competition in life essay

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay: Competition v Cooperation

In this lesson you are going to see 5 different essays written in response to the following task:

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Test 1

Each essay responds to the same task in different ways. Each essay is accompanied by an essay plan and vocabulary list.

Here is the 1st essay. This essay discusses both sides of the debate, before arguing that cooperation is more beneficial over the long-term.

Essay 1 Plan

Introduction

• Introduce the topic of competition vs. cooperation.
• Mention the debate on which is more beneficial.
• State the aim of the essay: discuss both views and provide my opinion.

Body Paragraph 1: Competition

• Point: Competition drives individuals to excel.
• Example: Workplace productivity and innovation.
• Example: Academic motivation and critical thinking skills.
• Explanation: Competition pushes individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Body Paragraph 2: Cooperation

• Point: Cooperation fosters teamwork and collective effort.
• Example: Workplace problem-solving and diverse perspectives.
• Example: Cooperative learning in schools.
• Explanation: Cooperation enhances academic performance and social skills.

Body Paragraph 3: My Opinion

• Point: Cooperation is more beneficial in the long run.
• Example: Team-oriented workplaces and job satisfaction.
• Example: Cooperative learning preparing students for real-world scenarios.
• Explanation: Cooperation promotes community and belonging.
• Summarize the benefits of both competition and cooperation.
• Reiterate the preference for cooperation.
• Final thought: Encouraging collaboration over competition leads to sustainable success.

[Introduction]

In today’s competitive world, the debate over whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in work, school, and daily life is highly relevant. Some argue that competition drives individuals to excel, while others believe that cooperation fosters a more supportive and productive environment. This essay will explore both viewpoints and provide my perspective.

[Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Competition]

Advocates of competition argue that it pushes individuals to reach their full potential. For instance, in the workplace, competition can lead to higher productivity and innovation as employees strive to outperform their peers. Similarly, in schools, students may be motivated to achieve higher grades and develop critical thinking skills to stay ahead of their classmates. The pressure to succeed can drive individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

[Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Cooperation]

On the other hand, proponents of cooperation emphasize the importance of teamwork and collective effort. In work settings, collaboration can lead to more effective problem-solving and the sharing of diverse perspectives, resulting in better decision-making. In educational environments, cooperative learning encourages students to work together, promoting mutual understanding and support. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also helps students develop social and emotional skills, such as empathy and communication.

[Body Paragraph 3: My Opinion]

In my opinion, while competition can spur individual achievement, cooperation is ultimately more beneficial in the long run. Cooperation fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for personal and professional growth. For example, in a team-oriented workplace, employees are more likely to feel valued and supported, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. Additionally, cooperative learning in schools prepares students for the collaborative nature of modern work environments, where teamwork is often crucial to success.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have their merits. However, I believe that fostering a cooperative spirit is more advantageous as it promotes a supportive and inclusive environment, which is essential for sustainable growth and development. Encouraging collaboration over competition can lead to more meaningful and lasting achievements.

Vocabulary List

• Competitive world – phrase referring to a society where individuals or groups compete.
• Drive individuals to excel – idiom meaning to motivate people to achieve high standards.
• Workplace productivity – noun phrase referring to the efficiency of employees at work.
• Critical thinking skills – noun phrase denoting the ability to analyze and evaluate an issue.
• Collective effort – phrase meaning a combined effort by a group.
• Mutual understanding – noun phrase meaning shared comprehension among people.
• Supportive and inclusive environment – complex noun phrase referring to a setting that encourages and includes everyone.
• Personal and professional growth – noun phrase denoting development in personal and career aspects.
• Team-oriented workplace – adjective-noun phrase describing a work environment focused on teamwork.
• Sustainable growth – noun phrase meaning growth that can be maintained over time.

Here is the 2nd essay. This essay takes the view that while both competition and cooperation are beneficial, cooperation should be prioritised.

Essay 2 Plan

• Acknowledge the ongoing debate.
• State the aim of the essay: examine both perspectives and provide my opinion.

Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Competition

• Point: Competition drives excellence and personal achievement.
• Example: Workplace productivity and performance incentives.
• Example: Academic motivation and resilience in sports competitions.
• Explanation: Competition leads to critical life skills.

Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Cooperation

• Point: Cooperation creates a harmonious and productive atmosphere.
• Example: Workplace creativity and problem-solving.
• Example: Cooperative learning and social skill development.
• Explanation: Cooperation promotes a supportive environment.
• Point: Cooperation is more beneficial for long-term success.
• Example: Teamwork and employee satisfaction in companies.
• Example: Cooperative learning preparing students for future challenges.
• Explanation: Cooperation is essential in an interconnected world.
• Summarize the advantages of both competition and cooperation.
• Final thought: Prioritizing cooperation fosters a supportive society.

The ongoing debate about whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in various aspects of life, such as work, school, and daily activities, continues to spark interest. Some believe that competition is essential for personal and societal advancement, while others advocate for the benefits of cooperation. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide my opinion.

Advocates of competition assert that it drives individuals to strive for excellence. In professional settings, competition can lead to increased productivity and innovation as employees aim to outperform their colleagues. Similarly, in educational contexts, competitive environments can motivate students to achieve higher academic standards and develop resilience. For instance, sports competitions teach students the value of hard work, perseverance, and discipline, which are crucial life skills.

[Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Cooperation]

Conversely, those who favour cooperation argue that it cultivates a more harmonious and productive atmosphere. In the workplace, collaboration can enhance creativity and problem-solving by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. In schools, cooperative learning strategies, such as group projects and peer tutoring, help students develop interpersonal skills and foster a sense of community. Cooperation encourages individuals to work together towards common goals, promoting a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

I believe that while competition has its place, cooperation is ultimately more beneficial for long-term success. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to work effectively with others is essential. For example, companies that emphasize teamwork and collaboration often experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Similarly, students who engage in cooperative learning activities are better prepared for real-world challenges, as they learn to communicate, negotiate, and compromise.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation offer unique advantages. However, I contend that cooperation should be prioritized, as it fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that is conducive to sustainable success. By promoting collaboration over competition, we can create a society where individuals work together to achieve shared goals, leading to greater overall prosperity.

• Ongoing debate – noun phrase referring to a continuous discussion.
• Drives individuals to strive for excellence – idiom meaning motivates people to aim for the best.
• Resilience in sports competitions – noun phrase referring to the ability to recover from setbacks in sports.
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving – noun phrase describing improved ability to create and solve issues.
• Collective goals – noun phrase meaning shared objectives.
• Interconnected world – adjective-noun phrase describing a world where everyone is connected.
• Shared knowledge and resources – noun phrase referring to information and materials that are used collectively.
• Employee satisfaction – noun phrase denoting the contentment of workers.
• Real-world challenges – adjective-noun phrase referring to practical problems faced in life.
• Overall prosperity – noun phrase meaning general well-being and success.

Here is the 3rd essay, written in response to the same task. It takes a similar view to Essay 2, arguing that while competition can have short-term benefits, cooperation has long-term benefits.

• Present the 2 viewpoints

Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for Competition

• Main Idea: Competition motivates individuals to excel.
• In the Workplace: Competitive settings encourage employees to perform better, especially with incentives for top achievers (e.g., sales teams).
• In Schools: Rankings based on performance encourage students to work harder, potentially raising academic standards.
• In Physical Activities: Competing with others can enhance personal fitness and push people to improve.

Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for Cooperation

• Main Idea: Cooperation builds teamwork and mutual support.
• In Professional Settings: Collaborative efforts lead to innovation and improved outcomes (e.g., tech companies using teamwork to create effective products).
• In Schools: Cooperative learning fosters social skills (communication, empathy), contributing to an inclusive educational environment.
• In Daily Life: Community activities, such as organizing events or supporting neighborhood projects, foster a sense of shared purpose.

Body Paragraph 3: My Perspective

• Main Idea: Cooperation is more beneficial for sustained success across different areas.
• Workplace Benefits: Cooperative workplaces encourage knowledge and resource sharing, leading to long-term growth.
• Educational Benefits: Collaborative learning not only enhances academic performance but also prepares students for teamwork in real-life scenarios.
• Limitations of Competition: Excessive competition can demotivate lower performers, making cooperation a more universally beneficial approach.
• Restates that both competition and cooperation have their merits.
• Cooperation has greater long-term value as it promotes collective progress and inclusivity across work, education, and everyday life.

