The topic of international aid in disaster recovery is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and historical data from reputable IELTS preparation websites, this subject has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future exams. Given its relevance to global issues and humanitarian efforts, let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.
Some people think that international aid is essential to support countries affected by natural disasters, while others believe that countries should be self-reliant in dealing with such crises. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question asks candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on international aid for disaster-stricken countries. The key aspects to address are:
- The importance of international aid in supporting countries affected by natural disasters
- The argument for countries to be self-reliant in managing disaster crises
- Your personal opinion on the matter
A well-structured essay should discuss both perspectives before presenting a balanced conclusion with your own viewpoint.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Natural disasters can have devastating effects on countries, often overwhelming their resources and capabilities. While some argue that international aid is crucial in these situations, others contend that nations should be self-sufficient in managing such crises. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal stance on the matter.
Proponents of international aid argue that it plays a vital role in disaster recovery. When catastrophes strike, affected countries often lack the immediate resources, expertise, or infrastructure to respond effectively. International assistance can provide critical support in the form of emergency supplies, medical teams, and financial aid. For instance, the The role of international aid in disaster recovery was evident in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where global contributions significantly accelerated the relief efforts and saved countless lives.
On the other hand, advocates for self-reliance argue that countries should develop their own disaster management capabilities. They contend that over-reliance on foreign aid can undermine a nation’s ability to build resilience and respond independently to crises. Furthermore, self-sufficiency in disaster management can lead to more tailored and culturally appropriate responses. Japan’s robust earthquake preparedness and response systems, developed over decades, demonstrate how countries can effectively manage disasters without heavy reliance on external support.
In my opinion, while self-reliance is an admirable goal, the reality is that many countries, particularly developing nations, lack the resources to adequately prepare for and respond to major disasters. International aid serves as a crucial lifeline in these situations, providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery efforts. However, I believe the most effective approach is a balanced one, where countries strive to build their disaster management capabilities while also participating in a global support network.
The ideal scenario would involve nations investing in disaster preparedness and response systems tailored to their specific risks, while simultaneously fostering international cooperation. This approach would allow countries to benefit from global expertise and resources during severe crises while maintaining a degree of self-sufficiency for more manageable incidents. The importance of community support in disaster recovery cannot be overstated, and a combination of local preparedness and international solidarity can create the most robust system for facing natural disasters.
In conclusion, while self-reliance in disaster management is a worthy aspiration, the complexities and scale of natural disasters often necessitate international cooperation. A balanced approach that combines national preparedness with global support networks offers the most comprehensive and effective strategy for disaster recovery.
(Word count: 420)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Natural disasters can cause a lot of damage to countries, and there are different opinions about how to deal with them. Some people think international aid is very important, while others believe countries should handle these problems on their own. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Many people think international aid is necessary for countries hit by natural disasters. When a big disaster happens, like an earthquake or flood, the affected country might not have enough money or supplies to help everyone. International aid can provide things like food, medicine, and experts to help. For example, when a big tsunami hit Indonesia in 2004, many countries sent help, which was very important for saving lives and starting to rebuild.
However, some people argue that countries should be able to deal with disasters by themselves. They say that depending too much on other countries for help can make a nation weak and unable to solve its own problems. Also, if a country can handle its own disasters, it can respond faster and in a way that fits its own culture and needs. For instance, Japan has very good systems for dealing with earthquakes because they have practiced and prepared for a long time.
In my opinion, I think both international aid and self-reliance are important. While it’s good for countries to be prepared and able to handle their own problems, sometimes disasters are too big for one country to manage alone. International aid can be very helpful in these situations. But I also think countries should work on being more prepared and not rely only on outside help.
The best way might be for countries to work on their own disaster plans and systems, but also be ready to help each other when big problems happen. This way, countries can be strong on their own but also have support from others when they really need it. How to manage the economic impact of natural disasters is an important topic that countries need to consider in their planning.
To sum up, I believe that both international aid and self-reliance have their place in dealing with natural disasters. Countries should try to be prepared, but also be willing to accept help when needed. Working together, while also being strong individually, is the best way to handle these difficult situations.
(Word count: 409)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Natural disasters are big problems for many countries. Some people think other countries should help, but others say countries should fix their own problems. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Many people think international aid is good. When a disaster happens, like a big storm or earthquake, a country might not have enough money or food to help everyone. Other countries can send food, doctors, and money to help. This can save many lives and help people feel better. For example, when a big earthquake happened in Haiti, many countries sent help, and this was very important.
But some people think countries should take care of their own problems. They say if a country always gets help from others, it might not learn to solve its own problems. Also, if a country can help itself, it can do things faster and in a way that fits its own culture. Japan is a good example because they know how to deal with earthquakes very well.
I think both ideas are important. It’s good for countries to know how to help themselves, but sometimes a disaster is too big for one country to handle alone. In these cases, help from other countries is very important. But countries should also try to be ready for disasters and not just wait for help.
Maybe the best way is for countries to have their own plans for disasters, but also be ready to help each other when big problems happen. This way, countries can be strong but also have friends to help when they really need it. The role of international aid in disaster relief is important to understand for all countries.
In conclusion, I think both international aid and countries helping themselves are important for dealing with natural disasters. Countries should try to be ready for problems, but also accept help when they need it. Working together and being strong alone are both good ways to handle these hard situations.
(Word count: 352)
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 response
- 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
- Organizes information coherently and uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively
- Demonstrates awareness of style and tone appropriate for an academic essay
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 errors in word choice and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some flexibility
- Organizes information coherently and uses cohesive devices, although not always appropriately
- Generally maintains a consistent style, although it may not always be appropriate for an academic essay
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with some irrelevant or underdeveloped ideas
- Expresses a position but development may be limited or unclear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some errors that may impede communication
- Uses a limited range of structures with some errors that may affect meaning
- Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive
- Shows some awareness of style but may be inconsistent or inappropriate at times
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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International aid (noun) – assistance provided by countries or organizations to support others in need
Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl eɪd/ -
Self-reliant (adjective) – able to do or provide for oneself without the help of others
Pronunciation: /ˌselfrɪˈlaɪənt/ -
Devastate (verb) – to destroy or ruin completely
Pronunciation: /ˈdevəsteɪt/ -
Resilience (noun) – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪliəns/ -
Humanitarian (adjective) – concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare
Pronunciation: /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ -
Infrastructure (noun) – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ -
Preparedness (noun) – the state of being ready for something, especially a difficult or challenging situation
Pronunciation: /prɪˈpeərədnəs/ -
Cooperation (noun) – the process of working together to the same end
Pronunciation: /kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/ -
Solidarity (noun) – unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest
Pronunciation: /ˌsɒlɪˈdærəti/ -
Catastrophe (noun) – an event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering
Pronunciation: /kəˈtæstrəfi/
In conclusion, the topic of international aid in disaster recovery is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as the role of global organizations in crisis management, the balance between national sovereignty and international intervention, or the long-term effects of disaster aid on developing countries. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and always address all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.