The topic of saving money effectively for emergencies is a crucial life skill that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and the increasing global focus on financial literacy, we can expect this theme to remain prevalent in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that individuals should save money for future needs, while others think it is better to enjoy life now and not worry about the future. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses the concept of saving money for future needs, which includes emergencies. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that people should save money for future needs
- Discuss the opposing view that people should enjoy life now without worrying about the future
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Financial planning is a critical aspect of modern life, and opinions differ on whether to prioritize saving for the future or living in the moment. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced approach that combines prudent saving with moderate enjoyment of life is the most sensible strategy.
Those who advocate for saving money for future needs argue that financial security is paramount. They contend that having a robust savings fund provides a safety net for unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or job loss. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s uncertain economic climate, where impact of economic crises on job markets can be severe and unpredictable. Moreover, saving allows individuals to plan for long-term goals, such as homeownership or a comfortable retirement, which can significantly enhance quality of life in the future.
On the other hand, proponents of enjoying life in the present argue that life is short and uncertain. They believe that constantly deferring gratification for an unknown future may lead to regret and missed opportunities. This view emphasizes the importance of experiences, personal growth, and relationships, which often require some level of spending. Furthermore, they argue that excessive focus on saving can lead to stress and anxiety, potentially diminishing one’s overall well-being.
In my opinion, the most prudent approach is to strike a balance between these two extremes. While it is crucial to save for emergencies and future goals, it is equally important to allocate resources for present enjoyment and personal development. This balanced strategy allows individuals to build financial security while still experiencing life’s pleasures and opportunities. For instance, one might set aside a fixed percentage of income for savings and emergencies, while budgeting for reasonable leisure activities and personal growth investments.
In conclusion, while the debate between saving for the future and living in the present is valid, I believe that a thoughtful combination of both approaches is the key to a fulfilling and financially secure life. By balancing prudent saving with moderate enjoyment, individuals can prepare for future needs while still making the most of the present.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
People have different opinions about saving money for the future or enjoying life now. Both ideas have good points, and I will discuss them before giving my own view.
Some people think saving money is very important. They say it helps us be ready for unexpected problems like losing a job or getting sick. When we save money, we feel more secure and can plan for big things in the future, like buying a house or retiring comfortably. This is especially important because we don’t know what will happen in the future, and how to prepare for economic crises in a globalized world is becoming more crucial.
However, other people believe it’s better to enjoy life now. They think we shouldn’t always worry about the future because life is short. They say spending money on fun things and experiences can make us happy and help us grow as people. They also think that if we focus too much on saving, we might miss out on good opportunities or become too stressed about money.
In my opinion, it’s best to find a balance between saving and enjoying life. I think we should save some money for emergencies and future plans, but also use some money to enjoy our lives now. This way, we can be prepared for the future while still having fun and making good memories.
For example, we could save a part of our income each month for emergencies and future goals. At the same time, we could budget some money for hobbies, travel, or learning new skills. This balanced approach can help us feel secure about the future without missing out on life’s pleasures.
In conclusion, while both saving for the future and enjoying the present are important, I believe the best way is to do both in a balanced way. This can help us have a happy life now and a secure future.
(Word count: 320)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, but there may be occasional lapses in progression.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control, though errors may occur in complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Financial planning (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of managing one’s money to achieve personal economic satisfaction.
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Prudent (adjective) – /ˈpruːdnt/ – Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
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Safety net (noun) – /ˈseɪfti net/ – A safeguard against possible hardship or adversity.
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Defer gratification (phrase) – /dɪˈfɜːr ɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – To resist the temptation of an immediate reward and wait for a later reward.
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Robust (adjective) – /rəʊˈbʌst/ – Strong and healthy; vigorous.
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Unforeseen (adjective) – /ˌʌnfɔːˈsiːn/ – Not anticipated or predicted.
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Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – The action or process of distributing resources or funds for a particular purpose.
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Leisure (noun) – /ˈleʒə(r)/ – Time when one is not working or occupied; free time.
These vocabulary items can help enhance your essay and demonstrate a wider range of lexical resources.
In conclusion, the topic of saving money effectively for emergencies is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The importance of financial education in schools
- The role of government in promoting personal savings
- The impact of technology on personal finance management
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide balanced arguments supported by examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments for feedback and discussion.