IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample: How Does Competitiveness Affect Individuals, and Is It a Positive or Negative Trend?

IELTS Writing Evaluation

Try an IELTS Writing Task 2 Question! Topic: "Competitiveness is a positive quality for people to have in society. How does this competitiveness affect individuals? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?"

0 / 250 words

This is a Double Question Essay, a common IELTS Writing Task 2 format where you're asked to answer two distinct but related questions. The first part typically focuses on analysis or effect (“How does X affect Y?”), and the second part requires your personal opinion. In this case, the central theme is competitiveness in society. To tackle this essay well, you need to explore how competitiveness shapes individual actions and then give your judgment on whether this trend is beneficial or harmful overall.

1. How to Analyze the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question about Competitiveness?

Full Question:
“Competitiveness is a positive quality for people to have in society. How does this competitiveness affect individuals? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?”

Keywords to focus on:

“Competitiveness”
“Positive quality”
“Affect individuals”
“Positive or negative trend”

How does competitiveness affect individuals?

Increased motivation and achievement: Competition can drive higher performance in school and at work.
Stress and burnout: Excessive competitiveness can cause anxiety, perfectionism, and mental fatigue.
Social isolation or comparison: Might damage relationships and create an overly individualistic mindset.

Is it a positive or negative trend?

Positive: Drives innovation and productivity if managed well.
Negative: Can harm mental health and increase unethical behavior like cheating.

Common reasoning paths:

Examples: school rankings, work evaluations, competitive sports
Real-world issue: rising mental health issues due to pressure
Balance: Some competition is good, but too much can backfire

2. How to Plan Your Essay for a Double Question Essay?

Answer each question in a separate paragraph
Focus on facts first, opinion later
State your stance clearly in the second paragraph

Brainstorm Outline:

Q1 (Effects): + Motivation, – Stress, – Comparison
Q2 (Your view): Mixed, leaning negative

3. What is the Ideal Structure for a Band 8 Essay on This Question?

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic
State the two areas you'll discuss

Body Paragraph 1: How it affects individuals

Topic sentence: Effects are mixed
Point 1: Drives achievement
Point 2: Causes stress
Example: High-pressure school systems

Body Paragraph 2: Your opinion on the trend

Topic sentence: Overall trend leans negative
Reason 1: Mental health problems
Reason 2: Unethical behavior
Example: Burnout and cheating

Conclusion

Summarize both parts
Restate your opinion

4. What does a Band 8 Essay look like for this IELTS Question?

[Coming Soon]

5. FAQs: What You Need to Know

Do I need to give my opinion in both paragraphs?
No. Only the second.
What if I think competitiveness is both good and bad?
That’s fine, but choose a stance.
Can I include personal examples?
Yes, if relevant.
Should I mention pros and cons?
Yes, for “effects” questions.
Can I talk about society?
Briefly, but focus on individuals.

6. Vocabulary List

Drive (v.): to motivate or push
Outperform (v.): to do better than others
Burnout (n.): emotional exhaustion from overwork
Toxic competition (n.): harmful rivalry
Intrinsic motivation (n.): internal drive to succeed
Merit-based (adj.): rewarded by skill or achievement
Peer pressure (n.): influence from social group
Unethical (adj.): morally wrong
Collaborative (adj.): focused on teamwork
Societal values (n.): cultural beliefs and norms
Perfectionism (n.): desire to be flawless
Pressure cooker environment (phrase): intensely stressful situation