41. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Without a doubt, the desire for a competitive environment to secure respectable work positions is prevalent among many individuals. This competitive spirit is particularly deemed advantageous for the overall development of younger children. However, the topic of fostering a competitive atmosphere in schools and businesses is contentious, with significant arguments both in favor and against.

Undeniably, there are numerous advantages to operating in a competitive atmosphere. A primary benefit is that competition serves as a catalyst, motivating individuals to surpass their peers by providing a metric to evaluate their own performance against rivals. This environment also encourages individuals to develop a diverse set of skills and become adept multitaskers. It is widely believed that children attending schools with a controlled competitive atmosphere tend to outperform their peers in schools lacking a similar approach. Furthermore, competition stands as one of the most effective methods to nurture people's abilities and boost their self-confidence.

However, despite these benefits, there are notable disadvantages. The foremost concern is that intense competition can lead children to become self-centered, exerting an undue burden on their physical and mental well-being. Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts and cooperation is crucial for balanced development. The trend toward fostering cooperation in both schools and workplaces has gained prominence due to its positive impact on individuals' overall growth.

In conclusion, while fostering competitiveness can enhance an individual's capacity, there should be a balanced approach that also emphasizes the importance of cooperation. Striking this balance is not only beneficial for personal development but also contributes to the holistic progress of a nation. 

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Prevalent (adjective): Existing in large numbers or amounts; widespread.

Example: Smoking is still prevalent in some parts of the world.

Respectable (adjective): Worthy of respect or admiration.

Example: She has a respectable career in medicine.

Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause argument or disagreement.

Example: The new policy is highly contentious.

Catalyst (noun): A substance that causes a chemical reaction to happen more quickly. Used figuratively to mean something that causes a change or event.

Example: The discovery of oil was a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

Metric (noun): A standard unit of measurement. Used figuratively to mean a way of measuring something.

Example: Test scores are often used as a metric of academic achievement.

Adept (adjective): Very skilled or competent.

Example: She is an adept negotiator.

Multitasker (noun): Someone who can do several things at the same time.

Example: I'm not a very good multitasker.

Nurture (verb): To care for and encourage the growth of something.

Example: Parents need to nurture their children's talents.

Self-centered (adjective): Only thinking about oneself and not considering the needs or feelings of others.

Example: He can be very self-centered at times.

Holistic (adjective): Relating to the whole of something, rather than just a part.

Example: We need to take a holistic approach to healthcare.

41. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

The question of whether children should be taught a sense of competition or cooperation is a subject of ongoing debate. While there are proponents of the notion that competition plays a crucial role in the development of children, there is an opposing viewpoint that emphasises the significance of cooperation in fostering more advantageous outcomes in adulthood. From my perspective, an equitable approach that fosters both competition and cooperation yields the greatest advantages.
  Advocates of competition posit that it fosters resilience, serves as a source of motivation for children to attain their utmost potential, and equips them with the necessary skills to confront the exigencies of the actual world. It is widely held that the presence of healthy competition serves as a catalyst for individuals to surpass their limitations and aspire towards achieving exceptional outcomes. Additionally, this activity imparts valuable insights regarding the management of failure, the acceptance of setbacks, and the cultivation of problem-solving aptitude. These skills are essential in a highly competitive society where individuals must distinguish themselves in order to achieve success.

Conversely, proponents of collaboration underscore the significance of collective effort and cooperation. The authors contend that engaging in cooperative activities facilitates the development of empathy, communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with peers. The acquisition of cooperative skills in childhood enhances children's ability to effectively navigate social interactions and make constructive contributions to the broader societal context. Moreover, the act of cooperation serves to cultivate a shared sense of belonging and encourages the integration of diverse individuals, thereby facilitating their collective prosperity.
  From my perspective, both competition and cooperation are integral factors that contribute significantly to a child's developmental process. The presence of a balanced level of competition can serve as a motivating factor for individuals to pursue excellence, whereas cooperation fosters the development of crucial social skills. By achieving a harmonious equilibrium between these two methodologies, children can acquire the ability to engage in constructive competition, acknowledging that achievement is not solely contingent upon outperforming others but also entails collaborating with others to foster mutual development.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Ongoing debate (phrase): A discussion or argument that continues for a long time without being resolved.

