The importance of debt repayment strategies for credit health is a crucial topic that has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions over the past few years. Given the global economic challenges and increasing personal debt levels, it’s likely to remain a relevant issue in future tests. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question on this subject and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that individuals should be solely responsible for managing their personal debts, while others think the government should provide more support and education on debt management. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on personal debt management:
- Individuals should be solely responsible for their debts
- The government should provide more support and education
You need to discuss both perspectives and then give your own opinion. This is a classic example of an opinion essay where you need to present a balanced argument before concluding with your personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Personal debt has become a significant issue in many countries, leading to debates about who should bear the responsibility for managing it. While some argue that individuals should be solely accountable for their financial decisions, others believe that governments have a role to play in providing support and education. In my opinion, a balanced approach combining individual responsibility and government assistance is the most effective solution.
Those who advocate for individual responsibility argue that personal debt is ultimately a result of one’s own choices and actions. They believe that adults should be capable of making informed financial decisions and living within their means. This view suggests that relying on government intervention may encourage irresponsible behavior and create a culture of dependency. Moreover, proponents of this perspective argue that individuals have access to various resources, such as financial advisors and online tools, to help them manage their debts effectively.
On the other hand, supporters of government involvement contend that many people lack the necessary financial literacy to make sound decisions about debt. They argue that providing education and support can help prevent individuals from falling into debt traps and contribute to overall economic stability. Government initiatives could include mandatory financial education in schools, free debt counseling services, and regulations to protect consumers from predatory lending practices. This approach recognizes that personal debt issues can have broader societal implications and that preventive measures can benefit both individuals and the economy as a whole.
In my view, a combination of individual responsibility and government support is the most effective approach to addressing personal debt issues. While individuals should undoubtedly be accountable for their financial decisions, governments can play a crucial role in equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed choices. For instance, managing debt responsibly during economic uncertainty requires both personal discipline and an understanding of complex financial systems, which government-led education programs can help provide.
In conclusion, tackling personal debt requires a multi-faceted approach. By balancing individual accountability with targeted government support and education, societies can create an environment that promotes financial responsibility and protects vulnerable individuals from the pitfalls of excessive debt.
Debt repayment strategies for credit health illustration
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Personal debt is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think individuals should take care of their own debts, while others believe the government should help more. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who say individuals should be responsible for their debts have some good points. They think that adults should be able to control their own spending and not rely on others to fix their problems. This view says that if people are careful with money and make good choices, they can avoid big debts. Also, there are many ways to get help with money problems, like talking to a bank or using the internet to learn about finances.
However, those who want the government to help more also have valid reasons. Many people don’t know much about managing money, and this can lead to serious debt problems. If the government provides more education about finances, it could stop people from getting into trouble with debt. The government could teach about money in schools, offer free advice services, and make rules to protect people from unfair loans. This could help not just individuals, but the whole economy.
In my opinion, both individuals and the government have important roles in managing personal debt. People should try their best to be responsible with money, but the government should also provide education and support. This is especially important because the economy can be unpredictable, and people need to know how to manage debt responsibly during economic uncertainty.
To conclude, I believe that a mix of personal responsibility and government help is the best way to deal with debt problems. If people are careful with money and the government provides good education and support, it will be easier for everyone to avoid serious debt issues.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Personal debt is a big problem for many people. Some think people should manage their own debts, but others say the government should help more. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, some people think individuals should be responsible for their own debts. They say that adults should know how to control their money and not spend too much. If people are careful, they can avoid big debts. Also, there are many ways to get help with money problems, like asking a bank or looking on the internet.
But other people think the government should help more. Many people don’t know much about money, and this can cause big problems. If the government teaches people about money, it could stop them from getting into debt. The government could teach about money in schools and give free advice to people who need help.
I think both people and the government should help with debt problems. People should try to be careful with money, but the government should also teach people about finances. This is important because sometimes the economy is bad, and people need to know how to manage their debts.
In conclusion, I believe that people and the government should work together to solve debt problems. If people are careful and the government helps with education, it will be easier for everyone to avoid big debts.
Financial education and debt management classroom scene
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 essay
- 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
- Ideas are coherent and there is clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
- Demonstrates a sophisticated use of linking words and phrases
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
- May not always use referencing clearly or appropriately
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Debt repayment (noun) – /det rɪˈpeɪmənt/ – The act of paying back money that was borrowed
- Financial literacy (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills
- Credit score (noun) – /ˈkredɪt skɔːr/ – A number that represents a person’s creditworthiness
- Predatory lending (noun) – /ˈpredətəri ˈlendɪŋ/ – Unfair, deceptive lending practices that harm borrowers
- Fiscal responsibility (noun) – /ˈfɪskəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The practice of handling financial matters prudently
- Debt counseling (noun) – /det ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/ – Professional advice on managing and repaying debt
- Economic stability (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk stəˈbɪləti/ – A state of the economy in which there are minimal fluctuations in output and employment
- Personal accountability (noun) – /ˈpɜːsənl əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – Being answerable for one’s actions and decisions
- Financial advisor (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ədˈvaɪzər/ – A professional who provides financial guidance and advice
- Debt trap (noun) – /det træp/ – A situation where an individual or entity is unable to repay debts due to high-interest rates
In conclusion, mastering the art of discussing debt repayment strategies and their impact on credit health is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different band score levels. Remember to practice writing your own essays on similar topics, such as the role of financial education in schools or the impact of personal debt on national economies. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.