Most Societies Are Based on Rules and Laws - IELTS Essay
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Most Societies Are Based on Rules and Laws - IELTS Task 2 Sample Essay


Most societies are based on rules and laws. If individuals were free to do whatever they wanted, society could not function - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

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Model Essay 1

It is a fundamental assertion that without rules and laws, the fabric of society would unravel as individuals pursue their personal desires unchecked. This essay supports the notion that a structured legal framework is crucial for societal function. The ensuing discussion will elucidate the necessity of legal structures for societal order and the potential chaos in their absence.


Firstly, laws serve as the backbone of societal order by setting a standard of conduct universally applicable. In environments lacking such regulations, such as in failed states, we observe a significant increase in disorder and conflict. Historical examples, including the decline of the Roman Empire, highlight how the erosion of law leads directly to societal collapse. The absence of legal frameworks facilitates the rise of autocratic rulers who may further destabilize society. Furthermore, without laws, there would be no mechanism to resolve conflicts equitably, leading to individual retribution and an endless cycle of violence. This natural human propensity for conflict resolution through power dynamics underscores the critical role that laws play in maintaining peace and decorum, preventing society from descending into a chaotic state.


Moreover, laws are instrumental in protecting freedoms and rights within a society. By establishing clear boundaries and consequences, laws prevent the powerful from exploiting the vulnerable. For instance, labour laws prevent unfair treatment of workers, ensuring they are not overworked or underpaid, which contributes to social stability and equity. Such regulations foster a balanced economic environment, promoting fair competition and preventing monopolistic practices. Similarly, traffic laws enhance safety by regulating the flow of vehicles, significantly reducing accidents and fatalities. These laws not only preserve public health but also improve the efficiency of transportation systems across cities. These examples demonstrate that laws not only prevent societal disarray but actively promote a safe, fair, and orderly environment conducive to the welfare of all individuals.


In conclusion, laws are indispensable for the sustenance of societal order. They provide a framework for conflict resolution and protect individual rights, thereby preventing the chaos that would ensue in their absence. Thus, a society governed by laws ensures a stable and equitable environment for its members.


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Model Essay 2

Rules and laws are often perceived as the linchpins of societal stability, ensuring order and preventing chaos. This essay firmly agrees with the view that a society devoid of regulations would be dysfunctional. It will explore the role of laws in fostering social harmony and the dire consequences of their absence, underscoring the importance of legal frameworks in safeguarding both community welfare and individual rights.


The primary function of laws in any society is to establish a common set of expectations and prohibitions that guide behaviour, thus preventing anarchy. Without these guidelines, individuals might act solely based on personal desire, leading to a survival-of-the-fittest scenario. For example, without traffic regulations, the roads would become perilous, as drivers could choose any speed or direction, inevitably increasing collisions and chaos. This principle extends to economic practices, public interactions, and environmental usage, illustrating that laws are not merely restrictive but essential for predictable and safe daily interactions. Their presence ensures a level playing field, where fairness and order pre-empt the natural human inclination towards self-interest.


Additionally, laws uphold justice and equality by protecting minorities and the underprivileged from discrimination and abuse. In societies without strong legal protections, marginalized groups often face exploitation, as seen in nations where child labour, human trafficking, and other abuses persist due to weak enforcement. Effective legal systems empower these groups by providing recourse through the judiciary and enforcing penalties on transgressors, thereby promoting inclusivity and social justice. For instance, anti-discrimination laws in the workplace help ensure that individuals are judged on merit rather than ethnicity, gender, or religion, fostering a more cohesive and productive society.


To sum, laws are indispensable to the operation of society. They cultivate an environment of fairness, safety, and justice, which are crucial for a functional community. The breakdown of legal systems illustrates the chaos that ensues, highlighting the essential nature of rules and laws in maintaining societal order and protecting human rights.


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