Financial literacy is a crucial skill for young adults, and its importance is increasingly recognized in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this topic in future exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests:
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question, while not directly mentioning financial literacy, allows candidates to discuss the broader implications of public spending and resource allocation, which are closely tied to financial decision-making.
Analysis of the Question
The prompt asks candidates to:
- Discuss the view that increasing sports facilities is the best way to improve public health
- Discuss the opposing view that other measures are required
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, focusing on how financial literacy can be incorporated into the responses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
There is ongoing debate about the most effective approach to enhancing public health. While some argue that increasing sports facilities is the optimal solution, others contend that alternative measures are necessary. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Proponents of expanding sports infrastructure argue that providing more accessible venues for physical activity will naturally lead to improved public health. They reason that with more gyms, swimming pools, and sports fields available, people will be more inclined to engage in regular exercise, thus reducing obesity rates and associated health problems. Moreover, these facilities can serve as community hubs, promoting social interaction and mental well-being.
On the other hand, critics of this approach point out that merely building facilities does not guarantee their use. They argue that other factors, such as financial literacy for young adults, education about healthy lifestyles, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to health, are more critical. For instance, implementing comprehensive health education programs in schools and workplaces could have a more significant impact on public health by equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being.
In my opinion, while increasing sports facilities can contribute to public health improvement, it should be part of a more holistic strategy. I believe that a combination of approaches is necessary, including infrastructure development, health education, and policies that address the root causes of poor health. Crucially, promoting financial independence planning among young adults can empower them to make better health-related choices, as financial stability often correlates with improved health outcomes.
In conclusion, while sports facilities play a role in public health, they are not a panacea. A multifaceted approach that includes financial education, health literacy, and accessible infrastructure is likely to yield the most significant improvements in public health.
(Word count: 309)
Financial literacy empowers young adults to make informed decisions about health and sports facilities
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “socioeconomic barriers” and “holistic strategy.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors.
Critical Thinking: The response goes beyond surface-level analysis by linking the topic to broader issues like financial literacy and socioeconomic factors.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of thought.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Some people think that building more sports facilities is the best way to improve public health, while others believe other measures are needed. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support increasing sports facilities say it will encourage more people to exercise. When there are more gyms and sports fields available, it’s easier for people to stay active. This can help reduce health problems like obesity and heart disease. Also, sports facilities can be good places for people to meet and socialize, which is good for mental health.
However, other people argue that just having more facilities isn’t enough. They say we need to focus on other things like education about healthy living and making healthy food more affordable. For example, teaching people about financial independence for young adults can help them make better choices about their health and lifestyle.
In my opinion, I think both views have good points. While more sports facilities can be helpful, we also need to consider other factors that affect public health. I believe a combination of approaches would work best, including building new facilities, improving health education, and helping people understand how to manage their money for better health.
To conclude, improving public health requires more than just sports facilities. We need a balanced approach that includes different strategies to help people live healthier lives.
(Word count: 245)
Financial education enables better health choices for young adults
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and range of the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows some attempt at critical thinking by mentioning financial independence, but the analysis is not as deep as in the higher band essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but could be more fully developed with examples and explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Financial literacy (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills.
Socioeconomic (adjective) – /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɑːmɪk/: Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.
Holistic (adjective) – /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/: Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just physical symptoms.
Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
Panacea (noun) – /ˌpænəˈsiːə/: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
Empower (verb) – /ɪmˈpaʊər/: Give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
Correlation (noun) – /ˌkɔːrəˈleɪʃn/: A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
In conclusion, the topic of financial literacy for young adults can be effectively incorporated into various IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts, even when not explicitly mentioned. As you practice, consider how financial knowledge and skills can be relevant to different societal issues. To further improve your writing skills, try crafting your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you prepare for similar questions in future IELTS exams.
