Economic crises can have devastating effects on society, particularly on vulnerable populations. This topic has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 over the years and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Let’s examine a specific question on this subject and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people believe that during economic crises, governments should prioritize protecting vulnerable populations over stimulating economic growth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on a complex economic and social issue. Key points to consider:
- The main focus is on government priorities during economic crises.
- Two options are presented: protecting vulnerable populations vs. stimulating economic growth.
- You need to state your level of agreement and support your position with reasons and examples.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Economic downturns can have far-reaching consequences, and the debate over how governments should respond is crucial. While some argue that protecting vulnerable populations should take precedence over economic stimulation, I believe that a balanced approach addressing both concerns simultaneously is the most effective strategy.
Undoubtedly, safeguarding vulnerable groups during economic crises is of paramount importance. These individuals, including the elderly, low-income families, and those with disabilities, are often the hardest hit by economic downturns. Without adequate support, they may face dire circumstances such as homelessness, malnutrition, or lack of access to healthcare. Governments have a moral obligation to ensure the basic welfare of all citizens, particularly in times of hardship. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis, many countries expanded their social safety nets, providing unemployment benefits and food assistance to those in need.
However, focusing solely on protecting vulnerable populations without addressing economic growth could be short-sighted. A thriving economy is essential for generating the resources needed to support social programs in the long term. By stimulating economic growth, governments can create jobs, increase tax revenues, and ultimately have more funds available to assist vulnerable groups. Furthermore, economic growth can help prevent more people from falling into vulnerable situations in the first place. For example, China’s focus on economic development over the past few decades has lifted millions out of poverty, reducing the overall number of vulnerable individuals.
The most effective approach, in my opinion, is to pursue policies that address both concerns simultaneously. This could involve targeted stimulus measures that create jobs in sectors that directly benefit vulnerable populations, such as healthcare, education, and social services. Additionally, governments can implement progressive taxation and wealth redistribution policies to ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society. The Nordic countries exemplify this balanced approach, maintaining strong social safety nets while fostering innovation and economic competitiveness.
In conclusion, while protecting vulnerable populations during economic crises is crucial, it should not come at the expense of economic growth. A nuanced strategy that promotes both social protection and economic development is the most sustainable way to ensure the well-being of all citizens, both in the short and long term.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Economic crises are difficult times for everyone, but they are especially hard for vulnerable people in society. Some people think governments should focus on helping these vulnerable groups more than trying to grow the economy. I partly agree with this idea because both are important, but protecting vulnerable people should be the top priority.
Firstly, vulnerable populations like the elderly, disabled people, and poor families need immediate help during economic crises. They might not have savings or other resources to rely on when times are tough. Without government support, they could face serious problems like not having enough food or losing their homes. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries gave extra money to unemployed people and families with children to help them survive.
However, economic growth is also important because it can create jobs and increase government income through taxes. This money can then be used to fund social programs that help vulnerable people in the long term. If the economy is very weak, it might be hard for the government to have enough money to help everyone who needs it. Additionally, a strong economy can prevent more people from becoming vulnerable in the first place.
In my opinion, the best approach is to focus more on protecting vulnerable populations in the short term, while also taking some steps to support economic growth. Governments could provide immediate assistance like food aid and housing support to those in need, while also investing in job creation programs or infrastructure projects that can boost the economy over time. This balanced strategy can help ensure that vulnerable people are protected now, while also working towards a stronger economy that can support everyone in the future.
In conclusion, I believe that during economic crises, governments should prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, but not completely ignore economic growth. Both are important, but the immediate needs of vulnerable people should come first, followed by efforts to strengthen the economy for everyone’s benefit in the long run.
(Word count: 317)
Key Considerations When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Arguments: The Band 8-9 essay presents a more nuanced argument, advocating for a balanced approach. The Band 6-7 essay takes a clearer stance but with less depth.
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Examples: Both essays use relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay’s examples are more specific and diverse.
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Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates stronger coherence and cohesion throughout, with smoother transitions between ideas.
Vocabulary and Grammar Tips
Key Vocabulary:
- Vulnerable populations (noun phrase) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃnz/ – Groups at higher risk during crises
- Economic stimulus (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈstɪmjuləs/ – Measures to boost economic activity
- Social safety net (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃl ˈseɪfti net/ – Government programs to support those in need
- Progressive taxation (noun phrase) – /prəˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃn/ – Higher tax rates for higher incomes
- Wealth redistribution (noun phrase) – /welθ ˌriːdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/ – Transferring wealth from rich to poor
- Economic downturn (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – Period of economic decline
- Fiscal policy (noun phrase) – /ˈfɪskl ˈpɒləsi/ – Government’s use of spending and taxation
- Socioeconomic (adjective) – /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – Relating to social and economic factors
- Welfare state (noun phrase) – /ˈwelfeə steɪt/ – System where government protects citizens’ well-being
- Income inequality (noun phrase) – /ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ – Uneven distribution of income in society
Grammar Tips:
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Use complex sentences to show sophisticated thinking: “While protecting vulnerable populations is crucial, it should not come at the expense of economic growth.”
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Employ conditional statements to discuss hypothetical situations: “If governments focus solely on economic growth, vulnerable populations might suffer unnecessarily.”
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Use passive voice to emphasize actions rather than actors: “Social programs should be implemented to support those most affected by the crisis.”
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Incorporate relative clauses to provide additional information: “Economic policies that balance growth with social protection are likely to be most effective.”
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Use modal verbs to express degrees of certainty or possibility: “Governments should prioritize immediate relief for vulnerable groups, but they may also need to consider long-term economic stability.”
Conclusion
The topic of protecting vulnerable populations during economic crises is complex and likely to appear in various forms in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of NGOs in supporting vulnerable groups during economic downturns
- The effectiveness of universal basic income as a solution during economic crises
- Balancing environmental protection with economic recovery after a crisis
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback and discussion!
To learn more about related topics, check out our articles on how to prepare for job loss during a recession and the role of social safety nets during economic downturns.