This document contains summaries of two sample IELTS writing task 2 responses. The first sample argues that environmental factors have a stronger influence on personality and development than innate characteristics. It provides examples of criminal behavior being linked to childhood abuse and differences in baboon and indigenous tribes' behaviors changing based on their environments. The second sample discusses the debate around whether children should be taught competition or cooperation. It argues that competition instills a drive for self-improvement and prepares children for the competitive nature of society, though cooperation fosters social skills.

1. Samples of IELTS writing task #2 (part 2)
by Gavin B (9th July 2010)
Sample C
Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much
more influence on our personality & development than any experiences we
may have in our life. Which do you think provide the majority of
influence ?
The nature vs nurture issue is a debate about the influences
that contribute to our personal development in adulthood. One side
claims that the traits passed down from our forebears determine our
personality, whereas another group attributes it more towards
environmental factors. Personally, I agree with those in the "nurture"
camp and I hope to provide some cogent arguments in support of this
position in this essay.
The first example that proves that external factors have a bigger
influence in our development is the story behind criminal behavior. The
majority of sexual offenders were sexually abused in their childhood.
This abuse made them helpless as children and as adults, they reenact
this same abuse on other people as vengeance. Another proof of this
position is taken from research done by the scientist Robert Spolsky on
Baboons in Africa. Male baboons are a highly fractious and territorial
species. The accepted wisdom was that a tribe of baboons does not
normally accept a new member (a walk-in). However, Mr. Spolsky,
observed a tribe - that had been spoiled by free food at a rubbish dump
- shattered this wisdom by accepting a walk-in baboon. Lastly, Daniel
Everett, a linguist who had studied a tribe of native Indians (the
pirahã) in the Amazon, discovered that they don't have any concept of
counting. During his years living with the tribe, he met a girl, who
had been kidnapped by Brazilians and brought up in society keep the
change in a convenience shop. What these examples show is that
depending on the environment, humans are influenced to change their
supposedly god-given traits.
In conclusion, I am of the view that the traits shaped by our
environment (nurture) has a stronger influence than our normal
disposition hardwired in our genes (nature). I do no doubt that some
traits like better spatial aptitude in males & better grasp of verbal
skills in females seem to indicate that some behavior are due to
genetic influences. Having said that, I can always find exceptions to
the rule that shows that there are women who can read maps or men who
are masters of the spoken word.
357 words

2. Sample D
Some people think that a sense of competition in children
should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are
taught to cooperate rather than compete, become more useful
adults. Discuss.
Today, parents are bombarded with conflicting messages on
how to bring up their children. One school of thought argues
that young people must be taught to regard the opportunities
in life as scarce resources; things desired by many but
available only to few. In contrast, some people claim that
children who are inculcated to view life as an abundant
fountain of opportunities, fare better in adulthood. These
two points of view will be analyzed in the order revealed
above.
There are many advantages for children who are brought up
in a competitive mindset. Firstly, it instills in them a
hunger to better themselves. Consequently, they will be
lifelong learners and education almost always produces
productive members of society. Secondly, competition in young
people will make them realize that in order to succeed in a
meritocratic society, they must produce better ideas. When
they grow up, society will benefit from their excellence.
Finally, by not sugar coating the realities of life, children
will easily assimilate into society in adulthood. Life is
competitive and they should learn that lesson sooner.
Those in favor of raising kids who cooperate rather than
compete support it by arguing that empathy with others is a
guaranteed way to maintain social connections. A better EQ
(emotional quotient) allows children to easily influence
others because they are better listeners.
Society is competitive by nature. That's why I am in
favor of raising children to be competitive. We need to
prepare children for the realities of the world.
249 words.