essay on relative success

If You Want Success, Pursue Happiness

Many people chase achievement, assuming it will lead to well-being. They should reverse that order of operations.

“ How to Build a Life ” is a weekly column by Arthur Brooks, tackling questions of meaning and happiness. Click here to listen to his podcast series on all things happiness, How to Build a Happy Life .

W ithout going too far out on a limb, I believe almost everyone would like two things from their jobs and careers: success and happiness. They want to do relatively well financially, receive fair recognition for their accomplishments, enjoy their work as much as one can, and become happier as a person as a result. These are reasonable goals, but they can be a lot to ask—so many people, especially ambitious, hard-working people, simplify them in a logical way: They first seek success and then assume that success will lead to happiness.

But this reasoning is flawed. Chasing success has costs that can end up lowering happiness, as many a desiccated, lonely workaholic can tell you.

This is not to say that you have to choose between success and happiness. You can obtain both. But you have to reverse the order of operations: Instead of trying first to get success and hoping it leads to happiness, start by working on your happiness, which will enhance your success.

S uccess and happiness are generally positively correlated, as many workforce studies have shown. For example, companies in Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list saw an average 14 percent stock-price increase every year from 1998 to 2005, compared with 6 percent for the overall market. And as Gallup data have shown , among business units with employee-engagement levels (that is, employees who reported feeling heard, respected, and intellectually stimulated, and who had a best friend at work) in the 99th percentile, 73 percent perform above the company average, and 78 percent perform above the industry average.

From this correlation, many assume causation—from success to happiness. During my years as an executive, I found that people strongly believe that pay increases—especially big ones—will have a large and long-lasting effect on their job satisfaction. The data tell us a different story, however: Large wage increases have only a small and transitory effect on well-being. Researchers in 2017 tracked the pay and job satisfaction (measured on a 0–10 scale) of nearly 35,000 German workers over several years. The study found that the anticipation of a 100 percent pay bump increases job satisfaction by about a quarter of one digit in the year before the raise. The raise increases that satisfaction bump by another fifth of a digit. By the fourth year, the increase has fallen to less than a fifth in total.

In other words, say your job satisfaction is a six out of 10—not bad, but could be better. If your boss doubles your pay, it will get you to about 6.5, and then it will fall back to about 6.2. Maybe this isn’t the best strategy to help you love your job.

And that doesn’t even take into account the cost that increased job success can have on overall life satisfaction. In 2016, psychologists measured career success by asking 990 college-educated full-time professionals to compare their career achievements to others’. They found that people generally enjoyed the money and status that relative success produced. However, success did not lead to total contentment: It indirectly chipped away at life satisfaction, likely via time constraints, stress, and impoverished social relationships.

Read: ‘Success addicts’ choose being special over being happy

Much stronger and more positive results emerge, however, when researchers reverse the order, looking not at success’s effects on happiness, but happiness’s effect on success. Scholars in 2005 surveyed hundreds of studies—including experiments to establish causality—and concluded that happiness leads to success in many realms of life, including marriage, friendship, health, income, and work performance.

One explanation might be that happiness makes us more attractive, so we are rewarded by others. Alternatively, happiness might make us more productive. Novel experimental research suggests both are true. For example, scholars in 2021 studied Chinese livestream web broadcasters, for whom voluntary viewer tips are the primary source of income. They found that when they showed more positive emotion, their tips immediately increased, suggesting that people who appear happy are rewarded in the market. Another experiment involved British test subjects engaging in a time-limited arithmetic task and math test. The researchers found that subjects who were shown a clip of a comedy movie beforehand were about 12 percent more productive on the task and test than those who weren’t, and that the funnier they found the clip, the more productive they were.

Listen as Arthur Brooks and psychiatrist Robert Waldinger discuss one of the longest studies of human happiness on record.

W hether you are an employee or employer, it is a better investment to increase happiness at work and in life, rather than simply trying to increase measures of success.

The first thing to remember is that happiness requires balance. No matter how much you enjoy your work, overwork will become an obstruction to well-being. Researchers in 2020 studying 414 Iranian bank employees found that workaholic behavior (such as perfectionism and work addiction) strongly predicted workplace incivility (such as hostility, privacy invasion, exclusionary behavior, and gossiping). Workaholic behaviors also degraded the quality of family life (as measured in disagreement with statements such as “My involvement in work provides me with a sense of success; this, in turn, helps me to be a better person in my family”).

Read: Is there really such a thing as a ‘workaholic’?

You should guard against workaholism in yourself and help your friends and family who suffer from it. But just as important, employers should not encourage overwork—which will likely require effort and attention on their part, as research shows that executives generally underestimate employees’ struggles with well-being.

Once work quantity is under control, happiness at work requires a sense of meaning and purpose. I have written in this column that the two key aspects of meaningful work are earned success and service to others . Earned success implies a sense of accomplishment and recognition for a job well done, while service to others requires knowledge of the real people who benefit from your work. Lots of research shows the importance of these work aspects. For example, Gallup has revealed that people who serve their communities and receive recognition for it self-report significantly less stress and worry in their lives than those who do not (either because they don’t serve their communities or do not receive recognition).

Meanwhile, the most meaningful jobs tend to be those that are the most service-oriented. According to 2016 research by the Pew Research Center, proportionally, more workers in nonprofit and government sectors—i.e., work that is generally service-oriented—said their jobs give them a sense of identity than did private-sector workers. It’s harder to find the link to service in some professions than others, but it can usually be done. Years ago, I was working with a team of academic researchers creating policies for improved bank regulation. One scholar who was particularly passionate about the project told me he always remembered that his work mattered, because poor people need access to reasonably priced credit, and that requires less bureaucratic red tape.

Even if you struggle to see who benefits, because the people you touch with your work are very far away or your work touches them indirectly, try looking a little closer—maybe even in the next cubicle. You can always enjoy the effects of service by helping your colleagues, and there is clear evidence that supporting co-workers can help ease negative emotions at work.

Ultimately, although success and happiness are linked, the alchemy is mostly one-way—and not in the way that most people think. Working on your success to get happier is inefficient at best, and may blow up in your face and lead you to un happiness. But working on your happiness gives you the best chance at getting both.

E ven if all of this makes sense to you, you may still find yourself falling into old habits of seeking happiness via worldly success at work. Don’t feel too bad—I do it too, even as a specialist in this field. Whenever I notice my hours creeping up to workaholic levels and my dreams of happiness revolving around some accomplishment, I like to reread a short story published in 1922 by Franz Kafka called “A Hunger Artist.” It features a man who starves himself in a cage for a living as a traveling carnival act. He is obsessed with his work and, as a perfectionist, seeks what he calls “flawless fasting.” The hunger artist is proud of his success, although he is always gloomy, and, Kafka writes, “if a good-natured man who felt sorry for him ever wanted to explain to him that his sadness probably came from his fasting … the hunger artist responded with an outburst of rage.”

Over time, the hunger artist’s act falls out of public favor. In desperation to resuscitate his flagging career, he tries fasting longer than he ever has before. Instead, he is utterly ignored, and sits alone in his cage. In the end, the hunger artist starves himself to death. In a twist of absurdism—we might even call it Kafkaesque —the protagonist admits just before expiring that the only reason he had engaged in his art was because he could not find any food to his liking.

I’m not that bad, of course, but I have a bit of a hunger artist in me, and you might too. Here’s my advice: You won’t find happiness by forgoing happiness. Don’t starve yourself. Your odds of success will increase if you eat.

Definition Essay on Success

The definition of success differs from one person to another. Most people work hard throughout their lives to achieve success. That might mean acquiring an education, being able to take care of one’s family, achieving all life’s ambitions, or making money that would be enough to live happily.

One interesting view about success is that it means something different to each person. At the same time, perceptions of success can be faulty. Someone may seem to be successful, but scandals and ruins can easily follow if a person has made poor choices to achieve his ideal of success.

A lot of people tend to confess that the people they once considered very successful in life turned out to be rather miserable. Some of the individuals who are successful, especially when measured in terms of material wealth, are often afraid of other people trying to take advantage of them. Basically, one common observation in life is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to be successful in every aspect of life. In most cases, one can be successful in one part of life and be a total failure in another.

When one is looking for success , it is important to concentrate on one’s strengths rather than pursuing goals in those areas where you are not going to enjoy a certain degree of achievement. There are many areas in our lives that we generally consider important.

These include the self, business, family, environment, material things, community, work, spirituality, and friends. In order to be truly successful, one needs to balance each of these areas. It is rather obvious that these areas cannot be of equal importance to everyone. That is why people tend to work towards being successful in some areas in their lives while neglecting the other areas. It is, however, not a good idea to ignore any of these parts even though it is important to set priorities.

Even when you decide to focus on your strengths, it is important to strive to improve in other areas as well. In other words, people have to make every effort to have a well-balanced life. For instance, if one works hard towards being successful and ends up becoming a workaholic, one may lose friends and family.

In the long run, one may end up damaging his health or overall well-being. One should always try to keep each of the components of his life in harmony with each other. In other words, to become a happy and successful person, you have to find out what motivates you – what it is that you’d love to achieve not only for yourself but your family as well. Consider what you value most in all areas of life – emotional, spiritual, and material. That’s what will definitely make you happy. If you don’t happen to do it, you are not going to be happy.

