Write about the following topic:
Whether or not a person achieves their aims in life is mostly related to luck.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (1)
It is often debated whether a person's success in life hinges predominantly on serendipity or if it is shaped by other factors. While I concede that luck can occasionally play a part in one's success, I robustly contend that it is primarily a person's abilities, efforts, and courage that determines their triumph.
One critical reason to substantiate my argument is that individual competence and relentless perseverance are pivotal to personal prosperity. For instance, individuals who climb the corporate ladder are not just fortuitous but often have demonstrated considerable diligence, resilience, and an uncanny knack to seize opportunities. This was exemplified by the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. Although initially fired from his own company, Jobs' unfaltering determination and innovative prowess allowed him to stage a triumphant comeback and revolutionize the technology industry, proving success often necessitates tenacity rather than mere fortune.
Conversely, individuals who sustain valuable relationships in their personal and professional lives typically do so not by the whims of chance, but through their exceptional communication skills, empathy, and respect for diversity. A prime example is Mahatma Gandhi, whose powerful words and non-violent philosophies garnered support worldwide, leading India to independence. His success was underpinned not by luck, but by his compelling communication and unflinching commitment to his cause.
On the other hand, an over-reliance on luck can prove detrimental to personal growth. Waiting for serendipity to strike might breed complacency, fostering a passive attitude towards personal development. Relying on the whims of fate rather than actively honing one's skills can stagnate career progression and personal advancement.
In conclusion, while good fortune may occasionally contribute to one's success, it is not the primary determinant. Substantial factors like personal skills, knowledge, courage, and above all, self-effort play a much more significant role. It is vital to remember that rather than banking on serendipity, one should persistently strive for self-improvement, as success is more often the result of diligence and resilience than a mere stroke of luck.
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IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay (2)
The correlation between success and luck has long been a topic of contentious debate. Although serendipity may play a sporadic role in shaping an individual's trajectory, I strongly advocate that the achievement of life's goals is predominantly underpinned by personal endeavour, talent, and perseverance.
A key proposition substantiating my perspective is the indispensable role of hard work and aptitude in paving the way to success. For instance, those rising through the ranks in their professional fields are often not merely beneficiaries of luck, but industrious workers with the audacity to seize opportunities and showcase their competence. A compelling illustration of this is the illustrious trajectory of the renowned physicist, Albert Einstein. Initially deemed a slow learner, his ground breaking theories in physics were not the product of fortuitous luck, but rather of tenacious effort and an extraordinary aptitude for understanding the universe's mechanics.
Furthermore, maintaining fruitful relationships in life does not usually arise from the whims of chance, but rather from the consistent efforts to foster understanding and connection. One notable exemplar is Nelson Mandela. His successful struggle against apartheid was not marked by luck but by his exceptional ability to unite people under a shared cause, demonstrating the potency of empathy, communication, and respect over mere fortune.
Conversely, an excessive reliance on luck can inadvertently breed passivity, hindering an individual's self-growth. Expecting fortuitous happenstance to deliver success can lead to complacency, neglecting the importance of self-improvement and personal skill enhancement. In the words of the philosopher Seneca, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
In conclusion, while luck may occasionally have a hand in how a person achieves their aims in life, it is not the primary catalyst. Attributes such as skill, knowledge, courage, and diligence are significantly more pivotal in the quest for attaining life's objectives.
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