The topic of retirement planning frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly in questions about social welfare, government policies, and personal financial management. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect to see more questions about choosing between savings or investment and retirement planning in future tests.
Common IELTS Writing Topics Related to Retirement Planning
Task Analysis and Sample Question
Some people believe that retirement planning should be mandatory for all working adults, while others think it should remain a personal choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Understanding the Question
- Topic: Retirement planning
- Task type: Discussion + Opinion
- Key aspects to cover:
- Arguments for mandatory retirement planning
- Arguments against mandatory retirement planning
- Personal perspective with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The debate over whether retirement planning should be compulsory has gained significant attention as populations age worldwide. While some advocate for mandatory retirement savings, others maintain that individuals should have autonomy over their financial decisions. In my view, a balanced approach combining both elements would be most beneficial.
Those who support mandatory retirement planning argue that it ensures financial security in old age. Without proper planning, many elderly individuals might become dependent on state welfare or face poverty. For instance, countries like Singapore have successfully implemented compulsory retirement savings schemes, resulting in better financial preparation for their aging population. Furthermore, mandatory planning can protect people from their own tendency to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term security.
However, opponents contend that financial planning should remain a personal choice, as different individuals have varying circumstances and preferences. Some might prefer to choose the right savings account interest rates and investment strategies based on their specific needs. Additionally, forcing people to save a fixed portion of their income could create hardship for low-income workers who need their entire earnings for immediate necessities.
In my opinion, while complete mandatory retirement planning might be too restrictive, a hybrid system would be most effective. This could involve a basic mandatory contribution level, supplemented by voluntary additional savings. Such an approach would provide a safety net while maintaining individual freedom to make additional financial choices.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, retirement planning is becoming more important as people live longer. Some people think everyone must plan for retirement, but others say it should be their choice. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, making retirement planning compulsory has some benefits. First, it helps people save money for when they are old. Many people spend all their money now and have nothing left for retirement. Also, when more people save money, it reduces the burden on the government to support old people. For example, in my country, many old people depend on their children or the government because they didn’t save money.
But some people think forcing everyone to save for retirement is not good. They say people should be free to decide how to use their money. Sometimes, people need their money for other important things like education or starting a business. Also, some people might want to choose the best bank for savings by themselves.
I think retirement planning should be partly mandatory. The government should make people save some money but also let them choose how to save extra money if they want. This way, everyone will have some savings for retirement but still have freedom with their money.
Key Vocabulary
- retirement planning (n) /rɪˈtaɪə.mənt ˈplænɪŋ/ – organizing finances for post-work life
- mandatory (adj) /ˈmæn.də.tər.i/ – required by law
- autonomy (n) /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/ – freedom to make own decisions
- welfare (n) /ˈwel.feər/ – health and happiness of people
- immediate gratification (n) /ɪˈmiː.di.ət ˌɡræt.ɪˈfɪ.keɪ.ʃən/ – instant pleasure or reward
- hybrid system (n) /ˈhaɪ.brɪd ˈsɪs.təm/ – combination of different approaches
- supplemented (v) /ˈsʌp.lɪ.ment/ – added to make something complete
Writing Task Practice
Practice writing your own essay on this topic or similar retirement-related themes like should governments enforce a mandatory retirement age. Share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
