This practice question is designed for IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should spend approximately 40 minutes on this task and write at least [250 words](http://word count).
Remember to plan your response before writing and leave time for review.
Writing Task 2 Prompt
In today’s fast-paced society, many people claim that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find personal happiness. Some believe this is because people focus too much on career success and material possessions, while others argue that modern life simply offers too many choices and pressures.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer Outline
Mind Map for Body Paragraph 1: Career and Material Focus
- Work-life imbalance
- Long working hours
- Competitive pressure
- Digital connectivity/always available
- Material pursuit
- Consumer culture
- Social media comparison
- Impact on relationships
- Limited family time
- Reduced social connections
- Superficial friendships
Mind Map for Body Paragraph 2: Modern Life Complexities
- Choice overload
- Decision fatigue
- Fear of missing out (FOMO)
- Analysis paralysis
- Social pressures
- Online image maintenance
- Lifestyle expectations
- Digital identity stress
- Time management challenges
- Multiple commitments
- Information overload
- Constant distractions
Mind Map for Body Paragraph 3: Finding Balance (Personal View)
- Mindful living
- Digital detox
- Simple pleasures
- Present moment awareness
- Authentic connections
- Quality relationships
- Community involvement
- Meaningful interactions
- Personal development
- Self-awareness
- Goal alignment
- Value-based choices
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 274 words.
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Despite rising living standards in many countries, a large number of people say they find it hard to feel truly happy. Some blame an excessive focus on careers and material possessions, while others believe the problem is that modern life presents too many choices and pressures. I believe both factors contribute, but the emphasis on status and possessions is the deeper cause.
Those who blame materialism argue that people increasingly measure their worth by their job titles, salaries and belongings. Long working hours leave little time for family, friendships and rest, which research consistently links to wellbeing. Moreover, the satisfaction of buying something new fades quickly, so people keep chasing the next purchase or promotion without ever feeling content.
Others argue that the real problem is overload. Modern life offers endless options, from careers and partners to products and entertainment, and having so many choices can create anxiety and constant doubt about whether one has made the right decision. Social media adds pressure by presenting carefully edited images of other people’s lives, encouraging comparison and a sense of falling behind.
In my view, these explanations are closely connected. Much of the pressure people feel comes from comparing their success and possessions with others, so the underlying issue is a culture that defines a good life mainly in material terms. When people value relationships, health and meaningful activities more highly, choices become less overwhelming and comparison loses its power.
In conclusion, both materialism and the pressures of choice make happiness harder to find, but I believe the emphasis on career success and possessions is the root cause, and shifting priorities is the most effective remedy.
Task Response
Both explanations are discussed in depth, and the writer goes further by explaining how they are connected — a strong feature for Task Response.
Coherence & Cohesion
Clear paragraph roles and linking: “Those who blame…”, “Others argue…”, “In my view, these explanations are closely connected”.
Lexical Resource
Abstract vocabulary used precisely: materialism, wellbeing, overload, comparison, root cause, remedy.
Grammatical Range
Varied grammar, including “so many… that”-type ideas, relative clauses and conditional statements (“When people value…”).
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