Some people seek a lot of advice from family and friends when choosing their careers. Others feel that it is better to choose a career more independently. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 7.5–8)

Sample Response

1

When embarking on a career paththe path to a career, individuals often grapple with the dilemma of seeking advice from their family and friendstheir familial and social circles or deciding their professional course independently. This essay will explore both perspectives. PersonallyHowever, personally, I believe that seeking counsel from family and friends is the more prudent choiceconstitutes a more prudent course of action.

2

The proponents of independent decision-making argue that self-reliance fosters autonomy and accountability and therefore produces better outcomesand thus brings better results. They addargue that relying solely on personal judgment cultivates a deeper sense of ownership over one's chosen path. For example, a person who chartsforges their career path independently may feel a heightened sense of accomplishment and ownership ofover their achievements. Moreover, this approach gives them the freedom to choose a career without biased advicebiased opinions and suggestions from relatives who often prioritise salary and the social status of a jobsocietal aspects of a job rather than passion and job satisfaction.

3

Another school of thought contends that consulting family and friends is invaluable when making crucial career decisions. These individuals, with their intimate knowledge of one's strengths, aspirations, and unique qualities, are well-positioned to offer tailored advice. For instance, a close friend may have observed a natural aptitude for analytical thinking, and may therefore suggest a career in data analysissuggesting a career in data analysis or research. Moreover, whenwhile seeking advice from friends and relatives, we tend to talk to those who have relevant experience and knowledge. This advice can be instrumentalIt can be instrumental in choosingdeciding a career. For instance, one of my cousins got a job offer from a private construction company and talked to his maternal uncle who used to work in thethis same company. His advice persuaded my cousin not to take the job offer. Later, it proved to beit was proven to be a prudent decisiona prudent decision for my cousin. This is why IThis is why, I would suggest that people seek advice from close friends and relativessuggest anyone seek advice from a close circle and relatives who have relevant knowledge and expertise relevant to a jobexpertise regarding a job or career path.

4

In conclusion, while self-reliance when deciding a career path has its merits, it is through the well-meaning advice of loved ones that someone canit is through the well-meaning advice of loved ones someone can navigate towards a fulfilling and prosperous career. Therefore, people should listen to the advice of their relatives and friends while deciding about a job embarking on a career path.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

The essay discusses both approaches clearly and maintains a well-supported preference for advice from knowledgeable family and friends. Its strongest feature is detailed, relevant development, especially the examples of aptitude recognition and insider workplace knowledge. The main limitation is some imbalance and repetition in the longer advice paragraph, with a few awkward final sentences; prioritise tightening that section and explicitly defining when advice should guide rather than determine an individual’s choice.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

8.0
Scoring rule

Both views are addressed in depth and the writer’s preference is clear, sustained, and supported with specific, relevant examples.

Next step

Add a precise qualification explaining that informed advice should support personal choice rather than override an individual’s interests and autonomy.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.5
Scoring rule

The response progresses logically through the independent and advice-based views, though the second body paragraph is considerably longer and somewhat repetitive.

Next step

Condense the repeated explanation of relevant experience and balance the two body paragraphs more evenly.

LR

Lexical Resource

7.5
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is broad and mostly precise, with effective language for autonomy, aptitude, expertise, and career fulfilment, despite occasional awkward collocations.

Next step

Refine phrases such as ‘societal aspects’, ‘deciding a career’, and ‘a close circle’ into more natural academic wording.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5
Scoring rule

A wide range of complex structures is generally accurate, although a few awkward clauses and missing connectors weaken the final sentences.

Next step

Revise the conclusion with explicit connectors, including ‘through the advice of loved ones, a person can’ and ‘when choosing a career’.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Some people seek a lot of advice from family and friends when choosing their careers. Others feel that it is better to choose a career more independently. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Your response

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