competition leads to progress for essay

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay: Competition v Cooperation

In this lesson you are going to see 5 different essays written in response to the following task:

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Test 1

Each essay responds to the same task in different ways. Each essay is accompanied by an essay plan and vocabulary list.

Here is the 1st essay. This essay discusses both sides of the debate, before arguing that cooperation is more beneficial over the long-term.

Essay 1 Plan

Introduction

Introduce the topic of competition vs. cooperation.
Mention the debate on which is more beneficial.
State the aim of the essay: discuss both views and provide my opinion.

Body Paragraph 1: Competition

Point: Competition drives individuals to excel.
Example: Workplace productivity and innovation.
Example: Academic motivation and critical thinking skills.
Explanation: Competition pushes individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Body Paragraph 2: Cooperation

Point: Cooperation fosters teamwork and collective effort.
Example: Workplace problem-solving and diverse perspectives.
Example: Cooperative learning in schools.
Explanation: Cooperation enhances academic performance and social skills.

Body Paragraph 3: My Opinion

Point: Cooperation is more beneficial in the long run.
Example: Team-oriented workplaces and job satisfaction.
Example: Cooperative learning preparing students for real-world scenarios.
Explanation: Cooperation promotes community and belonging.
Summarize the benefits of both competition and cooperation.
Reiterate the preference for cooperation.
Final thought: Encouraging collaboration over competition leads to sustainable success.

[Introduction]

In today’s competitive world, the debate over whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in work, school, and daily life is highly relevant. Some argue that competition drives individuals to excel, while others believe that cooperation fosters a more supportive and productive environment. This essay will explore both viewpoints and provide my perspective.

[Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Competition]

Advocates of competition argue that it pushes individuals to reach their full potential. For instance, in the workplace, competition can lead to higher productivity and innovation as employees strive to outperform their peers. Similarly, in schools, students may be motivated to achieve higher grades and develop critical thinking skills to stay ahead of their classmates. The pressure to succeed can drive individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

[Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Cooperation]

On the other hand, proponents of cooperation emphasize the importance of teamwork and collective effort. In work settings, collaboration can lead to more effective problem-solving and the sharing of diverse perspectives, resulting in better decision-making. In educational environments, cooperative learning encourages students to work together, promoting mutual understanding and support. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also helps students develop social and emotional skills, such as empathy and communication.

[Body Paragraph 3: My Opinion]

In my opinion, while competition can spur individual achievement, cooperation is ultimately more beneficial in the long run. Cooperation fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for personal and professional growth. For example, in a team-oriented workplace, employees are more likely to feel valued and supported, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. Additionally, cooperative learning in schools prepares students for the collaborative nature of modern work environments, where teamwork is often crucial to success.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have their merits. However, I believe that fostering a cooperative spirit is more advantageous as it promotes a supportive and inclusive environment, which is essential for sustainable growth and development. Encouraging collaboration over competition can lead to more meaningful and lasting achievements.

Vocabulary List

Competitive world – phrase referring to a society where individuals or groups compete.
Drive individuals to excel – idiom meaning to motivate people to achieve high standards.
Workplace productivity – noun phrase referring to the efficiency of employees at work.
Critical thinking skills – noun phrase denoting the ability to analyze and evaluate an issue.
Collective effort – phrase meaning a combined effort by a group.
Mutual understanding – noun phrase meaning shared comprehension among people.
Supportive and inclusive environment – complex noun phrase referring to a setting that encourages and includes everyone.
Personal and professional growth – noun phrase denoting development in personal and career aspects.
Team-oriented workplace – adjective-noun phrase describing a work environment focused on teamwork.
Sustainable growth – noun phrase meaning growth that can be maintained over time.

Here is the 2nd essay. This essay takes the view that while both competition and cooperation are beneficial, cooperation should be prioritised.

Essay 2 Plan

Acknowledge the ongoing debate.
State the aim of the essay: examine both perspectives and provide my opinion.

Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Competition

Point: Competition drives excellence and personal achievement.
Example: Workplace productivity and performance incentives.
Example: Academic motivation and resilience in sports competitions.
Explanation: Competition leads to critical life skills.

Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Cooperation

Point: Cooperation creates a harmonious and productive atmosphere.
Example: Workplace creativity and problem-solving.
Example: Cooperative learning and social skill development.
Explanation: Cooperation promotes a supportive environment.
Point: Cooperation is more beneficial for long-term success.
Example: Teamwork and employee satisfaction in companies.
Example: Cooperative learning preparing students for future challenges.
Explanation: Cooperation is essential in an interconnected world.
Summarize the advantages of both competition and cooperation.
Final thought: Prioritizing cooperation fosters a supportive society.

The ongoing debate about whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in various aspects of life, such as work, school, and daily activities, continues to spark interest. Some believe that competition is essential for personal and societal advancement, while others advocate for the benefits of cooperation. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide my opinion.

Advocates of competition assert that it drives individuals to strive for excellence. In professional settings, competition can lead to increased productivity and innovation as employees aim to outperform their colleagues. Similarly, in educational contexts, competitive environments can motivate students to achieve higher academic standards and develop resilience. For instance, sports competitions teach students the value of hard work, perseverance, and discipline, which are crucial life skills.

[Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Cooperation]

Conversely, those who favour cooperation argue that it cultivates a more harmonious and productive atmosphere. In the workplace, collaboration can enhance creativity and problem-solving by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. In schools, cooperative learning strategies, such as group projects and peer tutoring, help students develop interpersonal skills and foster a sense of community. Cooperation encourages individuals to work together towards common goals, promoting a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

I believe that while competition has its place, cooperation is ultimately more beneficial for long-term success. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to work effectively with others is essential. For example, companies that emphasize teamwork and collaboration often experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Similarly, students who engage in cooperative learning activities are better prepared for real-world challenges, as they learn to communicate, negotiate, and compromise.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation offer unique advantages. However, I contend that cooperation should be prioritized, as it fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that is conducive to sustainable success. By promoting collaboration over competition, we can create a society where individuals work together to achieve shared goals, leading to greater overall prosperity.

Ongoing debate – noun phrase referring to a continuous discussion.
Drives individuals to strive for excellence – idiom meaning motivates people to aim for the best.
Resilience in sports competitions – noun phrase referring to the ability to recover from setbacks in sports.
Enhanced creativity and problem-solving – noun phrase describing improved ability to create and solve issues.
Collective goals – noun phrase meaning shared objectives.
Interconnected world – adjective-noun phrase describing a world where everyone is connected.
Shared knowledge and resources – noun phrase referring to information and materials that are used collectively.
Employee satisfaction – noun phrase denoting the contentment of workers.
Real-world challenges – adjective-noun phrase referring to practical problems faced in life.
Overall prosperity – noun phrase meaning general well-being and success.

Here is the 3rd essay, written in response to the same task. It takes a similar view to Essay 2, arguing that while competition can have short-term benefits, cooperation has long-term benefits.

Present the 2 viewpoints

Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for Competition

Main Idea: Competition motivates individuals to excel.
In the Workplace: Competitive settings encourage employees to perform better, especially with incentives for top achievers (e.g., sales teams).
In Schools: Rankings based on performance encourage students to work harder, potentially raising academic standards.
In Physical Activities: Competing with others can enhance personal fitness and push people to improve.

Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for Cooperation

Main Idea: Cooperation builds teamwork and mutual support.
In Professional Settings: Collaborative efforts lead to innovation and improved outcomes (e.g., tech companies using teamwork to create effective products).
In Schools: Cooperative learning fosters social skills (communication, empathy), contributing to an inclusive educational environment.
In Daily Life: Community activities, such as organizing events or supporting neighborhood projects, foster a sense of shared purpose.

