Cambridge IELTS 19 Test 1 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

Rivalry is woven into modern life, from school rankings to job promotions, yet people disagree about whether it brings out the best in us or whether collaboration should take its place. I believe that both have a role, although cooperation provides the more reliable foundation.

Supporters of competition argue that it raises standards. A student who wants to finish top of the class will revise harder, and a company that fears losing customers to a rival will improve its products and keep prices reasonable. Competition also gives people clear targets, which can motivate those who might otherwise drift. Entrance examinations and sporting contests, for instance, reward talent in a way that most people regard as fair.

However, those who favour cooperation have a strong case. When pupils are constantly ranked against one another, weaker ones may lose confidence and stop trying altogether, while stronger ones may guard their knowledge instead of sharing it. In the workplace, an atmosphere of relentless rivalry can tempt employees to conceal mistakes or claim credit for the work of colleagues, which damages morale and productivity. Moreover, many of humanity's greatest achievements, from developing vaccines to landing on the moon, depended on thousands of people pooling their skills towards a common goal.

In my opinion, the healthiest approach is to cooperate within groups and compete between them. A class that works together on a project and then enters a regional contest learns teamwork and ambition at the same time. Similarly, colleagues in one firm can support each other daily while the firm itself strives to outperform its rivals. Competition turns harmful only when it becomes the sole measure of success, and at that point a more collaborative attitude is needed to restore balance.

In conclusion, competition can sharpen effort, but cooperation builds trust and allows people to achieve what no individual could manage alone.