IELTS Writing Task

Sample Answer

Band 7+ 

44. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any lifetime experiences.

Which do you consider to be the major influence? 

Sample Answer 1

  The question of whether our inherent characteristics or life experiences have a greater impact on our personality and development has been hotly debated for a very long time. While there are proponents of the notion that innate characteristics exert a greater influence, I maintain the perspective that both elements interact and play a role in the formation of our identity.

  On one hand, advocates of inherent attributes argue that genetics and biology exert a substantial influence in shaping our identities. The authors contend that specific personality traits, such as introversion or extroversion, possess a strong genetic basis and exhibit a notable level of consistency over the course of an individual's lifespan. In addition, it is noteworthy that genetic predispositions have the potential to influence an individual's aptitudes, capabilities, and vulnerability to mental health disorders. The aforementioned intrinsic characteristics serve as a fundamental basis upon which our individual experiences develop.

      Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognise that one's personality and development are also influenced by the experiences they accumulate throughout their lifetime. The formation of our identity is influenced by a range of factors, including our upbringing, education, relationships, and significant life experiences. For example, a conducive environment has the potential to cultivate desirable attributes such as empathy and resilience, whereas unfavourable encounters can give rise to the formation of defence mechanisms or specific behavioural tendencies. Furthermore, it is evident that our perspectives, values, and beliefs are greatly influenced by various cultural, social, and environmental factors.

  In actuality, the complex interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental influences is responsible for shaping our individual personality traits and overall developmental trajectory. The inherent attributes we possess establish a structural foundation, while the various encounters we undergo serve as the medium upon which our individuality is depicted. Instead of assigning priority to one factor over another, it is imperative to acknowledge the reciprocal influence and intricate interplay between these variables.

Key phrases and important vocabulary:

inherent characteristics: Innate or inherent qualities.

life experiences: Experiences encountered throughout life.

personality and development: Individual traits and growth.

hotly debated: Heavily discussed or disputed.

proponents: Supporters or advocates.

innate characteristics: Inherent or inborn qualities.

exert a greater influence: Have a stronger impact.

formation of our identity: Development of who we are.

interact: Influence or affect each other.

play a role: Contribute or have an effect.

shaping our identities: Influencing the development of who we are.

genetic basis: Foundation or origin in genetics.

consistency: Continuity or stability.

lifespan: Entire duration of one's life.

genetic predispositions: Inherent tendencies or inclinations.

aptitudes: Natural abilities or talents.

capabilities: Skills or abilities.

vulnerability: Susceptibility or proneness.

mental health disorders: Conditions affecting mental well-being.

fundamental basis: Foundational or fundamental element.

recognise: Acknowledge or understand.

accumulation: Gathering or gathering over time.

upbringing: Nurturing or upbringing in childhood.

education: Formal or informal learning experiences.

relationships: Interpersonal connections or associations.

significant life experiences: Important or impactful events in one's life.

conducive environment: Supportive or favorable surroundings.

empathy: Ability to understand and share others' feelings.

resilience: Ability to recover or bounce back from difficulties.

unfavourable encounters: Negative or adverse experiences.

defence mechanisms: Psychological strategies or coping mechanisms.

behavioural tendencies: Patterns of behavior.

perspectives: Views or viewpoints.

values: Beliefs or principles.

beliefs: Convictions or faiths.

cultural, social, and environmental factors: Influences from culture, society, and the environment.

complex interaction: Complicated or intricate interplay.

overall developmental trajectory: Overall path of development.

structural foundation: Basic or fundamental basis.

reciprocal influence: Mutual or back-and-forth influence.

intricate interplay: Complex or intricate interaction.

variables: Factors or elements.

44. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any lifetime experiences.

Which do you consider to be the major influence? 

Sample Answer 2

BAND 7

                  It is undeniable that people's personalities have evolved more rapidly in the past 15 years than they did in the preceding 30 years. I, along with many others, think that an individual's personality may be determined by their living environment rather than by other experiences that they may have had throughout their life. The statement will be discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs, along with my own personal viewpoint.

                  There is no disputing that the vast majority of individuals have specific talents that they use to further their professional development. To put it another way, they must dedicate all of their time, effort, and energy to the acquisition of such abilities. Famous cricketers such as Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, for example, put in long hours in training to ensure that they perform well in the World Cup competition and bring home a trophy for their country to represent. They devise strategies and put them into action, resulting in victories. As a result, they build an atmosphere for themselves and put in a continuous effort to achieve their goals.

                  Certainly, having practical experience in the area of personality development has a number of benefits. One of the most important advantages is that the majority of people learn from their errors, which means that they work on their faults and strive to be the greatest version of themselves possible. Effective learning is a term used to describe this kind of learning. Following the findings of a study done by the Times of India, it was discovered that 70 per cent of young people had committed mistakes in the past and had gained important life lessons as a consequence of their errors. Without a doubt, there is no such thing as a flawless person in our world. For example, the highest-earning people encounter challenges in their lives and emerge from them stronger as a result of their errors, which they learn from and rectify.

                To conclude, it seems to me that infants are born with abilities, but it is our responsibility to discover those skills that are important.

348 Words

44. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any lifetime experiences.

Which do you consider to be the major influence? 

Sample Answer 3

BAND 6.5

                 There is little room for doubt that the last 15 years have witnessed more development in people's personalities than in the previous 30 years. I, like many others, believe that the personality of individuals can be defined according to their living environment rather than other experiences which they might have in their lives. The essay will discuss the statement in the upcoming paragraphs, along with my own opinion.

                 There is no denying that the majority of people have specialized skills that they use to advance their careers. To put it another way, they must devote all of their efforts and energy to acquiring those skills. For example, famous cricketers, such as Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, practice hard in their training sessions so that they perform well in the World Cup tournament and win a trophy for the country. They make plans and execute them, winning matches. Therefore, they create an environment for themselves and work consistently for their dreams.

                   Certainly, there are numerous advantages to gaining experience in the field of personality development. One of the most significant positives is that the masses learn from their past mistakes, meaning that they work on their flaws and become the best version of themselves. This is known as effective learning. According to a survey conducted by the Times of India, 70% of young people have made mistakes in the past and have learned valuable life lessons as a result of their mistakes. Without a doubt, not everyone is perfect in this world. For example, the highest-earning individuals face difficulties in their lives and emerge from them, learning from and correcting their mistakes.

                    To conclude, it seems to me that skills are born with children, but we have to identify the relevant skills.

291 Words