Economic challenges like inflation and recession have become increasingly common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent test papers. Based on analysis of past exams and current global economic conditions, this theme is likely to remain prominent in future tests. Let’s examine some authentic questions and sample responses at different band levels.
central bank policies and inflation significantly influence how governments respond to economic crises, making this a crucial topic for IELTS candidates to understand.
Some people believe that during periods of economic recession and high inflation, governments should focus on protecting large businesses rather than helping individual citizens manage rising costs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on government priorities during economic hardship
- Compare support for businesses versus individuals
- Provide specific examples and reasoning
- Consider both economic and social implications
Economic recession and inflation impacts on society and businesses
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
I strongly disagree with the notion that governments should prioritize large businesses over individual citizens during periods of economic downturn and inflation. While corporate stability is important, protecting citizens’ welfare should be the primary focus of governmental economic intervention.
The impact of managing personal debts during inflation on ordinary citizens can be devastating without proper government support. When inflation rises, essential goods become increasingly unaffordable, potentially leading to widespread poverty and social instability. Government assistance through measures like price controls on basic necessities, unemployment benefits, and subsidized healthcare becomes crucial for maintaining social cohesion and preventing economic hardship from evolving into a humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, how to protect essential workers during economic crises demonstrates that supporting individuals often yields better economic outcomes. When citizens maintain purchasing power through government support, they continue to consume goods and services, thereby naturally supporting businesses of all sizes. This bottom-up approach to economic recovery is more sustainable than focusing solely on large corporations.
While large businesses certainly play a vital role in economic stability, they often have more resources and resilience to weather economic downturns compared to individual citizens. Many corporations maintain substantial cash reserves and have access to various financial instruments to manage difficult periods. Moreover, history has shown that prioritizing corporate bailouts over citizen welfare can exacerbate income inequality and social tensions.
In conclusion, while both businesses and individuals require support during economic crises, governments should prioritize protecting citizens’ financial well-being. This approach not only addresses immediate social needs but also contributes to more sustainable economic recovery.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I disagree that governments should focus more on helping big businesses during times of economic problems. I think helping normal people is more important for several reasons.
Firstly, normal people suffer more during inflation because everything becomes more expensive. When prices go up, many people cannot buy enough food or pay their bills. This is very dangerous for society because people might become poor or homeless. The government should help these people first.
how to manage the impact of economic downturns on small businesses shows that big companies usually have lots of money saved. They can survive difficult times better than normal people. Also, many big companies can get loans from banks more easily than ordinary citizens. This means they don’t need as much help from the government.
When the government helps normal people, it also helps businesses indirectly. If people have enough money to spend, they will buy things from shops and companies. This helps keep businesses running. But if people are too poor to buy anything, businesses will have problems anyway.
In conclusion, I think governments should focus more on helping citizens during economic problems. This is better for both society and the economy in the long term.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Clear, sophisticated arguments
- Excellent paragraph organization
- Advanced vocabulary and complex structures
- Relevant examples and specific details
- Coherent progression of ideas
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic but clear position
- Simpler vocabulary and grammar
- Less sophisticated examples
- Some repetition
- More basic paragraph structure
Key Vocabulary
- Economic downturn (n) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – period of reduced economic activity
- Corporate stability (n) /ˈkɔːpərət stəˈbɪləti/ – steady state of business operations
- Purchasing power (n) /ˈpɜːtʃəsɪŋ ˈpaʊə/ – ability to buy goods and services
- Humanitarian crisis (n) /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən ˈkraɪsɪs/ – situation threatening human welfare
- Social cohesion (n) /ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – unity between social groups
Government economic support measures during recession
In conclusion, managing inflation during recession remains a crucial topic for IELTS candidates. Practice writing responses to similar questions like “Should governments prioritize economic growth over environmental protection during recessions?” or “To what extent should central banks control inflation at the expense of economic growth?” Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
