Simon’s ielts writing task 2

 
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 
IELTS Writing Task 2: difficult questions 
I student sent me this question, and I agree that it's difficult: 
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and 
personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian 
societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if 

---

Compiled by Diyorbek Hayitmurodov ielts-simon.com Page 39 
individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits.
What is your view of the relationship between equality and personal success?
Faced with this question, here are 3 tips: 
1. 
Have a strong opinion
(e.g. I completely agree that people can achieve more in egalitarian 
societies.) You can ignore the other view. 
2. 
Focus on the last line of the question
(What is your view of...?). This line sums up the whole 
question very clearly. Just answer this question. 
3. 
Use examples
as the basis of your argument e.g. free university education ensures equality of 
opportunity, and therefore allows individuals to achieve more. 
If you try writing an essay for this question, you can compare your essay with my answer next 
Wednesday. I'm afraid I can't check essays or give scores. 
Note: 'egalitarian' refers to the principle that people are equal, and deserve equal rights and 
opportunities. 
 
Wednesday, November 02, 2011 
IELTS Writing Task 2: 'equality' topic 
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and 
personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian