ECPE Free Sample Essay
"Money can't buy happiness." Do you agree?
It is often said that money can't buy happiness. I agree that this straightforward assertion is true, but I would also like to add that it is an equally valid point that having a sufficient amount of money can save a person from experiencing a great deal of agony.
Philosophically speaking, happiness and contentment are inner states of mind that are not connected to the tangible world of material existence. Buddhist monks take vows of poverty, and yet they are quite possibly the most content human beings that one could ever encounter. In addition, there are known cases of people who have endured unspeakable hardships and nevertheless have continued to have faith in humankind. The Diary of Anne Frank is an elucidating example in this case. When reading the writings of this young Jewish girl, one can plainly see that Anne managed to maintain a cheerful outlook throughout her ordeal, in spite of the persecution and hardships she experienced daily while hiding from Nazi soldiers during the Second World War.
Conversely, money itself can also be the cause of profound sadness for many people. Nearly every week one can read stories in the media about family feuds over inheritances or lottery winners who find that their friends have turned against them after failing to be given sizeable monetary gifts. Moreover, some wealthy people are too preoccupied with increasing their fortunes to stop and enjoy the fruits of their labors by taking a well-deserved vacation or simply spending time relaxing with their families.
However, even though money can't buy happiness per se, it can alleviate many sources of suffering. Consider, for instance, the person who does not have adequate medical care because he or she cannot afford it. In this case, happiness could be achieved by having ample financial resources to return the person to full health. Of course, even more compelling is the example of children around the globe who must endure the effects of poverty on a daily basis.
Indeed, it seems an existential luxury to engage in philosophical musings over the elusive state of "happiness" when people in many countries around the world will wake up today without the sufficient food, medicine, and drinking water needed for mere survival.
COMMENTS – FREE SAMPLE ESSAY:
1. Clear central idea – the writer expresses her central idea clearly in the opening paragraph of the essay when she states: "I agree that this straightforward assertion is true, but I would also like to add that it is an equally valid point that having a sufficient amount of money can save a person from experiencing a great deal of agony." From this sentence, the reader can see that the writer primarily agrees with the essay theme, although she will go on to express certain reservations.
2. Well-supported – the essay is well-supported with meaningful explanations and examples. The writer cites examples from Buddhist monks, Anne Frank, the discontent of the wealthy, and world poverty to support her position.
3. Logical organization – the essay is structured very well and is easy to follow and read. The arguments in support of the primary assertion are stated in paragraphs 2 and 3, while the writer's reservations are stated in paragraphs 4 and 5.
4. Writing conventions – the student has utilized correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The essay is also organized into meaningful paragraphs, each of which centers around a key point. For further advice and practice with spelling and grammar, please see our website at: www.academic-success-media.com
5. Syntactic complexity – the structure of the sentences in this essay is very complex. The writer uses discursive markers such as however, nevertheless, for example, while, and when to achieve this effect. Please see the attached list of discursive markers, which you should endeavor to use in your essays.
6. Appropriate tone and style – the writer expresses her opinion in an academic way, but also shows that she can contemplate other viewpoints. Please notice the phrases: it is often said, I agree that, I would also like to add that, and it seems.
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