Writing Task 2 Model Answers
WRITING
8. Personality
Some people argue that we are born with a fixed personality while others argue that we develop our personality because of our experiences.
What do you think is the most important factor?
Essay Plan:
Opinion: Partially agree with both views.
Main Idea 1: Genetics create a starting point for our personalities.
Sub-idea A: People with very similar childhood experiences are often very different.
Sub-idea B: Family members often share traits of personality.
Main Idea 2: Experiences have a huge impact on how our personality develops.
Sub-idea A: Positive experiences in childhood build self-esteem and confidence.
Sub-idea B: We look up to and imitate our parents and relatives, and take on their characteristics.
Model Answer:
It is believed by some people that personality is determined at birth, but others think that our character is formed due to the experiences we have. In my opinion, while genetics do play an important role, it is what happens in our lives, particularly in our childhoods, that is the most important factor in the development of our personalities.
Genetics appear to create a starting point or foundation for our personalities. It seems that we are born predisposed to have certain character traits, and this is evidenced by the fact that people who have very similar childhood experiences are often very different. For example, one sibling may become a successful and productive member of society, while another becomes antisocial and criminal. One may be self-centred and mean while another has a heart of gold. Furthermore, traits of character often run in families. If character traits weren’t passed down from one generation to the next, you wouldn’t so often see cases of children taking after their relatives, even in cases where they do not grow up together.
However, all this is not to say that our experiences do not play a massive role in the people we become. Clearly, growing up in a loving and supportive family has a very different impact on the development of a person’s personality than being neglected or growing up surrounded by violence. In fact, experiences, especially during the early years of childhood, are believed by modern psychologists to be key to determining fundamental aspects of personality such as how generous or selfish, how self-confident or insecure, or how generous or callous a person becomes. In addition, children will naturally look up to and imitate their parents and caregivers. They are easily influenced by them and as a result, will tend to resemble parents and relatives, not just physically but psychologically too.
In conclusion, genetics appear to provide a starting point for our personalities, but it is our experiences and environment that most shape who we become as individuals. A positive and supportive environment is key to a child developing confidence, high self-esteem and other positive traits.
*To see definitions and examples of the vocabulary in bold, along with practice exercises, go to Topic Vocabulary & Exercises.