BAND 7.5 IELTS ESSAY SAMPLE: INDIVIDUAL VS GROUP EFFORT IN SOCIAL CHANGE - A COMPREHENSIVE DISCUSSION

All General Writing Task 1 Samples / Band 7.5

Some people believe that individuals can make a significant difference in society by putting in a great amount of effort, while others argue that major changes can only be accomplished through larger groups or organizations. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Essay Sample

The debate over whether individuals or large organizations can make a greater impact on society is a subject that has been contested for many years. Some people believe that individual effort and action can make a significant difference in society. They point to the inspirational stories of individuals who have achieved amazing things, often against great odds. For example, a single person may be able to lead social and political movements, or start businesses that have an enormous impact on the world. These people may be able to accomplish things that large organizations and institutions can’t.

On the other hand, some people argue that major changes in society are only possible when large groups or organizations come together. These individuals point to the successes of large-scale movements such as the civil rights movement and the fight for women’s suffrage. These movements were only able to make significant changes in society because of the combined efforts of many people. Large organizations and institutions also have the resources and capabilities to make a greater impact on society than individuals can.

In my opinion, both individual effort and collective action are necessary in order to make lasting changes in society. While individual action can be powerful, it cannot always produce the large-scale changes that are needed. At the same time, collective action alone is not enough. In order for large-scale changes to take place, individuals need to be willing to take action and to stand up for their beliefs. Only when individuals and organizations come together can real and lasting change be accomplished.