IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 216 - Teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Opinion: Teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives]
Some individuals argue that teenage times represent the most joyful period of one's life, while others contend that adulthood, despite greater responsibilities, brings deeper happiness. Although adult life can offer independence and achievements, I believe that the teenage years are generally the happiest, primarily because of fewer responsibilities and the abundance of free time for social and leisure activities.
On the one hand, adulthood offers individuals greater freedom and a sense of accomplishment. Adults can make independent decisions without restrictions typically faced by teenagers, allowing them to pursue meaningful careers, relationships, and personal goals. This autonomy often leads to satisfaction and fulfilment, especially when milestones such as professional success, financial stability, or starting a family are reached. For instance, adults who achieve career objectives or become parents often experience deep, lasting joy, deriving happiness from personal growth and accomplishment despite life's responsibilities.
On the other hand, adolescence is characterised by greater freedom from serious responsibilities and the pressures of adult life, making it uniquely joyful. Teenagers are usually financially and emotionally supported by their parents, enabling them to fully explore friendships, hobbies, and interests without significant burdens. This period is often filled with memorable experiences like attending school events, enjoying leisure time with friends, and discovering personal talents and passions. For example, many adults nostalgically recall their school days, social interactions, and carefree moments as among their happiest memories, underscoring the unique joy of adolescent life.
In my opinion, the teenage years are indeed happier, primarily due to the limited responsibilities and the freedom to engage wholeheartedly in activities that bring joy. Adult life, though rewarding, often involves stress and significant duties, which can overshadow the simple pleasures that teenagers routinely enjoy.
In conclusion, while adulthood can provide happiness through achievements and independence, adolescence offers unmatched freedom and enjoyment. Consequently, I strongly believe that the teenage years are the happiest period in most people's lives.
Model Answer 2: [Opinion: Adult life brings more happiness, despite greater responsibilities]
People often have differing opinions about which period of life brings the greatest happiness. Some argue that the adolescent years offer unmatched joy, while others maintain that adulthood, despite its heavier responsibilities, brings deeper happiness. Although adolescence can be an enjoyable and carefree phase, I firmly believe that adulthood is more fulfilling due to greater independence and opportunities for meaningful achievements.
On the one hand, teenage years are generally free from serious responsibilities and pressures. Adolescents usually live under parental care, meaning they rarely worry about financial issues or career-related stress. Their time is mostly dedicated to forming friendships, enjoying leisure activities, and discovering personal interests. For instance, young people often treasure memories of school events, summer holidays, and social gatherings, highlighting the carefree nature of adolescence.
On the other hand, adulthood provides individuals with independence and autonomy that teenagers simply do not experience. Adults have the freedom to make crucial decisions about their careers, personal relationships, and lifestyles, which can lead to deeper satisfaction. Moreover, the challenges and responsibilities faced in adulthood, though demanding, often bring about personal growth and fulfilment. For example, successfully establishing a career or raising a family provides a sense of accomplishment and contentment that is seldom matched in earlier stages of life.
In my opinion, adulthood brings greater happiness because it allows individuals to find genuine meaning in life through self-determined goals and achievements. While adolescence might be filled with fleeting moments of pleasure, adult life provides lasting fulfilment that comes from overcoming challenges, building meaningful relationships, and reaching personal milestones.
In conclusion, while the teenage years might offer temporary joy through carefree living, adulthood, despite its responsibilities, offers richer and more profound happiness through autonomy, personal growth, and meaningful accomplishments.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay type:
Discussion Essay.
The main question of this essay:
Which stage of life brings more happiness: teenage years or adulthood?
Reasons why the teenage years are the happiest time of life:
1. Fewer responsibilities and less stress:
Teenagers do not have to worry about financial burdens, career pressures, or family responsibilities. This allows them to enjoy life more freely. For instance, most teenagers focus on friendships, hobbies, and school activities without major worries about the future.
2. Strong social connections and friendships:
Adolescence is often a time of forming deep friendships and strong peer connections, which contribute significantly to happiness. For example, many people cherish their teenage memories of school trips, birthday celebrations, and shared experiences with friends.
3. More opportunities for exploration and self-discovery:
Teenagers have the freedom to explore their interests, try new hobbies, and discover their passions without major constraints. For instance, they can participate in extracurricular activities, learn musical instruments, or engage in sports without the pressure of adult obligations.
4. Excitement of new experiences:
The teenage years are filled with exciting "firsts," such as first friendships, first relationships, and first travel experiences, which create unforgettable memories. For example, many teenagers experience their first independent adventures, such as traveling with friends or attending concerts.
5. A sense of hope and optimism about the future:
Young people often look forward to a promising future with endless possibilities, which keeps them motivated and excited about life. For instance, teenagers dream of achieving their goals, such as attending their desired university or pursuing a dream career.