The question of whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in work, school, and daily life is widely debated. Some argue that competition drives progress and individual excellence, while others believe that cooperation fosters a more supportive and effective environment.

[Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for Competition]

Proponents of competition argue that it motivates individuals to excel. In the workplace, competitive settings can drive performance, with employees striving to achieve better results than their peers. For instance, sales teams often perform better when incentives reward top performers. In academic contexts, schools that display student rankings claim this practice motivates students to work harder and strive for higher grades, thus raising overall academic standards. They also argue that competition can also be beneficial in physical activities, because competing against others often pushes people to improve their fitness.

[Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for Cooperation]

On the other hand, advocates of cooperation emphasise its value in building teamwork and mutual support. In professional settings, collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes. For example, tech companies that prioritise teamwork often produce more creative and effective products. In schools, cooperative learning can foster essential social skills such as communication and empathy, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. In daily life, cooperation can be equally significant, as seen in community activities where individuals work together to organise local events or support neighborhood projects, fostering a spirit of shared purpose.

In my view, while competition may yield short-term gains, cooperation is more beneficial for sustained success across various areas of life. For instance, in a cooperative workplace, employees are more likely to share knowledge and resources, leading to long-term growth and development, while in educational settings, collaborative learning not only improves academic performance but also prepares students for real-world scenarios where teamwork is essential. Additionally, excessive emphasis on competition can demotivate those who are not high performers, making cooperation a more universally beneficial approach.

In conclusion, while both competition and cooperation have their advantages, I believe cooperation holds more long-term value, as it nurtures environments of collective progress and inclusivity in the workplace, at school, and in everyday life.

• widely debated
• competition drives progress
• cooperation fosters
• proponents of competition argue that
• striving to achieve
• motivates students to work harder
• raising overall academic standards
• advocates of cooperation emphasise
• innovative solutions and improved outcomes
• creative and effective products
• an inclusive and supportive learning environment
• community activities
• a spirit of shared purpose.
• yield short-term gains
• sustained success
• real-world scenarios
• high performers

Essay 4 Plan

• Introduce the debate on competition vs. cooperation.
• State the aim: discuss both views and argue for the benefits of competition.
• Brief overview of the main points.
• Point: Competition drives innovation and progress.
• Example: Tech industry advancements driven by rivalry (Apple vs. Samsung).
• Explanation: Competitive environments encourage continuous improvement and creativity.
• Point: Cooperation fosters teamwork and collective success.
• Example: Group projects in academic settings.
• Explanation: Cooperation helps develop communication and collaboration skills.

Body Paragraph 3: Opinion in Favor of Competition

• Point: Competition prepares individuals for real-world challenges.
• Example: Sports competition teaching resilience and discipline.
• Explanation: Competitive experiences build crucial life skills.
• Reiterate the stance that competition is more beneficial.
• Final thought: Emphasizing competition leads to personal and societal growth.

The debate over whether competition or cooperation is more advantageous in work, school, and daily life is ongoing. Some argue that competition drives progress and excellence, while others believe that cooperation fosters teamwork and mutual support. This essay will discuss both perspectives, ultimately arguing that competition offers greater benefits.

Competition is a powerful driver of innovation and progress. In the tech industry, for instance, the rivalry between companies like Apple and Samsung has led to significant technological advancements. Each company strives to outdo the other by introducing new features and improvements, benefiting consumers with cutting-edge products. Such competitive environments foster continuous improvement and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

On the other hand, cooperation is essential for fostering teamwork and collective success. In academic settings, group projects encourage students to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collaboratively. This helps them develop vital communication and collaboration skills, which are crucial for success in the modern workplace. Cooperation ensures that everyone’s strengths are utilized, leading to well-rounded and effective solutions.

[Body Paragraph 3: Opinion in Favor of Competition]

Despite the advantages of cooperation, I believe that competition is more beneficial as it prepares individuals for real-world challenges. Sports competitions, for example, teach participants resilience, discipline, and the importance of hard work. These experiences build crucial life skills that are applicable in various aspects of life. Furthermore, competition motivates individuals to strive for excellence and achieve their personal best, leading to personal and societal growth.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have their merits. However, competition is more beneficial as it drives innovation, prepares individuals for challenges, and promotes personal and societal growth. By emphasizing competition, we can foster an environment where individuals are motivated to excel and continuously improve.

