IELTS Writing Task 2: Should Governments Increase Taxes on High-Income Earners? Sample Essays and Analysis

The topic of whether governments should increase taxes on high-income earners is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current socio-economic discussions, this topic is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question related to this topic and analyze sample essays at different band levels.

Some people believe that governments should increase taxes on high-income earners to reduce income inequality. Others argue that this could discourage hard work and innovation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question presents a classic IELTS Task 2 structure: discussing two opposing views and providing a personal opinion. The key elements to address are:

1. The argument for increasing taxes on high earners to reduce income inequality
2. The counterargument that higher taxes could discourage hard work and innovation
3. Your own perspective on the issue

It’s crucial to discuss both viewpoints equally before presenting your opinion in the conclusion.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level

Income inequality is a pressing issue in many societies, and the idea of increasing taxes on high-income earners as a solution has gained traction. While some argue that this approach could help bridge the wealth gap, others contend that it might stifle economic growth. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a balanced view on the matter.

Proponents of higher taxes for the wealthy argue that this measure could significantly reduce income disparity. They contend that by redistributing wealth through progressive taxation, governments can fund social programs that benefit lower-income groups, such as education, healthcare, and housing assistance. For instance, countries like Sweden and Denmark, known for their high tax rates on top earners, have consistently ranked among the nations with the lowest income inequality. This suggests that increased taxation can indeed play a role in creating a more equitable society.

On the other hand, critics of this approach argue that raising taxes on high-income individuals could have detrimental effects on economic growth and innovation. They posit that higher tax rates might discourage entrepreneurship and risk-taking, as people may feel less motivated to work hard or invest in new ventures if a significant portion of their earnings is taken by the government. For example, some economists point to the “brain drain” phenomenon, where highly skilled professionals migrate to countries with lower tax rates, potentially hampering innovation and economic development in their home countries.

In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, a nuanced approach is necessary. I believe that moderate tax increases on high-income earners can be beneficial if implemented thoughtfully. Governments should strive to find a balance between reducing income inequality and maintaining incentives for hard work and innovation. This could involve implementing a progressive tax system with gradual increases for higher income brackets, coupled with targeted incentives for research and development, small business growth, and job creation. Additionally, ensuring transparency in how the additional tax revenue is used to benefit society as a whole could help maintain public support for such measures.

In conclusion, the debate over increasing taxes on high-income earners is complex and multifaceted. While it has the potential to reduce income inequality, care must be taken not to stifle economic growth. A balanced approach that considers both social equity and economic incentives is likely to yield the best results for society as a whole.

(Word count: 378)

Income Inequality Chart

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:

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 (e.g., “On the other hand”, “For instance”, “In conclusion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “pressing issue”, “gained traction”, “stifle economic growth”, “detrimental effects”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level

The question of whether governments should raise taxes on high-income earners is a topic of much debate. Some people think it’s a good way to reduce the gap between rich and poor, while others worry it might stop people from working hard. This essay will look at both sides of the argument.

Those who support higher taxes for rich people say it can help make society more equal. When the government takes more money from wealthy individuals, they can use this money to help poorer people. For example, they can spend more on schools, hospitals, and other services that everyone uses. This can give more opportunities to people who don’t have much money.

However, some people argue that increasing taxes on high earners is not a good idea. They think it might make successful people less motivated to work hard or start new businesses. If people know they will have to pay a lot of taxes on their income, they might not try as hard to earn more money. This could be bad for the economy because it might slow down growth and innovation.

In my opinion, I think governments should be careful when they think about raising taxes. While it’s important to help reduce inequality, we also need to make sure we don’t discourage people from working hard and being creative. Maybe a good solution would be to increase taxes a little bit for very high earners, but also give them some benefits if they use their money to create jobs or help society in other ways.

To conclude, the issue of taxing high-income earners more is not simple. Governments need to find a balance between making society more equal and keeping the economy strong. It’s important to consider both sides of the argument carefully before making any decisions.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 level:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the treatment of the topic is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less varied and sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “Some people” and “However”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate but less advanced than in the higher band essay. There’s less precision in word choice (e.g., “stop people from working hard” instead of “discourage hard work and innovation”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay. There are no major grammatical errors, but the structures are less sophisticated.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly, but with less depth and fewer specific examples compared to the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Income inequality (noun) – /ˈɪnkʌm ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – The extent to which income is distributed unevenly in a group of people.

2. Progressive taxation (noun) – /prəˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃən/ – A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases.

3. Redistribute (verb) – /ˌriːdɪˈstrɪbjuːt/ – To distribute wealth, property, or other resources in a different way.

4. Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – The activity of setting up businesses and taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.

5. Brain drain (noun) – /breɪn dreɪn/ – The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country.

6. Stifle (verb) – /ˈstaɪfəl/ – To prevent or constrain something.

7. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.

8. Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.

9. Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

10. Transparency (noun) – /trænsˈpærənsi/ – The quality of being open and honest, without secrets.

In conclusion, the topic of increasing taxes on high-income earners is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of various economic and social factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s essential to practice discussing both sides of the argument and formulating a well-reasoned personal opinion.

To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:

• Should there be a maximum limit on personal wealth?
• Is a flat tax rate fairer than a progressive tax system?
• How can governments best address the issue of income inequality?

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.