Sense of Competition in Children Should Be Encouraged - IELTS Task 2 Sample Essay

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Model Essay 1

The question of whether children should be raised to compete or to cooperate has generated considerable debate among educators and parents alike. While some argue that competition prepares children for real-world challenges, others contend that cooperation produces more socially valuable adults. This essay argues that although competition has certain merits, prioritising cooperation is ultimately more beneficial, as it nurtures social intelligence and long-term usefulness, while the role of competition will also be examined.

Supporters of competition believe that it fosters ambition, resilience, and a strong work ethic from an early age. When children are encouraged to compete, they often learn to set goals, handle pressure, and cope with failure—skills that are undeniably relevant in academic and professional environments. For example, competitive sports or academic contests can motivate students to push beyond their comfort zones and strive for excellence. Moreover, competition can mirror real-life scenarios such as job markets or promotions, where individuals must distinguish themselves. However, excessive emphasis on winning may cultivate selfishness, anxiety, and a fear of failure, especially among less confident children, thereby undermining emotional development.

In contrast, teaching children to cooperate places greater emphasis on collective success, empathy, and effective communication, which are essential qualities in modern societies. Cooperative learning environments encourage children to listen to diverse perspectives, resolve conflicts constructively, and value teamwork over individual glory. For instance, group-based projects in schools often mirror workplace realities, where collaboration across skills and personalities determines success. Adults who grew up in cooperative settings are typically more adaptable and socially competent, making them valuable employees and responsible citizens. Unlike competition, cooperation reduces unhealthy comparisons and promotes mutual support, allowing children of varying abilities to develop confidence without constant pressure to outperform others.

In conclusion, while competition can instil determination and drive, its benefits are limited if not carefully balanced. Cooperation, on the other hand, equips children with enduring social and emotional skills that enhance their usefulness as adults. Therefore, nurturing cooperation should be the primary focus of child development, with competition playing a supportive but secondary role.

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Model Essay 2

Whether children should be trained to compete or to cooperate remains a contentious issue in education. While advocates of cooperation stress social harmony, others believe competition better reflects adult realities. This essay argues that a well-structured sense of competition is more effective in shaping capable adults because it sharpens judgement and accountability, while cooperation, if overemphasised, can dilute responsibility and suppress excellence. These arguments will be developed by examining cognitive development and real-world functioning.

The first and most compelling argument is that competition cultivates accountability and decision-making, which are indispensable in adult life. When children compete, outcomes are clearly linked to effort, strategy, and discipline, forcing them to evaluate their own performance rather than relying on group protection. For instance, a student preparing alone for a scholarship exam must identify weaknesses, manage time, and take ownership of results—skills directly transferable to adulthood. In contrast, cooperative settings often distribute success and failure evenly, masking individual shortcomings. From a psychological perspective, moderate competition accelerates cognitive maturity by teaching children to prioritise, assess risk, and accept consequences. Without such exposure, children may grow into adults who struggle with pressure, avoid responsibility, or expect shared credit regardless of contribution.

Equally important is the fact that excessive cooperation can unintentionally undermine innovation and excellence. Many breakthroughs—whether in science, entrepreneurship, or professional fields—emerge from individuals striving to outperform existing standards, not from consensus-driven environments. For example, competitive academic systems have historically produced innovators precisely because they reward originality and persistence. Over-cooperative models, by contrast, may discourage critical dissent and promote conformity, as children learn to avoid standing out for the sake of group harmony. While teamwork is valuable, adults are ultimately judged as individuals in job markets, promotions, and leadership roles. Children who are never encouraged to compete may lack the confidence to assert ideas, challenge mediocrity, or lead decisively when cooperation alone is insufficient.

In conclusion, although cooperation fosters social ease, a carefully guided competitive mindset better prepares children for the demands of adult life. By strengthening accountability, resilience, and independent thinking, competition equips individuals to function effectively in complex, outcome-driven societies. Therefore, competition should play the central role in child development, with cooperation serving as a complementary, not dominant, skill.

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