Some definition essay writing tips: When it comes to the term “definition essay,” you can get its meaning right from reading these two words – “definition” and “essay.” In other words, your task is to provide your readers with a complete and clear definition of a particular word. The word may be associated with some event, place, person, or process. The length of a definition essay is usually half a page for the reason that it is enough to provide a concise and comprehensive explanation.

When you write a definition essay about success, you have to begin your paper by defining what success is. However, one cannot describe what one does not know. At the same time, your task is to demonstrate that you know the real meaning of success. If you haven’t decided yet what success means to you, feel free to look for topic-based researches and words to provide your readers with a range of definitions and examples. After defining success, one should write what success means in different areas of life. One should also note the importance of balancing priorities and offer an example or two.

In general, a definition essay on success will include the basic parts of any other academic paper:

The introductory paragraph. When you write your introduction, ensure to include some intriguing and catchy information instead of using some dull dictionary material.

Thesis statement. In the case of the definition essay, you’re not required to write a standard thesis statement because you’re not supposed to prove anything. If you want to submit a supreme quality definition essay, make sure to state a primary assertion of your project in the intro. Put it into the last sentence of the opening paragraph.

Body paragraphs (the number of paragraphs will depend on the term that you are going to define and explain, as well as the difficulty level of the chosen subject).

To write your body section successfully, make certain to follow some simple rules:

• Write a new idea in a new paragraph.
• If the term “success” has more than one meaning in your essay, ensure to explain each.
• Provide as many examples as you can and write different viewpoints in order to support the core idea of your project.

The concluding part. Provide a proper conclusion for your definition essay to give your target audience the complete and clear definition of the term “success.” Sum up your points by providing a shortened version of your project. Feel free to tell your readers how the definition of the word “success” influenced your life. People love personal facts and authors being honest.

Are you looking for a high-quality definition essay on success written from scratch? Do you need writing assistance? Or, perhaps, you have already accomplished your piece and now you’re looking for some professional editing? Visit AdvancedWriters.com to get custom essay help of any complexity level.

It’s impossible to prescribe a single ultimate definition of success. The true definition of success essay will differ from one person to another depending on their goals, thought processes, and what makes them happy. Some define success as acquiring an education, being able to take care of one’s family, achieving all life’s ambitions, or making money that would be enough to live happily. Others consider living a life full of joy and love with family as the real measure of success. Once a person understands what is important to them on a personal level, it becomes easy to identify the goals and visions that lead to a successful life. The opposite of success is failure, which happens when one fails to accomplish certain objectives. While most people seek success in life, not everyone understands what the status is all about or how to achieve it. Success is when you accomplish a purpose or goal.

A faulty perception of success can lead to poor choice and failure. Although success is a personal view, achieving it requires careful consideration of the strategies to achieve it. Some people confess that the people they once considered very successful in life turned out to be rather miserable. Some of the individuals who are successful, especially when measured in terms of material wealth, are often afraid of other people trying to take advantage of them.

Others make poor decisions in their quest to attain success, leading to lack of inspiring ideas in a definition of success essay. One common observation in life is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to be successful in every aspect of life. In most cases, one can be successful in one part of life and be a total failure in another. To accomplish something big, such as winning a game, passing an exam, or getting a promotion, it’s important to set high standards and continue striving to achieve your goals. Thus, the difference between success and failure lies in optimism and a mentality of not settling for less.

To look for elements that define success in one’s life , concentrate on individual strengths rather than pursuing goals in areas with less degree of achievement attached to them. Some areas that people consider important in life include family, self, business, material things, environment, work, friends, community and spirituality. True success is achieved at a personal level when one finds a balance in all these important areas of their life. Still, real success doesn’t mean pursuing equal achievements in all these areas of life because some areas will always be more important than others. According to this success definition essay, achieving a good balance requires investing more in areas with a high sense of achievement attached to them without completely neglecting the other areas. Finding the perfect balance of success in life requires setting priorities.

In addition to focusing on your strengths, success requires going beyond expectations. Limitations only hinder a person from learning and improving. Sometimes, the path to success requires accepting correction and using criticism as a stepping stone to improve oneself. Other times, success requires skill development and pushing oneself to the limits. Challenges are part of the process to achieve success, but giving up or settling should not be an option.

Happiness and success in life is attached to what motivates a person. Consider the most valuable areas of life, such as emotional, spiritual, and material elements, and set goals to improve them. If one works towards success in the most meaningful areas of their life, they will attain true success. Overall, the process of becoming successful starts with identifying a person’s idea of success, identifying strengths, and setting elaborate goals. Success has a unique definition for each person depending on the areas of life that they consider as the most important. To avoid failure, set standards, visions, and goals that guide the decision-making processes. Pursue areas of strength rather than concentrating on areas in which no success value is attached to them. Success requires finding a perfect balance between competing areas of life. Most times, reaching success goals requires going beyond expectations. Remember that success is the consequence of achieving several accomplishments.

Table of Contents

Definition Essay Writing: 10 Easy Tips

Don’t choose a simple and obvious term that doesn’t require profound research. Choose a term or concept that you understand but also leaves room for creativity. That way, you can craft a unique definition that impresses the reader. Don’t refer to phrases in the dictionary. Instead of copy pasting standard dictionary definitions, try to focus on providing a system that helps the reader to understand your own definition of what is being discussed. Refer to functions and structure. An effective strategy for writing good success definition essay examples is to explain the structure and functions related to the term. Also, you can develop a definition by specifying the opposite of what the word means.

Avoid passive voice in the thesis statement. Passive voice can create awkward sentences and make it hard to determine whether the definition in the thesis is yours or borrowed from research. Provide the origin and history of the term. Since language has existed for many centuries, you’re likely to find some useful historical information about the concept or term. Also, discuss evolutions in the meaning of the word if any. Including historical data can make a definition essay more credible and informative.

Include transitions. Transitions improve the flow of ideas in an essay. Don’t forget to add them in between paragraphs to connect ideas. Have the audience in mind. Think about the readers when writing to ensure that all parts of the text will be clear and interesting to them. Don’t repeat one definition more than once in the text. Use examples. Add comments and explanations to examples provided in body paragraphs to demonstrate to the reader that you understand how to write an academic success definition essay. If a term has a broad meaning, narrow it down. Certain words would require many pages to cover all potential definitions. For example, the definition of the word ‘love’ is too broad to cover in a single page. However, narrowing it down to ‘self-Love’ makes it easy to craft a good definition essay. Edit, edit, edit. Eliminate any grammatical errors and lexical mistakes by taking a fresh look at your writing. Also, confirm that your sources are cited correctly and listed accordingly in a list of references. If possible, ask someone to look through your paper and make comments.

Key Elements of a Definition Essay on Success

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of other academic essays. A good essay always starts with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs, and ends with a conclusion. However, unlike other types of essays, a definition essay focuses on explaining a particular concept or term. Here is the basic outline of a definition essay on success: Introduction The introduction paragraph includes several crucial elements. The first line should be a hook that captures the attention of the reader. Ensure you include the term you have chosen to describe. The best way to introduce what is your definition of success essay is to use a standard definition that provides foundational understanding of the term. If the term has several meanings, select the one that you like most and add a personal touch. Overall, the introduction should be brief but informative. Ensure you conclude the introduction paragraph with a precise thesis statement.

Thesis statement

Since you do not need to prove anything in a definition of success in life essay, the thesis statement is slightly different from other essays. Here a primary assertion of your definition and the idea that you will prove will suffice. The thesis can also include a definition of success in your own words. Put the thesis into the last sentence of the opening paragraph. Body paragraphs This is where you make the essay arguments by presenting different ways and angles to look at success. Try to uncover all essential facts about success while sharing your personal views on the subject.

To write your body section successfully, follow this simple rules:

A definition essay must end with a proper conclusion that tells the reader my personal definition of success essay. Do not introduce new facts in the conclusion. Instead, summarize information you have outlined in the body of the essay. Also, tell about what place the term success has in your life or any special meanings it has to you. People love to read intriguing facts about other people’s lives.

Crafting an Outstanding Definition Essay on Success is Easy and Fun! In conclusion, mastering the skills needed to craft a top-notch definition essay takes learning and practice. That’s why we have provided this guide to give you all the cards you need to start writing like a pro. Now you know how definition essays differ from typical essay paper and the correct format and writing style to use. Read the tips and samples in this post to know the best way to prepare a top-notch definition essay.

← Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson Comparison Essay Critical Essay on The Glass Menagerie →

• 275 words/page
• 12 point Arial/Times New Roman font
• Free bibliography & reference
• Double spacing
• Free formatting (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard and others)
• Free title page

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Class — Cultural Myths: Gregory Mantsios’ ‘Class in America’ and ‘Rereading America’

Cultural Myths: Gregory Mantsios' 'Class in America' and 'Rereading America'

• Categories: Equality in America Social Class

About this sample

Words: 1046 |

Published: Apr 8, 2022

Words: 1046 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Wealth inequality as influential cultural myths, gender and racial discrimination - as another form of oppression.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Social Issues Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 604 words

2 pages / 980 words

8 pages / 3854 words

7 pages / 3213 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Social Class

As a college student, social class has been one of the ongoing issues that have been interesting to me. It is a topic that has existed for centuries and has caused significant impacts in the society. Social class refers to a [...]

