possible for some people to value trust and generosity over social status.

To sum up, while it is commonplace for people to hold a higher value of material possessions and social status in this overcritical world, there are also people who value old fashioned values more and they are not to be overlooked.

[ Written by - Jaclyn ]

Model Answer 3:
It is true that people are judged based on their social status and personal wealth nowadays, and traditional values such as integrity and honesty are being forgotten. To a certain extent, I would agree with the fact that people are valued based on their wealth and status these days, but I also believe that old fashioned values still plays an important part in our societies.

It is believed that we are living in the pop culture and materialistic era these days, as the public judge each individual based on his/her social status and wealth. It can be seen from how celebrities become famous nowadays. Many celebrities are being popular because of their physical appearance and personal wealth such Kim Kardashian. Her reality television program never shows any world class acting quality, but only shows about her luxurious mansions and fancy cars. And then there are other celebrities who are well known due to his/her social status as the son or the daughter of a wealthy family. One of the examples would be Paris Hilton. Although she has many bad attitudes, she is still popular because she inherits the assets of her parents.

Although traditional values such as respect others, being responsible, honesty and integrity seem to be forgotten nowadays, but they still play an important part in many communities. In common cases, employers are still assessing their potential employees based their hard working attitude, positive behaviour and their integrity. And then business people are still looking for business partners who are reliable, can be trusted, and dependable. Therefore, it is important for adults to educate their children about these positive values because they still play an essential part in the societies.

In conclusion, even though people are judged based on their wealth and social status nowadays, but I do believe that old fashioned values such as honour, respect and trust cannot be eliminated from our daily lives. Therefore we must teach our young generation about these cultures, in order for them to survive and succeed in the future. 

[ Written by - Darwin Lesmana ]

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