TOEFL Independent Writing: Essay

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

Success is determined by the amount of money one makes.

Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Some say that money makes the world go around. We study in order to gain a good position
and earn a high salary. This salary enables us to provide for ourselves and our families and
live comfortable lives, affording not only necessities, but also luxuries such as vacations,
expensive cars and large houses. However, in my opinion, success cannot be measured by
your pay check or possessions and this essay will explain why.

Contrary to the belief that success is determined by income, respecting others and being
respected by others are real indicators of success. Evidence shows that being kind,
compassionate, generous, moral in judgement and a good leader are all indicators of success.
For example, a person who treats others kindly, supportively and selflessly is successful as a
human being. The measure of success is how we treat others and the quality of relationships
we share with our fellow human beings.

In addition, we can measure success by the contribution we make to our community. One
who makes an impact on the world - whether on a small scale or a large scale - is in my
opinion, successful. For example, a volunteer who works with the homeless, or with
disadvantaged children, or refugees, is impacting the lives of others in a positive way.
Furthermore, a teacher who makes a life-long impact on the minds, attitudes and futures of
his or her students, is a success regardless of the salary they make.

In conclusion, success is an idea that can be conceptualized in different ways. For some, it
can be measured by things you can count - money, houses, cars, vacations. For others,
success is measured by things that can’t be counted - respect, personal relationships, and
personal and social impact. We are all successful if we add to the experience of others’ in this
life by reaching them in a positive way. In my view, success in life is measured by how
others view you - your character and by your contribution to the world.