In 2011, director Tate Taylor brought Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel, The Help, to the big screen. The film, set in 1960s Mississippi, follows the lives of African-American maids and their relationships with the white [...]

The theme of social class and identity has been a prevalent and significant topic. In S.E. Hinton's novel, The Outsiders, this theme is prominently featured as the story revolves around the lives of two rival groups, the [...]

Social class is a central theme in Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, Persepolis. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that is depicted through a range of characters and situations. Through Satrapi's use of characterisation, [...]

Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood Press.Bowles, S., & Gintis, H. (1976). Schooling in capitalist America: [...]

In the short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, the class a person is born into is everything. The class you hold controls your life, your actions, and even your career. In this story, a beautiful woman named Mathilde [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Success Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on success.

Success Essay- In today’s world everyone wants to be successful but what is a success. The perspective of success varies from person to person. For the record, the people before us have a different view on success and the person after us will have a different view on success.

Moreover, people compare different people performance to evaluate their success. But success is not something that you can copy from others. You have to make your own path to achieving success. In modern-day, people are obsessed with success because of the glamour and lifestyle of successful people .

What formulates a person successful?

There are many ways in the world to be successful. But most people think of celebrities, artist, politicians, and businessmen whenever they heard the word success.

Moreover, they think doing what they will make you successful but that not the case. They forget the most basic thing that makes a person successful that is their hard work, dedication, and the desire to achieve their dream. More importantly, they what they like to do not what that others told them to do. Successful people do what they like to do also they do what they feel correct for their business.

If you look in the dictionary for the meaning of the word success then you will find that it means the achievement of one’s goal or aim . So, basically, anyone can achieve success by simply achieving their aim or goal.

What is the harm of success?

We all knew that we can’t achieve something without sacrificing something. Success also demands various things from you. But these sacrifices will not go in vain if you achieve your goal.

Certainly, many people achieve professional success but in doing so they fail in achieving mental, social and physical success. The tension of lacking behind in other things pulls them apart.

Also, there are cases where people became so obsessed with success that the people around them start to feel uncomfortable around them. In some cases, they have gone mad. Apart from that, people also get depressed if they can’t achieve success like others. So, we can say that there is much harm to success.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Success and hard work

It may sound unfit to some peoples but success depends a lot of hard work. Without it, you can’t become successful. Hard work does not mean that you do laborious work or the work that make you sweat. Hard work means having a healthy body, strong mind, willpower and positive attitude towards things. And for all those things you need energy. So, be attentive to your body and soul.

Besides, do not just work on your program, push your limit, take charge of other things, improve your skills and most importantly keep learning. Apart from that, be with positive peoples, develop positive habits, and do exercise not only for the body but also for your mind.

To sum it up, we can say that success is like a seed that needs a balanced proportion of all the elements of life. And no one can achieve success in a day they have to go through and face different conditions in life for being successful. Above all, success is the feeling of fulfillment that you feel when you achieve your goal.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Final Summer I 2024 Application Deadline is June 2, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

Featured Posts

National Science Foundation's High School Internship - 7 Reasons Why You Should Apply

10 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in New Jersey (NJ)

8 Summer STEM Programs for High School Students in Virginia

How to Write Your Personal Statement: A College Essay Expert’s Step-by-Step Process for Success

10 Mentorship Programs for High School Students in 2024-2025

10 Computer Science Camps for High School Students

7 Robotics Summer Camps for Middle School Students

9 Non-Profit Internships for High School Students

10 Best Hackathons for High School Students

10 International Olympiads for High School Students

College essays are a crucial piece of the admissions puzzle. They’re your best–and sometimes, only–chance to tell admissions officers, in your own words, who you are, what you care about, and how you’ll contribute to their community as a future college student and as a person. They also provide an opportunity for you to connect with a college admissions officer in a more genuine way that isn’t possible with test scores, GPA or even letters of recommendation, which is particularly relevant for colleges that have gone test-blind or test-optional. 

If you’re one of the millions of high school students applying to college, you might find yourself wondering what makes for a good college essay and where to get started. When it comes to writing a personal statement–the main college essay, which is usually 650 words or fewer, colleges typically provide broad prompts. This can be a good thing, though, because it means you can write about pretty much anything you want! But it also means that you have to narrow the focus of your essay yourself.

Are you looking for some support to get started? 

Read our step-by-step guide for how to write a strong personal statement as a high school student! 

1. Brainstorm Different Essay Topics (Experiences)

The best college essays are those that show admissions officers the student’s authentic character based on what they’ve done. They   don’t need to be grand, ambitious, or revelatory, epic in scale or focused on some incredible accomplishment. Simple, everyday aspects of your real life can actually be much more effective. 

So how can you identify those aspects? Start by asking yourself two simple questions: 

Who are you? This is the most important thing that college admissions officers want to know. In other words, what are the primary qualities of your character? What makes you unique? 

What do you care about? The things you care about are a powerful way to give admissions officers more insight into the person you are now and the person you’ll be in the future, as a college student and beyond. What are your passions, hobbies, and interests? 

Jot down some high-level ideas in response to those questions. Be as detailed as possible! 

When it comes to choosing a topic, there are some do’s and don’ts:

Do  write about something that’s interesting, important, and/or unique to you. The best essays are those that allow the student’s passion to shine through. 

Don’t  choose a topic simply because you think that’s what admissions officers want you to write about. There’s no single “right” topic! 

Do  choose a topic that gives admissions readers a glimpse into your character and reasons to believe in your future success. Focus on what you've done and how you've made a difference. 

Don’t  write about anything that's intentionally offensive or controversial, or anything that reflects you in a less-than-positive light. Remember that admissions readers are real people with their own opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds. 

In order to choose a topic for your college essay, consider some real-life experiences that show , through action ,  who you are and what you care about. Start by making a list of all experiences that come to mind, and then you can narrow down the list later depending on what you want to write about for your personal statement. Hold on to this list: it may be useful for supplemental essays, or the shorter, more specific essays that some schools require.

Here are a few example experiences to get you started:

A travel, volunteer, or leadership experience. For example, “My trip to rural Belize.” 

Hint : Go deeper than “it was fun to learn about different cultures.” What specifically did you learn about yourself ?

A daily ritual or routine. For example, “Riding the M11 bus.” What do your daily rituals mean to you, and what can they tell readers about you as a person?

An activity of significance. For example, “Having a Sunday dinner with my family.” How does your favorite activity reflect what you care about? 

Spending time with an important person in your life.  For example, “Spending time with my grandpa every Tuesday.” 

Hint : What are the influences that have shaped you? 

2. Zero in on Specific “Moments”

Once you have a list of experiences, it’s now time to zero in on specific “Moments.” While experiences are a bit more general (i.e. visiting the Museum of Science in Boston on a field trip, going to a math competition in Chicago, spending a few weeks studying Medieval History at a prestigious university, etc.), Moments are much more specific instances within that experience. Zeroing in on specific Moments will give your reader a better understanding of who you are and what makes you unique.

To brainstorm a list of Moments,  create a table with two columns:

Once you have a list of experiences and Moments, consider the Moment that you think best exemplifies who you are, your character and how you’ll show up on a college campus. 

3. Plan out your Magnet, Pivot + Glow

Now that you have a Moment to focus on for your personal statement, it can be helpful to map the beginning, middle and end of your essay–what we at Revision Learning  call the Magnet, Pivot and Glow.

A. Begin with a Magnet (Captivating First Sentence)

Your first sentence (or first few sentences) is what draws readers into your world. Consider these two examples:

"Sometimes, it’s the lives of others that bring out the best in you."

“I sat down at the base of the tree, whistling her favorite tune and listening to the birds echoing me.”

The first sentence is somewhat vague, boring and a bit clichéd. The second sentence, by contrast, is filled with descriptive details and puts the reader in the action right from the start.

You want to craft an engaging opening that compels your reader to delve further into your unique story.

Consider the two sentences above. Which sentence makes you want to continue on to find out what happens next?

B. Have a Distinct Pivot (Turning Point(s) with Impact)

A pivot is your essay's turning point, revealing risk, learning, growth, change, or action.  Consider these two examples:

"It was then I realized that even the simplest of actions could change the world, even if it’s just the world of one person." 

"I looked back at the girl. She was walking away with her head bowed. I looked ahead at the woods in front of me, and took a deep breath. 'Hey!' I called back to her, and held out my hand, 'Quick, come with me!'" 

The first sentence is a bit clunky, vague and clichéd. It also relies heavily on someone’s own perception of the event, instead of giving the reader an opportunity to make their own judgment. (Think show, don’t tell.) The second sentence, by contrast, is much more descriptive and grounded in action and gives the reader a chance to infer what’s happening and why (i.e. why would she be “walking away with her head bowed”?). 

Your pivot showcases a clear before-and-after scenario, emphasizing the transformative moment in your narrative.

Consider the two sentences above. Which sentence demonstrates a unique, distinct change in the person telling the story?

