WRITING 7+ // COMPETITIVE.

Most societies value being competitive.
How does competitiveness affect individuals?
Is it a positive or negative quality?

Competitiveness is considered a desirable characteristic in most countries. Although it may have both positive and negative effects on a person, it is a positive attribute on the whole owing to its superior benefits to humans. 

On the one hand, it is arguable that while a competitive spirit brings several advantages, it can also make a person suffer. Individuals with a strong drive to win might inspire them to greater heights, but the pressure can also get to them. For example, the will to be better than peers, whether in academics or athletics, can intensely motivate a student to excel and become exceptional, regardless of whether there is social reinforcement or not. However, in a variety of situations, excessive focus on the competition can become so stressful that many individuals may end up not studying or practicing altogether, defeating the objective of competitiveness and, in most cases, ruining their later adulthood lives.

However, overall, competitiveness is an overwhelming positive for those who know how to handle it. If individuals focus more on the excitement of competition than the outward signs of success and accept losing even if it happens, provided that they have done everything possible to achieve their best, they will not only avoid feeling like losers but also be more rewarded in the long run. Furthermore, by being confident and focused on their exercises and inner self-improvement, as well as being honest about their abilities, individuals can efficiently channel their energy toward more important tasks, thus becoming better in a variety of ways.

In conclusion, being competitive has both good and bad effects on individuals. However, competitiveness is a positive trait by nature. It is each person's responsibility to develop into healthier competitors. (285 words)

IELTS Khang Tran.