IELTS Essay Topic:

What is more important in life: knowledge, money or happiness?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Essay:
It is a widely debated issue whether we need knowledge, money or happiness in life. I believe that they are equally important in our life.

Everyone claims that money cannot buy happiness, but if you were completely destitute and had none, then you might find yourself homeless and living on the streets. Then, each and every day would end up being a struggle for survival. How could you enjoy life if you were constantly watching your back in order to keep drug-crazed, mentally unstable ex-convicts from stabbing you in your sleep while you were taking a nap at a homeless shelter? Plus, the food would be terrible. You might have to resort to eating out of trash bins. And forget trying to keep yourself clean and well-groomed, because where would you find a facility that offers free showers? Money may not be the answer to all of life’s problems, but it sure makes being miserable a lot more comfortable.

We experience moments of joy throughout the day, along with moments of sadness and despair. We also experience moments of complete peace and contentment, followed by moments of intense anxiety. I think that is the human condition. We live in a constant state of flux. Just because we are wired to vacillate from one emotion to another does not mean that we are bi-polar, however. It just means that we are capable of feeling deep emotions. Knowledge is power. The more information that a person is able to retain, the better he/she will be able to make wise choices about every aspect of their lives. In today’s society, ignorance is a choice… because there are so many free and/or low-cost resources that are widely available to everyone. I believe that the best investment that anyone in this country can make is to obtain a library card and to use it on a regular basis. And so that is what I think about knowledge, money and happiness.

In my opinion, the presence of knowledge and money—combined with other necessary elements such as good health, peace of mind and unconditional love—will eventually coalesce into one big cohesive unit which comprises true happiness.

[ Written by – Busra Cangut ]