IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3399 – Band 7.5

IELTS Writing Task 2 - Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives.
Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Disclaimer

The writing sample displayed here is the work of IELTS candidates and has been assessed by our team for guidance and practice purposes. These scores are not official IELTS scores.

Candidate’s Response:

Taking risks is an integral part of human life encompassing both professional and personal realms. This essay will argue that the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages due to the potential for significant personal growth, career advancement, and the development of resilience, despite the inherent uncertainties and potential for failure.

Firstly, taking risks often leads to personal growth and self-discovery. When individuals step out of their comfort zones, they encounter new experiences and challenges that can lead to a deeper understanding of themselves. For example, traveling to a foreign country alone can be daunting, but it can also provide invaluable lessons in independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness. These experiences contribute to a person’s overall development, making them more well-rounded and capable individuals. Similarly, in the professional sphere, risk-taking is often synonymous with innovation and career advancement. Many successful entrepreneurs and professionals attribute their achievements to bold decisions that involved significant risks. For instance, leaving a stable job to start a new business may seem risky, but it can lead to substantial financial rewards and personal satisfaction if the venture succeeds.

Moreover, taking risks helps develop resilience and the ability to cope with setbacks. Failure is an inevitable part of life, but those who take risks learn to handle it constructively. They develop a mindset that views failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. This resilience is crucial in both personal and professional contexts, as it enables individuals to bounce back from disappointments and continue striving towards their goals. However, it is essential to acknowledge the disadvantages of taking risks. The most apparent downside is the potential for failure, which can result in financial loss, emotional distress, and a temporary setback in one’s career or personal life. For example, investing in a high-risk stock market can lead to significant financial loss if the market crashes. Additionally, taking risks without proper planning and consideration can lead to hasty decisions that have long-term negative consequences.

In conclusion, while taking risks involves inherent uncertainties and potential downsides, the advantages of personal growth, career advancement, and the development of resilience significantly outweigh the disadvantages. By embracing calculated risks, individuals can unlock new opportunities and achieve their full potential in both their professional and personal lives. Therefore, it is vital for people to take risks, provided they do so thoughtfully and strategically.

389 words

Planning Stage

Presented By: Kasra Sharifan

Presented By: Kasra Sharifan

July 31, 2024

This is an IELTS writing band 7.5 sample

Disclaimer

The writing sample displayed here is the work of IELTS candidates and has been assessed by our team for guidance and practice purposes. These scores are not official IELTS scores.

IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

Task Response
8.0 sufficiently addresses all parts of the task
8.0 presents a well-developed response to the question
7.0 presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to over-generalize and/or supporting ideas may lack focus
7.0
Coherence and Cohesion
7.0 logically organizes information and ideas
8.0 manages all aspects of cohesion well
9.0 uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately
9.0 uses referencing clearly and appropriately throughout
7.0 presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
7.0
Lexical Resource
9.0 uses a wide range of vocabulary
8.0 skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation
8.0 produces rare errors in spelling and/or word formation
9.0 the communication is completely natural
8.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
9.0 uses a wide range of structures
8.0 the majority of sentences are error-free
8.0 makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacies
9.0 communication is completely natural
8.0
7.5

Feedback:

Thank you for writing this essay. The essay could benefit from a more thorough discussion of the disadvantages, possibly with more varied examples to strengthen the argument. While the essay is cohesive, the transition between the paragraphs discussing the advantages and disadvantages could be smoother. Additionally, the introduction and conclusion could be more distinct in summarizing the main points.

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The IELTS Assessor

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Kasra Sharifan

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British Council certified English teacher, IDP-trained IELTS instructor, content writer, editor-in-chief, co-founder, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at IELTS Juice Online Academy.

Another Above 7.0 Sample

In contemporary society, the debate over whether individuals should take risks in their professional and personal lives is increasingly pertinent. While some argue that risk-taking can lead to detrimental outcomes, others believe that the potential benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. This essay will explore both perspectives, ultimately asserting that the advantages of taking risks surpass the disadvantages.
One significant disadvantage of taking risks in a professional context is the possibility of failure, which can lead to job loss and financial instability. For instance, an entrepreneur investing all their savings into a new business venture might face bankruptcy if the business fails. This financial strain can have long-term repercussions on their career and personal life. Similarly, in a personal context, taking risks can result in emotional distress and relationship issues. For example, relocating to a new city for a romantic relationship might end in heartbreak and isolation if the relationship does not work out. These scenarios highlight the potential negative consequences that risk-taking can entail, underscoring the need for careful consideration before making such decisions.
Despite these drawbacks, there are numerous advantages to taking risks that can lead to substantial personal and professional growth. Professionally, taking risks can foster innovation and career advancement. For example, an employee who proposes and leads a new project may gain recognition and promotion, even if the project carries certain risks. Such proactive behavior can distinguish individuals as leaders and innovators within their fields. On a personal level, risk-taking can lead to self-discovery and increased resilience. Engaging in challenging activities, such as solo travel or learning a new skill, can enhance one's confidence and adaptability, enriching their personal development. Moreover, the societal benefits of risk-taking are noteworthy. Societies that encourage and support risk-taking tend to be more dynamic and progressive. For instance, the technological advancements and entrepreneurial successes seen in Silicon Valley are largely driven by a culture that values and rewards risk-taking. This culture of innovation not only benefits individuals but also contributes to economic growth and societal advancement. By pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities, risk-takers play a crucial role in driving societal progress.
In conclusion, while taking risks in both professional and personal contexts can lead to potential disadvantages such as financial instability and emotional distress, the advantages are significant and far-reaching. Risk-taking fosters professional growth, personal development, and societal progress. Therefore, it is clear that the benefits of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages, making it an essential aspect of personal and professional life.
423 words

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