Taxation plays a crucial role in shaping economic policies and development strategies worldwide. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, as it touches on various aspects of governance, economics, and social welfare. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, we can expect to see more questions related to taxation and economic development in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should spend more money on improving road and rail links between cities and towns, while others think that this money should be spent on improving local transport. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question, while not directly mentioning taxation, is closely related to government spending and resource allocation, which are intrinsically linked to taxation policies. The task requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should invest in intercity transportation infrastructure.
- Discuss the alternative view of investing in local transport systems.
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The allocation of government funds for transportation infrastructure is a contentious issue, with valid arguments for both improving inter-city connections and enhancing local transport systems. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of investing in road and rail links between cities and towns argue that such infrastructure is vital for economic growth and national development. Improved connectivity between urban centers facilitates trade, encourages business expansion, and promotes tourism. Moreover, efficient intercity transportation networks can reduce regional disparities by providing better access to employment opportunities and essential services for residents of smaller towns and rural areas.
On the other hand, advocates for improving local transport systems contend that this approach directly benefits a larger portion of the population on a daily basis. Enhanced local transportation, such as bus networks, metro systems, and bicycle lanes, can significantly reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and commute times within cities. This, in turn, leads to improved quality of life for residents and increased productivity for businesses. Additionally, efficient local transport can promote social inclusion by ensuring that all members of society, regardless of income level, have access to affordable mobility options.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that addresses both inter-city and local transportation needs is crucial for comprehensive economic development. While intercity connections are essential for macro-level growth, local transport systems form the backbone of urban economies and directly impact citizens’ daily lives. Governments should strive to allocate resources proportionally, taking into account the specific needs and challenges of each region.
In conclusion, the decision to prioritize inter-city links or local transport should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. A well-rounded transportation strategy that incorporates both aspects is likely to yield the most significant benefits for economic development and social welfare.
(Word count: 295)
Government investment in transportation infrastructure
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether governments should focus on improving transportation between cities or within local areas is a complex one. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and this essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion.
Those who support spending money on road and rail links between cities and towns believe that it is important for economic growth. Better connections between different places can help businesses to expand and make it easier for people to travel for work or leisure. This can lead to more job opportunities and increased tourism, which can boost the economy of the whole country.
On the other hand, people who think that money should be spent on local transport argue that this would benefit more people in their daily lives. Improving bus services, building cycle lanes, or creating better subway systems can reduce traffic and pollution in cities. This can make life easier and healthier for residents and help them to get to work or school more quickly and easily.
In my opinion, both types of transport are important, but I believe that improving local transport should be the priority. While connecting cities is beneficial, most people use local transport every day, and improving it can have a more immediate and noticeable impact on people’s lives. It can also encourage people to use public transport instead of cars, which is better for the environment.
To conclude, while both inter-city and local transport are important, I think governments should focus more on local transport as it affects more people’s daily lives and can lead to environmental benefits.
(Word count: 269)
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think governments should spend more money on improving roads and trains between cities and towns. Other people think this money should be used to make local transport better. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Improving transport between cities is good because it helps the economy. When cities are connected well, businesses can grow and people can travel easily for work or holidays. This can create more jobs and bring more money to different areas of the country. For example, if there is a fast train between two cities, people might live in one city and work in another.
However, making local transport better is also important. Better buses, trains, and bike lanes in cities can help people get around more easily every day. This can reduce traffic and make the air cleaner. It also helps people who don’t have cars to get to work, school, or shops. For example, if there are good bus services, older people can travel more easily to see doctors or visit friends.
In my opinion, both types of transport are important, but I think local transport should get more money. This is because it helps more people every day and can make cities nicer places to live. It also helps the environment if fewer people use cars.
To conclude, while connecting cities is good, I believe improving local transport is more important because it affects people’s daily lives more directly and can help the environment.
(Word count: 248)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, with a clear structure and logical progression of ideas. It uses a wide range of vocabulary precisely and accurately, including advanced phrases like “contentious issue,” “regional disparities,” and “social inclusion.” The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures and effectively addresses all parts of the task with well-developed arguments and a nuanced conclusion.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay has good overall coherence and addresses all parts of the task. It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures and a good range of vocabulary, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8-9 essay. The ideas are clearly presented, but the development of arguments is not as thorough. The conclusion is clear but could be more nuanced.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay has a clear structure and addresses the task, but the ideas are presented in a simpler manner. The vocabulary range is more limited, and sentence structures are generally simpler. While the main points are conveyed, the development of ideas is basic. The conclusion is present but lacks depth compared to higher band essays.
Comparison of local and intercity transport benefits
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
- Allocate (verb) /ˈæləkeɪt/ – to give something officially to someone or for a particular purpose
- Contention (noun) /kənˈtenʃn/ – disagreement or argument
- Disparities (noun) /dɪˈspærətiz/ – differences, especially ones that are unfair
- Facilitate (verb) /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ – to make an action or process possible or easier
- Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being crowded and full of traffic
- Inclusion (noun) /ɪnˈkluːʒn/ – the act of including someone or something as part of a group, list, etc.
- Proportionally (adverb) /prəˈpɔːʃənəli/ – in a way that corresponds in size or amount to something else
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Mutually exclusive (adjective) /ˌmjuːtʃuəli ɪkˈskluːsɪv/ – unable to be both true at the same time or to occur together
In conclusion, the topic of taxation’s role in economic development, particularly in relation to infrastructure investment, is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of government spending, resource allocation, and the balance between different economic priorities. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as the impact of global economic policies on developing countries or how to tackle economic inequality through taxation. Remember to consider multiple perspectives and support your arguments with relevant examples.
The role of taxation in economic development
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Additionally, you may want to explore related topics such as should governments impose taxes on sugary drinks or Should companies be taxed based on their carbon emissions? to broaden your understanding of taxation’s role in various aspects of society and the economy.
