Argumentative essay exploring whether money truly leads to happiness.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
This in-depth guide analyses the question 'Is money the key to happiness?' by breaking down a model essay, providing an examiner's perspective and concrete strategies to help you write a high-scoring argumentative text for the English subject.
This comprehensive guide delves into the complex relationship between money and happiness, a frequent topic in English exams. It provides a detailed analysis of a model argumentative essay, offering insights into effective structure, nuanced argumentation, and persuasive language. Students will learn how to craft a well-supported argument, anticipate examiner expectations, and avoid common pitfalls, ultimately enhancing their essay writing skills for VG1, VG2, and VG3 English courses.
Argumentative essays on societal values are a staple of English exams in VG1, VG2, and VG3. The prompt "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" requires you to present a balanced discussion while maintaining a clear personal stance. This topic, specifically, tests your ability to handle abstract concepts like 'happiness' and 'fulfillment' with concrete arguments and structured reasoning. Examiners use such tasks to assess your critical thinking, your ability to structure a coherent argument, and your command of persuasive language. For example, a past exam might ask, "People were happier in previous generations compared to now. To what extent do you agree?" or explore whether celebrities are more famous for glamour and wealth than for their achievements. Mastering the structure and argumentation seen in the model essay below will prepare you for a wide range of similar prompts.
To elevate your analysis from a simple opinion piece to a structured academic essay, you should understand and apply certain key concepts. These provide a theoretical framework for your arguments, demonstrating deeper knowledge and analytical skill.
| Concept | Definition | Example from the Model Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | A single sentence in the introduction that clearly states the main argument or position of the essay. It acts as a roadmap for the reader. | "This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that while money contributes to happiness to some extent, it is not the ultimate key to a fulfilling life." |
| Argumentative Structure | The logical organization of an essay. A common and effective structure is to present the opposing view first, then your counter-argument, followed by a synthesis or conclusion. | The essay first discusses the argument that money brings happiness (Body 1), then its limitations (Body 2), before presenting the 'real' sources of happiness (Body 3) and a balanced conclusion. |
| Hedonic Treadmill | A psychological theory suggesting that people repeatedly return to their baseline level of happiness, regardless of what happens to them, good or bad. Major life events have less impact than we think. For example, winning the lottery might bring initial euphoria, but individuals often adapt to their new wealth and return to their previous level of happiness. | "Psychologists refer to this as the 'hedonic treadmill'—the tendency to constantly seek more without ever feeling fully satisfied." (Body Paragraph 2) |
| Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs | A theory by Abraham Maslow proposing that humans have a hierarchy of needs. Basic physiological and safety needs must be met before higher-level needs like belonging, esteem, and self-actualization can be pursued. For instance, an individual struggling with hunger (physiological need) will not be primarily concerned with achieving their full potential (self-actualization). | The essay implicitly uses this concept in Body Paragraph 1: "Financial stability allows people to afford food, housing, healthcare, and education—essentials that are directly linked to comfort and security." These are the foundational layers of Maslow's pyramid. |
| Easterlin Paradox | An economic concept which finds that within a given country, richer people tend to be happier. However, when comparing countries, or the same country over time, average happiness does not increase with average income beyond a certain point. This suggests that relative income and basic needs satisfaction are more important than absolute wealth for overall societal happiness. | This paradox directly supports the argument in Body Paragraph 2: "...research consistently shows that beyond a certain level of income, more money does not necessarily lead to greater happiness." |
| Materialism | A value system that places a high importance on acquiring and possessing material goods. Research often links high levels of materialism to lower subjective well-being and happiness. For example, someone who constantly buys new items to feel good might experience only temporary satisfaction, leading to a cycle of needing more. | The essay touches upon this in Body Paragraph 2: "People who are obsessed with material success may neglect relationships, personal growth, or health in favor of financial gain." |
| Subjective Well-being (SWB) | A scientific term for how people experience and evaluate their lives and specific domains and activities in their lives. It includes both emotional responses (happiness, sadness) and cognitive judgments (life satisfaction). This is what researchers are typically measuring when discussing 'happiness'. | While not explicitly named, the essay's core discussion about 'happiness' and 'fulfillment' directly refers to the components of subjective well-being throughout, especially in Body Paragraph 3 where it discusses non-material sources of happiness. |
The following is a well-structured student essay. We will use it as a basis for our analysis.
The relationship between money and happiness has been debated for centuries. In today’s materialistic world, wealth is often seen as a measure of success and a gateway to comfort and freedom. Many people believe that money is the key to happiness because it provides access to better living conditions, security, and opportunities. However, others argue that true happiness comes from emotional well-being, meaningful relationships, and inner peace—things that money cannot buy. This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that while money contributes to happiness to some extent, it is not the ultimate key to a fulfilling life.
Money undoubtedly plays an important role in achieving happiness, especially in meeting basic human needs. Financial stability allows people to afford food, housing, healthcare, and education—essentials that are directly linked to comfort and security. Without money, even the simplest needs can become sources of stress and suffering. For example, people living in poverty often struggle with uncertainty about the future, which can lead to anxiety and unhappiness.
Moreover, money provides freedom of choice . It enables individuals to travel, pursue hobbies, and access better experiences, all of which can increase life satisfaction. For instance, being able to buy a home or provide education for one’s children can give people a sense of achievement and stability. Therefore, up to a certain point, money can indeed enhance happiness by eliminating many sources of worry and providing comfort.
However, research consistently shows that beyond a certain level of income, more money does not necessarily lead to greater happiness. Once basic needs and comfort are met, emotional and psychological factors become more significant. Many wealthy individuals still struggle with loneliness, stress, or lack of purpose. In some cases, the pursuit of money can even lead to unhappiness. People who are obsessed with material success may neglect relationships, personal growth, or health in favor of financial gain.
In addition, material possessions often bring only temporary satisfaction . A new car or an expensive gadget may provide excitement at first, but this feeling fades quickly as people adapt to their circumstances. Psychologists refer to this as the “hedonic treadmill”—the tendency to constantly seek more without ever feeling fully satisfied. As a result, the endless pursuit of wealth can trap people in a cycle of desire and disappointment.
True happiness often comes from non-material sources such as strong relationships, a sense of purpose, and inner peace. Studies show that people who maintain close family ties and friendships tend to be happier and healthier than those who are socially isolated. Emotional connection provides support, love, and belonging—needs that cannot be fulfilled by money. …