6. Emotional support from family:
Teenagers usually receive emotional and financial support from their families, allowing them to focus on personal growth and enjoyment. For example, parents provide guidance and assistance, helping teens overcome challenges without the pressures faced by adults.
Reasons why adulthood brings greater happiness despite responsibilities:
1. Independence and freedom of choice:
Adults have full control over their lives, allowing them to make decisions about their careers, relationships, and lifestyles. For instance, they can choose where to live, what job to pursue, and how to spend their free time.
2. Sense of accomplishment and career success:
Achieving professional milestones and financial stability provides a sense of pride and fulfillment. For example, securing a dream job or successfully running a business gives adults long-term satisfaction.
3. Stable and meaningful relationships:
Adult relationships are often more mature and fulfilling compared to teenage friendships, leading to deeper emotional connections. For example, finding a life partner and building a family brings joy and companionship.
4. Financial stability and ability to afford life’s pleasures:
Adults have the financial means to travel, invest in personal interests, and enjoy luxuries that teenagers cannot afford. For instance, an adult can plan vacations, dine at fine restaurants, or purchase dream homes.
5. Personal growth and life experience:
Adulthood allows individuals to gain wisdom, develop emotional resilience, and learn from life’s challenges, leading to a more profound sense of happiness. For example, overcoming setbacks and achieving personal goals strengthens an individual’s character and confidence.
6. Raising a family and leaving a legacy:
Many adults find great joy in raising children and contributing to the next generation. For instance, parents experience deep fulfillment in nurturing their children, witnessing their growth, and leaving a meaningful impact on their lives.
Sample Answer 3: [Opinion: happiness depends on an individual's mindset rather than age]
The question of whether the teenage years are the happiest period of life or whether adulthood offers greater fulfilment remains a topic of debate. Some argue that adolescence is a time of freedom and joy, while others believe that despite the responsibilities of adulthood, it brings deeper and more meaningful happiness. In my opinion, both stages of life offer unique forms of happiness, and true contentment depends on an individual’s mindset rather than a particular phase of life.
Teenage years are often associated with dreams, excitement, and fewer responsibilities. During this period, young people enjoy a relatively carefree lifestyle, free from the financial pressures and burdens that typically accompany adulthood. Their main concerns revolve around education, friendships, and personal development. Moreover, teenagers often experience life with a sense of adventure and optimism, as they are yet to face the harsh realities of the adult world. For instance, school and college years provide numerous opportunities for exploration, creativity, and social bonding, which many look back on with nostalgia. However, this phase is not devoid of challenges. Many teenagers struggle with academic stress, peer pressure, and emotional insecurities. They are also financially dependent on their parents and often lack the freedom to make independent decisions. Therefore, while teenage life may seem joyful, it is not universally carefree.
On the other hand, adulthood brings a different kind of happiness—one that is more stable and fulfilling. Adults have the freedom to shape their own lives, make career choices, and build meaningful relationships. Financial independence allows them to pursue their passions and provide for their families. To many, the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving personal and professional goals is more significant than the carefree pleasures of youth. For example, parents experience immense joy when they see their children grow and succeed, a kind of happiness that teenagers cannot yet comprehend. However, adulthood is not without its difficulties. The pressures of work, financial responsibilities, and family obligations can sometimes be overwhelming, leading some to reminisce about their simpler teenage years.
Ultimately, happiness is not confined to a particular stage of life. While teenage years offer excitement and fewer responsibilities, adulthood provides fulfilment and deeper emotional connections. In my view, the key to happiness lies in appreciating the present moment rather than longing for the past or worrying about the future. Whether in youth or adulthood, those who focus on gratitude and personal growth are likely to experience the greatest joy in life.
Firstly, let us look at the adult's life. Adults enjoy independence and power. For example, when a person is independent, he could be less answerable to the world. A person can even decide what kind of work he wants to do. However, as we know power comes with greater responsibilitie s. Being an adult is not like walking in the garden. An adult's life becomes monotonous after some time. Work and responsibilitie s make this age stressful at some point in time. Even though, have so much money in their bank account, adults hardly spend quality time with friends. In today's busy life, it is difficult to celebrate festivals with the family as each member of the family might be living in different places.
On the other hand, we have a teenager's life which is full of innocence and carelessness. Though in this age the world thinks you are too immature to understand anything, this age does not bother about it. At this age everything looks challenging; for instance, convincing parents for an overnight outing with friends and saving pocket money to buy a favourite watch. Once these goals are achieved, they feel they have got everything. Teenagers do not need a heavy bank balance or designer clothes. They are happy with ripped jeans and a couple of good friends.
