Task 2 · · 18 samples

It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages?

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • A considered career risk, such as applying for a more demanding role, can build skills even if it does not produce immediate success.
  • Personal risks such as moving to a new place or addressing a difficult issue can encourage independence and improve relationships.
  • Unplanned risks can threaten savings or affect family members, so preparation and a backup plan help reduce potential harm.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the topic and state your view on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
  2. Explain professional benefits with a specific example and its possible outcome.
  3. Discuss personal benefits using a separate example.
  4. Acknowledge significant disadvantages, including financial or family consequences.
  5. Reach a clear conclusion that weighs the risks and suggests how to manage them.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a calculated risk
A risk taken after considering its possible benefits and consequences.

Applying for a more demanding position can be a calculated risk.

financial security
The condition of having enough money and stability to meet financial needs.

People should consider whether a business decision could affect their financial security.

a backup plan
An alternative course of action prepared in case the first plan does not work.

Having a backup plan can reduce the harm if a new business fails.

weigh the possible outcomes
To consider the likely positive and negative results before deciding.

Before changing jobs, people should weigh the possible outcomes.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

341 words · Illustrative target band

It is a debated topic whether people should take risks in different aspects of their lives. Although it has advantages such as arising new opportunities or growing as a person, it has its downsides: experiencing setbacks in the professional part of life and losing great relationships due to drop in reputation. This essay will cover both the opportunities and possible costs, and argue that the benefits can be greater …

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AI-completed learning example

283 words · Illustrative target band

It is thought by several people that taking risks in both professional life and personal life plays a pivotal role in an individual’s life. Some of the effects are extremely rewarding while others are not so rewarding, rather they are devastating, which can ruin their lives, including their loved ones. To begin with, taking risks can give people opportunities that they would not have if they always chose the safest o…

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AI-completed learning example

338 words · Illustrative target band

Taking risks both in professional and personal lives is quite substantial for people and leads to various pros and cons. From where I stand, the numerous pros outweigh the cons by and large due to the reasons discussed in this essay. First of all, we are taking risks every day by the simple decisions we make. However, ordinary uncertainty should be distinguished from exposing essential resources to a serious loss. A…

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