• Competitive environments
• Continuous improvement
• Collective success
• Communication skills
• Collaboration
• Real-world challenges
• Personal growth
• Societal growth
• Technological advancements
• Academic settings
• Market dynamics
• Problem-solving
• Product development
• Strategic planning
• Skill development
• Productivity
• Entrepreneurship
• Economic growth
• Benchmarking

Essay 5 Plan

• Introduce the competition vs. cooperation debate.
• Point: Competition enhances personal performance and achievement.
• Example: Performance-based incentives in workplaces.
• Explanation: Competition motivates individuals to reach their highest potential.
• Point: Cooperation builds strong, supportive communities.
• Example: Collaborative community projects.
• Explanation: Working together helps solve local issues and fosters a sense of belonging.
• Point: Competition drives economic growth and innovation.
• Example: Competitive markets leading to better products and services.
• Explanation: Competition encourages efficiency and higher standards.
• Final thought: Prioritizing competition fosters excellence and societal advancement.

The debate between the benefits of competition and cooperation in work, school, and daily life is an important one. While cooperation promotes teamwork and collective success, competition can enhance personal performance and achievement. This essay will discuss both views, ultimately arguing that competition is more beneficial.

Competition significantly enhances personal performance and achievement. In workplaces, performance-based incentives drive employees to excel and reach their highest potential. For instance, sales teams often compete to achieve the best results, leading to increased productivity and higher sales figures. This competitive spirit motivates individuals to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence, ultimately leading to personal growth and success.

Conversely, cooperation is crucial for building strong, supportive communities. Collaborative projects, whether in schools or local communities, encourage people to work together towards common goals. For example, community clean-up initiatives bring residents together to improve their environment, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. Cooperation helps solve local issues effectively and creates a supportive network where individuals can rely on each other.

Despite the advantages of cooperation, competition drives economic growth and innovation. In competitive markets, companies are constantly striving to offer better products and services to gain a competitive edge. This leads to higher standards, efficiency, and continuous improvement. For instance, the fierce competition in the automotive industry has resulted in safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles. Competition encourages businesses to innovate and optimize resources, driving economic prosperity and societal advancement.

In conclusion, while cooperation builds supportive communities and addresses local issues, competition is more beneficial as it enhances personal performance, drives economic growth, and fosters innovation. By prioritizing competition, we can create an environment where individuals and businesses are motivated to excel and continuously improve, leading to societal advancement and excellence.

• Personal performance
• Achievement
• Performance-based incentives
• Highest potential
• Supportive communities
• Collaborative projects
• Sense of belonging
• Competitive markets
• Higher standards
• Societal advancement
• Goal setting
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Competitive edge
• Market leadership
• Talent development
• Strategic initiatives
• Resource optimization
• Competitive advantage
• Performance metrics
• Organizational success
• Consumer satisfaction
• Quality improvement

Practice Exercises 1

Try to complete the essays as above. Drag and drop the missing words/phrases into the correct spaces. (The exercise work best on desktop, not mobile).

Practice Exercise 2

The paragraphs in the following essay are in the wrong order. Try to put the paragraphs into the correct order.

Practice Exercise 3: Hard!

The sentences in the following essay are in the wrong order. Try to put the sentences into the correct order. This is quite difficult, so good luck!

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Success — Is Competition Necessary for Success

Is Competition Necessary for Success

• Categories: Competition Success

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Words: 470 |

Published: Sep 5, 2023

Words: 470 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

The benefits of competition, the drawbacks of unbridled competition, the role of collaboration, striking a balance.

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Is Competition Good? Understanding Its Impact and Benefits

This article examines whether competition is beneficial, discussing its impact on productivity, innovation, and personal growth.

Key takeaways:

• Competition can be direct or indirect in various contexts.
• Healthy competition fosters innovation and personal growth.
• Competition is driven by evolutionary and psychological factors.
• It spurs innovation but can also cause undue stress.
• Competing can lead to personal growth and teach valuable skills.

What Is Competition?

Competition occurs when individuals or groups vie for a limited resource, whether it’s a trophy, a title, a position, or recognition. This struggle can unfold in nature, as in species competing for food, or in human environments, such as companies battling for market share. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Types of Competition: It can be direct, like two sports teams facing off, or indirect, where businesses compete for consumer attention without direct confrontation.
• Scales of Competition: It ranges from personal (competing with a coworker for a promotion) to global (countries vying for technological supremacy).
• Healthy vs. Unhealthy Competition: Not all competition encourages positive outcomes. Healthy competition can lead to innovation and improvement, whereas unhealthy competition can cause stress and unethical behavior.

This concept is integral to understanding human behavior and societal development. It drives progress but also challenges our ethics and values.

Why Do We Compete?

Humans are naturally driven to compete for a variety of evolutionary and psychological reasons. Initially, competition was a survival mechanism to secure scarce resources like food and shelter. Today, these primal instincts manifest in more modern settings—sports, academics, and the job market.

Competition also stems from a desire for social standing. Achieving higher status within a group can lead to better opportunities and increased respect among peers. This social comparison often motivates individuals to enhance their performance in various aspects of life.

Moreover, competition serves as a motivational tool. It pushes us to exceed our limits and innovate. By comparing our achievements with others, we identify areas for improvement and personal growth, which can lead to significant advancements in both personal abilities and broader societal progress.

Yet, the drive to compete might also link to personal fulfillment. Many find joy and a sense of accomplishment in the process of striving for excellence, not just the outcome. This intrinsic satisfaction can be a powerful motivator, independent of external rewards.

The Virtues and Downsides of Competition

Competition can spur innovation. Teams or individuals often push their limits when they’re trying to outdo others, leading to fresh ideas and approaches. This dynamic drives progress in technology, business, and science.

On the flip side, it might lead to undue stress. The pressure to be the best or to win can cause significant anxiety and may discourage risk-taking, as the fear of failure becomes overpowering.

In terms of personal growth, competition can be a great motivator. It encourages people to improve their skills and work harder to achieve their personal best. However, this can sometimes foster an unhealthy focus on winning at all costs.

Furthermore, competition can enhance teamwork. In a group setting, competing against another team can strengthen internal bonds and collaboration. Conversely, it can sometimes lead to conflict or an overly competitive environment that disrupts teamwork and communication.

Lastly, competition can teach resilience and adaptability—valuable life skills in both personal and professional settings. But, if not managed well, it may also breed jealousy and a scarcity mindset, where individuals see success as a limited resource only a few can achieve.

How Competition Affects Our Brains

Competition sparks heightened levels of dopamine in our brains, the chemical largely responsible for our sense of pleasure and reward. This release motivates us and increases focus and energy levels, essential during challenging tasks or events.

However, not all effects are positive. Prolonged exposure to stress, often a byproduct of intense competition, might lead to increased cortisol production. Excessive cortisol can impair cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, and if not managed, it may contribute to long-term health issues.

Furthermore, competition encourages brain plasticity. Engaging in competitive activities, particularly from a young age, helps in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This cerebral flexibility can aid in learning and adapting across various aspects of life.

Understanding how our brains react to competitive situations helps us better manage our responses and leverage the positive aspects while mitigating the negative impacts.

Should I Compete?

Deciding whether to engage in competition depends on personal goals and context. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

**1. Personal Growth:** If you thrive under pressure and are motivated by challenges, competition could be a catalyst for significant personal development.

**2. Skill Enhancement:** Competitions can push you to refine your skills more rigorously than solitary practice might.

**3. Stress and Pressure:** It’s crucial to assess how competition affects your mental health. For some, it leads to positive stress, or eustress, while for others, it may contribute to unhealthy anxiety.

**4. Nature of the Competition:** Evaluate the environment. Is it supportive and aimed at mutual growth, or cutthroat and win-at-all-costs?

**5. Long-Term Impact:** Consider how the competitive experience will influence your future. Will it open doors, build valuable connections, or enhance your resume?

Reflect on these points to decide if competing aligns with your values and aspirations.

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Competition at Work, at School and in Daily Life is a Good Thing - IELTS Task 2 Sample Essay

Updated: Oct 19

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Sample Essay 1

Some believe that competition in professional, educational, and personal settings drives excellence, while others argue that fostering cooperation yields better outcomes. This essay explores both perspectives, arguing that a balance between competition and cooperation is essential. While competition promotes growth by challenging individuals to excel, cooperation builds harmonious relationships, fostering collective success.