Crucial (adjective): Absolutely necessary; essential.

Example: Access to clean water is crucial for survival.

Proponents (noun): People who support or advocate for something.

Example: The proponents of gun control believe it is necessary to reduce gun violence.

Exigencies (noun): Urgent or demanding situations.

Example: They were prepared for any exigencies that might arise.

Catalyst (noun): A substance that causes a chemical reaction to happen more quickly. Used figuratively to mean something that causes a change or event.

Example: The discovery of oil was a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

Contend (verb): To argue or maintain that something is true.

Example: They contend that the new policy is discriminatory.

Empathy (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Example: He showed a lot of empathy for his grieving friend.

Aptitude (noun): A natural ability or skill to do something.

Example: She has a natural aptitude for languages.

Integral (adjective): Forming an essential part of something; necessary.

Example: Education is an integral part of a child's development.

Equilibrium (noun): A state of balance between opposing forces.

Example: The ecosystem is in a delicate equilibrium.

41. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 3

Band 8

There is no denying that a significant number of individuals aspire to thrive in a competitive environment to secure desirable employment. The essence of competition is undeniably pivotal for a child's comprehensive development. However, the question of introducing a competitive setting in educational institutions and workplaces is a subject of controversy, with compelling arguments both in favor and against.

Undoubtedly, there are numerous advantages to fostering a competitive environment. A key advantage is that competition serves as a driving force, pushing individuals to surpass their peers by providing a platform for self-evaluation against rivals. Additionally, individuals tend to become more adept and versatile in their skills as they tackle tasks in unique ways. It is a common observation that students attending schools with a regulated competitive atmosphere often outperform those who do not follow a similar approach. Furthermore, competition stands out as one of the most effective ways to elevate people's talents and bolster their self-confidence.

However, despite these advantages, there are notable drawbacks to excessive competition. Primary among them is the risk of children becoming self-centered, with competition imposing an undue burden on their physical and mental well-being. Recognizing the value of collaborative efforts and cooperation becomes crucial for balanced development. As a response, the emphasis on fostering cooperation in schools and workplaces has gained considerable momentum.

In conclusion, while cultivating a sense of competition enhances an individual's abilities, a harmonious balance with an emphasis on cooperation is essential. This balanced approach not only contributes to personal development but also plays a crucial role in the holistic progress of a nation.    

41. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 4

Band 8

The escalating sense of competition among children in education and sports over the past 15 years, compared to the preceding three decades, has prompted a debate on whether cultivating a competitive spirit or prioritizing cooperation is more beneficial. While competition has its merits in driving motivation and excellence, the significance of cooperation cannot be understated.

Competition undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in various facets of life, be it academics, professional pursuits, or sports. It is often considered a driving force that propels individuals to surpass their own limits, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The competitive environment can instill resilience, determination, and a desire for self-improvement in children. Rewards and recognition for achievements serve as powerful motivator.

However, the competitive ethos has its drawbacks, particularly in the realm of mental development. The pursuit of excellence may inadvertently give rise to a sense of superiority, leading individuals to favor individualistic approaches over teamwork. This inclination towards solo endeavors can hinder the development of crucial collaborative skills, potentially limiting success in various life domains where cooperation is paramount. In this context, it becomes imperative for guardians and educators to balance the competitive drive with an emphasis on moral values and leadership qualities.

The cooperative alternative champions teamwork and shared accomplishments. By prioritizing cooperation, children learn the art of collaboration, empathy, and collective problem-solving. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the idea that success is not a solitary endeavor but a collaborative effort. Moreover, cooperative learning environments provide a fertile ground for creativity and innovation, where diverse perspectives converge to generate inventive solutions.

In conclusion, the ongoing discourse on competition versus cooperation underscores the need for a nuanced approach. Striking a harmonious balance between these two approaches ensures that children develop into well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills necessary for success in a diverse and interconnected world.