The topic of social welfare for elderly care is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent exam trends, this theme has appeared frequently, reflecting growing global concerns about aging populations and social support systems. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve selected a highly probable question and provided sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that the government should provide social welfare for elderly care, while others believe it is the responsibility of individuals and their families. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that the government should provide social welfare for elderly care
- Discuss the view that individuals and families should be responsible for elderly care
- Provide their own opinion on the issue
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring essay.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The debate over who should bear the responsibility for elderly care – the government or individuals and their families – is becoming increasingly significant as populations age worldwide. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach combining government support and family involvement is most effective.
Proponents of government-provided social welfare for elderly care argue that it ensures a consistent standard of living for all seniors. They contend that a comprehensive state-run system can provide professional care, medical support, and financial assistance more efficiently than individual families. Moreover, this view aligns with the concept of universal basic income, which could potentially extend to cover elderly care needs. This approach also addresses the issue of elderly individuals who lack family support or whose relatives are financially unable to provide adequate care.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual and family responsibility argue that this approach fosters stronger familial bonds and allows for more personalized care. They believe that relying solely on government support may lead to a decline in family values and personal responsibility. Additionally, family-based care can often provide emotional support and a sense of belonging that institutional care might lack.
In my opinion, the most effective solution lies in a collaborative approach. Governments should establish a basic framework of social welfare for elderly care, including essential medical services, minimum income support, and care facilities for those without family support. However, families should also be encouraged and supported to play an active role in caring for their elderly relatives. This could be achieved through tax incentives, flexible work arrangements, and community support programs that enable families to balance their caregiving responsibilities with other obligations.
This balanced approach would ensure that no elderly person is left without support while also preserving the important role of family in elderly care. It recognizes that the challenges of an aging population are too complex for either the government or families to address alone and that a coordinated effort is necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for the elderly.
[Word count: 323]
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “comprehensive state-run system” and “personalized care.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with high accuracy. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
Now, let’s examine a sample essay for a mid-range band score.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about who should be responsible for taking care of the elderly. Some people think it should be the government’s job to provide social welfare, while others believe it is up to individuals and their families. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and give my opinion.
Those who support government-provided care for the elderly argue that it is fairer and more reliable. They say that not all families have the money or time to look after their older relatives properly. A government system could make sure all old people get the same good quality care, no matter how rich or poor they are. Also, professional caregivers might be better trained to handle health problems that older people often have.
On the other hand, people who think families should be responsible for elderly care say it is more personal and loving. They believe that family members understand the needs and preferences of their elderly relatives better than strangers would. Taking care of older family members can also strengthen family bonds and teach younger generations important values like respect for elders.
In my opinion, the best solution is to have both the government and families involved in elderly care. The government could provide basic support like healthcare and some financial help, while families could give emotional support and day-to-day care. This way, elderly people would have their basic needs met by the government but still enjoy the personal touch of family care.
To conclude, while both government and family care for the elderly have their advantages, I believe a combination of the two would work best. This would ensure that all elderly people receive good care while still maintaining strong family connections.
[Word count: 295]
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates qualities that justify a mid-range band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive or mechanical.
- Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but more sophisticated lexical items could be used to express ideas more precisely.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are some minor errors.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Social welfare (noun) /ˈsəʊʃl ˈwelfeə(r)/ – government support for the well-being of citizens
- Elderly care (noun) /ˈeldəli keə(r)/ – assistance and support provided to older adults
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all or nearly all elements
- Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/ – designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements
- Familial bonds (noun phrase) /fəˈmɪliəl bɒndz/ – emotional connections between family members
- Institutional care (noun phrase) /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl keə(r)/ – care provided by organizations rather than families
- Tax incentives (noun phrase) /tæks ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – reductions in taxes to encourage particular activities
- Flexible work arrangements (noun phrase) /ˈfleksəbl wɜːk əˈreɪndʒmənts/ – work schedules that allow for variation in working hours or location
- Collaborative approach (noun phrase) /kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ – a method involving multiple parties working together
- Aging population (noun phrase) /ˈeɪdʒɪŋ ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃn/ – a demographic shift towards a larger proportion of older people in society
In conclusion, the topic of social welfare for elderly care is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as government support for different age groups, the balance between state and family responsibilities, and how to protect vulnerable populations during economic crises. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide a balanced argument with a clear opinion. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.