On the one hand, competition pushes individuals to perform at their highest potential. In workplaces, for example, healthy rivalry among colleagues can spark innovation and improve productivity. Similarly, students driven by competition are often more motivated to enhance their skills and achieve academic success. In daily life, competition can foster resilience and a proactive attitude, as people learn to face challenges head-on. However, the effectiveness of competition depends on its nature; if overly intense, it may lead to stress, burnout, or strained relationships. Thus, it is crucial to maintain a healthy balance to prevent negative consequences.

On the other hand, cooperation nurtures social bonds and promotes sustainable growth. In collaborative workplaces, teamwork often results in shared knowledge, creative problem-solving, and smoother processes. For instance, companies that emphasize team spirit rather than individual competition often experience higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. In academic settings, students working together develop communication skills and empathy, preparing them for real-world challenges. Moreover, cooperation encourages inclusivity, where individuals with different abilities feel valued and supported, leading to more equitable outcomes.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have distinct advantages, and neither should be prioritized exclusively. While competition motivates individuals to strive for personal excellence, cooperation strengthens relationships and creates an environment where collective success flourishes.

Sample Essay 2

The debate between the virtues of competition and cooperation is pivotal in shaping individual and societal progress. This essay argues that competition, by stimulating personal and economic growth, outweighs cooperation, which enhances collaboration and creativity. I will demonstrate how competition drives innovation and skill development, while also acknowledging the significant benefits of cooperative approaches in fostering diverse and inclusive environments.

Competition is often seen as a catalyst for personal growth and excellence. By setting benchmarks and challenging individuals to exceed their own limitations, it encourages the development of critical skills and self-discipline. For example, academic competitions such as science fairs or math olympiads drive students not only to master their subjects but also to innovate and think critically, skills that are indispensable in the modern workforce. Similarly, in the professional realm, businesses that vie for market dominance must continuously improve their offerings, ensuring that innovation thrives, which in turn benefits society by improving the quality of goods and services available.

However, cooperation should not be undervalued, as it plays a crucial role in achieving broader, collective goals. Collaborative efforts, particularly in diverse teams, can amalgamate different perspectives, fostering creativity and inclusivity. For instance, in multinational companies, teams composed of members from various cultural backgrounds are often more successful in global markets because they can merge diverse viewpoints and approaches, leading to more universally appealing products and strategies.

Despite these benefits, the edge that competition offers in promoting high standards and efficiency is unmatched. It prepares individuals and organizations to face challenges with resilience and adaptability, qualities necessary for personal and collective success. Countries that embody this competitive spirit, like Singapore and South Korea, have seen remarkable progress in their educational and economic spheres.

In conclusion, while cooperation is undoubtedly beneficial in nurturing inclusive environments and merging diverse ideas, competition is a more potent force for eliciting the highest potential in individuals and societies. It is the competitive drive that ultimately equips us with the tools to innovate and excel in an increasingly complex world.

Sample Essay 3

Some people argue that competition is beneficial in workplaces, schools, and daily life, enhancing personal and communal growth. Conversely, others advocate for increased cooperation, emphasizing its potential for generating more inclusive and creative outcomes. This essay will explore both perspectives and argue in favour of the benefits of competition. It will discuss how competition can maximize individual potential and drive societal progress, and contrast these benefits with the advantages of cooperative approaches, including enhanced teamwork and mental well-being.

There are some reasons why competition seems to be more beneficial. The main one is that competition can foster a person’s biggest potential at school and in the workplace. To be more specific, by participating in competitions, most people make an effort to compete against others, which can boost individuals’ potential and enhance their capabilities. Another factor is that competition can make the whole society improve rapidly since it motivates people to hard-working in their realm. Before winning a competition, people should dedicate themselves to their work or study. If most people endeavour and focus on their work, the competitiveness of society will increase undoubtedly.

However, the option of cooperating with each other is attractive for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, cooperating together combines various ideas, providing better outcomes and diverse thoughts. For instance, when a team conducts some project together, their discussion includes different topics and views from a wide range of fields or disciplines, which can definitely make the project more special and well-established. Furthermore, cooperation boosts a sense of belonging for every member in a team, further enhancing mental well-being. By cooperating with classmates or colleagues, individuals find that they are part of their teams, which lowers the possibility of getting mental illness like depression.

