IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1521 - In many societies there is a growing emphasis on individualism
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on individualism, with people prioritizing their personal goals and desires over collective interests.
Why is this so?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: Negative Trend]
Individualism seems to be on the rise in many parts of the world, where individuals give high priority to their personal objectives and aspirations over the common good. This essay will discuss why capitalism is the primary cause of this growing phenomenon, and then explain that it is a negative development because it brings about income inequality and social stratification.
Capitalism lays great emphasis on private property rights, freedom and the pursuit of self-interest. It acknowledges individuals as independent actors who can make choices and pursue their goals on their own. This stress on individualism encourages individuals to take part in cutthroat competition so as to climb up the social ladder. A case in point is the United States of America. The capitalist country promotes an individualistic society where people compete with each other to ascend the social ladder. Capitalism thus fosters individualism through fierce competition.
The increasing importance of individualism contributes to inequality and social stratification. That is to say, the urge to acquire personal achievement in an individualist society can aggravate income disparity and social division. When people focus exclusively on their own success, those who are underprivileged may be left behind. This, in turn, leads to the accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of a few elites. Take the USA for an example, which promotes individualistic values. The country experiences enormous income disparity, with a small group of elites possessing a large portion of the wealth.
To conclude, capitalism is the root cause of this growing emphasis on individualistic values as it encourages individuals to compete with one another in order to realise personal ambition and aspiration, and I think this is a negative development because it enhances disparity and social stratification.
Model Answer 2: [View: Negative Trend]
In many societies, nowadays, there is an increasing focus on individualism, with people prioritising their individual goals and demands over communal interests. This shift can be attributed to several factors, and its implications are subject to debate. This essay will explore the reasons behind this trend and assert that it is a negative development.
One primary reason for the rise of individualism is the influence of economic and social changes. In today's globalised world, there is a strong focus on personal achievement and self-reliance, driven by competitive job markets and the pursuit of career advancement. Additionally, the proliferation of digital technology and social media has reinforced individualistic values by promoting self-expression and personal branding. For instance, platforms like Instagram and TikTok enable users to showcase their talents, lifestyles, and opinions to a global audience, often leading to significant personal recognition and opportunities rather than collective benefits.
I believe that this trend has significant challenges and therefore, I consider it as a negative development. Individualism can lead to social fragmentation and a weakening of communal bonds. For example, people who prioritise their own interests may become less inclined to engage in collective activities or support communal initiatives, leading to a decline in social cohesion. Moreover, excessive individualism can exacerbate inequality, as those who are more privileged can advance their goals more effectively than those with fewer resources, thereby widening the socioeconomic divide.
In conclusion, the growing emphasis on individualism in modern societies is driven by economic, social, and technological factors. While individualism can foster personal growth and innovation, it carries severe risks of social fragmentation and inequality. Therefore, it is, in my personal opinion, a negative development.
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