Economic inequality is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Given its relevance to current socio-economic trends, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter this topic in your IELTS exam. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft effective responses across different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Economic Inequality
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing the gap between the rich and the poor, while others argue that this is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the issue of economic inequality and the role of government in addressing it. It’s a classic two-part question that requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should focus on reducing economic inequality
- Discuss the opposing view that this is not the government’s responsibility
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before presenting your stance.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8 range:
Economic disparity is a contentious issue in many societies, with divergent views on the government’s role in addressing it. While some advocate for active government intervention to narrow the wealth gap, others contend that this falls outside the purview of governmental responsibilities. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.
Proponents of government action argue that reducing economic inequality is crucial for social stability and overall economic health. They posit that excessive wealth concentration at the top can lead to social unrest, decreased social mobility, and reduced economic growth. Governments, they argue, have the tools and mandate to implement policies such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and education initiatives that can help level the playing field. For instance, countries like Sweden and Denmark have demonstrated that strong government policies can create more egalitarian societies without stifling economic dynamism.
Conversely, those who believe governments should not focus on wealth redistribution often emphasize the importance of individual responsibility and free-market principles. They contend that government intervention can create disincentives for hard work and innovation, potentially hampering economic growth. This school of thought suggests that natural market forces will eventually lead to a more equitable distribution of wealth, and that government efforts to artificially reduce inequality may have unintended negative consequences. The success of some capitalist economies, such as Singapore, is often cited as evidence that economic growth can lead to improved living standards for all without direct wealth redistribution.
In my opinion, while the free market has merits, the government does have a crucial role to play in mitigating extreme economic inequality. The potential social and economic costs of unchecked wealth disparity are too high to ignore. However, I believe the approach should be balanced, focusing on creating equal opportunities rather than equal outcomes. Policies that invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure can enhance social mobility without undermining the incentives for individual achievement. Additionally, measures to ensure fair competition and prevent the concentration of wealth through monopolies or corruption are essential governmental functions.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that governments cannot afford to be passive in the face of rising economic inequality. A nuanced approach that promotes equality of opportunity, while still rewarding innovation and hard work, is crucial for creating stable, prosperous societies in the long term.
(Word count: 374)
Analysis of Band 8 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 8 range for several reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Conversely”, “However”, “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious”, “divergent”, “purview”, “egalitarian”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and examples.
Band 6 Sample Essay
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6 range:
Nowadays, the gap between rich and poor people is becoming bigger in many countries. Some people think the government should try to make this gap smaller, but others say it’s not the government’s job. This essay will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think the government should help make the gap smaller have some good reasons. They say that when there are too many poor people, it can cause problems in society. For example, there might be more crime or people might get angry at the rich. Also, if poor people can’t afford good education or healthcare, it’s bad for the whole country. Governments can help by making rich people pay more taxes and using this money to help poor people.
On the other hand, some people think the government shouldn’t try to make everyone have the same amount of money. They believe that if people work hard, they should be able to keep their money. If the government takes too much money from rich people, it might make them not want to work hard or start businesses. This could be bad for the economy. These people think that it’s better to let the free market decide how money is shared.
In my opinion, I think the government should try to help make the gap between rich and poor smaller, but not too much. It’s important that everyone has a chance to have a good life, but we also need to reward people who work hard. The government could focus on making sure everyone can go to school and get healthcare, but not take too much money from rich people.
To conclude, while there are different opinions on this topic, I believe the government has a role in reducing inequality, but it should be done carefully to balance fairness with economic growth.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 6 range for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less varied and sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “Also” and “Some people think”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. There’s some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “inequality”), but the language is generally simpler.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the Band 8 essay. There are no major grammatical errors, but the structures used are less sophisticated.
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Development of Ideas: The main points are relevant and supported, but the explanations and examples are more general and less detailed compared to the Band 8 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Economic inequality (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – differences in economic well-being between individuals or groups
- Wealth gap (noun) – /welθ ɡæp/ – the difference in the amount of wealth held by different groups in society
- Progressive taxation (noun) – /prəˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃən/ – a tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases
- Social mobility (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃəl məˈbɪləti/ – the ability to move between different levels in society
- Egalitarian (adjective) – /ɪˌɡælɪˈteərɪən/ – believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities
- Wealth redistribution (noun) – /welθ ˌriːdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/ – the transfer of income, wealth, or property from some individuals to others through social mechanisms
- Free-market principles (noun) – /friː ˈmɑːkɪt ˈprɪnsəpəlz/ – economic concepts that emphasize non-intervention by government in the marketplace
- Socio-economic (adjective) – /ˌsəʊsɪəʊ iːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors
Conclusion
Addressing economic inequality is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice crafting essays that demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the issue, provide balanced arguments, and clearly express your own viewpoint. Remember to support your points with relevant examples and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- The impact of globalization on economic inequality
- The role of education in reducing income disparities
- The effectiveness of minimum wage laws in addressing poverty
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
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