C. End With a Glow (Strong Last Impression)

The glow is your essay's last sentence(s), a powerful conclusion that stays with your reader  and makes them want to know more about you. Consider these two examples:

"I couldn't agree more with Hubert H. Humphrey, who wrote, 'The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.'" 

"I threw my hand up in the air, holding up three fingers in remembrance of my fallen friend, and found within me a new resolution to make it through." 

The first sentence is general, boring and clichéd. It is a popular quote and won’t help the writer distinguish themselves from the thousands of essays an admissions officer will read. The second sentence, by contrast, is more descriptive and memorable: the reader can visualize the author’s three fingers in the air and the distinct change that’s occurred within them.

Your glow should keep the reader immersed in your story, leaving them eager to know more about you

Consider the two sentences above. Which one leaves a stronger, more lasting impact and makes you want to get to know the author further?

By following this simple structure, you will be able to write essays that seamlessly captivate admissions officers from start to finish. Craft your narrative with precision and let your story shine brightly!

4. Write a first draft

So, how are you going to get started? 

Now that you have a Magnet, Pivot and Glow, write a first draft of about 500 - 1000 words, filling in all of the in-between details that will bring your story to life. The idea here is to get past your usual responses, and to get to the heart of what’s important to you. So make sure to let your pen run free for the draft! If you find your ideas are going all over the place, that’s okay; you’ll be able to edit your writing later!

5. Edit Your Essay Yourself 

Once you have taken some time to get your ideas down, it’s important to go back and check your writing. Here are some things to look for:

Do I draw the reader in from the first sentence?

Don’t start your essay by stating the obvious : “Hi, I’m a senior in High School, and I’m writing this essay so I can get into college.” The first sentence of your essay should draw the reader into your story like a MAGNET. Jump right in, like this: “I woke up to a splash of water on my face. ‘Get up,’ Juan said to me, ‘We’re moving.’”

Do I show how I learned, grew, or made a difference?

This is the PIVOT—a turn in the action when you risk something, learn something, or try something new. It’s where you change or take action in some way. The PIVOT shifts the direction of your story and keeps the reader engaged.

Do I end in the action?

Your ending should not summarize what you’ve already told the reader. Instead your final sentence, the GLOW, should end in the action, creating a lasting impression and leaving the reader wanting to know more about you. Here is an example from one of our students: “And though it was no masterpiece of genius, it was a working robot.”

Have I replaced general things that many people can say with specific Details, Dialogue and Description from my own experience?

You can make every sentence of your essay more powerful by replacing general ideas, as well as thoughts and interpretations that happen in your own mind, with actions that take place in the world of shared human experience. Sensory details, dialogue (what people said), and physical description (such as where you are and who else is there) make your essay uniquely your own , while drawing the reader into your unique experience.

6. Share your essay with a friend or family member

Is there someone in your life–a friend, family member, teacher, counselor, etc.–whom you feel confident will provide honest, objective feedback about your writing? Once you feel like your essay is in a good place, share it with them to get some feedback on how to improve your writing. Getting someone else’s eyes on your writing can provide helpful insight and give you ideas about how to improve. However, it’s also important to share your personal statement carefully. Each person has a different idea about what you “should” write, and sharing it with too many people who offer different and even contrasting feedback can cause you to question yourself and lose the “heart” of your writing.

At Revision Learning, we believe that every person has a story to tell. We use patented technology, 1-1 support with experienced, trained coaches and feedback on writing drafts to teach high school juniors and seniors what makes for a good story, what admissions officers are looking for and how to write in a way that maximizes impact. With our help, students are able to tap into the science of storytelling and writing to communicate effectively and authentically. 

Need some additional support? Create a free Revision Learning account, where you’ll have access to our StoryBuilder software, our daily writing prompts and our asynchronous courses, here . Revision Learning can also help you through 1-1 coaching and essay editing; you can find more information about that here . Use code LUMIERE at checkout for 20% off.

Nick Fernald, Ed.M., is a teacher, storyteller and entrepreneur. His passion for education initially led him to the classroom, first as a Fulbright English teacher, then to a teaching master's program, and then to various humanities positions. In 2023, he channeled his passion for promoting educational opportunity into founding his own company, Revision Learning, which helps students use storytelling for college application and career success while improving their writing skills in the process.

• college applications

Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

The working methods of various organizations are changing and adapting to current trends. The provision of a quality product adapted to the consumer’s requirements and attention to working processes come to the fore. These features create prerequisites for the project form of work that is most effective due to teams’ work. As a result, employees can work in a group, as well as leaders who can manage them are in great demand. Many factors affect the work of the team: the competence of employees, the actions of the leader, the format of the work, and other aspects. In some cases, teams cannot work despite professional employees, as one of the key influencers is morality and ethics determining participant behavior.

There are two main approaches to morality – relative and universal. According to the first, people themselves create morality, and there can be no universal moral principles (Boss, 2016). Universalists, in turn, argue that morality should be united and guide all people (Boss, 2016). Within each of the approaches, several theories are developed. Relativistic theories are ethical subjectivists and cultural relativism, and universal theories are utilitarianism, deontology, natural-rights ethics, and virtual ethics. While relativistic theories contrast with each other, universalist theories are complementary.

The philosophy of morality can also be divided into teleological and deontological frameworks. According to the first approach, the degree of moral justification of a specific action is judged by the consequences that it led to (Heisle & Hannay, 2015). Thus, egoists act to gain benefit for themselves, which echoes the relativistic theory of ethical subjectivism, and utilitarians work in the name of the common good, as in universal utilitarianism. The deontological approach, in turn, focuses on actions that lead to goals, whether they were justified morally; therefore, it focused on the process. These approaches are traditionally opposed to each other among scientists.

The lack of shared moral and ethical principles can have a devastating effect on the team of specialists working together. The world is becoming more multicultural and developing technologically, which affects the composition of groups and their work formats. Professionals from different countries and cultures can work online on one project. Such features involve additional difficulties in the work, such as misunderstanding, lack of trust, contradicting habits and pace of work, and other obstacles. If the leader is not able to manage the team in this format, disputes and contradictions will arise that will be difficult to resolve. Subsequently, work will slow down, and the project will not be completed as necessary.

Considering the increasing diversity of team members, it may seem worth applying the theory of cultural relativism, which considers the differences in cultures and societies. However, this approach, implying contrasts in different cultures’ morality, can create distrust and cannot unite the team. The rejection of this theory for team formation does not mean disrespect for colleagues’ culture and the intention to ignore the differences completely. Applying only one of the universal theories is also not enough. For example, using a deontological approach, multiculturalism is necessary since its opposite – excluding representatives of a particular culture is not justified morally (Gotsis & Kortezi, 2013). However, including incompetent people in a team just for the sake of diversity can also be ineffective.

The best approach to establishing trust in the team will be to use universal morality theories together – their advantages. Virtual ethics emphasizes the importance of human character, which implies that a team needs talented professionals. According to rights-based ethics, people can promote their interests until they harm other people’s interests – respect may be established in this way. Deontology and utilitarianism can be combined as well as teleological and deontological frameworks also do not have to exclude each other mutually. Achieving the project’s objective is an essential task that staff must keep in mind, but the goal depends on the process of achieving it.

For the team to work effectively, it is critical to establish general principles and rules of conduct before starting work, which will suit everyone. Leaders have vital roles as they should be sensitive to the cultural differences of employees. Together, the team can discuss the purpose of the work, their expectations and habits, find compromises. Communication, decision-making, and resolution of contentious issues are key issues to be addressed (Dyer et al., 2013). By making efforts to respect diversity and find ways to collaborate, teams will create their own unique working culture.

Thus, the working conditions are transforming in response to consumers’ needs, and the format of the commands is changing. They are becoming more diverse in cultural identity and the design of work. To remain successful, they need to build relationships based on trust in each other. To achieve this goal, shared morality is necessary, which determines the behavior of employees. There are relative and universal moral theories – the first believes that morality depends on the people or the circumstances, and the second – that the existence of a single morality is possible. To create teams, universal theories are more suitable since they allow to take into account both the differences of employees and general goals. Teamwork significantly depends on the quality of communication between employees – under the guidance of a sensitive leader, they can reach compromises and develop a working culture suitable for them.

Boss, J. A. (2016). Think: Critical thinking and logic skills for everyday life (4 th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Dyer, W. G. Jr., Dyer, J. H. & Dyer, W. G. (2013). Team building: Proven strategies for improving team performance (5 th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Gotsis, G., & Kortezi, Z. (2013). Ethical paradigms as potential foundations of diversity management initiatives in business organizations. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 26 (6), 948-976. Web.

Heisler, W. J., & Hannay, M. (2015). A question of ethics: An examination of stakeholder perspectives in the performance appraisal process. Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 12 (4), 31-44. Web.

• Teleological Argument for God's Existence
• Ethics of Divorce: Deontology and Utilitarianism
• Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics
• Opinion on Obedience in Relation to Nationality and Milgram Paradigm Knowledge
• Impact of Social Darwinism on the Perception of Human Disabilities
• Analysis of “Inside Toyland” by Christine Williams
• The Top Three Benefits to Social Responsibility
• Relation Between Medical Sociology and Church
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, June 22). Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success. https://ivypanda.com/essays/relative-moral-theories-vs-universal-moral-theories-in-team-success/

"Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success." IvyPanda , 22 June 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/relative-moral-theories-vs-universal-moral-theories-in-team-success/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success'. 22 June.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success." June 22, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/relative-moral-theories-vs-universal-moral-theories-in-team-success/.

