IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Public Policy in Economic Crises

Economic crises and the role of public policy in managing them have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic’s frequency in past exams suggests it will likely continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this challenging yet important subject.

Analyzing the Question

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people believe that governments should focus on preventing economic crises, while others think they should concentrate on managing crises when they occur. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should focus on prevention
2. Discuss the view that governments should focus on management
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Now, let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question – one aiming for a Band 8-9 score, and another for a Band 6-7 score.

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

Economic crises can have devastating effects on societies, and the role of government in addressing these issues is a matter of ongoing debate. While some argue for a proactive approach focused on prevention, others believe reactive crisis management is more effective. In my opinion, a balanced strategy incorporating both elements is crucial for optimal economic stability and growth.

Those who advocate for prevention argue that anticipating and mitigating potential economic downturns can save immense resources and human suffering. By implementing robust regulatory frameworks, maintaining healthy fiscal policies, and investing in economic diversification, governments can build resilience against external shocks. For instance, countries with strong financial regulations were better equipped to weather the 2008 global financial crisis. Furthermore, preventive measures often cost less than the extensive bailouts and stimulus packages required during full-blown crises.

On the other hand, proponents of crisis management argue that economic downturns are often unpredictable and influenced by global factors beyond a single government’s control. They contend that resources are better spent on developing agile response mechanisms and building reserves for when crises inevitably occur. The swift and decisive actions taken by many governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as implementing furlough schemes and providing business support, demonstrate the importance of effective crisis management in mitigating economic damage.

In my view, the most effective approach is a comprehensive strategy that combines both prevention and management. Governments should prioritize building robust economic foundations and early warning systems to minimize the risk and impact of crises. Simultaneously, they must maintain the flexibility and resources to respond quickly and effectively when unforeseen challenges arise. This balanced approach acknowledges the complex and often unpredictable nature of global economics while maximizing a nation’s ability to protect its citizens’ economic well-being.

In conclusion, while the debate between prevention and management of economic crises is ongoing, the reality of our interconnected global economy demands a nuanced approach. By integrating preventive measures with strong crisis management capabilities, governments can best serve their populations and contribute to global economic stability.

(Word count: 329)

Economic Policy Illustration

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

The question of how governments should deal with economic crises is a complex one. Some people think that prevention is the best approach, while others believe that managing crises when they happen is more important. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support prevention argue that it’s better to stop problems before they start. They say that governments can do this by making good laws and policies that keep the economy stable. For example, they might control how banks lend money or make sure that different parts of the economy are strong. This can help stop big economic problems from happening in the first place.

On the other hand, people who think crisis management is more important say that you can’t always predict economic problems. They believe that governments should be ready to act quickly when a crisis happens. This might include things like giving money to businesses or people who are struggling, or changing interest rates to help the economy. The idea is that fast action can stop a crisis from getting worse.

In my opinion, both prevention and management are important. I think governments should try to prevent crises by having good policies, but they should also be prepared to deal with problems when they happen. This is because the world economy is complicated, and sometimes crises can come from outside a country’s borders.

To conclude, while some people prefer prevention and others favor management, I believe a mix of both approaches is the best way for governments to handle economic crises. This balanced approach can help keep economies stable and protect people from the worst effects of economic problems.

(Word count: 275)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and collocations (e.g., “robust regulatory frameworks”, “economic diversification”, “agile response mechanisms”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler terms.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and relative clauses. The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.

4. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more developed personal opinion.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses a variety of cohesive devices and demonstrates clear progression of ideas. The Band 6-7 essay is coherent but relies on simpler linking words.

Essential Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Economic crisis (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈkraɪsɪs/ – a situation in which the economy of a country experiences a sudden downturn
2. Fiscal policy (noun) /ˈfɪskəl ˈpɒləsi/ – government policy on taxation, spending and borrowing
3. Monetary policy (noun) /ˈmʌnɪtəri ˈpɒləsi/ – the policy of a central bank with regard to the amount of money in circulation
4. Stimulus package (noun) /ˈstɪmjʊləs ˈpækɪdʒ/ – a package of economic measures put together by a government to stimulate a struggling economy
5. Bailout (noun) /ˈbeɪlaʊt/ – an act of giving financial assistance to a failing business or economy to save it from collapse
6. Recession (noun) /rɪˈseʃən/ – a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced
7. Regulatory framework (noun) /ˈreɡjʊleɪtəri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ – a system of regulations and the means to enforce them
8. Economic diversification (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk daɪˌvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – the process of a country widening the range of industries or products in its economy
9. Austerity measures (noun) /ɒˈsterəti ˈmeʒəz/ – official actions taken by a government to reduce its spending
10. Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale

Conclusion

The role of public policy in managing economic crises is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key aspects of this subject and practicing with sample essays, you can improve your ability to write coherent, well-structured responses. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

• The impact of globalization on national economies
• The role of international cooperation in addressing global economic challenges
• The balance between economic growth and environmental protection

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the topic provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.