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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Some people argue that modern society is driven by individual greed and selfishness, which they believe have led to social and moral decline. These critics suggest that returning to traditional values, such as respect for the elderly and a stronger sense of community, could improve the world. While I acknowledge that some aspects of modern society promote self-interest, I believe that a complete return to older values is not a realistic solution.

The idea that returning entirely to traditional values will improve society overlooks the fact that modern advancements have fostered many positive changes. For instance, individualism has enabled personal freedom, innovation, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Women and minorities now have more opportunities than in the past, where traditional norms often did limit their roles in society in the past.

Another reason why a complete return to traditional values is impractical is the changing nature of modern society’s economic and social structures. In the past, communities were more tightly knit, and people often lived in the same place for most of their lives, which made traditional values more relevant. However, in today’s globalised world, individuals are more mobile and more likely to seek opportunities far from their hometowns. This has led to a more diverse and dynamic society where individual ambitions and career aspirations often take precedence over older values such as community-based living or generational co-dependence. Expecting modern individuals to fully embrace traditional values in such a fluid and fast-paced environment is unrealistic and could hinder personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, while certain traditional values like respect for elders and community responsibility could help address some of the issues facing modern society, a complete return to these values is neither feasible nor desirable.

Sample Answer 2: [Agreement]
The dominance of self-interest and materialism in modern society has led many to argue that a return to traditional values, such as respect for our elderly and a sense of community, is essential for creating a better world. I fully agree with this view, as the erosion of these values has contributed to societal fragmentation and a decline in moral responsibility. Reinstating traditional ethics can help foster stronger social bonds and promote a more compassionate society.

One reason why reviving traditional values is beneficial is that it encourages greater respect and care for the elderly. In many contemporary societies, rapid urbanisation and career-driven lifestyles have resulted in the neglect of older generations, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. In contrast, traditional cultures prioritised dutiful piety, ensuring that elderly family members received the care and respect they deserved. For instance, in Japan, the concept of Oyakoko (respect for parents) remains an integral part of society, contributing to lower levels of elderly loneliness and better intergenerational relationships.

Furthermore, restoring a strong sense of community can mitigate the growing social isolation and individualism that have emerged in modern times. Historically, communities functioned as tight-knit units where people supported one another, fostering cooperation and mutual assistance. However, in today’s digital age, face-to-face interactions have been largely replaced by virtual connections, weakening social cohesion. By reinstating community-driven values, individuals would be more inclined to engage in volunteer work and support local initiatives, strengthening social ties. For example, in Scandinavian countries, strong community engagement has been linked to higher happiness levels and lower crime rates.

In conclusion, the growing emphasis on individual gain has eroded fundamental human values, leading to social alienation and moral decay. A return to traditional principles, such as respect for elders and communal responsibility, is essential for fostering a more compassionate and interconnected society.

Idea Generation For This IELTS Essay:

Essay:
Some opine that individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of modern society. They think that we must return to older and more traditional values such as respect for the elderly people and the local community in order to create a better world to live in.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Essay Type:
Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)

Main question of this IELTS Essay:
Has modern society been built on greed and selfishness, and should we return to traditional values to create a better world?
 

Arguments in favour of returning to traditional values:

1.  The decline in community bonding:
In the past, people had a stronger sense of community, where neighbours helped one another in times of need, creating a supportive social structure. However, modern individualism has weakened these social bonds, leading to isolation and disconnection. For example, in many urban areas, people barely know their neighbours, unlike in traditional societies where communities came together to celebrate festivals and support each other in hardships.

2.  Lack of respect for the elderly:
Traditional societies placed great emphasis on respecting the wisdom and experience of older generations, ensuring they were cared for within the family unit. Today, however, many elderly people are neglected or placed in care homes, often leading to loneliness and emotional distress. For instance, studies show that in many developed countries, a significant percentage of elderly individuals live in social isolation, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health.

3.  Excessive materialism and consumerism:
Modern society often prioritises wealth, status, and material possessions over moral values and meaningful relationships. In contrast, traditional values encouraged modesty, gratitude, and contentment. For example, in past generations, people valued simple living and strong family ties over financial success, whereas today, many individuals measure success by the number of luxury goods they own, often leading to financial stress and dissatisfaction.

4.  Moral and ethical decline:
Greed and self-interest have contributed to widespread corruption, dishonesty, and unethical behaviour in various fields, including business and politics. Traditional values, on the other hand, emphasised honesty, integrity, and fairness in both personal and professional life. For example, in many historical societies, leaders and merchants were expected to maintain ethical standards, whereas in modern times, corporate fraud and political scandals are common.

5.  Mental health issues and stress:
The modern pursuit of personal gain and relentless competition has led to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Traditional lifestyles, however, focused more on strong family bonds and emotional well-being. For example, research has shown that in societies where family support remains strong, mental health problems are less prevalent compared to those where individual success is prioritised over relationships.

Arguments against returning to traditional values:

1.  Traditional values were often restrictive:
While traditional values promoted respect and community bonding, they also imposed rigid social norms that limited opportunities for many groups. Women, minorities, and lower social classes often had fewer rights and faced discrimination in traditional societies. For example, in the past, women were expected to stay at home and care for the family, whereas today, they have access to education and professional careers.

2.  Progress and innovation depend on individualism:
Modern society has achieved remarkable technological and scientific advancements largely due to individual ambition and competition. If society were to revert entirely to traditional values, it could hinder innovation and economic growth. For instance, groundbreaking inventions in medicine, engineering, and space exploration have been driven by individuals striving to make a difference rather than adhering to traditional community-based roles.

3.  More freedom and equality today:
Unlike traditional societies, modern times promote personal freedom, gender equality, and human rights. In the past, rigid societal structures often favoured specific groups, leaving others disadvantaged. For example, equal pay initiatives are voting rights for women that widely accepted today, were inconceivable in many traditional societies.

4.  Globalisation and interconnectivity:
Unlike the past, today’s world is highly interconnected, allowing people to learn from different cultures and perspectives. Traditional societies were often more isolated and resistant to change. For example, international collaborations in science, business, and education have enabled individuals to benefit from global knowledge-sharing, something that was rare in past generations.

5.  Balancing traditional and modern values:
Instead of completely reverting to traditional ways, a better approach would be to combine traditional values like respect and community spirit with modern values of progress and equality. For example, countries like Japan successfully integrate respect for elders and strong family ties with technological advancement and gender equality, creating a well-balanced society.

• IELTS Essay
• Agree/Disagree Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• Opinion Essay

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