1. IvyPanda . "Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success." June 22, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/relative-moral-theories-vs-universal-moral-theories-in-team-success/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Relative Moral Theories vs. Universal Moral Theories in Team Success." June 22, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/relative-moral-theories-vs-universal-moral-theories-in-team-success/.

english-practice.net

Practice English Exercises to Improve Your Skills

english-exercises.net

Practice More English Exercises to Improve Your Skills

englishpracticetest.net

Practice More English Tests to Improve Your Skills

Cambridge Practice Test

Practice Cam Listening Test with Answer & Transcript

Listening Practice Test

Practice Listening Test with Answer & Transcript

Practice Cambridge Reading Test with Answer

Practice Reading Test

Practice Reading Test with Answer

Practice Reading Mock Test with Answer

Speaking Practice Test

Speaking Practice Test with with Band 8-9 Samples

42 Common Topics for ielts Speaking Part 1

100 TOPICS for ielts Speaking Part 2 with Band 8 Sample

70 TOPICS for ielts Speaking Part 2 with Band 8+ Sample Recordings

Vocabulary Words

Most Common Vocabulary Topics for ielts Speaking

Writing Practice Test

Writing Practice Test with Band 8-9 Samples

Writing Mock Test with Band 8-9 Samples

Writing Task 2 Topics with Band 7-8-9 Samples

General Reading Tests

Practice General Reading Test with Answer

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: TWO – PART QUESTION

ielts writing topics 2019

1.  News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news, and would it be better if more good news was reported?  

Sample Answer

It is true that editors have to make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish, and their choices are no doubt influenced by a variety of factors. In my opinion, we are exposed to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater emphasis on good news.

Editors face a range of considerations when deciding what news stories to focus on. Firstly, I imagine that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough to choose their television channel or their newspaper over competing providers. Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about important events and issues, and they should therefore prioritise stories that are in the public interest. Finally, editors are probably under some pressure from the owners who employ them. For example, a newspaper owner might have particular political views that he or she wants to promote.

It seems to me that people do become accustomed to negative news. We are exposed on a daily basis to stories about war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human suffering around the world. I believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and we become more cynical about the world and more sceptical that we can do anything to change it. I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such as reports of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the kindness of volunteers who help in their communities. This kind of news might inspire us all to lead better lives.

In conclusion, it must be extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present, but I would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.

 (285 words, band 9)

2.  Economic progress is often used to measure a country’s success. However, some people believe that other factors are more important. What other factors should also be considered when measuring a country’s success? Do you think one factor is more important than others?   

The relative success of different countries is usually defined in economic terms. There are several other factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in my opinion education is the most important of all.

Standards of education, health and individual human rights should certainly be considered when measuring a country’s status. A good education system is vital for the development of any nation, with schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for the quality of future generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an indicator of the standard of living within a country, and this can be measured by looking at average life expectancy rates or availability of medical services. Finally, human rights and levels of equality could be taken into account. For example, a country in which women do not have the same opportunities as men might be considered less successful than a country with better gender equality.

In my view, a country’s education system should be seen as the most important indicator of its success and level of development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the other two factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that doctors and nurses need to be trained, and scientists need to be educated to the highest levels before they can carry out medical research. It also affects the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will allow a variety of companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries, and increased wealth.

In conclusion, nations can be assessed and compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that the standard of a country’s education system is the best measure of its success.

 (288 words, band 9)

3.  Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this be?Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?

It is true that foreign films are more popular in many countries than domestically produced films. There could be several reasons why this is the case, and I believe that governments should promote local film-making by subsidising the industry.

There are various reasons why many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the films produced in their own countries. Firstly, the established film industries in certain countries have huge budgets for action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular locations. Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’ or the James Bond films are examples of such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable. Another reason why these big-budget films are so successful is that they often star the most famous actors and actresses, and they are made by the most accomplished producers and directors. The poor quality, low-budget filmmaking in many countries suffers in comparison.

In my view, governments should support local film industries financially. In every country, there may be talented amateur film-makers who just need to be given the opportunity to prove themselves. To compete with big-budget productions from overseas, these people need money to pay for film crews, actors and a host of other costs related to producing high-quality films. If governments did help with these costs, they would see an increase in employment in the film industry, income from film sales, and perhaps even a rise in tourist numbers. New Zealand, for example, has seen an increase in tourism related to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, which were partly funded by government subsidies.

In conclusion, I believe that increased financial support could help to raise the quality of locally made films and allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently dominate the market.

 (294 words, band 9)

4.  These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work. What could be the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?

It is true that men are increasingly likely to take on the role of househusband, while more women than ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could be several reasons for this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.

In recent years, parents have had to adapt to various changes in our societies. Equal rights movements have made great progress, and it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men to stay at home and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has meant that both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before starting a family. Therefore, when couples have children, they may decide who works and who stays at home depending on the personal preference of each partner, or based on which partner earns the most money.

In my view, the changes described above should be seen as progress. We should be happy to live in a society in which men and women have equal opportunities, and in which women are not put under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it seems only fair that men should be free to leave their jobs in order to assume childcare responsibilities if this is what they wish to do. Couples should be left to make their own decisions about which parental role each partner takes, according to their particular circumstances and needs.

In conclusion, the changing roles of men and women in the family are a result of wider changes in society, and I believe that these developments are desirable.

 (274 words, band 9)

5.  Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important in achieving happiness?

It is no doubt true that the majority of people would like to be happy in their lives. While the personal nature of happiness makes it difficult to describe, there do seem to be some common needs that we all share with regard to experiencing or achieving happiness.

Happiness is difficult to define because it means something different to each individual person. Nobody can fully understand or experience another person’s feelings, and we all have our own particular passions from which we take pleasure. Some people, for example, derive a sense of satisfaction from earning money or achieving success, whereas for others, health and family are much more important. At the same time, a range of other feelings, from excitement to peacefulness, may be associated with the idea of happiness, and the same person may therefore feel happy in a variety of different ways.

Although it seems almost impossible to give a precise definition of happiness, most people would agree that there are some basic preconditions to achieving it. Firstly, it is hard for a person to be happy if he or she does not have a safe place to live and enough food to eat. Our basic survival needs must surely be met before we can lead a pleasant life. Secondly, the greatest joy in life is usually found in shared experiences with family and friends, and it is rare to find a person who is content to live in complete isolation. Other key factors could be individual freedom and a sense of purpose in life.

In conclusion, happiness is difficult to define because it is particular to each individual, but I believe that our basic needs for shelter, food and company need to be fulfilled before we can experience it.

 (292 words, band 9)

6.  Many people decide on a career path early in their lives and keep to it. This, they argue, leads to a more satisfying working life. To what extent do you agree with this view? What other things can people do in order to have a satisfying working life?

It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways.

On the one hand, having a defined career path can certainly lead to a satisfying working life. Many people decide as young children what they want to do as adults, and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and undertake years of training. In my experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal.

On the other hand, people find happiness in their working lives in different ways. Firstly, not everyone dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the career itself. For example, a positive working atmosphere, enthusiastic colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the profession.

In conclusion, it can certainly be satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of one’s life, but this is by no means the only route to fulfilment.

 (310 words, band 9)

7.  There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

It is true that a rich variety of musical styles can be found around the world. Music is a vital part of all human cultures for a range of reasons, and I would argue that traditional music is more important than modern, international music.

Music is something that accompanies all of us throughout our lives. As children, we are taught songs by our parents and teachers as a means of learning language, or simply as a form of enjoyment. Children delight in singing with others, and it would appear that the act of singing in a group creates a connection between participants, regardless of their age. Later in life, people’s musical preferences develop, and we come to see our favourite songs as part of our life stories. Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot. In short, it is difficult to imagine life without it.

In my opinion, traditional music should be valued over the international music that has become so popular. International pop music is often catchy and fun, but it is essentially a commercial product that is marketed and sold by business people. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, customs and history of a country. Traditional styles, such as …(example)…, connect us to the past and form part of our cultural identity. It would be a real pity if pop music became so predominant that these national styles disappeared.

In conclusion, music is a necessary part of human existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music.

 (261 words, band 9)

8.  Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?  

It is true that new technologies have had an influence on communication between people. Technology has affected relationships in various ways, and in my opinion there are both positive and negative effects.

Technology has had an impact on relationships in business, education and social life. Firstly, telephones and the Internet allow business people in different countries to interact without ever meeting each other. Secondly, services like Skype create new possibilities for relationships between students and teachers. For example, a student can now take video lessons with a teacher in a different city or country. Finally, many people use social networks, like Facebook, to make new friends and find people who share common interests, and they interact through their computers rather than face to face.