In conclusion, both sides have merits. On balance, it is my opinion that competitions grant more benefits to community, as I feel that fostering potential and making people dedicating on their work increase the competitiveness of society, which is an essential part for achieving long-term success in developing the whole nation.

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Competition and Cooperation

• by Courage IELTS
• June 25, 2024 June 28, 2024

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Many feel that competition in school and work settings should be encouraged, while others contend that cooperation is preferable . In my opinion, although competition is the catalyst for innovation, individuals and organizations should embrace a cooperative mentality to drive humanity forward as a whole. 

Proponents of competition typically point to its instrumental role in stimulating creativity. In a market-driven society , if businesses were not constantly challenged by rivals and at risk of stagnation , there would likely be significantly less motivation to improve most products and services. The tangible benefits of a free market can be illustrated through the rivalry of multinationals such as Samsung and Apple as both technology companies consistently strive to develop more advanced features in their smartphones to ensure customer retention . The proliferation of capitalistic markets globally has also greatly contributed to unprecedented economic prosperity. The US’s rapid economic growth can be partly attributed to the implementation of antitrust laws and the weakened influence of monopolistic companies, which has translated to the presence of a variety of inexpensive and high quality products for the general citizenry.  

However, cooperation should still take precedence over competition as it propels the human race forward. In scientific endeavors, the publication of research can lay the foundation for the entire scientific community to achieve major breakthroughs in their respective fields. A figure like Einstein could not have formed the theory of relativity without consulting lesser-known mathematicians . There are also legitimate public benefits if companies publicize their findings. For example, the dissemination of the processes and constituent elements involved in the production of Covid-19 vaccines led to the widespread availability of safe injections and therefore the containment of the virus. 

In conclusion, despite how competition spurs innovation, I would argue that effective collaboration should be more highly valued as it aids in human progress. Every government, company, and individual should engage in active cooperation and thus contribute to the public good . 

Words: 319 

Settings môi trường 

Preferable tốt hơn

Catalyst for quan trọng 

Embrace chào đón 

Cooperative mentality tinh thần hợp tác

Drive humanity forward thúc đẩy sự phát triển của nhân loại

Proponents người ủng hộ 

Typically thường 

Instrumental role vai trò quan trọng 

Stimulate kích thích 

Market-driven đi theo định hướng thị trường 

Constantly liên tục 

Challenge thử thách

Rivals đối thủ cạnh tranh 

At risk có nguy cơ 

Stagnation bị trì trệ 

Motivation động lực 

Tangible hữu hình 

Free market thị trường tự do 

Multinationals công ty đa quốc gia 

Consistently liên tục 

Strive to cố gắng 

Advanced features tính năng hiện đại 

Customer retention việc trở lại mua hàng của khách hàng

Proliferation sự phát triển nhanh 

Capitalistic markets thị trường tư bản 

Contribute to đóng góp tới 

Economic prosperity sự thịnh vượng kinh tế 

Unprecedented chưa từng được thấy

Attributed to là do 

Implementation sự áp dụng 

Antitrust laws luật pháp cấm sự độc quyền

Weakened influence tầm ảnh hưởng yếu hơn 

Monopolistic mang tính độc quyền 

Translate to đồng nghĩa với 

Presence sự hiện diện 

The general citizenry dân số nói chung 

Take precedence over được ưu tiên hơn 

Propels thúc đẩy 

Endeavor sự nỗ lực

Publication việc công bố 

Lay the foundation là nền tảng 

Respective fields ở lĩnh vực riêng biệt của họ 

Major breakthroughs sự đột phá lớn

Form hình thành 

Theory of relativity thuyết tương đối 

Consulting tham khảo ý kiến

Lesser-known ít người biến đến hơn 

Legitimate benefits lợi ích rõ ràng 

Publicize công bố 

Dissemination việc phổ biến thông tin

Constituent elements các yếu tố cấu thành 

Involved in liên quan tới 

Availability sự có sẵn 

Injections mũi tiêm 

Containment sự kiểm soát

Spur thúc đẩy

Collaboration sự hợp tác

Highly valued được đánh giá cao

Progress sự tiến bộ 

Engage in tham gia vào 

The public good cái lợi cho công chúng 

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