IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on International Aid in Disaster Recovery – Sample Answers for Band 6 to 9

The topic of international aid in disaster recovery is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past exams and trends, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular choice for test makers. The role of international aid in disaster recovery encompasses various aspects, including financial assistance, humanitarian relief, and long-term rebuilding efforts. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that governments should spend money on international aid to help solve food shortages and health problems in other parts of the world, while others believe that this money should be spent on problems in their own country. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should spend money on international aid for food shortages and health issues abroad.
2. Discuss the opposing view that this money should be spent on domestic problems.
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter.

The essay should be balanced, covering both perspectives before presenting a personal stance. Let’s explore sample answers for different band scores.

Sample Answer 1 (Band 8-9)

International aid has long been a contentious issue, with divergent opinions on whether governments should allocate funds to address global challenges or focus solely on domestic concerns. While both viewpoints have merit, I believe a balanced approach that prioritizes domestic needs while maintaining a commitment to international aid is most beneficial.

Proponents of international aid argue that it is a moral imperative for wealthy nations to assist those facing dire circumstances abroad. Food shortages and health crises in developing countries can have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to political instability, mass migration, and even global pandemics. By providing aid, governments can help mitigate these risks while fostering goodwill and diplomatic ties. Moreover, international aid can create new markets and trading partners, ultimately benefiting the donor country’s economy in the long run.

On the other hand, those who advocate for focusing on domestic issues contend that a government’s primary responsibility is to its own citizens. They argue that many countries face their own challenges, such as poverty, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure deficits. Allocating resources to foreign aid could be seen as neglecting these pressing domestic needs. Furthermore, there are concerns about the efficacy of international aid, with critics pointing to instances of corruption and mismanagement in recipient countries.

In my opinion, the most effective approach is to strike a balance between these two perspectives. Governments should prioritize addressing critical domestic issues to ensure the well-being of their citizens. However, this should not preclude them from participating in international aid efforts. A measured allocation of resources to foreign assistance can yield significant diplomatic and humanitarian benefits while also contributing to global stability.

To achieve this balance, governments could:

1. Set a fixed percentage of GDP for international aid, ensuring a consistent commitment without compromising domestic spending.
2. Focus on targeted aid programs that align with the country’s expertise and resources, maximizing the impact of their contributions.
3. Implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure aid effectiveness and transparency.
4. Encourage private sector involvement in international aid efforts, leveraging additional resources and expertise.

In conclusion, while the debate between domestic focus and international aid is complex, a nuanced approach that addresses both is not only possible but desirable. By carefully balancing these priorities, governments can fulfill their responsibilities to their citizens while playing a constructive role in addressing global challenges.

(Word count: 392)

Balancing international aid and domestic priorities

Sample Answer 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether governments should spend money on international aid or focus on problems in their own country is a difficult one. There are good arguments on both sides.

Some people think governments should help other countries with food shortages and health problems. They say this is important because:

• It’s the right thing to do to help people in need
• It can prevent bigger problems like refugees or diseases spreading
• It helps build good relationships with other countries

However, others believe the money should be spent at home. Their reasons include:

• Every country has its own problems to solve first
• It’s the government’s job to take care of its own people
• Sometimes aid money is wasted or doesn’t reach the right people

In my opinion, I think both views have good points. Governments should try to help their own people first, but also give some aid to other countries if they can afford it. Maybe they could set aside a small part of their budget for international aid, while using most of the money for domestic issues.

For example, a country could spend 95% of its budget on things like healthcare, education, and infrastructure at home. Then it could use 5% to help with serious problems in other countries, like famines or disease outbreaks. This way, they can take care of their own citizens but also do some good in the world.

To make sure the aid money is used well, governments should:

• Choose carefully which projects to support
• Work with reliable organizations
• Check how the money is spent

In conclusion, I believe the best approach is to focus mainly on problems at home, but also provide some help to other countries when possible. This balanced approach can benefit both the country giving aid and those receiving it.

(Word count: 309)

Sample Answer 3 (Band 5-6)

There are different opinions about whether governments should give money to help other countries or use it for their own country’s problems. Both sides have reasons for their ideas.

Some people think governments should help other countries with food and health problems. They say:

• It’s good to help people who need food
• It can stop diseases from spreading to other countries
• It makes friends with other countries

But other people think the money should be used in their own country. They say:

• Every country has its own problems to fix
• The government should help its own people first
• Sometimes the aid money doesn’t help the right people

I think both ideas are important. Governments should try to help their own country first because that’s their main job. But if they have extra money, they can also help other countries a little bit.

For example, a country could use most of its money to make schools, hospitals, and roads better at home. Then they could use a small amount to help when there are big problems in other countries, like when there’s not enough food.

To make sure the aid money helps, governments should:

• Be careful about which projects they help
• Work with good organizations
• Check how the money is used

In conclusion, I think governments should focus on their own country’s problems first, but also try to help other countries if they can. This way, they can take care of their own people and also do good things in the world.

(Word count: 259)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “contentious issue,” “divergent opinions,” “moral imperative,” and “foster goodwill.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex structures are used naturally.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows competence but with some limitations:

1. Task Response: All parts of the task are addressed, but some parts are more fully covered than others. The essay presents relevant ideas but some may be insufficiently developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some linking of ideas may be faulty or mechanical. Paragraphing is evident but not always logical.

3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or spelling, but these do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but these do not impede communication.

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay addresses the task but with noticeable weaknesses:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places, and ideas may be inadequately developed or unclear.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression of ideas is sometimes difficult to follow. Paragraphing may be inadequate or overused.

3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors in grammar and punctuation are frequent and may cause some difficulty for the reader.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. International aid (noun) – assistance given by governments to other countries
   Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl eɪd/

2. Humanitarian (adjective) – concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare
   Pronunciation: /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/

3. Allocation (noun) – the action or process of distributing resources
   Pronunciation: /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/

4. Imperative (noun) – an essential or urgent thing
   Pronunciation: /ɪmˈperətɪv/

5. Efficacy (noun) – the ability to produce a desired or intended result
   Pronunciation: /ˈefɪkəsi/

6. Contention (noun) – heated disagreement
   Pronunciation: /kənˈtenʃn/

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

8. Diplomatic (adjective) – concerning the management of international relations
   Pronunciation: /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/

9. Transparency (noun) – the quality of being open and honest
   Pronunciation: /trænsˈpærənsi/

10. Mitigate (verb) – make less severe, serious, or painful
    Pronunciation: /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/

In conclusion, the topic of international aid in disaster recovery is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. By examining different perspectives and practicing with various essay structures, IELTS candidates can develop the skills needed to tackle this and similar topics effectively.

For further practice, consider exploring related topics such as how to manage the economic impact of natural disasters or The importance of community support in disaster recovery. These themes often overlap with international aid discussions and can provide valuable additional context for your essays.

We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.