What are the advantages and the disadvantages of being over-competitive…

How to answer: structure and key points

Essay outline

1. Introduction: restate the question in your own words and give your position.
2. Body paragraph 1: your main reason, with an example.
3. Body paragraph 2: a second reason, or the other side and why it is weaker.
4. Conclusion: restate your position in one or two sentences.
5. Stay on the topic: a response that misses the topic scores zero on every trait.

An outline for this prompt

• The question: Explain the good and bad effects of extreme competitiveness on people and on society.
• Position: Competition drives progress, but too much of it harms wellbeing and cooperation.
• Paragraph 1: Advantages: people work harder, improve skills and reach goals; society gains innovation. Example: students pushing each other to get higher results.
• Paragraph 2: Disadvantages: stress, burnout, cheating and weaker teamwork; society can become more unequal and less trusting. Example: workers who refuse to share knowledge.
• Conclusion: Conclude that healthy competition is useful, but balance and cooperation must be kept.

These are key points and a structure written by RealPTE, not a script to memorise: say or write it in your own words.

RealPTE numbers

• Student reports: Common (8 reports)

From RealPTE practice records and students’ “I sat this” reports, counted weekly (last count 2026-10-21). Reports are what students tell us; predictions are not guaranteed.

Questions about this question