Compare and Contrast/Opinion- Essay Example

It is often cited that “Not everything that is learned is contained in books”. According to many,
Question we learn most of the things from our own experience while others believe that books are our
main source of knowledge. Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with
knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?   

Knowledge is a very important aspect of our daily lives. It helps us go through life with fewer
problems. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power”. Therefore, in our society, today, the most
knowledgeable person is considered to be the most powerful. Knowledge can be gained from life
Introduction-
experiences or from reading books. In my opinion, one cannot depend on either of the two by
Opinion themselves. The best is to make use of both.

First, before an individual is able to read and write, one must gain knowledge through life
experiences. For example, children begin to learn right from the day they are born. A child learns
Body- how to sit, stand, understand the right from the wrong and so on. This learning experience is
necessary for the child’s development.
Aspect 1
Second, as the child grows, he/she develops qualities such as compassion, empathy,
friendliness and so on. These qualities are not learned in books but can only be obtained through
Body- life experiences. The life experiences include observing others, talking with family and taking care
Aspect 1 of a pet.

On the other hand, formal education is obtained by attending classes and reading books. This
aspect of learning is equally important for an individual’s future career. For instance a doctor is only
Body- able to keep him or herself updated by reading up on various changes of medicine and various
diseases so as to offer a patient’s care.
Aspect 2

In conclusion, knowledge learned from life experiences is as important as knowledge acquired

from reading books. The former helps one develop certain human characteristics which are
Conclusion informal whereas the latter helps one achieve a target career goal.

Adapted from https://www.ielts-mentor.com/writing-sample/writing-task-2/1717-ielts-writing-

task-2-sample-658-compare-and-contrast-knowledge-gained-from-experience-with-knowledge-
gained-from-books