International organizations play a crucial role in combating global poverty. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in today’s interconnected world. Let’s explore some sample essays and analyze how to effectively address this important issue.
Global Poverty Statistics
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that international organizations should focus on providing immediate aid to countries facing poverty, while others argue that long-term development projects are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that immediate aid is more important
- Discuss the view that long-term development projects are more effective
- Provide your own opinion on which approach is better
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Global poverty remains a pressing issue, and there is ongoing debate about how international organizations can best address it. While some advocate for immediate aid, others argue for long-term development projects. In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both strategies is most effective in combating poverty.
Those who support immediate aid argue that it can save lives in crisis situations. For instance, during natural disasters or famines, quick distribution of food, medicine, and shelter can prevent widespread suffering and death. Immediate aid can also provide a foundation for further development by meeting basic needs and stabilizing communities. Organizations like the Red Cross have demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid response in emergencies.
On the other hand, proponents of long-term development projects contend that these initiatives address the root causes of poverty. By focusing on education, infrastructure, and economic development, these projects aim to create sustainable change. The success of microloan programs in countries like Bangladesh illustrates how long-term strategies can empower communities to lift themselves out of poverty. Additionally, development projects often involve local communities, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on external aid.
In my view, the most effective approach combines both immediate aid and long-term development. International organizations should be prepared to provide rapid assistance in emergencies while simultaneously investing in sustainable solutions. This balanced strategy ensures that immediate needs are met while also working towards lasting change. For example, after providing emergency food aid, organizations could implement agricultural training programs to improve long-term food security.
Moreover, the two approaches can complement each other. Immediate aid can create stability and trust, paving the way for successful long-term projects. Conversely, ongoing development initiatives can enhance a community’s resilience, reducing the need for emergency interventions in the future.
In conclusion, while both immediate aid and long-term development have their merits, a comprehensive approach that utilizes both strategies is most likely to effectively address global poverty. International organizations should strive to balance short-term relief with sustainable development to create lasting positive change in impoverished communities worldwide.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of how international organizations should tackle global poverty is a complex one. Some people think that providing immediate aid to poor countries is the best way, while others believe that long-term development projects are more effective. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support immediate aid say that it can help people in urgent need. For example, when there is a famine or natural disaster, quick help with food and supplies can save many lives. Immediate aid can also show poor countries that the international community cares about them. This can lead to better relationships between nations.
On the other hand, supporters of long-term development projects argue that these can solve the root causes of poverty. By building schools, improving healthcare, and creating job opportunities, these projects can help countries become self-sufficient. This means that over time, they will need less help from other countries. Long-term projects can also teach valuable skills to local people.
In my opinion, both approaches are important and should be used together. I think international organizations should provide immediate aid when there are emergencies, but also work on long-term solutions to prevent future crises. This way, they can help people who are suffering right now and also work towards a future where fewer people live in poverty.
For instance, after helping a country recover from a flood, an organization could start a project to improve flood defenses and teach people how to prepare for future disasters. This combined approach would be more effective in fighting poverty in the long run.
In conclusion, while both immediate aid and long-term development have their benefits, I believe that using both methods together is the best way for international organizations to address global poverty. This balanced approach can help solve current problems and prevent future ones.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Global poverty is a big problem, and people have different ideas about how to solve it. Some think giving quick help is best, while others say long projects are better. I will talk about both ideas and share what I think.
People who like quick help say it’s good for emergencies. When there’s not enough food or a big storm, fast help can save people. It’s important to give food, water, and medicine right away. This kind of help shows poor countries that others care about them.
But other people think long projects are better. They say these projects can fix the reasons why countries are poor. Building schools and hospitals can help people learn and stay healthy. These projects can also teach people new skills to get jobs. This way, countries can become stronger and not need so much help later.
I think both ways are important. We should give fast help when people are in danger, but also work on big projects to make things better for a long time. This way, we can help people now and in the future.
For example, after helping people after a flood, we could also teach them how to be ready for the next flood. This would be a good way to use both quick help and long projects together.
To finish, I believe using both quick help and long projects is the best way to fight poverty. International groups should try to do both to help poor countries the most.
(Word count: 247)
Analysis of Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the task. Key strengths include:
- Clear structure with well-developed paragraphs
- Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
- Balanced discussion of both views with relevant examples
- Clear personal opinion with justification
- Cohesive devices used effectively throughout
The essay shows a nuanced understanding of the topic and presents a well-reasoned argument for a balanced approach.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay addresses the task adequately but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Strengths and areas for improvement include:
- Good overall structure, but paragraphs could be more fully developed
- Appropriate vocabulary with some attempts at more complex expressions
- Both views are discussed, but examples could be more specific
- Personal opinion is clear, but could be more fully explained
- Some use of cohesive devices, but not always smoothly integrated
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the topic but could benefit from more depth and complexity in its arguments.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay addresses the basic requirements of the task but has limitations in language and content. Observations include:
- Simple structure with basic paragraph organization
- Limited vocabulary range with some repetition
- Both views are mentioned, but lack detailed examples or explanation
- Personal opinion is present but not well-developed
- Basic cohesive devices used, but sometimes awkwardly
The essay shows an understanding of the topic but lacks the depth and language sophistication required for higher bands.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Global poverty (noun) – /ˈɡləʊbl ˈpɒvəti/ – Widespread lack of wealth and resources across the world
- Immediate aid (noun phrase) – /ɪˈmiːdiət eɪd/ – Urgent assistance provided in crisis situations
- Long-term development (noun phrase) – /lɒŋ tɜːm dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Sustainable projects aimed at creating lasting change
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources
- Empower (verb) – /ɪmˈpaʊə/ – To give someone the authority or power to do something
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – Basic physical and organizational structures needed for society to function
- Self-reliance (noun) – /self rɪˈlaɪəns/ – Reliance on one’s own powers and resources rather than those of others
- Root causes (noun phrase) – /ruːt kɔːzɪz/ – The fundamental reasons for a problem or situation
- Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – Action taken to improve a situation, especially in a medical or social welfare context
Conclusion
Addressing global poverty is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. As demonstrated in the sample essays, effective responses to this IELTS Writing Task 2 question should discuss both immediate aid and long-term development strategies, providing a balanced view and a well-reasoned personal opinion.
To prepare for similar topics in future IELTS exams, consider practicing with questions such as:
- How can developed countries best support developing nations in reducing poverty?
- Discuss the role of education in alleviating global poverty.
- Some people believe that trade is more effective than aid in reducing poverty. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences, and support your arguments with specific examples. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.
