Retirement savings and pension planning are increasingly common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting growing global concerns about financial security in later life. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams, questions about retirement planning appear approximately 2-3 times per year, often integrated with broader themes of personal finance, government responsibility, or social welfare.
For those interested in strategies for saving for major life events, understanding how to approach these types of questions is crucial for IELTS success.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Sample on Retirement Savings Plans
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that individuals should be solely responsible for planning and saving for their retirement, while others think governments should provide pension schemes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussion of two contrasting viewpoints
- Analysis of individual vs. government responsibility
- A clear personal stance
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
Band 8 Sample Essay
Many debate whether retirement planning should be a personal responsibility or a government obligation. While both approaches have merit, I believe a combined system offers the most effective solution.
Those advocating individual responsibility argue that personal retirement planning promotes financial discipline and independence. When people manage their own retirement funds through private investments and financial planning for self-employed individuals, they tend to make more informed decisions about their future. For instance, in Singapore, the mandatory savings system encourages citizens to actively participate in their retirement planning while maintaining control over their investments.
However, proponents of government-managed pension schemes emphasize the importance of social security nets. They contend that not everyone possesses the financial literacy or means to plan effectively for retirement. The Swedish pension system demonstrates how government intervention can ensure basic retirement security for all citizens, regardless of their economic status.
In my opinion, the most effective approach combines both individual and state responsibility. Governments should provide basic pension schemes to prevent elderly poverty, while individuals should be encouraged to supplement these with personal savings and investments. This hybrid model, successfully implemented in countries like Australia, ensures both basic security and the potential for enhanced retirement comfort through personal initiative.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is a big discussion about who should be responsible for retirement planning. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Some people think individuals should plan their own retirement. They say this is better because people can choose how to save their money and how much to save. For example, young workers can start saving early and invest in different things like property or stocks. This gives them more control over their future.
On the other hand, many believe governments must provide pensions. Not everyone has enough money to save, and some people don’t know how to plan well. In many countries, government pensions help old people live better lives. This is important because nobody should be poor when they are old.
I think both ways are important. Governments should give basic pensions to help everyone, but people should also try to save extra money if they can. This is like in my country, where we have government pensions and people also save their own money.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and coherent arguments
- Balanced discussion with specific examples
- Natural transition between ideas
- Strong concluding opinion
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear arguments
- Basic vocabulary with some errors
- Limited use of complex structures
- Some repetition and informal language
- Basic examples without detail
Key Vocabulary
- pension scheme (n) /ˈpenʃən skiːm/ – retirement plan
- financial literacy (n) /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – understanding of money management
- mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law
- supplementary (adj) /ˌsʌplɪˈmentəri/ – additional
- social security net (n) /ˈsəʊʃəl sɪˈkjʊərəti net/ – government welfare system
Remember to practice writing your own response to this question and share it in the comments for feedback. Future IELTS tests may feature similar topics about pension reforms, retirement age policies, or mandatory savings schemes.
