IELTS Preparation Course

Money does have the potential to make people happy. But not in the way that a lot of people may think. [ Viewpoint 1 ] It's not necessarily the cash that inspires happiness; rather, it is the sense of security that money provides. [ Extension ] In other words, when people feel secure and at ease, they will ultimately be happy. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Moreover, being able to provide for loved ones can make anyone feel happy. [ Extension ] When one is able to buy material things for people they care for, they feel a sense of accomplishment and feeling accomplished is also a delightful feeling.

More angles to answer:

• The pursuit of money—never-ending and all-consuming, harmful to one's health
• Lose sight of what truly matters—spending less time with people we care about
• Negative career development—dread to quit, forced to work an unfulfilling, dead-end job

[ Viewpoint 1 ] Our world today is interconnected due to social media and the rise of social media has created a culture of comparison. [ Extension ] We are constantly comparing our shortcomings with the accomplishments of others, which is a miserable feeling. [ Viewpoint 2 ] The Internet also provides us with loads of news from every corner of the world. The amount of negative news that we are exposed to, such as natural disasters, crime, and violence, has a negative effect on our mental health. [ Extension ] Images of people suffering can make us feel helpless and this sense of helplessness can lead to anxiety and depression.

More angles to answer:

• Lower quality of life versus previous generations—work overtime, struggling with daily expenses
• Immense social pressure—to have a successful career, get married, and start a family without considering the wants of the individual
• Lack of opportunities—can't discover and express one's true identity

[ Viewpoint 1 ] For Chinese people, eating is a joyous occasion that also serves as an opportunity to bond with others. [ Extension ] You will find numerous Chinese dishes set on a rotating table which ensures that everyone gets their fill and they leave satisfied. Many happy memories are made at the dinner table. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Other than that, the majority of Chinese people believe that friends and family are the foundation of happiness. When we are too busy to visit our family in person, we text them on chatting apps. [ Extension ] Seeing a message from a loved one will always put a smile on our faces.

More angles to answer:

• Nature—go to parks and the countryside to enjoy the fresh air and view
• Games—play games on their phone or computer
• Travel—domestic travel and international travel, easy access to different modes of transportation

[ Viewpoint 1 ] The key to a happy marriage is mutual respect. This respect branches into loyalty and civility. [ Extension ] A happy marriage is one in which both parties are loyal to each other. Disloyalty leads to distrust, suspicion, anger, and resentment, none of which is conducive to a healthy and happy relationship. [ Extension 2 ] Being civil to one another is also critical, especially during arguments. Conflict is an inevitable occurrence in any relationship, but violence is inexcusable. When a couple can respect one another, they abstain from mental and physical abuse during disagreements.

More angles to answer:

• Experiences—doing activities as a couple, like travelling and making memories
• Friendship—knowing that someone supports you and loves you
• Family—creating a family of your own or integrating with the spouse's family

Many factors play into happiness for a child. [ Viewpoint 1 ] The main one is security; happy children feel secure in their surroundings. [ Extension ] That means they are free from violence and abuse. Moreover, they are assured by the fact that they can rely on the adults in their lives; children trust that these adults will keep them safe. [ Viewpoint 2 ] An active imagination is a unique characteristic of happy childhoods. [ Extension ] A happy child is allowed and encouraged to explore an imaginary world of their own making.

More angles to answer:

• Experiences—children need a variety of life experiences to feel fulfilled
• Sense of belonging—a sense of identity must be cultivated
• Happy memories—their past should not be coloured by trauma

Laughing is an essentially social exercise. [ Viewpoint 1 ] We like to make others laugh as a way of bonding with them. [ Extension ] When a situation is awkward or uncomfortable, laughing lightens the mood and allows people to let their guard down. When a mistake is made, getting an angry person to laugh is a way of getting back on their good side. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Another reason is that it makes them happy. [ Extension ] When someone is gleefully giggling because of you, you feel seen and important. You begin to laugh with them and experience euphoria on a tiny scale as your brain releases "feel-good" chemicals.

More angles to answer:

• Health—laughing has been scientifically proven to prolong life
• Positivity—likes to bring about hope and reduce mental sufferings for people's life and living
• Their passion or profession—comedians have the potential to earn a high income

Many things make kids laugh as they don't have as many inhibitions as adults. [ Viewpoint 1 ] Noises like someone farting or burping can make kids giggle or laugh out loud. [ Extension ] Because it is not polite to make such noises in public, children enjoy it when they make such noises or if others do the same. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Although it's not something to be encouraged, children love seeing others being embarrassed. [ Extension ] That is why they enjoy slapstick comedy on TV, where people fall down or are frightened by a staged incident.

More angles to answer:

• Physical touch—physical touch (like tickling) or the possibility of being touched
• Imaginary scenarios—children create a story in their heads which they find funny
• Peers—children share the same intellectual maturity level in terms of humour

[ Viewpoint 1 ] Most people smile in photographs to associate that moment in time with happiness. [ Extension ] When we look at a photograph, we process the emotions displayed on each person's face. If those in the photo express sadness or anger, we mirror those emotions. Therefore, people smile in photographs because they want their viewers to feel happy. [ Viewpoint 2 ] In connection to this, some also smile to avoid scrutiny by others. [ Extension ] When a frowning picture is uploaded, others assume something must be wrong, prompting them to inquire about the situation. So some people smile to avoid the expected interrogation.

More angles to answer:

• Cultural—in some cultures, smiling is encouraged
• Context—it depends on whether the photo is personal or professional
• For others—on social media, people smile to show that they are happy with their life