17/06/2026
IELTS LATEST 2026 BAND 9 ESSAY
Question
Some people believe that success in life mainly depends on hard work and determination. Others believe that factors such as money, appearance, and social connections are more important.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
⸻
Band 9 Sample Answer
Success has always been a subject of considerable debate. While some people argue that determination and hard work are the primary drivers of success, others contend that external advantages such as wealth, physical appearance, and social networks play a more significant role. Although both perspectives have merit, I firmly believe that sustained success is ultimately built upon effort, perseverance, and personal development.
On the one hand, it is understandable why some individuals consider external factors to be crucial. People who come from affluent backgrounds often have access to better education, professional opportunities, and financial resources. Similarly, attractive individuals may enjoy certain social advantages, while those with influential connections can sometimes gain opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. In highly competitive industries, networking and social capital can undoubtedly accelerate career advancement and open doors more quickly than merit alone.
However, external advantages rarely guarantee long-term success. Financial resources may provide opportunities, but they cannot replace competence, discipline, or resilience. History offers countless examples of individuals who achieved remarkable accomplishments despite limited resources or difficult circumstances. Their success was largely driven by persistence, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to their goals. Furthermore, in today’s rapidly evolving world, professional success increasingly depends on adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and lifelong learning rather than inherited advantages.
From my perspective, hard work and determination remain the most reliable foundations for lasting success. While money, appearance, and social connections may provide an initial advantage, they often influence only the starting point rather than the final outcome. Individuals who consistently improve their skills, embrace challenges, and remain committed to their objectives are far more likely to achieve meaningful and sustainable success over time.
In conclusion, although factors such as wealth, appearance, and social networks can create valuable opportunities, I believe that perseverance, self-discipline, and continuous effort are the key ingredients of genuine success. External advantages may open doors, but personal determination is what enables people to walk through them and continue moving forward.
Why This Essay Is Band 9
Clear Position
The writer discusses both views fairly before presenting a clear and consistent opinion.
Advanced Vocabulary
• considerable debate
• primary drivers of success
• affluent backgrounds
• influential connections
• social capital
• career advancement
• professional opportunities
• remarkable accomplishments
• unwavering commitment
• lifelong learning
• sustainable success
Complex Grammar
• Relative clauses
• Concession structures
• Complex noun phrases
• Advanced linking devices
Strong Idea Development
Each argument is explained, supported, and connected logically to the central position.
Natural Band 9 Connectors
• While…
• Similarly,…
• However,…
• Furthermore,…
• From my perspective,…
• In conclusion,…
Band 9 Collocations
hard work and determination: sự chăm chỉ và quyết tâm
external advantages: những lợi thế bên ngoài
affluent background: xuất thân giàu có
professional opportunities: cơ hội nghề nghiệp
influential connections: các mối quan hệ có ảnh hưởng
social capital: vốn xã hội
career advancement: sự thăng tiến nghề nghiệp
continuous learning: học tập liên tục
problem-solving abilities: khả năng giải quyết vấn đề
lifelong learning: học tập suốt đời
lasting success: thành công bền vững
self-discipline: tính kỷ luật bản thân
sustainable success: thành công lâu dài và bền vững
embrace challenges: đón nhận thử thách
meaningful achievement: thành tựu có ý nghĩa
(Collected from AM Education)