Recent Exam Question for the writing task 2- Essay writing.

Some people are very interested in researching their family history. Other people say this is a waste of time and that we should focus instead on the present and future generations.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Include reasons for your answer and any examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample answer:

There are many people in the world today who want to look back and find out who their ancestors were, whereas the others feel that the past can be forgotten and only the present and future actually matter.

People have learnt to spread their wings in search of a livelihood. In the process, they leave behind the past and move away. However, these days, there are many who want to trace the family tree and connect with their cousins and relatives. Though this activity can at times be compared to looking for a needle in a haystack, sometimes the effort is worth it. Albeit, we really get to explore the family that we never knew existed.

Nevertheless, gen next begs to differ. Firstly, they feel that they belong to an era where most of the things are accessible at the click of their fingertips. Secondly, they often feel a sense of disconnect to the past and it is only the present and the future that really fascinates then. Thirdly, they no longer want to be connected to something which might even put them into despair. Finally, they do not feel the urge to maintain the strong roots that were prevalent generations ago. In the process, they leave behind their loved ones and go in search of greener pastures.

In my opinion however, I feel that at some point or the other, both the views are entwined. Only a perfect search into our past can help us with a substantial knowledge of who we are and what our roots are. Moreover, it presents us with an opportunity of calling people our own; something which is lacking among the society today. If somebody calls us “a chip off the old block” should we at least not know which block they are referring to?!

Note: This is an essay where they have asked us to discuss 2 views and then give our opinion.
Please note the use of the idioms “spread wings”, “needle in a haystack”, “chip off the old block”.
Also note the use of words like “gen next” and “entwined”.

-Written by Simlee Sajid