Hustlers IELTS | 5 Model Essays, 5 Plans, High-Band Vocabulary

This Cambridge 19 prompt is a perfect test of whether you can write a real Discuss Both Views + Opinion essay.

To score Band 7+, your essay must do three things with zero confusion:

• explain why competition can be good
• explain why cooperation can be better
• make your position clear (not hidden)

Below are five different model responses to the same question. Each one takes a slightly different angle. Use them to build flexibility — because in the exam you won’t get the same task twice, but you can reuse the same logic and language.

The Task (Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic, Test 1)

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Essay 1 — Cooperation Wins Long-Term

Plan

• Intro: Introduce debate + essay aim
• BP1: Competition drives excellence (work + school)
• BP2: Cooperation improves teamwork and outcomes
• BP3: Opinion: cooperation is better long-term (belonging + sustainable success)
• Conclusion: Summarise + restate opinion

Essay

In today’s competitive world, the debate over whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in work, school, and daily life is highly relevant. Some argue that competition drives individuals to excel, while others believe that cooperation fosters a more supportive and productive environment. This essay will explore both viewpoints and provide my perspective.

Advocates of competition argue that it pushes individuals to reach their full potential. For instance, in the workplace, competition can lead to higher productivity and innovation as employees strive to outperform their peers. Similarly, in schools, students may be motivated to achieve higher grades and develop critical thinking skills to stay ahead of their classmates. The pressure to succeed can drive individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

On the other hand, proponents of cooperation emphasize the importance of teamwork and collective effort. In work settings, collaboration can lead to more effective problem-solving and the sharing of diverse perspectives, resulting in better decision-making. In educational environments, cooperative learning encourages students to work together, promoting mutual understanding and support. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also helps students develop social and emotional skills, such as empathy and communication.

In my opinion, while competition can spur individual achievement, cooperation is ultimately more beneficial in the long run. Cooperation fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for personal and professional growth. For example, in a team-oriented workplace, employees are more likely to feel valued and supported, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. Additionally, cooperative learning in schools prepares students for the collaborative nature of modern work environments, where teamwork is often crucial to success.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have their merits. However, I believe that fostering a cooperative spirit is more advantageous as it promotes a supportive and inclusive environment, which is essential for sustainable growth and development. Encouraging collaboration over competition can lead to more meaningful and lasting achievements.

Vocabulary to steal

• competitive world
• drive individuals to excel
• workplace productivity
• critical thinking skills
• collective effort
• mutual understanding
• supportive and inclusive environment
• team-oriented workplace
• job satisfaction and retention
• sustainable growth

Essay 2 — Both Matter, But Prioritise Cooperation

Plan

• Intro + debate
• Competition: excellence + resilience
• Cooperation: harmonious productivity + interpersonal skills
• Opinion: cooperation should be prioritised in an interconnected world
• Conclusion

Essay

The ongoing debate about whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in various aspects of life, such as work, school, and daily activities, continues to spark interest. Some believe that competition is essential for personal and societal advancement, while others advocate for the benefits of cooperation. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide my opinion.

Advocates of competition assert that it drives individuals to strive for excellence. In professional settings, competition can lead to increased productivity and innovation as employees aim to outperform their colleagues. Similarly, in educational contexts, competitive environments can motivate students to achieve higher academic standards and develop resilience. For instance, sports competitions teach students the value of hard work, perseverance, and discipline, which are crucial life skills.

Conversely, those who favour cooperation argue that it cultivates a more harmonious and productive atmosphere. In the workplace, collaboration can enhance creativity and problem-solving by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. In schools, cooperative learning strategies, such as group projects and peer tutoring, help students develop interpersonal skills and foster a sense of community. Cooperation encourages individuals to work together towards common goals, promoting a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

I believe that while competition has its place, cooperation is ultimately more beneficial for long-term success. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to work effectively with others is essential. For example, companies that emphasize teamwork and collaboration often experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Similarly, students who engage in cooperative learning activities are better prepared for real-world challenges, as they learn to communicate, negotiate, and compromise.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation offer unique advantages. However, I contend that cooperation should be prioritized, as it fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that is conducive to sustainable success. By promoting collaboration over competition, we can create a society where individuals work together to achieve shared goals, leading to greater overall prosperity.

Vocabulary to steal

• ongoing debate
• strive for excellence
• develop resilience
• harmonious and productive atmosphere
• cooperative learning strategies
• common goals
• interconnected world
• employee satisfaction / turnover
• real-world challenges
• overall prosperity

Essay 3 — Competition = Short-Term Gains; Cooperation = Sustained Success

Plan

• BP1: competition (sales, rankings, fitness)
• BP2: cooperation (innovation, social skills, community activities)
• BP3: opinion: cooperation more universally beneficial; competition demotivates low performers
• Conclusion

Essay

The question of whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial in work, school, and daily life is widely debated. Some argue that competition drives progress and individual excellence, while others believe that cooperation fosters a more supportive and effective environment.

