Social welfare and economic policies have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. This topic’s significance has grown due to increasing global economic challenges and their social implications. Let’s examine a commonly tested question format that focuses on effectiveness of government policies in reducing poverty.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that the government should provide equal welfare benefits to all citizens, while others think benefits should be given based on income levels. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine two contrasting approaches to welfare distribution
- Analyze advantages and disadvantages of each method
- Present a clear personal stance
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8 Sample Essay
The debate over welfare benefit distribution methods has significant implications for impact of tax policies on disposable income. While both universal and means-tested approaches have their merits, I believe a hybrid system would be most effective.
Universal welfare benefits ensure that no citizen falls through the cracks of the social safety net. This approach eliminates stigma associated with receiving benefits and reduces administrative costs. For instance, many Scandinavian countries successfully implement universal healthcare and education systems, resulting in high social mobility and reduced inequality.
However, income-based distribution has compelling advantages. It allows for more efficient allocation of limited resources by directing support to those most in need. This targeted approach, as demonstrated in Singapore’s public housing system, enables governments to provide substantial assistance to low-income families while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
In my view, the optimal solution combines both approaches. Essential services like healthcare and education should be universal, while additional support such as housing subsidies and unemployment benefits could be income-based. This balanced approach ensures basic needs are met while maintaining economic efficiency.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
The way governments distribute welfare benefits is an important issue that affects many people. Both equal distribution and income-based systems have good and bad points.
Giving the same benefits to everyone is fair because all citizens pay taxes and should get equal treatment. For example, when everyone gets free healthcare, it helps the whole society stay healthy. Also, it’s easier to manage because the government doesn’t need to check everyone’s income.
But some people think benefits should depend on income. This makes sense because rich people don’t need as much help as poor people. Like in my country, poor families get more money for food and rent. This helps the government save money and give more to people who really need it.
I think the government should use both ways. Some things like schools should be free for everyone, but extra help should go to poor people first. This way is fair and helps those who need it most.
Implementation results of different welfare policies
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “social mobility,” “fiscal sustainability”
- Clear structure with well-developed arguments
- Effective use of examples
- Complex sentence structures
- Coherent progression of ideas
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple examples
- Less sophisticated argument development
- More basic sentence structures
- Some repetition in ideas
Key Vocabulary
- Fiscal sustainability (n) /ˈfɪskəl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain spending without creating economic problems
- Social mobility (n) /ˈsoʊʃəl moʊˈbɪləti/ – movement between social classes
- Means-tested (adj) /miːnz ˈtestɪd/ – based on financial circumstances
- Administrative costs (n) /ədˈmɪnɪstrətɪv kɒsts/ – expenses related to managing programs
- Social safety net (n) /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈseɪfti net/ – government programs protecting citizens from hardship
For further study on related topics, explore how importance of tax reforms for economic growth affects welfare policies.
Consider practicing with this similar question: “To what extent should governments be responsible for citizens’ financial security in retirement?” Share your essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
