Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Social Justice in Public Policy

The topic of social justice in public policy is increasingly relevant in today’s IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent exam trends and analysis of past papers, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore some sample questions and essays to help you prepare effectively.

Analyzing the Task

Some people think that governments should focus on reducing economic inequality. Others believe that governments should focus on other priorities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This question directly addresses the role of social justice in public policy, specifically focusing on economic inequality. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for government focus on reducing economic inequality
2. Explore other potential government priorities
3. Provide a personal opinion on the matter

Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this task effectively.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Economic inequality has become a pressing issue in many societies, leading to debates about government priorities. While some argue that addressing this disparity should be the primary focus of public policy, others contend that governments have more urgent matters to address. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of prioritizing economic inequality reduction argue that it is fundamental to creating a just and stable society. They contend that excessive wealth gaps lead to social unrest, crime, and reduced economic mobility, ultimately hindering overall national progress. By implementing progressive taxation, investing in education and job training programs, and ensuring fair labor practices, governments can foster a more equitable distribution of resources. This approach, they argue, not only improves the lives of disadvantaged citizens but also contributes to long-term economic growth and social cohesion.

Social unrest, crime, and reduced economic mobility

On the other hand, those who advocate for alternative priorities argue that governments face numerous challenges that require immediate attention. These may include national security, healthcare reform, infrastructure development, or environmental protection. They argue that these issues have far-reaching consequences that affect all citizens, regardless of economic status. Moreover, they contend that economic inequality can be addressed indirectly through policies that promote overall economic growth and create opportunities for all.

In my opinion, while other governmental priorities are undoubtedly important, reducing economic inequality should be a central focus of public policy. The far-reaching negative impacts of severe wealth disparity on social stability, public health, and democratic processes cannot be ignored. However, I believe that addressing economic inequality and other pressing issues are not mutually exclusive. Governments can and should adopt a balanced approach that tackles multiple priorities simultaneously, recognizing that many societal challenges are interconnected.

In conclusion, while governments must juggle various responsibilities, the reduction of economic inequality should be a key consideration in public policy formulation. By addressing this issue alongside other priorities, nations can work towards creating more just, stable, and prosperous societies for all their citizens.

(Word count: 310)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, such as “excessive wealth gaps“, “social cohesion“, and “far-reaching consequences“.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with high accuracy.
5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, there is a debate about what governments should focus on. Some people think reducing economic inequality is most important, while others believe there are other priorities. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support focusing on economic inequality say it’s a big problem in society. They think that when some people are very rich and others are very poor, it causes problems. For example, it can lead to crime and social unrest. They believe the government should use taxes and create jobs to help poor people. This could make society more fair and stable.

Government priorities: healthcare, education, national security.

On the other hand, some people think there are more important things for the government to do. They might say that things like national security, healthcare, or education are more urgent. These issues affect everyone in the country, not just poor people. They argue that if the economy grows, it will naturally help reduce inequality.

In my opinion, I think both views have some truth. Economic inequality is a serious problem that needs attention. However, I believe governments can work on multiple issues at the same time. They should try to reduce inequality while also focusing on other important areas like health and education.

To conclude, while economic inequality is an important issue, governments should not ignore other priorities. A balanced approach that addresses multiple concerns is the best way to improve society for everyone.

(Word count: 239)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates competence but falls short of excellence in several areas:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task but lacks depth in some areas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized but could use more sophisticated linking words.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with occasional errors.
5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be more fully developed with specific examples.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

In today’s world, there is a big argument about what governments should do. Some people think they should make poor people have more money. Other people think there are more important things. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.

People who want to help poor people say it’s not fair when some people have a lot of money and others have nothing. They think this makes problems in society. They want the government to take money from rich people and give it to poor people. This might make things more fair.

But other people say there are bigger problems. Like keeping the country safe or making sure everyone can go to the doctor. These things are important for everyone, not just poor people. They think if the country makes more money, poor people will get more money too.

Balancing economic growth with social justice initiatives.

I think both ideas are good. It’s not good when some people are very rich and others are very poor. But there are also other big problems that need fixing. Maybe the government can do both things at the same time.

In the end, I think governments should try to help poor people but also work on other big problems. If they do this, maybe the country will be better for everyone.

(Word count: 201)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates basic competence but has several limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task but lacks depth and nuance.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The organization is basic, with limited use of cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, lacking precision.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are mostly simple, with some errors that occasionally impede understanding.
5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped, lacking specific examples or detailed explanations.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Economic inequality (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ – differences in economic well-being between individuals or groups
2. Social justice (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl ˈdʒʌstɪs/ – fairness in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society
3. Public policy (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk ˈpɒləsi/ – government actions, plans, or regulations
4. Progressive taxation (noun) – /prəˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃn/ – a tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases
5. Social cohesion (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl kəʊˈhiːʒn/ – the willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other
6. Economic mobility (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk məʊˈbɪləti/ – the ability of an individual or family to improve their economic status
7. Wealth disparity (noun) – /welθ dɪˈspærəti/ – the unequal distribution of assets among residents of a society
8. Socioeconomic status (noun) – /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs/ – social standing or class of an individual or group

Conclusion

Understanding the Importance Of Social Justice In Public Policy is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing these sample essays, you can see how to effectively address this topic at different band levels. Remember to practice writing your own essays on similar topics, such as:

• The role of government in ensuring equal access to education
• Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
• The impact of technological advancements on social inequality

We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the actual IELTS test.

To further enhance your understanding of social issues and public policy, you might find it helpful to explore related topics such as how automation is improving public sector efficiency and social media’s role in political activism. These additional resources can provide valuable insights and vocabulary to strengthen your essays on social justice and public policy.