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?

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People have different views on whether innate nature exerts the biggest influence on the personality we exhibit or not.
Although
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our characteristics usually are shaped before we are born to some extent, I do believe that external factors
such
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as experiences are much more important in shaping our personality. On the one hand, innate characteristics determine our personality to some extent.
Firstly
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, genetics play an important role in determining our temperament and the decisions we make.
For example
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, children especially in their childhood are more likely to make the same decision as that made by their parents without knowing.
Additionally
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, brain structure and chemistry can
also
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impact our cognitive abilities and emotional responses.
However
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, we are more likely to be influenced by external factors.
To begin
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with, education is a determining factor in shaping who we are. To be specific, those receivers of formal and systematic education usually have a wider range of knowledge and acute insights compared with those people who lack corresponding learning experiences.
Furthermore
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, working experience and lessons would
further
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influence our spirits and temperament, either facilitating our growth or hindering our development.
For instance
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, those people who are willing to learn from lessons and apply the knowledge they learn to reality usually are more likely to succeed in their career path.
Besides
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, our family environment and the upbringing we received shape our values and our behaviours. Take those children who are brought up in a notable family as an example, they usually exhibit a higher level of self-esteem and confidence. In conclusion,
while
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I can understand the reason why someone thinks that we are what we were born, in most cases, the innate characteristics would not
last
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long and would be replaced and influenced by life experience.
Therefore
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, I would argue that it is the external factors that shape who we are most.

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coherence cohesion
The essay is logically structured into an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. However, a clearer linkage between different paragraphs could enhance the coherence of your discussion.
introduction conclusion present
The introduction and conclusion are present and indicate your position on the topic. Additional work can be put into refining these sections to reflect a clearer overview and summarization of the essay.
supported main points
You have supported main points with reasoning and examples. However, strive for a comprehensive explanation. Expand on your support to ensure clarity and depth in your explanation.
complete response
You've answered the question with a clear stance and an argumentative approach. But, there's room for better understanding and elaboration of the question's aspects within the essay.
clear comprehensive ideas
You've explained ideas effectively, providing relevant and specific examples. You could benefit from providing more nuanced ideas to offer a more comprehensive perspective.

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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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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