A step-by-step sample answer to a recent IELTS Task 2 question!

ScottsEnglish · August 2017

The following is the break-down of a sample answer from a recent IELTS Task 2 question.

Here's the question:

Some people believe that success is about hard work and determination. Others think that success is mostly about personal appearance.

Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

Here's the step-by-step way to answer the question:

¶1	General statement about the topic.	What factors are most important for success is often discussed around the world.
	The 'scope' of the essay.	Some claim that success is as a result of hard work, while others believe that it is about beauty and appearance.
	Your opinion.	In my opinion, hard work and discipline is the most important thing needed for success.
¶2	Topic sentence 1	It is true that being good-looking can help to get a job.
	Statement 1	Some companies like to contract/employ good-looking people.
	Example 1	For example, a person who is more attractive in a job interview can have some advantages over other applicants.
¶3	Topic sentence 2	However, there are many more benefits for those who achieve success through hard work.
	Statement 1	The first obvious benefit is the feeling that a person can get after a great achievement.
	Example 1	A friend of mine worked very hard and started a new company over a period of two years. Eventually, he sold the company and made a huge profit which gave him great satisfaction.
	Statement 2	Another benefit of working hard is the personal and professional development a person experiences.
	Example 2	A person who has worked hard in a company or business over a long period of time will become an expert in his or her field. This person will possess specific skills that make him/her valuable in the workplace and possibly highly sought-after in the market place.
	Statement 3	A final reason why hard work is a better way to success is skills can be passed on to other generations.
		A person who has achieved success through hard work can become a mentor to others. He or she can help younger workers to succeed and this will provide great satisfaction to the older, successful person.
¶4	Conclusion	In conclusion, it is quite clear that success from working hard is better than getting success through simply good looks or money contacts.

Here's the correct format:

What factors are most important for success is often discussed around the world. Some claim that success is as a result of hard work, while others believe that it is about beauty and appearance. In my opinion, hard work and discipline is the most important thing needed for success.

It is true that beauty and money connections can help to get a job. Some companies like to contract/employ only good-looking people. For example, a person who is more attractive in a job interview can have some advantages over other applicants.

However, there are many greater benefits for those who achieve success through hard work. The first obvious benefit is the feeling that a person can get after a great achievement! A friend of mine worked very hard and started a new company over a period of two years. Eventually, he sold the company and made a huge profit which gave him great satisfaction. Another benefit of working hard is the personal and professional development a person experiences. A person who has worked hard in a company or business over a long period of time will become an expert in his or her field. This person will possess specific skills that make him/her valuable in the workplace and possibly highly sought-after in the market place. A final reason why hard work is a better way to success is skills can be passed on to other generations. A person who has achieved success through hard work can become a mentor to others which will provide great satisfaction to the older, successful person.

In conclusion, it is quite clear that success from working hard is better than getting success from simply looking good.

(280 words)