On the one hand, these developments can be extremely positive. Cooperation between people in different countries was much more difficult when communication was limited to written letters or telegrams. Nowadays, interactions by email, phone or video are almost as good as face-to-face meetings, and many of us benefit from these interactions, either in work or social contexts. On the other hand, the availability of new communication technologies can also have the result of isolating people and discouraging real interaction. For example, many young people choose to make friends online rather than mixing with their peers in the real world, and these ‘virtual’ relationships are a poor substitute for real friendships.

In conclusion, technology has certainly revolutionised communication between people, but not all of the outcomes of this revolution have been positive.

 (257 words, band 9)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Essay Topic Generator
• Summary Generator
• Thesis Maker Academic
• Sentence Rephraser
• Read My Paper
• Hypothesis Generator
• Cover Page Generator
• Text Compactor
• Essay Scrambler
• Essay Plagiarism Checker
• Hook Generator
• AI Writing Checker
• Notes Maker
• Overnight Essay Writing
• Topic Ideas
• Writing Tips
• Essay Writing (by Genre)
• Essay Writing (by Topic)

My Favourite Relative Essay: Topics, Tips, & Examples

A family essay is a popular task in college and high school. It might seem a simple topic, but that’s the trick. Some students don’t expect such a task or ignore the structure. Remember that an essay about family is like any other paper. It needs an outline, consistency with the structure, and proofreading English grammar and spelling.

Use this article to write a perfect short essay about family. We have prepared a list of useful tips, fifty essay topics, and some writing examples at the end.

🗂️ My Relatives Essay: How to Write

👨‍👨‍👧 74 my relatives essay topics, 👩‍👧‍👦 my favorite relative essay: 5 examples.

An essay about family, love, and support is an excellent topic that allows you to explore your inner world. It doesn’t require much research in most cases. That is why you have to build a narrative that will be interesting to your audience and academically valuable.

My Relatives Essay: What to Include

At some point, it might be hard to filter what you’re saying. Avoid going very deep into details that only family members understand. Such things are very dull for readers, and they don’t do any good to your essay.

Instead, consider using the following themes in the paper:

• Your position in the family. Describe your role and responsibilities in the family.
• Family traditions. Write about your customs and usual time spending together.
• Extended family. Define your relationships with distant family members and tell how often you see them.
• Family conflicts. Explain how you cope with them and how to avoid such situations.

Describing Your Favorite Relative: Choose Your Focus

Focus on one strong idea. Most probably, it will be your personal experience and your reflection on it. Put this idea in the form of a thesis statement and make it prominent in each paragraph.

Once you define the storyline of your essay about family, stick to it. Devoting some time to planning what you are going to write is very helpful. However, consider the word limit: 100 words and 250 words are two different papers. The shorter the essay, the fewer details it should include.

Share the Unique Detail in Your Family Essay

Think about the things that make your family special. Use it as the main idea of the essay. It can be an unusual hobby, a story, a tradition, a possession, or even a person.

For example, if you describe family traditions, try to find something in your regular practices. The family members don’t notice it, but it might be a very unusual thing to do.

Now that you know what to write, it’s time to choose a topic . You can adjust any of these to your writing goals.

We’ve prepared a list of titles below:

• Describe your family’s customs and traditions.
• Family Changes in American and African Cultures.
• What is the most exciting thing about your family’s history?
• Parent-Child Relationships and Parental Authority.
• What does your family mean to you?
• How can you define the word family ?
• Who is your favorite relative, and why?
• How close are you to your parents?
• Early Childhood Education Activities and Trends.
• Describe your relationships with siblings.
• How much time do you usually devote to your family and friends?
• Stress Factors and Effects on Person and Family.
• What is the most critical advice that one of your family members has given you?
• Barriers That Influence and Prevent Parental Involvement.
• How can you describe a happy family?
• Effective Parent and Teacher Communication.
• What is your position in the family, and how does it affect your life?
• Do you share any hobbies with your family members?
• How do technologies influence communication in your family?
• What are the best ways to prevent conflicts in a family?
• Mother and Son: Hamlet and Gertrude’s Relationship.
• How often do you see your extended family members?
• Family Structure and Its Effects on Children.
• How does the media portray a typical American family?
• Who is the closest person to you among family members?
• The Family Engagement in Growth of a Child.
• Who is your role model in your family?
• Divorce: Psychological Effects on Children.
• What do you want your future family to be like?
• How does the ethnicity of your family affect your life?
• How can a family support a queer child?
• What is your brightest memory connected with your family?
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families.
• Have you ever felt any kind of pressure from your family?
• Who are you similar to in your family?
• Parents’ Perception of Children With Disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
• What are the main problems parents face while raising a child?
• In what ways are modern families different from families 50 years ago?
• Developing Family Relationships to Prevent Substance Abuse Among Youth Population.
• How do you think your life will change when you have children?
• How does growing up in a low-income family affect a person?
• Military Families’ Experiences: Medical Studies.
• How does religion affect family life?
• Discuss the difficulties single parents have to face.
• Would you prefer to work with your family members or friends?
• In what ways is your family special?
• Negative Impact of Technology on Children’s Growth .
• How well do you remember your early childhood?
• Families and Households in Different Nations.
• Describe the best vacation you had with your family.
• Primary Prevention for Families with Domestic Abuse Cases.
• What character features have you inherited from your parents?
• How does divorce affect a child’s life?
• Describe the way you share responsibilities in your family.
• Would you prefer to be an only child or have siblings?
• Family Violence – Debunking a Common Myth.
• Describe a difficult situation that made your family bonds stronger.
• The advantages and disadvantages of a big family.
• How Parental Styles Influence Children With ADHD?
• What is the point of family counseling?
• The Chinese One Child Policy, a Birth Planning Method.
• Does the generation gap affect your communication with parents?
• Are there gender roles in your family?
• How do families in Hindi culture differ from American ones?
• What is your attitude to divorce and re-marriage?
• Mother’s and Father’s Role in Childcare.
• What is your attitude to surrogate parenting?
• Does your family support your ideas and aspirations?
• Solution-Focused Therapy in Marriage and Family.
• What is the most important lesson your family has taught you?
• How does having a pet affect family life?
• Language Choice of Intermarried Families in Japan.
• Did your parents devote you enough time when you were a child?
• How an Autist Child Affects a Functional Family?

Here are some short essay samples that you can use to outline your writing. Pay attention to the structure and the narrative. Try to find some ideas for your future essay using these examples.

Family Traditions Essay

My family has one interesting tradition. Each time we plan our vacation, everyone writes their destination ideas on paper. We put these papers in an old hat, and then my father chooses one without looking at it. It is a great tradition because it allows us to see beautiful places, enjoy time together, and each one knows that their opinion matters. Last time we went to explore Alaska. It was my mother’s idea. I have never seen such beautiful views and landscapes. And it wasn’t as cold as I expected. We spent most of our time hiking, walking, and trying local restaurants. It is probably one of my favorite trips. A couple of years ago we just stayed at home. My older brother had just bought a new Xbox and wanted to spend most of his time with it. Although we wanted to travel that Christmas, it wasn’t a problem for us. We chose a Christmas tree, decorated it together, cooked many foreign dishes, and played Mark’s Xbox. I wanted to go to Disneyland so much when I was a child. It was unbelievable when I saw my handwriting on a piece of paper my father was holding. It felt like a fairytale. However, there were long lines in the amusement park, and we didn’t see everything we planned. But that doesn’t seem a problem to an eight-year-old kid. Even my older brother liked the trip. A tiny family tradition can lead to multiple adventures and exciting experiences. You can travel, explore new locations and communicate with each other. And it feels so nice to know that each family member is equal in vacation planning.

Family History Essay

Half of my family originally comes from Germany. It’s the third generation of us in the United States. My grandparents moved here in the ’70s and faced many difficulties on arrival. It was hard for them to become fluent in English, get used to new customs, and stop missing their friends and relatives. Paul and Anna, in their mid-twenties at the time, were enjoying their family life in Munich. They already had one child, Nicole. Then Paul had an opportunity to obtain a new position in the American office as they were looking for people who knew English and were fluent in German. But the problem was that Anna didn’t know English at all, and Paul knew only the basics. They moved to Chicago. The company helped my grandfather find a place to live, but Anna faced the most difficulties. She had to buy groceries that seemed different from German ones, cook, clean, and look after their children. Anna spent most of her daytime alone as she had too many household chores and didn’t know anybody she could talk to except Paul. Anna missed her friends and family who stayed in Germany. His new job almost entirely consumed Paul, but he also felt homesick from time to time. Anna gave birth to their second child, Nick, my father. When both of their kids went to school and had more time to themselves, they finally felt at home in the United States. I love listening to my grandparents’ stories about Munich and moving to the USA. It took a lot of courage to move to a different continent and start their life from scratch. I also hope I will visit Germany one day so I can see their motherland.