Proponents of competition argue that it motivates individuals to excel. In the workplace, competitive settings can drive performance, with employees striving to achieve better results than their peers. For instance, sales teams often perform better when incentives reward top performers. In academic contexts, schools that display student rankings claim this practice motivates students to work harder and strive for higher grades, thus raising overall academic standards. They also argue that competition can be beneficial in physical activities, because competing against others often pushes people to improve their fitness.

On the other hand, advocates of cooperation emphasise its value in building teamwork and mutual support. In professional settings, collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes. For example, tech companies that prioritise teamwork often produce more creative and effective products. In schools, cooperative learning can foster essential social skills such as communication and empathy, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. In daily life, cooperation can be equally significant, as seen in community activities where individuals work together to organise local events or support neighborhood projects, fostering a spirit of shared purpose.

In my view, while competition may yield short-term gains, cooperation is more beneficial for sustained success across various areas of life. Additionally, excessive emphasis on competition can demotivate those who are not high performers, making cooperation a more universally beneficial approach.

In conclusion, while both competition and cooperation have their advantages, I believe cooperation holds more long-term value, as it nurtures environments of collective progress and inclusivity in the workplace, at school, and in everyday life.

Vocabulary to steal

• widely debated
• competitive settings / incentives
• raise academic standards
• innovative solutions / improved outcomes
• inclusive learning environment
• community activities / shared purpose
• yield short-term gains
• sustained success
• demotivate low performers
• universally beneficial

Essay 4 — Competition Is Better (Progress + Real-World Readiness)

Plan

• BP1: competition drives innovation (Apple vs Samsung)
• BP2: cooperation matters (group projects)
• BP3: opinion: competition prepares people for real challenges (sports discipline)
• Conclusion

Essay

The debate over whether competition or cooperation is more advantageous in work, school, and daily life is ongoing. Some argue that competition drives progress and excellence, while others believe that cooperation fosters teamwork and mutual support. This essay will discuss both perspectives, ultimately arguing that competition offers greater benefits.

Competition is a powerful driver of innovation and progress. In the tech industry, for instance, the rivalry between companies like Apple and Samsung has led to significant technological advancements. Each company strives to outdo the other by introducing new features and improvements, benefiting consumers with cutting-edge products. Such competitive environments foster continuous improvement and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

On the other hand, cooperation is essential for fostering teamwork and collective success. In academic settings, group projects encourage students to work together, share ideas, and solve problems collaboratively. This helps them develop vital communication and collaboration skills, which are crucial for success in the modern workplace.

Despite the advantages of cooperation, I believe that competition is more beneficial as it prepares individuals for real-world challenges. Sports competitions, for example, teach participants resilience, discipline, and the importance of hard work. These experiences build crucial life skills that are applicable in various aspects of life. Furthermore, competition motivates individuals to strive for excellence and achieve their personal best, leading to personal and societal growth.

In conclusion, both competition and cooperation have their merits. However, competition is more beneficial as it drives innovation, prepares individuals for challenges, and promotes personal and societal growth.

Vocabulary to steal

• rivalry / technological advancements
• strive to outdo
• cutting-edge products
• continuous improvement
• real-world challenges
• resilience and discipline
• personal and societal growth

Essay 5 — Competition Is Better (Performance + Economic Growth)

Plan

• BP1: competition boosts performance (incentives)
• BP2: cooperation builds communities
• BP3: opinion: competition drives economic growth and innovation
• Conclusion

Essay

The debate between the benefits of competition and cooperation in work, school, and daily life is an important one. While cooperation promotes teamwork and collective success, competition can enhance personal performance and achievement. This essay will discuss both views, ultimately arguing that competition is more beneficial.

Competition significantly enhances personal performance and achievement. In workplaces, performance-based incentives drive employees to excel and reach their highest potential. For instance, sales teams often compete to achieve the best results, leading to increased productivity and higher sales figures. This competitive spirit motivates individuals to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence.

Conversely, cooperation is crucial for building strong, supportive communities. Collaborative projects, whether in schools or local communities, encourage people to work together towards common goals. Cooperation helps solve local issues effectively and creates a supportive network.

Despite the advantages of cooperation, competition drives economic growth and innovation. In competitive markets, companies are constantly striving to offer better products and services to gain a competitive edge. This leads to higher standards, efficiency, and continuous improvement, driving economic prosperity and societal advancement.

In conclusion, while cooperation builds supportive communities, competition is more beneficial as it enhances personal performance, drives economic growth, and fosters innovation.

Vocabulary to steal

• performance-based incentives
• reach their highest potential
• competitive spirit
• ambitious goals
• competitive edge
• higher standards and efficiency
• economic prosperity / societal advancement

Hustlers IELTS Notes: How to Use These 5 Essays

• If you struggle with ideas, memorise structures, not full essays.
• Notice how each essay:
  • keeps one clear main idea per paragraph
  • uses examples that match the setting (work/school/daily life)
  • states the opinion clearly and supports it