TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 4/7/2025
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 6/7/2025)
Question: Some people think that individuals today are more dependent on each other. Others believe people have become more independent. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
ANSWER:
There is a debate over whether people today are becoming increasingly reliant on one another or growing more autonomous. I believe that the scale leans toward increased dependence.
On the one hand, proponents of increased dependence point to the way society functions as an intricate network. Most people rely on others for essential services, such as food delivery, online shopping, or even emotional support through social media. For instance, in urban areas, individuals often outsource daily tasks—like cooking or cleaning—because they lack the time or skills to perform them independently. Furthermore, workplaces now require team collaboration, making it difficult for individuals to succeed without depending on colleagues. These trends suggest a growing interdependence that is shaped by convenience and efficiency.
On the other hand, some believe that individuals have become more independent, particularly due to technology and improved access to information. With smartphones and the internet, people can now manage tasks alone that previously required assistance—from booking travel and learning new skills to running an online business. In addition, social changes have encouraged autonomy. For example, young adults are increasingly choosing to live alone, travel solo, or pursue careers without family involvement, indicating a cultural shift toward self-reliance.
In conclusion, in my view, while both trends are evident, the scale tilts slightly towards increased dependence. Despite the tools that enable individual autonomy, people often choose interdependent systems for comfort, productivity, and social connection. Ultimately, independence today does not mean isolation, but rather the ability to choose when and how to rely on others in a flexible, modern society. (258 words)
