IELTS Band 9 Essay About do you think wealth is the best measure of success
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Do you think wealth is the best measure of success”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Success is often measured by wealth and material belonging.
Do you think wealth is the best measure of success?
What are the qualities of successful persons?
In today’s society, success is frequently associated with wealth and material possessions. Many people equate financial prosperity with a successful life, but I firmly believe that wealth is not the best measure of success. True success encompasses various dimensions beyond mere material gains, including personal fulfillment, contributions to society, and the development of positive qualities.
To begin with, financial wealth can certainly enhance one’s standard of living and provide comfort, but it is not a reliable indicator of long-term happiness or life satisfaction. Numerous studies have shown that after meeting basic needs, an increase in income has diminishing returns on overall well-being. Therefore, while wealth may play a role in achieving stability, it does not guarantee success in areas such as relationships, health, or personal growth.
Moreover, truly successful individuals often exhibit characteristics such as resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence. Resilience, or the ability to overcome adversity, is a key determinant of success in both personal and professional life. Integrity, on the other hand, ensures that individuals earn trust and respect, which are crucial in forming meaningful relationships and achieving long-term goals. Emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others, is another essential trait of successful people, as it enhances interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.
Another important measure of success is the impact an individual has on society. Those who dedicate their lives to helping others, whether through philanthropy, innovation, or social activism, often experience a profound sense of accomplishment. For instance, figures such as Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi are remembered not for their wealth but for their contributions to humanity, which exemplifies how societal impact can be a more meaningful gauge of success.
In conclusion, while wealth can contribute to a comfortable life, it is not the most accurate measure of success. Qualities such as resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence, along with a positive societal impact, are more reliable indicators of a truly successful person. Societies should redefine success by prioritizing personal fulfillment and social contributions over material wealth.
Highlighted Academic in the sample for Do you think wealth is the best measure of success
- Wealth (/wɛlθ/)
Sentence: While wealth may enhance living standards, it does not necessarily lead to lasting happiness. - Resilience (/rɪˈzɪliəns/)
Sentence: Success often requires resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. - Integrity (/ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/)
Sentence: Leaders with high levels of integrity tend to gain trust and loyalty from their followers. - Emotional intelligence (/ɪˈmoʊʃənəl ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/)
Sentence: Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for effective communication and conflict resolution. - Societal impact (/səˈsaɪətəl ˈɪmpækt/)
Sentence: The societal impact of an individual’s actions often defines their legacy more than their financial success.
Advanced Grammatical Structures:
- Complex sentences with subordinate clauses
Example: “Numerous studies have shown that after meeting basic needs, an increase in income has diminishing returns on overall well-being.”
Why it helps: Using subordinate clauses adds depth to the argument and demonstrates advanced grammatical range. - Use of relative clauses
Example: “Those who dedicate their lives to helping others, whether through philanthropy, innovation, or social activism, often experience a profound sense of accomplishment.”
Why it helps: Relative clauses provide additional information and enhance the clarity of the ideas presented. - Passive voice
Example: “Success is frequently associated with wealth and material possessions.”
Why it helps: Passive constructions maintain a formal tone and emphasize the action rather than the subject. - Parallel structures
Example: “Qualities such as resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence, along with a positive societal impact, are more reliable indicators of a truly successful person.”
Why it helps: Parallel structures improve readability and emphasize the equal importance of each idea. Use of noun phrases
Example: “Another important measure of success is the impact an individual has on society.”
Why it helps: Noun phrases condense complex ideas into concise expressions, which enhances formality and precision.
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