Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

In the present world, science has progressed a lot. Many studies are done on genes and chromosomes to identify human traits. Nowadays it is a debatable matter whether an individual’s
personality
is acquired genetically or developed by the experiences offered by
life
. In my opinion, lifetime experiences play a greater role than genes in a person’s
development
. Inherent traits certainly
influence
a
child
. Everyone is born with certain hereditary characteristics. The genes transmit information from generation to generation and they do play a role in shaping the
personality
and appearance of the
child
.
For example
, a
child
born to dwarf couples will
also
be a dwarf.
Similarly
, emotions and behaviour like anger and sensitivity are innate and they have an impact on a person’s
development
.
However
, lifetime experiences have a greater
influence
on the
personality
of an individual. A person learns a lot
from
Suggestion
about
his environment and these experiences often change him.
For instance
, I was an introvert as a
child
. But as I moved into a hostel in my teenage I was transformed into a more sociable person.
This
was because the hostel
life
required more interaction with others.
Therefore
, I believe that the innate characteristics can be altered as required by the surrounding environment.
Moreover
, the progress of an individual depends upon his own hard work and dedication. The
child
of a successful doctor need not be as successful as his father.
Hence
the
life
of an individual has a positive and negative effect on his
personality
and
development
. In conclusion, the inborn characteristics have some
influence
on an individual’s
personality
and
development
.
However
, in my opinion, it is mainly the outlook and appearance that are acquired, and not the
personality
. The lifetime situations have a major
influence
on our ability to cope with our circumstances and succeed in
life
.
Submitted by reyadiub016 on

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Answer the 'Advantages and Disadvantages' topic

IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of that statement.

Answer structure for the type of essay

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph 1 – advantages
  • Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages
  • Conclusion

Examples to start your body paragraph:

  • The main advantage is...
  • The disadvantage of this...
  • The main benefit...
  • Despite these advantages...
  • One possible drawback...

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Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • nature vs. nurture debate
  • genetic inheritance
  • personality traits
  • behavior patterns
  • heritability
  • twins studies
  • malleable characteristics
  • upbringing
  • environmental influences
  • critical periods
  • language acquisition
  • worldview
  • innate traits
  • personal experiences
  • psychological development
  • epigenetics
  • adaptive behaviors
  • cultural imprinting
  • temperament
  • social conditioning
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