In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
The topic of this 650-word essay is to discuss why defining happiness is so difficult and what factors are important in being happy. If you are not taking an exam but need to discuss this topic, then read on and note down what you deem useful. If you intend to use this essay as part of an assignment, remember to paraphrase so as not to plagiarize.
The topic is similar to what candidates expect in any other C2-level examination in that examiners want to see a well-organized, coherent and cohesive discussion of the issue with arguments and examples written in approximately half an hour. Whether or not you agree with the viewpoint expressed, remember that what yields a higher score is the way a subject is argued, so if you see that you come up with more ideas for the side of the argument you disagree with during the brainstorming phase, it doesn't matter -- simply go ahead and plead that side of the argument.
This essay took longer than half an hour to write, so don't think examiners expect something of this length!
For those who'd like to read more sample essays and useful essay-writing posts, click on the image below.
Happiness is considered very
important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important in
achieving happiness?
Many abstract concepts
have been the center of contemplation throughout the ages by both erudite philosophers
and laymen alike. After debates and controversy, deep reflection or careful
drafting of ideas, it is certain that no definitive consensus can be reached
regarding a number of these concepts, least of which in importance is not happiness.
The reasons why settling on a definition everyone could agree with are varied
and irrevocably linked, in my view, to the factors that determine what makes
people happy.
First of all, defining what brings us joy is challenging
due to the fact that happiness is subjective per se. What makes one person feel
ecstatic does not necessarily mean it does another. Take any example from the
world of entertainment: I might enjoy horror movies or the theater, you cringe
at the very thought of both. Your average marathon trainee feels elated with
the idea of running for hours every day, while you yourself look forward with
glee at a night spent at home with friends, banter and beers. Watching the Champions
League football final is for some the highlight of the year, whereas others simply
get excited with an upcoming sales season or a manicure session.
From all these
cases, it is evident that if a definition were to be formulated, it would have
to include the idea that happiness is the result of our leading a fulfilling
life or what we feel makes us become better individuals, something which could
not be more subjective. What makes one feel better is wealth, while to another
riches do not bring happiness. Becoming more intelligent makes someone feel
they are improving themselves and so they feel a sense of satisfaction which brings
them joy, while another person might view studying and books a waste of time. Family
for some is a lifelong goal which brings happiness, but could it be said that
those who choose not to marry or have children lead a life fraught with misery?
Being independent is the source of happiness for many, though others see it as
stressful. In short, a logical conclusion would be to say that happiness lies
in the fundamental sense of improvement a person feels, whether it is through
the attainment of knowledge, money, children, greater freedom or a myriad other
things, though these things are different for each person, which makes
happiness subjective and a definition difficult to pinpoint.
However, the
factors behind what things could make us happy can be narrowed down to our
surroundings. To put it more plainly, our happiness depends on the socio-economic
and even cultural state of affairs we find ourselves in, which give rise to our
experiences, though this too is subjective. A person who has experienced the
ravages of war finds happiness in a peaceful suburban neighborhood, where bombs
have not destroyed the facades of buildings and relatives are out of harm’s
way. Meanwhile, another person living in the same neighborhood is on the brink
of depression, a victim of middle-class ennui, employee listlessness or
stay-at-home melancholy. Another case in point is poverty and the gap between
the rich and the poor in 18th century France which set in motion the
revolution that gave joy to those who manned the guillotine and saw the heads
of those who pompously replied “Let them eat cake” fall into the wicker basket.
In this case, happiness to see a man die is the result of another man’s fulfillment,
but all this depends on one’s perspective.
It seems a conclusion
to this pursuit of a definition of happiness is pointless owing to the
different perspectives or life experiences people have in addition to the
surroundings they find themselves in. Happiness is difficult to define because
it is subjective, and the reason why it is subjective is because the factors
that lead to it are too varied and modified by the circumstances each person chances
upon.
Looking for useful vocabulary for the Speaking and Writing sections of ESL exams? Click on the image below.
Don't know where to start with essays? Read the first post in my essay-writing series by following the link (click on the image below).
