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? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

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Research established that the
traits
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we have had since we were born have a stronger effect on us than experience.
While
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some might argue, I think both
characteristics
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, which came from
genes
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and experience, contribute equally to our development. The attributes we have in ourselves from birth come from our DNA. The
genes
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from our parents usually inhabit us, which is why, alongside physical appearance,
one
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usually has the same
characteristics
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and behaviour as his or her parents. The attitude and trait we embody from the
genes
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is our ‘nature’.
However
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,
besides
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our natural
traits
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that are born with us, another significant factor shapes our
overall
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character as a human being. The other factor is our ‘nurture’. Nurture consists of our personal
traits
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gained from our experience and response towards encountering many people. Both nature and nurture factors do not always contradict each other. Sometimes,
one
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strengthens another, too.
For example
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, a child born with his parents’
genes
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, will have a higher similarity when he spends his childhood years with them. The family and the environment where
one
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grows up can encourage genetic
characteristics
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.
However
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, nurture
traits
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can
also
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be slightly different, or even totally opposite from natural genetics. As humans develop, the growth environment constantly changes from home, school, work, and so on. Encountering different people and surroundings might change our perspective, mindset, and, eventually, our behaviour. Someone who is always seen with good
characteristics
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and taught well at home
,
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apply
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can be a rebel when he befriended anarchic youth in school.
Whereas
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, the
one
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born with a bad attitude has a chance to grow in a better circumstance when living in a good environment.
Furthermore
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, when choosing whether genetics or life experiences have a stronger effect on our growth, I think either surpasses the other.
While
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genetics play an important part in shaping our natural response, our changing experiences stand a chance to shape us as we grow.
Submitted by qonitaryana on

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coherence cohesion
Ensure better linkage between paragraphs to improve logical flow and structure.
task achievement
Provide more detailed specific examples to clearly illustrate your points.
coherence cohesion
The introduction and conclusion are effectively present and capture the essence of the argument.
task achievement
The essay addresses both perspectives of nature versus nurture effectively, showing a balanced point of view.
task achievement
The essay contains clear ideas and generally supports them well with developed arguments.

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  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

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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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