axiom

Competition or cooperation: IELTS Task 2 essay #3, band 7.0

A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.

279 words. Marked by Axiom on 17 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

Task 2279 words

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

While competition can motivate individuals to achieve more, I believe that cooperation is more important because it creates a supportive environment and helps achieve better results

  1. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedNowadays, a constant debate rages whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial for individuals in their studies, careers, and daily lives.

    The revision provides a more natural and collocation-appropriate way to express the idea of a 'constant debate'.

Firstly, it encourages people to work harder and improve their skills. For instance, when students compete for top marks in class, they spend more time studying and try to get better grade. Similarly, in the workplace, competition among employees can increase productivity because everyone wants to get a promotion or a bonus. Therefore, competition pushes people to reach their full potential and prevents laziness.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedCompetition has several advantages in educational and professional settings.

    This revision provides a more formal and precise way to refer to school and work.

On the other hand, cooperation is essential for buildings achieving big goals. Furthermore, a cooperative environment reduces stress and anxiety. If students or colleagues support each other instead of fighting against one another, it creates a friendlier atmosphere and improves mental health. Without cooperation, teamwork is impossible, and people become too selfish.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedWhen people collaborate, they can leverage each other's ideas to solve complex problems more efficiently than working alone.

    The revision provides a more precise and formal way to express the idea of collaboration.

  2. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedFor instance, in many modern companies, major projects necessitate teamwork as it is not feasible for a single individual to handle everything.

    The revision provides a more formal and academic way to express the idea of the need for teamwork in modern companies.

  3. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedIn my view, while competition may provide short-term motivation, I believe cooperation is significantly more beneficial for long-term success.

    The revision provides a more formal and academic tone for the expression of personal opinion.

  4. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedLife is not about competing against others; it is about collaborating to build a better community.

    The revision provides a more precise and formal way to express the idea that life is about collaboration, not competition.

  1. Lexical resource

    RevisedIn conclusion, while both competition and cooperation have their merits, I believe that fostering a collaborative environment can lead to greater harmony and success in all areas of life.

    The revision provides a more precise and formal way to express the idea that cooperation is more beneficial.

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few instances where the flow of ideas could be improved.

Suggestions

  • Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas.
  • Ensure that your examples are directly relevant to the point you are making.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedCompetition has several advantages in educational and professional settings.

    This revision provides a more formal and precise way to refer to school and work.

  • RevisedWhen people collaborate, they can leverage each other's ideas to solve complex problems more efficiently than working alone.

    The revision provides a more precise and formal way to express the idea of collaboration.

  • RevisedIn my view, while competition may provide short-term motivation, I believe cooperation is significantly more beneficial for long-term success.

    The revision provides a more formal and academic tone for the expression of personal opinion.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few grammatical errors and awkward constructions, but these do not impede communication.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedNowadays, a constant debate rages whether competition or cooperation is more beneficial for individuals in their studies, careers, and daily lives.

    The revision provides a more natural and collocation-appropriate way to express the idea of a 'constant debate'.

  • RevisedFor instance, in many modern companies, major projects necessitate teamwork as it is not feasible for a single individual to handle everything.

    The revision provides a more formal and academic way to express the idea of the need for teamwork in modern companies.

  • RevisedLife is not about competing against others; it is about collaborating to build a better community.

    The revision provides a more precise and formal way to express the idea that life is about collaboration, not competition.

Lexical resource

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedOn the one hand, competition offers several benefits in educational and professional settings.

    The word 'advantages' is not incorrect, but 'benefits' is a more appropriate choice in this context.

  • RevisedWhen people work together, they can pool their ideas and solve complex problems more quickly than working individually.

    The revision provides a more natural and collocation-appropriate way to express the idea of working together.

  • RevisedIn conclusion, while both competition and cooperation have their merits, I believe that fostering a collaborative environment can lead to greater harmony and success in all areas of life.

    The revision provides a more precise and formal way to express the idea that cooperation is more beneficial.

Task response

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. Both sides of the argument are discussed in a balanced way. However, the conclusion could be more fully developed.

Suggestions

  • Try to provide a more comprehensive conclusion that summarizes the main points and clearly restates your position.

Check your own essay on this question

Write your answer and Axiom marks it the same way: a band for each criterion, and revisions for your own sentences. How the Task 2 checker works.

Check an essay free