Inflation and its impact on disposable income is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This economic theme has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in today’s global economic climate. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions related to this topic in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests:
Some people think that governments should focus on reducing the effects of inflation on people’s income. Others believe that there are more important priorities for governments to address. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting views on government priorities:
- Governments should focus on reducing inflation’s effects on income
- Governments have more important priorities to address
Candidates need to explore both perspectives and provide their own opinion. This question tests the ability to analyze different viewpoints, provide relevant examples, and articulate a well-reasoned personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Inflation’s impact on disposable income is a significant economic concern, leading some to argue that governments should prioritize mitigating these effects. However, others contend that there are more pressing issues for governments to address. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this complex issue.
Those who believe governments should focus on reducing inflation’s impact on income argue that maintaining citizens’ purchasing power is crucial for economic stability and social well-being. When inflation outpaces wage growth, it erodes people’s ability to afford basic necessities and maintain their standard of living. This can lead to increased poverty, social unrest, and economic stagnation. By implementing policies to control inflation and protect incomes, governments can ensure a more stable and prosperous society for all citizens.
On the other hand, proponents of the opposing view argue that governments face numerous challenges that may take precedence over inflation’s effects on income. These could include issues such as healthcare, education, climate change, or national security. They contend that addressing these fundamental concerns is essential for long-term societal progress and well-being. Moreover, they argue that a myopic focus on inflation could lead to neglect of other critical areas, potentially causing more harm than good in the long run.
In my opinion, while inflation’s impact on disposable income is undoubtedly important, governments must take a balanced approach to addressing various societal needs. I believe that economic stability, including managing inflation, should be a key priority, but not at the expense of other crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection. A holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors is essential for sustainable development and overall societal well-being.
In conclusion, while reducing the effects of inflation on income is a valid concern, governments must weigh this against other pressing priorities. The most effective approach is likely to involve a comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple societal needs simultaneously, recognizing that economic stability is intrinsically linked to progress in other areas.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Inflation is a big problem that affects people’s money, and some think the government should focus on fixing this. But others say there are more important things for the government to do. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who think the government should focus on inflation’s effects on income have good reasons. When prices go up but salaries don’t, people can’t buy as much as before. This makes life hard, especially for poor people who might not be able to afford food or rent. If the government helps control inflation, it can make sure people have enough money to live comfortably.
However, there are also important reasons why the government might need to focus on other things. For example, there might be problems with schools, hospitals, or the environment that need fixing right away. These issues can also have a big impact on people’s lives and might be more urgent than dealing with inflation.
In my opinion, I think the government should try to do both things. They should work on reducing inflation’s effects on income, but also pay attention to other important issues. It’s not good to focus only on one problem and ignore others. The best solution is to have a plan that deals with many different problems at the same time.
To conclude, while inflation is a serious issue, governments need to balance this with other priorities. They should try to find ways to help people with their income while also working on other important things that the country needs.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think governments should focus on reducing inflation’s effects on income, but others think there are more important things. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Firstly, inflation makes things more expensive, and this is bad for people’s money. When prices go up, people can’t buy as much as before. This is why some people think the government should help with this problem. If the government does this, people will have more money to spend on things they need.
However, other people think there are more important things for the government to do. Maybe there are problems with schools or hospitals that need fixing first. These things are also very important for people’s lives, so the government might need to focus on them instead of inflation.
In my opinion, I think both things are important. The government should try to help with inflation and also work on other problems. It’s not good to only focus on one thing and forget about everything else. I think the best way is for the government to have a plan that helps with many different problems.
In conclusion, inflation is a big problem, but there are also other important things. The government should try to help with both inflation and other issues to make life better for everyone.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates high levels of coherence and cohesion throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary with noticeable errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors that distract the reader
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Inflation (noun) – /ɪnˈfleɪʃən/ – A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money
- Disposable income (noun phrase) – /dɪˈspəʊzəbl ˈɪnkʌm/ – The amount of money that households have available for spending and saving after income taxes have been accounted for
- Purchasing power (noun phrase) – /ˈpɜːtʃəsɪŋ ˈpaʊə/ – The value of a currency expressed in terms of the amount of goods or services that one unit of money can buy
- Economic stability (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk stəˈbɪləti/ – A situation in which an economy experiences consistent growth and low inflation
- Social unrest (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃəl ʌnˈrest/ – A state of dissatisfaction, disturbance, and agitation in a society, typically involving public demonstrations or disorder
- Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – An approach that takes into account all of the elements or parts of something as interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
- Sustainable development (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe, serious, or painful
- Myopic (adjective) – /maɪˈɒpɪk/ – Lacking foresight or intellectual insight
- Interconnectedness (noun) – /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – The state of being connected with each other
Conclusion
The topic of inflation’s impact on disposable income is a crucial one in IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this subject allows for a rich discussion of economic policies, government priorities, and societal well-being. To excel in such questions, candidates should be prepared to analyze different perspectives, provide relevant examples, and articulate a well-reasoned opinion.
For practice, consider writing your own essay on the following potential future topics:
- “Some argue that governments should prioritize controlling inflation over promoting economic growth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “Discuss the pros and cons of government intervention in managing the effects of inflation on citizens’ income.”
Remember to focus on clear structure, relevant examples, and a balanced argument. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the actual test.