I believe any age which is full of dreams and hopes is always better. Teenagers accept life the way it is so they are certainly happier than those who constantly find reasons behind everything, which is ever ending process.
At the outset, it is believed that there are several reasons for a teenager to be happy; firstly there is no millstone around their neck like family, children, financial issues, work pressure and so on. So they could feel the fresh air, and stay motivated, energetic and optimistic. Moreover, they would be able to manage their time properly because they would be taken care of by their parents. This naturally makes them have no reason to worry, so they might find happiness in whatever they do.
However, there is an even more defined joy while we are adults. It is argued that bringing happiness to others makes us happy, so doing our duties perfectly to our family, children and society would definitely yield a positive effect. Though the pressure due to the job, earning, and saving has to be overcome, it should be accepted that our maturity to think lucidly and plan properly helps us to manage these issues in a facile manner. The more we take responsibility the more we feel self-satisfied by taking care of everyone's needs in a family.
In conclusion, Even though individuals are more thrilled during their teenage, the real mirth sprouts out when they get completely moulded as adults. Enjoying everything after a deeper introspection about life is closer to the heart than the small happiness of childhood days. So, I strongly believe that adulthood is happier than adolescence.
[ Written by - Nivetha ]
On the one hand, being teenagers makes them free and they do not think about life’s complexity a great deal. For example, the girls and boys in the school prefer to think about their lessons than having a job and taking on family responsibilitie s. They think this way because they assume that they have parents who can take care of the family and finance their studies for school. Their responsibilitie s are to study hard so they can pass the exam with the highest score. Usually, they meet their first love in school which makes them happy. They do not think about how to earn money, they dream, and try to live life with fewer responsibilitie s and complexities.
Conversely, becoming an adult is very interesting. An adult usually has a bigger chance to try something than a teenager such as having an identity card, driving license, credit card, freedom of spending and a great job. They can manage their own time to do what they want or they can make a decision when they face a problem. They can get a lot of money from their job so they can spend it to buy things that they need. They also travel to different tourist places and spend their time with other people that they care about.
In conclusion, being happy as a teenager or an adult depends on the individual and both ages bring happiness if it is carefully chosen. When they can enjoy their life, they can be happy and being happy is a mental state mostly and can be achieved in both periods of life.
[ Written by - Riris Setyowati ]
On the one hand, some people feel that adolescent life is more joyful than mature years. The reason for believing this is that the youths do not have any duties and can live a carefree life. In other words, no one is actually dependent on them and thereby, they can spend most of the time performing the task they enjoy the most. Thus, it is apparent that they can feel satisfied with whatever they do and in turn, will always live a happy life.
On the other hand, there are groups of individuals who consider adulthood as the most blissful phase of their life. The people advocate such a concept because they feel that a person can experience happiness only when they are able to satisfy others' needs. This means that for such people definition of happiness is being able to fulfil their responsibilitie s and the desires of their close ones. Therefore, the theory of grown-ups with duties being the most contented living creatures is difficult to debunk.
In conclusion, although having no responsibilitie s can help people to stay happy, knowing that they are able to satisfy their relatives' requirements brings more happiness. Thus, it is seen that older people are happier than young people.
To begin with, many believe that the teenage years bring the purest form of joy, as this phase is marked by minimal responsibilitie s and abundant freedom. For instance, teenagers primarily focus on their studies, socializing with friends, and engaging in recreational activities. Moreover, their needs and desires—such as toys, bicycles, or treats like ice cream—are often provided by their parents. Unlike adults, they are not burdened by financial worries, career pressures, or family obligations. This carefree lifestyle allows them to experience happiness in its simplest form. Therefore, it is understandable why many people reminisce fondly about their teenage years as the most joyful period of life.
However, others argue that adulthood provides a deeper and more meaningful sense of happiness. Adults have the freedom to make their own decisions, pursue their passions, and enjoy privileges that teenagers do not have access to. For example, in many countries, individuals under the age of 18 are restricted from entering entertainment venues such as nightclubs or bars. Additionally, as people mature, they gain a better understanding of life, which allows them to appreciate moments of joy more profoundly. The sense of achievement that comes from building a successful career, maintaining meaningful relationships, and raising a family brings immense satisfaction. While adulthood comes with responsibilitie s, these responsibilitie s often contribute to long-term happiness and personal fulfilment.
In conclusion, while teenage years are often associated with joy due to the lack of responsibilitie s, adulthood provides a more profound and rewarding sense of happiness. Rather than being confined to a particular stage of life, happiness is ultimately determined by an individual's mindset and ability to find joy in different circumstances. Encouraging children to make the most of their youth while preparing them for a fulfilling adulthood is the best way to ensure lifelong happiness.
[ by - Nurlana]
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