GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 46
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Wealth and money enable us to own many things but do not necessarily guarantee happiness.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agree – Money can not buy happiness]
Money is often considered the key to happiness by a group of people while many others consider it as the root of all evil. No doubt our wealth increases our purchasing power and with it, we can buy things we need for our necessities as well as for luxury, but it can’t buy happiness for us. With or without money, we can be happy and ironically, having much wealth can sometimes deter us from being happy in life.
To begin with, rich people have much greater purchasing power and have the luxury to spend money the way they like. But, this economic freedom and earthly possessions do not guarantee happiness for them as it is a state of mind and cannot be acquired just with money. It is not the cash that makes us happy, rather, a caring family, good neighbours and relatives, friends, children, our mental satisfaction and a sound physical condition make us satisfied. Thus anyone, with or without wealth, can have the secret ingredients and perfect mental state to be felicitous.
Moreover, it is often found that when people have just enough money to meet their basic needs, they can concentrate on other important aspects of life. But, when they have an excessive amount of money and they are driven by greed to make more, they can’t contemplate the essential things in life like family, friendship, hobby and thus suffer from loneliness and discomfort. People with great wealth and money are in constant fear of losing it. They also become snobbish about who they meet and become close as they often treat people to be thieves or con artists.
To conclude, money empowers us to buy earthly things but, unfortunately, happiness is not one of them. We can be happy in a hut or a royal palace when we have the right constituents o happiness and mental gratification.
Model Answer 2: [Agree – Wealth and money can not guarantee happiness.]
Many say that while wealth and money provide individuals with the means to acquire material possessions and fulfil their desires, they do not guarantee long-lasting happiness. In this essay, I will argue against the notion that wealth and money directly lead to happiness, providing compelling reasons and examples to support my viewpoint.
Firstly, it is important to recognise that happiness is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond material possessions. True happiness stems from fulfilling relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. Wealth and money can create a superficial sense of happiness through the acquisition of luxurious items, but this happiness is often fleeting and dependent on external factors. For example, a person who constantly seeks material wealth may find themselves in a cycle of insatiable desires, constantly chasing the next purchase to maintain their temporary sense of happiness.
Moreover, studies have shown that once basic needs are met, the correlation between wealth and happiness diminishes. Research indicates that after reaching a certain income threshold that covers essential needs, additional income does not significantly contribute to overall happiness. Instead, factors such as strong social connections, personal well-being, and a sense of purpose have a more profound impact on individual happiness. For instance, individuals with close-knit relationships and a sense of community often report higher levels of satisfaction and well-being, even if their financial resources are modest.
In conclusion, while wealth and money provide individuals with opportunities and material comforts, they do not guarantee lasting happiness. Genuine happiness is rooted in factors beyond financial success, such as meaningful relationships, personal fulfilment, and a sense of purpose.