Sample IELTS Writing Task 2: Ambition for band 7+

The IELTS Writing Task 2 topic of "Ambition" has recently appeared in the actual IELTS Writing exam. Let's explore the topic together with PREP, and develop an outline as well as a high-quality IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition band 7+ sample essay written by experienced teachers at PREP.

I. The task and suggested outline for IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition

Before exploring the IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition sample essay, let's quickly go through the full essay prompt and a detailed outline with PREP.

1. Task

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some think that having ambition is a good quality. Is it important to be ambitious? Is it a positive or negative characteristic?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

2. Outline

Let's quickly review the detailed outline for the IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition essay below:

II. Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition

After exploring the essay prompt and outline for the IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition, let's quickly review the high-quality sample band 7+ essay provided by PREP below.

The theme of ambition, its significance, and implications have long been discussed in society. Despite a divergence of opinions surrounding this debate, I believe that this striving is crucial in certain respects, and that it is a positive characteristic which can propel growth and development in life.

Being ambitious is important for several reasons. Firstly, it produces the drive required to make breakthroughs in any competitive field. Though failure and ruin are plenty in business and science, most successful individuals did not simply attain their position without taking risks, which having ambition provides the proper mindset for. Furthermore, aspirations are necessary for fully realizing one’s potential. Matt Le Tissier, for example, was one of the best goalscorers of the English Premier League, but he was not a household name on the international stage. As legendary as his highlights were, he spent his entire professional career with Southampton, a middling football club. Le Tissier could have achieved worldwide fame had he been more ambitious and played for a top flight squad such as Real Madrid. 

Despite some pitfalls, ambition should generally be regarded as positive. When it stops being a source of motivation and veers into obsession, it can become a detriment to one’s personal life and produce toxic attitudes. People who fail to check their ambitions, for instance, often engage in ruthless competition and may fracture their relationships using “the ends justify the means” argument as an excuse. If nurtured properly, however, this trait propels individuals towards achieving their desired goals, thereby making it integral to their personal development. With set ambitions, people tend to have a clear vision of their pathway to success, and as a result, they become more proactive and resilient. Occasionally, their productive actions are able to inspire others around them, so having ambitions may end up creating growth at the societal level.

In conclusion, being ambitious is essential for people who look to accomplish things in life. Though it may be seen as negative by some, balancing aspiration with integrity can make it into a constructive driving force, therefore ensuring its positivity.

Vocabulary commonly used in the IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition sample essay:

• Implication (n.): consequence

• Divergence (n.): difference

• Propel sth (v.): to give something momentum

• Drive/driving force (n.): motivation

• Breakthrough (n.): an important discovery or development

• Ruin (n.): bankruptcy

• Household name (n.): a famous person

• Legendary (adj.): renowned

• Highlight (n.): a shining moment

• Middling (adj.): average

• Top flight (adj.): elite

• Pitfall (n.): a trap or hazard

• Veer (v.): to change direction

• Check sth (v.): to control something

• Ruthless (adj.): cruel

• Fracture sth (v.): to break something

• Nurture sth (v.): to cultivate/develop something

• Integral (adj.): essential

• Proactive (adj.): self-initiating

• Resilient (adj.): tough

• Integrity (n.): honesty, uprightness

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Hopefully, after reading the above, you now have a clear understanding of the specific prompt, detailed outline, and the highest quality IELTS Writing Task 2 Ambition essay. Keep following PREP to stay updated on valuable English knowledge!