The topic of international aid in disaster relief has become increasingly relevant due to the rising frequency and intensity of natural disasters worldwide. In recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, questions regarding this issue have appeared relatively frequently. As climate change continues to amplify natural disasters, the role of international aid is projected to remain a pertinent topic for IELTS candidates. Below are some example questions from past exams or similar to those that have appeared:
- “Some people believe that international aid is essential for disaster relief, while others argue it can cause more harm than good. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement: ‘International aid has become more effective in responding to natural disasters.'”
- “Examine the benefits and drawbacks of international aid in disaster relief.”
Among these, the first question is frequently examined due to its comprehensive nature, which requires discussing both positive and negative aspects.
Selected Prompt for Sample Essay
Some people believe that international aid is essential for disaster relief, while others argue it can cause more harm than good. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Prompt
This prompt asks candidates to discuss the dual perspectives regarding the impact of international aid in disaster relief. It requires a balanced argument addressing both positive and negative points and a well-articulated personal opinion supported by relevant examples and reasoning.
Sample IELTS Essay
International aid plays a significant role in disaster relief, but opinions diverge regarding its overall impact. Some argue that such aid is indispensable for immediate relief and long-term recovery, while others contend that it can lead to dependency and mismanagement in the affected areas. This essay will explore both viewpoints before presenting my own stance.
One major advantage of international aid is its capacity to provide immediate relief in the aftermath of disasters. Organizations like the United Nations and the Red Cross can quickly mobilize resources, including food, medical supplies, and personnel, to the affected regions. This rapid response is crucial in saving lives and stabilizing chaotic situations. For example, the swift international response following the 2010 Haiti earthquake helped prevent a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe by ensuring essential supplies arrived in time.
Furthermore, international aid supports long-term recovery projects. Infrastructure often suffers immense damage during natural disasters, and rebuilding requires significant financial and technical resources that local governments may lack. By providing aid, the international community can help construct resilient infrastructure, such as earthquake-resistant buildings and improved drainage systems, which can mitigate the impact of future disasters.
However, critics argue that international aid can create dependency. When affected countries rely extensively on external assistance, they may neglect developing their disaster management capabilities. This dependency was evident in some Caribbean nations where repeated reliance on external aid limited the growth of local emergency response systems. Additionally, the influx of aid without proper oversight can lead to corruption and misallocation of resources, as seen in certain parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
While these concerns are valid, they stem more from the implementation of aid rather than the concept itself. Therefore, enhancing transparency and accountability in aid distribution can address these issues without compromising the benefits. My opinion is that international aid, when correctly managed, is invaluable for disaster-stricken areas.
In conclusion, international aid’s role in disaster relief is multifaceted. While it provides vital immediate assistance and supports long-term recovery, it may also lead to dependency and mismanagement if not appropriately administered. However, given the right management and oversight, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, I believe that international aid remains essential in disaster relief.
Word Count: 353
Writing Tips for This Topic
- Balanced Arguments: Ensure to present both sides of the argument clearly and weigh them before concluding.
- Use Concrete Examples: Citing real-world examples adds credibility and relevance to the essay.
- Clear Stance: State your opinion clearly and support it with logical reasoning and evidence.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Mobilize (verb) /ˈməʊ.bɪ.laɪz/: to organize or prepare something, such as a group of people, for a purpose.
- Catastrophe (noun) /kəˈtæs.trə.fi/: a sudden event that causes very great trouble or destruction.
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.geɪt/: to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad.
- Dependency (noun) /dɪˈpen.dən.si/: a situation in which you need something or someone all the time.
- Transparency (noun) /trænsˈpær.ən.si/: the quality of being done in an open way without secrets.
- Oversight (noun) /ˈəʊ.vər.saɪt/: the action of overseeing something.
- Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/: able to quickly return to a previous good condition after problems.
- Aid (noun) /eɪd/: help, typically of a practical nature.
Conclusion
In sum, international aid is a double-edged sword when it comes to disaster relief. While it provides much-needed immediate and long-term support, it can also introduce dependency and corruption if not managed properly. To anticipate future exam trends, candidates should be prepared to discuss the nuances of topics such as international aid, community support in disaster recovery, and geopolitical impacts of rising sea levels.