Model Answer - Ielts Writing (Task 2)

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Change is an inevitable part of everyday life. The social environment in which we live changes daily, as do our circumstances and the decisions we have to make. Changes may be positive or negative depending on how we perceive them. Whereas some people are happy to live a life of routine, others embrace change and prefer a challenging world where events are unpredictable.

People who don’t want to step outside their comfort zone, prefer following their daily habits. Perhaps they feel that routine gives them structure, maybe they aren’t fond of surprises or they aren't confident enough to face new challenges. Such people have set times for performing certain functions and do things in the same way all the time. They fear the uncertainty of the unknown and may associate change with negative outcomes.

People who are in favour of change may dislike the monotony of routine, seek adventure and like to explore new situations. They have an optimistic outlook to life and view change as a good thing. This is not necessarily true. Change has been associated with forward thinking, technology, innovation, a modern lifestyle, youth etc. We often hear politicians preaching to voters about the need for change. However change often means leaving traditional, simpler, purer ways of living behind and has some people wishing to return to a time when things were supposedly better.

I think change is unavoidable and necessary if someone wants to keep up with the fast pace of modern life. Even if some people maintain a form of stability by following a routine, the world keeps spinning and evolving. Finally, I believe whether change is good or bad depends on someone’s view of a situation.

Cambridge Ielts 6, past papers p. 99