IELTS Writing Task 2 : Sample 45
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You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in other cases, people choose their own marriage partner.
Discuss both systems.
Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence.
Write at least 250 words
Response 1
Marriage is something sacred, something that defines the better part of our entire lives. Therefore, it would only be natural that the determination of who we get married to is left up to the two people getting married.
The rational part of me wonders if it is fair for elders to feel the need and exert control over every situation, marriage included, in the youth's lives. Perhaps they do have more experience with judging a person's character and taking weighing what would be best in the long run for the person getting married. In their position, they are able to rationalize between what their son or daughter must not make compromises with. Their judgement would, most probably, be unclouded by overzealous affection (or discontent) as opposed to the young man or woman getting married.
On the other hand, nobody likes having their wishes and desires go unheard or ignored. One's happiness is paramount to any and every situation, despite how undermined it may be in the face of perceived logic. Their happiness in a situation, in this case- marriage, often determines the probability of success of the entire endeavour. Too little credit is given to the potential for change. It is so often assumed that a person who does not fit your ideals is stationary, unchangeable. All people, all things, always have room for improvement. The success rate of arranged marriages seems to be a flawed thing if you assess the angle that pertains to compliance and submissiveness. In other words, it can be said that, perhaps, a marriage seems happy because the girl who was obedient and "disciplined" enough to compromise and accept an arranged marriage may also continue to compromise with an unhappy relationship. Statistics are always lacking with regards to something so emotionally complex.
Hence, we can assert that I am more supportive of marriages dependant on the consent of both parties equally. However, that is not without the advice and fair counsel of the elderly and wise.
Written by Wardah Razzaq.