IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips
- Rephrase question statement.
- Don’t copy the exact question statement.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
When talking about success, we often think of people who are rich or famous. In your opinion, what are the qualities that characterize a successful person?
Why do you think these should be the criteria?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model answer
Successful people are usually prosperous and famous; however, the opposite might not always be true. Although mostly people who have accumulated huge wealth are broadly considered successful by others, but apart from fame and fortune, success demands and depends upon several other attributes which I will elaborate in my further essay.
Firstly, a person can be considered truly successful only when he possesses moral values: mainly dignity, integrity and a strong character. These morals not only define his personality, but also positively inspire others around him. Anyone who lacks these characteristics may still be able to accumulate huge wealth in short term, but will have to pay for his misdeeds, if any, and eventually lose everything that he had earned – including wealth, respect as well as confidence. For example, Sreesanth, one of the youngest sensations of his time in the world of cricket, had seen extreme popularity and was among the most demanded sportsperson in India; however, he ruined his career overnight and earned a lifetime ban from playing cricket due to integrity issues.
Secondly, one should be able to accept success with humility in order to be able to retain it for long and must not allow money or fame to get over his head. Despite being extremely successful, it is crucial to maintain an attitude of respect towards others – whether they are your family members, friends or your staff – in all scenarios. Manisha Koirala, a yesteryear Indian actor, got quick success and became a favorite pick of every film director; but after having an initial promising career, she eventually disappeared from the industry. The reasons quoted by the actor herself in an interview were her arrogant attitude and ill-treatment towards other coworkers, because of which she lost all her movie projects, which lead to complications in her health and personal life too.
To summarize, personality traits like humility, integrity and dignity are absolute necessities to achieve and retain success. Money and fame are not the requirements for success but are the outcomes of the process of becoming successful. Prosperity and popularity follow those automatically who are successful in the true sense.
(354 words)
