IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1481 - Many people go through life doing work that they hate
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people go through life doing work that they hate or have no talent for.
Why does this happen?
What are the consequences of this situation?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
In modern society, it is common for individuals to work in sectors they neither enjoy nor excel at. This can be attributed to various factors, including financial necessity and societal expectations. While this situation ensures economic stability for many, it can lead to dissatisfaction and lower productivity. This essay will discuss the reasons why people end up in such careers and the consequences that arise from this issue.
One major reason individuals work in jobs they dislike is financial constraints. Many people choose stable employment over personal passion due to the need for financial security. For instance, a person who aspires to be an artist may instead take a corporate job to meet daily expenses and family obligations. Another factor is societal and parental pressure. Many cultures emphasise job prestige over personal fulfilment, leading individuals to follow career paths dictated by family expectations rather than personal interests. A clear example of this is seen in countries where professions like medicine or engineering are considered highly respectable, pushing students into fields they may not be suited for.
The consequences of this issue can be severe, both on an individual and societal level. Firstly, dissatisfaction at work can lead to poor mental health, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Employees who feel unfulfilled often experience burnout, negatively impacting their overall well-being. For example, research has shown that job dissatisfaction is one of the leading causes of workplace stress-related illnesses. Secondly, lack of passion and skill in a chosen profession results in decreased efficiency and innovation. Companies with disengaged employees suffer from lower productivity and creativity.
In conclusion, financial obligations and social expectations often force individuals into careers they neither relish nor shine at. This can have serious effects, including mental distress and reduced workplace efficiency. Addressing this issue requires a shift in career guidance and a broader acceptance of diverse professional paths.
Model Answer 2:
In contemporary society, many individuals often find themselves stuck in occupations they dislike or lack aptitude for due to various underlying reasons. This occurrence primarily stems from societal pressures, economic constraints, and a lack of career guidance. In this essay, I will deal with the reasons for this and outline the consequences of it.
Societal expectations and cultural norms often lead individuals to pursue careers that are perceived as prestigious or financially rewarding rather than aligning with their genuine interests or talents. Consequently, people might choose professions based on external influences, such as parental expectations or social status, rather than personal passion or capabilities. Moreover, economic necessities can coerce individuals into jobs they dislike, prioritizing financial stability over job satisfaction or career fulfilment. In situations where employment opportunities are limited or economic conditions are challenging, individuals might accept jobs that do not resonate with their skills or passions merely to secure financial stability. This compromise between passion and financial stability often leads to job dissatisfaction and reduced motivation, impacting both personal well-being and professional growth.
The consequences of individuals engaging in work they despise or lack talent for are multi-faceted. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout, negatively impacting mental health and overall well-being. Furthermore, persisting in unsuitable professions might hinder personal and professional growth, resulting in reduced job performance and productivity. Ultimately, this situation might lead to a lack of fulfilment, resulting in a diminished quality of life.
In conclusion, individuals finding themselves in occupations they dislike or are unsuitable for can be attributed to societal expectations, economic pressures, and a lack of guidance. The consequences encompass adverse effects on mental health, reduced job performance, and an overall diminished quality of life.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Many people go through life doing work that they hate or have no talent for.
Why does this happen?
What are the consequences of this situation?
Essay Type:
Casue and Effect Essay.
Main Question of This Essay:
Why do many people choose a career that they hate or have no talent for?
What are the consequences of this?
Reasons why people work in jobs they dislike:
1. Financial necessity:
Many individuals prioritize financial stability over job satisfaction. High living costs, debt, and family responsibilities force people to accept jobs that provide a steady income rather than pursuing their passions. For example, an aspiring musician may take a corporate job to support their family, even if they find no joy in it.
2. Parental and societal pressure:
Some cultures emphasize high-paying or prestigious jobs, leading people to follow career paths dictated by their parents or society. For instance, many students are pushed into medicine or engineering despite having interests in creative fields like art or writing.
3. Lack of career guidance:
Many schools do not provide proper career counseling, leaving young people unaware of career options that align with their talents. As a result, they choose careers based on limited knowledge. For example, a student may opt for a career in finance without realizing they have a strong aptitude for technology.
4. Limited job opportunities:
In some regions, there are few opportunities in specific industries, forcing people to take whatever job is available rather than what they are passionate about. For example, in rural areas, there may be more jobs in agriculture than in technology, limiting career choices.
5. Fear of career risks:
Some people avoid pursuing their dream careers due to the uncertainty of success, preferring stable but unfulfilling jobs. For instance, someone with a talent for photography may choose an office job because they fear the unpredictability of the creative industry.
Consequences of working in a job one dislikes:
1. Increased stress and mental health issues:
A lack of job satisfaction can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, negatively affecting an individual's mental well-being. For example, studies show that employees in unfulfilling jobs are more likely to suffer from work-related stress and emotional exhaustion.
2. Low productivity and efficiency:
When people lack interest in their jobs, they tend to be less motivated and productive, affecting overall workplace efficiency. For instance, disengaged employees in an organization may take longer to complete tasks, leading to delays and reduced company performance.
3. Frequent job-hopping and instability:
People who dislike their jobs often switch careers frequently, leading to a lack of professional growth and stability. For example, an individual who keeps changing jobs due to dissatisfaction may struggle to build expertise in a particular field.
4. Decline in creativity and innovation:
A lack of passion stifles creativity, which can be detrimental in industries that rely on fresh ideas and problem-solving skills. For instance, businesses with unmotivated employees may struggle to innovate and compete with more dynamic organizations.
5. Economic and social impact:
A disengaged workforce leads to inefficiencies, negatively affecting economic growth and societal progress. For example, economies with high levels of job dissatisfaction may face lower productivity and higher employee turnover rates.
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