Body Paragraph 3: My Perspective

Main Idea: Cooperation is more beneficial for sustained success across different areas.
Workplace Benefits: Cooperative workplaces encourage knowledge and resource sharing, leading to long-term growth.
Educational Benefits: Collaborative learning not only enhances academic performance but also prepares students for teamwork in real-life scenarios.
Limitations of Competition: Excessive competition can demotivate lower performers, making cooperation a more universally beneficial approach.
Restates that both competition and cooperation have their merits.
Cooperation has greater long-term value as it promotes collective progress and inclusivity across work, education, and everyday life.

The question of whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in work, school, and daily life is widely debated. Some argue that competition drives progress and individual excellence, while others believe that cooperation fosters a more supportive and effective environment.

[Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for Competition]

Proponents of competition argue that it motivates individuals to excel. In the workplace, competitive settings can drive performance, with employees striving to achieve better results than their peers. For instance, sales teams often perform better when incentives reward top performers. In academic contexts, schools that display student rankings claim this practice motivates students to work harder and strive for higher grades, thus raising overall academic standards. They also argue that competition can also be beneficial in physical activities, because competing against others often pushes people to improve their fitness.

[Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for Cooperation]

On the other hand, advocates of cooperation emphasise its value in building teamwork and mutual support. In professional settings, collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes. For example, tech companies that prioritise teamwork often produce more creative and effective products. In schools, cooperative learning can foster essential social skills such as communication and empathy, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. In daily life, cooperation can be equally significant, as seen in community activities where individuals work together to organise local events or support neighborhood projects, fostering a spirit of shared purpose.

In my view, while competition may yield short-term gains, cooperation is more beneficial for sustained success across various areas of life. For instance, in a cooperative workplace, employees are more likely to share knowledge and resources, leading to long-term growth and development, while in educational settings, collaborative learning not only improves academic performance but also prepares students for real-world scenarios where teamwork is essential. Additionally, excessive emphasis on competition can demotivate those who are not high performers, making cooperation a more universally beneficial approach.

In conclusion, while both competition and cooperation have their advantages, I believe cooperation holds more long-term value, as it nurtures environments of collective progress and inclusivity in the workplace, at school, and in everyday life.

widely debated
competition drives progress
cooperation fosters
proponents of competition argue that
striving to achieve
motivates students to work harder
raising overall academic standards
advocates of cooperation emphasise
innovative solutions and improved outcomes
creative and effective products
an inclusive and supportive learning environment
community activities
a spirit of shared purpose.
yield short-term gains
sustained success
real-world scenarios
high performers

Essay 4 Plan

Introduce the debate on competition vs. cooperation.
State the aim: discuss both views and argue for the benefits of competition.
Brief overview of the main points.
Point: Competition drives innovation and progress.
Example: Tech industry advancements driven by rivalry (Apple vs. Samsung).
Explanation: Competitive environments encourage continuous improvement and creativity.
Point: Cooperation fosters teamwork and collective success.
Example: Group projects in academic settings.
Explanation: Cooperation helps develop communication and collaboration skills.

Body Paragraph 3: Opinion in Favor of Competition

Point: Competition prepares individuals for real-world challenges.
Example: Sports competition teaching resilience and discipline.
Explanation: Competitive experiences build crucial life skills.
Reiterate the stance that competition is more beneficial.
Final thought: Emphasizing competition leads to personal and societal growth.

The debate over whether competition or cooperation is more advantageous in work, school, and daily life is ongoing. Some argue that competition drives progress and excellence, while others believe that cooperation fosters teamwork and mutual support. This essay will discuss both perspectives, ultimately arguing that competition offers greater benefits.

Competition is a powerful driver of innovation and progress. In the tech industry, for instance, the rivalry between companies like Apple and Samsung has led to significant technological advancements. Each company strives to outdo the other by introducing new features and improvements, benefiting consumers with cutting-edge products. Such competitive environments foster continuous improvement and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

On the other hand, cooperation is essential for fostering teamwork and collective success. In academic settings, group projects encourage students to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collaboratively. This helps them develop vital communication and collaboration skills, which are crucial for success in the modern workplace. Cooperation ensures that everyone’s strengths are utilized, leading to well-rounded and effective solutions.

[Body Paragraph 3: Opinion in Favor of Competition]

Despite the advantages of cooperation, I believe that competition is more beneficial as it prepares individuals for real-world challenges. Sports competitions, for example, teach participants resilience, discipline, and the importance of hard work. These experiences build crucial life skills that are applicable in various aspects of life. Furthermore, competition motivates individuals to strive for excellence and achieve their personal best, leading to personal and societal growth.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have their merits. However, competition is more beneficial as it drives innovation, prepares individuals for challenges, and promotes personal and societal growth. By emphasizing competition, we can foster an environment where individuals are motivated to excel and continuously improve.

Competitive environments
Continuous improvement
Collective success
Communication skills
Collaboration
Real-world challenges
Personal growth
Societal growth
Technological advancements
Academic settings
Market dynamics
Problem-solving
Product development
Strategic planning
Skill development
Productivity
Entrepreneurship
Economic growth
Benchmarking

Essay 5 Plan

Introduce the competition vs. cooperation debate.
Point: Competition enhances personal performance and achievement.
Example: Performance-based incentives in workplaces.
Explanation: Competition motivates individuals to reach their highest potential.
Point: Cooperation builds strong, supportive communities.
Example: Collaborative community projects.
Explanation: Working together helps solve local issues and fosters a sense of belonging.
Point: Competition drives economic growth and innovation.
Example: Competitive markets leading to better products and services.
Explanation: Competition encourages efficiency and higher standards.
Final thought: Prioritizing competition fosters excellence and societal advancement.

The debate between the benefits of competition and cooperation in work, school, and daily life is an important one. While cooperation promotes teamwork and collective success, competition can enhance personal performance and achievement. This essay will discuss both views, ultimately arguing that competition is more beneficial.

Competition significantly enhances personal performance and achievement. In workplaces, performance-based incentives drive employees to excel and reach their highest potential. For instance, sales teams often compete to achieve the best results, leading to increased productivity and higher sales figures. This competitive spirit motivates individuals to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence, ultimately leading to personal growth and success.

Conversely, cooperation is crucial for building strong, supportive communities. Collaborative projects, whether in schools or local communities, encourage people to work together towards common goals. For example, community clean-up initiatives bring residents together to improve their environment, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. Cooperation helps solve local issues effectively and creates a supportive network where individuals can rely on each other.

Despite the advantages of cooperation, competition drives economic growth and innovation. In competitive markets, companies are constantly striving to offer better products and services to gain a competitive edge. This leads to higher standards, efficiency, and continuous improvement. For instance, the fierce competition in the automotive industry has resulted in safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles. Competition encourages businesses to innovate and optimize resources, driving economic prosperity and societal advancement.

In conclusion, while cooperation builds supportive communities and addresses local issues, competition is more beneficial as it enhances personal performance, drives economic growth, and fosters innovation. By prioritizing competition, we can create an environment where individuals and businesses are motivated to excel and continuously improve, leading to societal advancement and excellence.

Personal performance
Achievement
Performance-based incentives
Highest potential
Supportive communities
Collaborative projects
Sense of belonging
Competitive markets
Higher standards
Societal advancement
Goal setting
Entrepreneurial spirit
Competitive edge
Market leadership
Talent development
Strategic initiatives
Resource optimization
Competitive advantage
Performance metrics
Organizational success
Consumer satisfaction
Quality improvement

Practice Exercises 1

Try to complete the essays as above. Drag and drop the missing words/phrases into the correct spaces. (The exercise work best on desktop, not mobile).