IELTS Band 9 Essay About Some people think that competition is good at work or school
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Some people think that competition is good at work or school”. 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 100 band 9 IELTS samples released in April 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
Some people think that competition is good at work or school. Others think that cooperation is important rather than competition. Discuss both views along with your opinion.
Some argue that competition in workplaces and educational institutions fosters motivation and higher performance, while others believe that cooperation is more important for long-term success. Both perspectives have their merits, and this essay will discuss both before presenting a personal viewpoint.
On one hand, competition can be a powerful driving force. In academic environments, students who compete for top grades are often more driven to excel. This stimulates them to improve their skills, engage deeply with the material, and push their own boundaries. Similarly, in the workplace, a competitive atmosphere may encourage employees to outperform their peers, enhancing overall productivity and innovation. Advocates of this view argue that without a sense of rivalry, individuals may lack the urgency to reach their full potential.
On the other hand, cooperation nurtures a more harmonious and sustainable environment. In both schools and professional settings, teamwork allows individuals to share knowledge, support each other, and collaborate on complex tasks. These interactions foster not only interpersonal skills but also a culture of mutual respect and collective achievement. Moreover, in today’s interconnected world, many challenges require group effort rather than individual brilliance. Therefore, the ability to function effectively as part of a team is increasingly seen as an essential skill.
In my opinion, while a certain degree of competition can be beneficial, cooperation is fundamentally more important in modern contexts. Healthy competition may spark short-term gains, but it can also lead to stress, burnout, and unhealthy comparisons. In contrast, cooperation builds strong relationships and prepares individuals for real-world situations where collaboration is often the key to success.
In conclusion, although both competition and cooperation have valuable roles in education and the workplace, the latter seems more aligned with the demands of contemporary society. Encouraging collaborative learning and teamwork can lead to more equitable, productive, and satisfying outcomes for all individuals involved.
Five Academic Words in the sample for Some people think that competition is good at work or school
Here are 5 bolded academic words from the essay:
Stimulate /ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪt/
Sentence: Good teachers know how to stimulate students’ curiosity through engaging lessons.Enhance /ɪnˈhɑːns/
Sentence: The new software is designed to enhance productivity and reduce errors.Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/
Sentence: Companies are focusing more on sustainable business practices to protect the environment.Collaborate /kəˈlæbəreɪt/
Sentence: Scientists from different countries must collaborate to solve global health issues.Equitable /ˈekwɪtəbəl/
Sentence: An equitable distribution of resources can reduce social and economic disparities.
Five Advanced Grammar Structures and Their Impact
Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
Example: “While a certain degree of competition can be beneficial, cooperation is fundamentally more important…”
Adds nuance and contrast, improving cohesion and coherence.Passive Voice
Example: “…the ability to function effectively as part of a team is increasingly seen as an essential skill.”
Demonstrates grammatical range and objectivity.Cleft Sentences
Example: “What cooperation nurtures is a more harmonious and sustainable environment.” (rewritten for demonstration)
Emphasizes key ideas, showing advanced sentence structuring.Modal Verbs for Speculation or Opinion
Example: “Cooperation may spark short-term gains…”
Shows flexibility in tone and modal usage, which boosts task achievement.Relative Clauses
Example: “…students who compete for top grades are often more driven to excel.”
Adds descriptive depth and clarity to ideas.
Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF
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More Content for You
سوالات اسپیکینگ موضوع رقابت (پارت 1 2 3)
لغات آیلتس موضوع رقابت (Competition)
رایتینگ آیلتس تاپیک رقابت (Competition)
آیا رقابت برای کودکان مفید است؟ (Discuss both these views)
معنی Intense Competition (با 20 مثال)
Last But Not Least!
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