What Does Family Mean to You Essay

My family, especially my parents, are the dearest people to me. I respect their wisdom and the way they treat others. Having a family means that you always have support, people you can trust, and unconditional love. I knew my mother would support my career choice even though it was untypical for my family. I have decided to become a photographer in a family of lawyers. She was happy that I finally decided what I wanted to do and told me that creativity always was one of my strengths. I was the happiest person in the world when we went to choose my first camera together. When I was choosing a college, my parents became my best advisors. They found some people to talk to in these colleges, helped me structure all the information, and make the right choice. I know I can always rely on my parents when I am not sure what to do. We never had this barrier of children and parents. I trust them all my secrets, and I know I won’t be judged. They assured me I could ask them anything and tell anything about my life. That is why I have never had anything to hide because I knew they would accept and love me the way I am. In conclusion, nothing can be compared to having a family which will be entirely on your side no matter what you choose. It means I can always count on them and never be afraid that they will not support me. My parents love and respect me the way I am, and I feel the same way about them.

Family Definition Essay

A family might have different sets of values but still do their best to understand each other. There are three children in my family. My younger brother Kyle, my older sister Cathy, and me. We all have different hobbies and interests, but try to find common ground and spend time together. Cathy taught Kyle and me to play tennis, even though we are not huge sports fans. We had a great time learning and making jokes. It doesn’t mean that we didn’t take the game seriously. Kyle and I know that we will never become such good players as Cathy, but we wanted to try the game. Kyle always tries to impress us with his amateur guitar concerts in our living room. He even has a band. They play in our garage sometimes. Knowing that learning to play a musical instrument would be too hard for me, I just try to listen to their music and support the band. I love Korean culture, so I often tell my siblings about interesting series and music. We watched a couple of doramas and anime cartoons together. We even went shopping for Korean fashion once or twice. I feel grateful that they appreciate my interests and try to understand my hobbies. Family is more than just a group of people. These are in some ways alike and some ways different personalities. They all have their own lives but still make an effort to share their time and interests.

My Favorite Relative Essay

All of us have the closest family member. My sister Claire is two years older than me. There is no other person who can understand me better. I like her because she is honest, caring, and, most importantly, my best friend. Probably, my sister is the most honest person I’ve ever met. She doesn’t try to make any false impression on other people pretending to be cooler or better. My sister also believes in a fair contest and never cheats. Claire always tells others what she thinks. Even if a dress that I’ve chosen doesn’t suit me, she will be honest. Claire is the one who completely takes care of our dog. She walks with it, feeds it, and deals with all the problems it creates. She also helps me with my homework and gives advice when I ask for it. Claire is always ready to assist our parents with all kinds of tasks, and I see how proud they are of her. I believe we have a special bonding that only sisters can have. Claire is the closest person to me. I can trust her with all my secrets and entirely rely on her, and she can do the same. I am delighted that we became such good friends even though we used to fight a lot when we were children. Claire is so adorable. I feel lucky that I am her sister. She is probably the most sincere and responsive person I know. I believe that relatives can make the best friends. The way you know each other like no one else is the reason why you can understand each other so well.

Thanks for your advice it’s amazing

Essay on How to Achieve Success in Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on How to Achieve Success in Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on How to Achieve Success in Life

Understanding success.

Success means different things to different people. For some, it could mean earning a lot of money, while for others, it could mean achieving happiness or personal goals.

Setting Goals

To achieve success, you must first define what it means to you. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your definition of success.

Hard Work and Persistence

Success requires hard work and persistence. No matter how many times you fail, don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.

Continuous Learning

Never stop learning. Knowledge is power and it can open many doors to success. Always be curious and seek to learn more.

Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy body and mind are essential for success. Eat well, exercise regularly, and take time to relax and recharge.

Positive Attitude

Maintain a positive attitude. It helps you stay motivated and overcome challenges. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination.

250 Words Essay on How to Achieve Success in Life

Defining success.

Success is a subjective concept, varying from person to person. For some, it may be wealth or fame, while for others, it may be personal satisfaction or making a difference in the world. Therefore, the first step towards achieving success is defining what it means to you.

After defining success, set clear, specific, and measurable goals. These goals should be achievable, yet challenging enough to push you out of your comfort zone. They act as stepping stones towards your ultimate vision of success.

Embracing Learning

Success is not achieved overnight. It requires constant learning and growth. Embrace every opportunity to learn, be it from books, people, or experiences. Remember, every failure is a lesson that brings you one step closer to success.

Perseverance and Determination

The path to success is fraught with obstacles. Perseverance and determination are key traits needed to overcome these challenges. It is not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get up and continue to strive.

Work-Life Balance

While ambition and hard work are essential, it is equally important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Success is not just about professional achievements, but also personal happiness and well-being.

In conclusion, success is a journey, not a destination. It is achieved through a combination of defining what success means to you, setting goals, continuous learning, perseverance, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It is a personal and unique journey, where the true measure of success lies in the fulfillment and satisfaction derived from the journey itself.

500 Words Essay on How to Achieve Success in Life

Introduction.

Success is a multifaceted concept that is often uniquely defined by each individual. However, universally, it is often associated with the achievement of personal goals. The path to success is not linear, and it requires a blend of several factors including hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset. This essay aims to provide a roadmap on how to achieve success in life.

Setting Clear Goals

The first step towards achieving success is setting clear, tangible goals. Goals serve as a roadmap, helping one to remain focused and motivated. To make your goals effective, they should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). This ensures that your goals are not vague but are clearly defined, making them easier to pursue.

Embrace Continuous Learning

In the journey to success, one must embrace continuous learning. In an ever-evolving world, new knowledge and skills are constantly required. This could be achieved through formal education, self-teaching, or experiential learning. By adopting a growth mindset, one becomes open to new ideas and perspectives, enhancing their adaptability in various life situations.

Hard Work and Perseverance

Hard work and perseverance are the bedrock of success. Success rarely comes easy; it requires effort, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to achieving set goals. Perseverance entails staying the course even in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It involves having the resilience to bounce back from failure and continue pursuing your goals.

Effective Time Management

Effective time management is crucial in the journey to success. Time is a finite resource and how it’s managed could make the difference between success and failure. Prioritizing tasks, setting schedules, and avoiding procrastination are key strategies in effective time management. This ensures that efforts are directed towards activities that yield the most benefit.

Building Healthy Relationships

Success is not achieved in isolation. Building healthy relationships with others—be it personal or professional—can greatly enhance one’s journey to success. These relationships provide support, mentorship, and can open doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain closed.

Self-Care and Mental Health

Lastly, the importance of self-care and mental health in achieving success cannot be overstated. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, is essential for optimal functioning. Additionally, taking care of one’s mental health, through stress management and seeking help when needed, is crucial in maintaining the motivation and focus needed to achieve success.

In conclusion, achieving success in life is a journey that requires setting clear goals, continuous learning, hard work, perseverance, effective time management, building healthy relationships, and taking care of one’s physical and mental health. Each of these elements contributes to creating a holistic approach to success, enabling one to navigate the complexities of life and achieve their desired goals.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Ecological Succession
• Essay on How to Be Successful in Life
• Essay on Success Defination

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Travis Scott's revealing college essay resurfaces, discussing Kid Cudi, Big Sean, and Ye

I n a surprising twist, an essay penned by none other than T ravis Scott during his college days has recently resurfaced. The four-page paper, dated December 5th, 2009, appears to have been written for an English professor. As we delve into Scott’s musings, we gain insight into the early careers of two influential rappers: Kid Cudi and Big Sean.

The genesis of GOOD Music

Scott’s essay, aptly titled “Good Music,” opens with the assertion that “good music is known all around the world.” While the capitalization and spelling may leave something to be desired, the sentiment rings true. He proceeds to provide a preliminary overview of the careers of Kid Cudi and Big Sean, both of whom were signed to Kanye West’s label, GOOD Music.

Kid Cudi: The man on the moon

Scott describes Kid Cudi as a well-known rapper with a unique message. Cudi’s upbringing and struggles shaped his artistry, leading him to create music that resonated with listeners. His debut album, “Man on the Moon: The End of Day,” explored themes of mental health, self-discovery, and vulnerability. Scott acknowledges Cudi’s impact on the industry, emphasizing that music became the bridge connecting their disparate worlds.

Big Sean: From mixtapes to stardom

Next, Scott turns his attention to Big Sean, another rising star under GOOD Music. He recounts Sean’s journey from mixtapes to mainstream success. Sean’s lyrical prowess and distinctive flow caught the attention of Kanye West, who recognized his potential. Scott quotes Sean’s words:

Success is not something that is given; you must go out and take what you want.

Indeed, Sean’s hustle paid off, and his debut album was eagerly anticipated.

Kanye West’s role

Scott doesn’t shy away from discussing Kanye West’s pivotal role in shaping both artists’ careers. He reveals that Kanye asked Cudi for material, prompting the latter to create a mixtape. The collaboration between Kanye and Cudi laid the foundation for GOOD Music’s legacy. As for Big Sean, Scott hints at an upcoming album, adding to the anticipation surrounding the label.

This article was originally published on rhymejunkie.com as Travis Scott's revealing college essay resurfaces, discussing Kid Cudi, Big Sean, and Ye .

Trump verdict will not affect his 2024 election chances

Former President Donald Trump after he was found guilty on 34 felony counts at Manhattan Criminal Court Thursday. Credit: AP/Seth Wenig

This guest essay reflects the views of Doyle McManus, Washington columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He wrote this for the Tribune News Service.

Former President Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 criminal counts of falsifying business records in New York is an ignoble first. No former president has ever been tried, much less found guilty, for felonies before.

