Task 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 15/5/2023
Marked by: Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 13/5/2023)
Question: People are responsible for their happiness. Others feel happiness depends on other factors in their life. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
ANSWER:
Happiness is a subjective state of being that varies from person to person. Thoughts diverge over whether personal happiness is attainable through internal factors or others contend that external circumstances significantly influence one’s sense of well-being. Personally, achieving a genuine sense of joy requires finding a delicate equilibrium between personal autonomy and acknowledging the influence of external motives.
Advocates of personal happiness argue that it is primarily an internal state of mind. Firstly, individuals have the ability to develop positive mindsets, foster gratitude, and build resilience, allowing them to attain inner satisfaction. For instance, research has shown that practicing gratitude and engaging in activities that align with one’s passions and values can enhance overall happiness levels. Moreover, individuals can gain inner peace through various means of physical and mental health activities like meditation, and maintaining healthy relationships, thus cultivating a positive mindset and feel overall sastisfied.
Nonetheless, rather than relying on these intrinsic elements, others acquire a state of contentment through other extrinsic ones. On a personal level, social connections, financial stability, health, and societal factors which are often cited as significant determinants of happiness. For example, financial security can alleviate stress and provide opportunities for personal growth. On a broader socio-cultural context, including access to basic needs, educational opportunities, political stability, and social equality, plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ overall well-being and happiness. These factors provide the necessary foundation and support systems for individuals to flourish and experience a fulfilling life, without which they may experience feelings of insecurity and vulnerability.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that having a well-rounded and fulfilling life is a complex interplay between individual responsibility and external forces. While personal agency and the cultivation of positive attitudes are important, external personal drives and social connections also contribute to the pursuit of contendment. (302 words)
Highlight Vocabulary:
English | Vietnamese |
Subjective state
|
Trạng thái chủ quan |
Varies | Thay đổi |
Attainable | Có thể đạt được |
Internal factors | Các yếu tố bên trong |
External circumstances | Các hoàn cảnh bên ngoài |
Genuine sense | Cảm giác thực sự |
Delicate equilibrium | Cân bằng tinh tế |
Autonomy | Quyền tự chủ |
External motives | Các động cơ bên ngoài |
An internal state of mind | Một trạng thái bên trong của tâm trí |
Foster gratitude | Nuôi dưỡng lòng biết ơn |
Build resilience | Xây dựng khả năng phục hồi |
Attain inner satisfaction | Đạt được sự hài lòng bên trong |
Align | Căn chỉnh |
Inner peace | Bình an nội tâm |
Meditation | Thiền định |
Cultivating a positive mindset | Nuôi dưỡng một tư duy tích cực |
Intrinsic elements | Yếu tố nội tại |
Extrinsic | Bên ngoài |
Determinants | Yếu tố quyết định |
Socio-cultural context | Bối cảnh văn hoá xã hội |
Flourish | Hưng thịnh |
Insecurity | Sự bất an |
Vulnerability | Lỗ hổng |
A complex interplay | Tương tác phức tạp |
External forces | Các lực lượng bên ngoài |
Personal agency | Cơ quan cá nhân |