Welfare programs have been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, with the question of whether they should be temporary or permanent frequently appearing. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to be featured in future tests. To help you prepare, let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that welfare programs should only provide temporary assistance to those in need. Others believe that welfare support should be a permanent solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on welfare programs:
- Welfare programs should be temporary
- Welfare programs should be permanent
You are required to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band levels to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Welfare programs are designed to support individuals and families facing financial hardships. While some argue that these programs should offer only short-term assistance, others contend that they should provide ongoing support. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this contentious issue.
Proponents of temporary welfare programs argue that time-limited assistance encourages self-reliance and prevents dependency on government support. They believe that short-term aid, coupled with job training and education programs, can help recipients develop the skills needed to secure employment and become financially independent. Moreover, temporary programs may be more cost-effective for governments, allowing resources to be allocated to a wider range of social services. The role of governments in promoting social welfare is indeed complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of various factors.
On the other hand, advocates for permanent welfare support contend that some individuals, such as those with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses, may require long-term assistance to maintain a basic standard of living. They argue that a permanent safety net is essential to protect society’s most vulnerable members from falling into extreme poverty. Furthermore, they suggest that ongoing support can provide stability and security, enabling recipients to focus on improving their circumstances without the constant fear of losing their benefits.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both temporary and permanent support would be most effective. While I believe that the majority of welfare programs should be designed to provide temporary assistance and promote self-sufficiency, I also recognize the need for long-term support in certain cases. For instance, time-limited programs could be implemented for able-bodied individuals, with extensions granted based on individual circumstances and progress toward self-reliance. Concurrently, permanent support could be reserved for those with severe disabilities or other conditions that prevent them from achieving financial independence.
This hybrid model would address the concerns of both sides while ensuring that welfare programs remain responsive to the diverse needs of recipients. It would encourage self-reliance where possible while still providing a safety net for those who genuinely require ongoing assistance. Additionally, regular assessments and reviews of recipients’ situations could help maintain the integrity of the system and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.
In conclusion, while the debate between temporary and permanent welfare support is complex, a nuanced approach that incorporates elements of both can offer a more comprehensive and effective solution. By tailoring support to individual needs and circumstances, governments can strike a balance between promoting self-sufficiency and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Balancing temporary and permanent welfare support
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Welfare programs are an important part of many countries’ social systems. Some people think these programs should only give short-term help, while others believe they should be a long-term solution. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support temporary welfare programs say that short-term help is better because it encourages people to find jobs and become independent. They think that if people get help for too long, they might become lazy and depend on the government. Also, temporary programs can save money for the government, which can be used for other things like education or healthcare.
On the other hand, people who want permanent welfare programs argue that some people, like disabled or very old people, need help all the time. They say that without long-term support, these people might become very poor and suffer. They also think that permanent programs give people more security and stability in their lives.
In my opinion, I think both temporary and permanent welfare programs are necessary. For most people, temporary help is good because it can motivate them to improve their situation. However, for some people who really can’t work or take care of themselves, permanent support is important. Should governments implement a universal basic income? This question is related to the idea of permanent support and is worth considering in this context.
The government should carefully check each person’s situation to decide what kind of help they need. For example, they could give temporary help to people who lost their jobs but can work again, and permanent help to people with serious disabilities. This way, the welfare system can help different people in different ways.
In conclusion, I believe that a mix of temporary and permanent welfare programs is the best solution. This approach can help people who need short-term support to get back on their feet, while also protecting those who need long-term assistance. By doing this, the government can create a fair and effective welfare system that helps all members of society.
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Welfare programs are important in many countries. Some people think these programs should be short-term, but others think they should be long-term. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like short-term welfare programs think it’s good because it helps people find jobs quickly. They say if people get help for a long time, they might not want to work. Also, short-term programs cost less money for the government.
But other people think long-term welfare is better. They say some people, like very sick or old people, need help all the time. Without long help, these people might have a very hard life. Long-term programs make people feel safer.
I think both short-term and long-term programs are needed. Some people only need help for a short time, like if they lost their job. But other people need help for a long time because they can’t work. Should governments invest in mental health research is another important question related to welfare programs, as mental health support can be crucial for many individuals receiving assistance.
The government should look at each person to see what kind of help they need. This way, they can give the right help to different people. It’s important to help people, but also to make sure people try to work if they can.
In conclusion, I think having both short-term and long-term welfare programs is good. This can help many different people in the best way. It’s important for the government to be careful and fair when they give help to people.
Comparing temporary and permanent welfare programs
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 essay
- 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
- Provides well-developed arguments with relevant examples
- Demonstrates a logical organization with clear progression throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed or unclear
- Shows a clear overall progression but may lack coherence in places
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors in word choice may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
- Overall progression is evident but not always well-maintained
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Welfare programs (noun) – /ˈwelfeə ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – government initiatives to help people in need
- Temporary (adjective) – /ˈtempərəri/ – lasting for only a limited period of time
- Permanent (adjective) – /ˈpɜːmənənt/ – lasting or intended to last indefinitely
- Self-reliance (noun) – /ˌself rɪˈlaɪəns/ – reliance on one’s own powers and resources rather than those of others
- Dependency (noun) – /dɪˈpendənsi/ – the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
- Cost-effective (adjective) – /kɒst ɪˈfektɪv/ – effective or productive in relation to its cost
- Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – susceptible to physical or emotional harm
- Self-sufficiency (noun) – /ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi/ – the ability to provide for oneself without help from others
- Hybrid model (noun) – /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈmɒdl/ – a model that combines elements of two different approaches
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
In conclusion, the topic of temporary versus permanent welfare programs is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this topic, focusing on addressing all parts of the question, developing clear arguments, and using appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures. Consider exploring related topics such as should governments impose higher taxes on corporations or Should the government provide free housing for the homeless? to broaden your understanding of social welfare issues.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