But Trump’s new status as a convicted felon probably won’t significantly affect his chances of winning the 2024 presidential election.

That, too is a strange historic first: a presidential candidate convicted of felonies, but suffering little if any political damage in the process.

However sensational the charges, which stemmed from hush money payments made to an adult film actress, many voters will react to the Manhattan jury’s decision with a shrug.

The conviction won’t prevent him from staying in the race until election day. If he wins, he stands a good chance of avoiding serious penalties while he’s in the White House.

From our Editorial Board, get inside the local, city and state political scenes.

By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy .

It won’t be easy to spin a conviction on 34 felony counts as a victory, but there are plenty of ways Trump can mitigate the consequences.

He’ll continue to claim that the charges were flimsy and the process was rigged against him.

If he appeals the verdict, as expected, that will allow him to argue — correctly — that a conviction isn’t final while it’s under challenge. Not incidentally, it will also keep him out of jail, at least for a while.

Why do I say the guilty verdict won’t likely put much of a dent in Trump’s electoral prospects? Because that’s what the smartest political pollsters, Republicans and Democrats, say.

Democratic strategist Mark Mellman said the conviction was “unlikely to play a significant role” in the election. “It’s possible that the polls will flutter and then return to where they were. And it’s possible that there won’t be a flutter.”

Republican pollster Whit Ayres said the verdict’s impact would most likely be “negligible.”

In an ABC News/IPSOS poll last month, only 16% of Trump’s current voters said they would “reconsider” supporting him if he were convicted in the New York case. A mere 4% said they would definitely stop supporting him. But voters are often poor predictors of their own reactions, the pollsters said.

Many Democrats told pollsters in 1998 that they thought then-President Clinton should resign if he were impeached for lying about a sexual relationship with a White House intern, Mellman noted. But when the Republican-led House of Representatives actually impeached Clinton, his popularity soared.

Trump voters have proved fiercely loyal to their favored candidate, felon or not.

A month before the 2016 presidential election, when a videotape surfaced in which Trump boasted of kissing women without asking and grabbing them “by the pussy,” his poll numbers dropped by only one percentage point and rebounded quickly.

“We have seen, over eight years, a series of events that caused people to say, ‘Surely this time, Trump will lose support.’ But he never really does,” Ayres said.

Trump himself has marveled at the phenomenon. “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?” he said in 2016. “It’s, like, incredible.”

The presumptive Republican nominee has primed his supporters to ignore a guilty verdict by relentlessly attacking the cases against him as politically motivated.

“If I were trying to design a court case that would be easy for Republicans to dismiss as a partisan witch hunt, I would design the New York case,” Ayres said, noting that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not only a Democrat, but a vocal Trump critic.

Trump has also shown that constant repetition of even bogus claims can bend public opinion his way.

Case in point: his false claims, long since disproved, that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. A year ago, the Monmouth University Poll found that 68% of Republicans said they believed President Joe Biden won the election through fraud. This year, after Trump spent months denouncing the election at campaign rallies, that number has ticked up to 75%.

Despite the verdict in New York, Trump has scored an important victory in all four of his criminal cases: He and his lawyers, aided by a dose of luck, have succeeded in postponing any final reckoning until after election day.

Six months ago, any of the cases could have threatened his presidential campaign: a federal prosecution stemming from his supporters’ invasion of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; a federal case on charges he illegally retained highly classified documents; a Georgia election interference case; and the New York business fraud case.

Trump has contrived to postpone the trials in three of those cases and will likely appeal his verdict in the fourth. The appeals process would last far beyond the election.

Those delays won’t make the charges go away.

But if Trump wins the election, once he is president he can order the Justice Department to halt the two federal cases. Some career Justice Department officials might refuse to carry out those orders, but a newly inaugurated president will presumably be able to find — or appoint — someone willing to do his bidding.

And under most legal precedent, state courts would put his prosecutions in New York and Georgia on hold while he’s in the White House. If he takes office in January and completes a full term, none of the cases would be decided before 2029, when he’ll be 82.

Being the first former president ever convicted on criminal charges is a dubious achievement, to be sure.

Equally unprecedented — and potentially more damaging to democracy — Trump has given future politicians a dangerous example: He has shown that felony convictions need not stand in the way of success.

Unlimited Digital Access Only 25¢ for 5 months

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

The End of Polio Is in Sight. What Have We Learned?

By Richard Conniff

Mr. Conniff is the author of “ Ending Epidemics: A History of Escape From Contagion .”

The fight to eradicate polio has been long and difficult. It’s been nearly 50 years since vaccines eliminated the disease in the United States. But polio continues to this day disabling or killing children in some harder to reach parts of the world. The good news is that we are now on the cusp of eradicating this terrible disease everywhere and forever.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a consortium of major players in the fight — the Gates Foundation, Rotary International, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The group has the ambitious aim to end transmission of the virus that causes the disease, wild poliovirus, by the end of the year in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two countries where it is still actively infecting humans. If the initiative succeeds, it will be the culmination of a campaign that has reduced the incidence of paralytic wild poliovirus from an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 to just 12 known cases last year.

It will also be a result of what may seem like a counterintuitive strategy: Knowledge about the disease flows not just from medical experts in great research centers to people in developing nations, but the other way as well, with workers on the front lines providing crucial information to stop the disease in their own areas and beyond. The lesson here: The medical tools needed to detect and contain any disease work best in the hands of the people most directly affected by it. Having used this strategy to stop polio, people in developing nations are already looking to apply those same tools against other diseases, both familiar and emerging.

Along the remote, mountainous Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the people on the front lines of the polio eradication effort are mostly women, and mostly members of the communities they serve. Each team is responsible for up to 75 houses, going door to door (or sometimes mosque to mosque), providing a dose of oral polio vaccine to every child in every five-day campaign. Because the communities are poor, and because families can lose patience with repeated visits focused only on polio, the workers also bring nutritional supplements, health information and other resources. Their job is to build trust in villages where people are prone to distrust, and to keep parents engaged in the fight. (In 2011, the fake vaccination campaign reportedly staged by the Central Intelligence Agency in its hunt for Osama bin Laden served only to deepen that distrust.)

The intensity of the national programs — with about 400,000 workers in Pakistan and 86,000 in Afghanistan — has recently reduced 12 genetic clusters of the wild poliovirus in the region to just two, and one of the two hasn’t been seen since November. “From a medical perspective, the virus is gasping in these last corridors,” says Dr. Ananda Bandyopadhyay of the Gates Foundation.

The virus could, of course, spread outside these regions, as it did in 2022, when international air travel carried polio to a handful of other countries, including the United States. But frontline workers in Pakistan and Afghanistan serve as a network for tracking its possible escape routes, as families move back and forth across the border.

Sheeba Afghani, a communication specialist for UNICEF’s polio program, said that when local health workers make a home visit, for instance, and find a family member absent, they ask questions, such as: “If the child is not at home, where are they? Are they out of the district? If out of the district, is it in the same city or another city?” These are questions outsiders could never ask. If the family member has crossed the border, the information gets relayed to polio workers at the reported destination, to locate newcomers in their own 75-house networks.

New tools also help track the virus as it moves in these areas. When India was struggling to eliminate polio in 2010, it had fewer than 10 sites routinely monitoring for the virus in sewage and surface water, said Dr. Hamid Jafari, the World Health Organization’s director of polio eradication in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Back then, to spot an outbreak, health officials had to wait for children to turn up with paralysis. Now, Pakistan has monitoring sites in 84 districts.

Over nine months last year, that monitoring alerted the city of Peshawar to 30 separate introductions of the virus. But the Peshawar district’s 4.7 million people did not suffer a single case of polio, said Dr. Jafari. Knowing where to look for the virus and maintaining a high level of vaccination among permanent residents kept them safe.

A big part of this success is due to the use of the Sabin oral vaccine rather than the Salk injectable vaccine. The oral vaccine, containing a weakened live virus, is easier to deliver and has the critical advantage of inducing immunity not just in recipients’ bloodstream, as the Salk vaccine does, but also in their intestines. That means it stops transmission of the virus in the unsanitary conditions that are common in affected areas (and universal in children). Instead, the live vaccine itself spreads and protects children who might otherwise go unvaccinated.

According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Sabin vaccine has protected more than three billion children in the past 10 years. But using it involves a trade off: In places with very low levels of polio immunity the vaccine-derived virus can evolve as it spreads, and in rare instances it can revert to a paralytic form. Over the five years through 2023, about 3,600 people, mostly unvaccinated children, have suffered vaccine-derived poliovirus. But the number of cases has already begun to decline thanks to a novel version of the oral vaccine, genetically modified to sharply reduce the risk of reverting.

In Pakistan and Afghanistan, the women on the front lines see the end of polio in sight. This fight has given them the opportunity to work outside the home, earn money and make a lifesaving difference to their villages. When the government of Pakistan recently surveyed them about their experience, one big question they asked was: What can we work on next?

Public health workers everywhere already have the answer. Give them the tools, and developing nations will apply the lessons learned in this fight against infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, measles, typhoid fever and others yet unknown. The end result will be a world that’s safer for all of us.

Richard Conniff is the author of “ Ending Epidemics: A History of Escape From Contagion .”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .