TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 17/3/2025
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 15/3/2025)
Question: Many people believe that the best way to produce a happier society is to ensure there is only a small difference between the earnings of its richest and poorest members. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
ANSWER:
The gap between the wealthy and disadvantaged segments of society is regarded as a key indicator of well-being, with numerous proponents suggesting that minimising this divide is the most effective measure to an improvement in overall happiness among the citizenry. This essay aims to explain my wholehearted opposition toward this notion.
The primary justification for my entire disagreement is based on the potential stagnation of societal advancement resulting from a fading disparity between the two aforementioned parties. Indeed, a fairly equal distribution of privileges across all members of the community may decentivise individuals from striving to enhance their circumstances, since they are no longer exposed to the extravagant lifestyles of the notably wealthier class. This complacency with the status quo may subsequently contribute to a compromised work productivity, particularly among those at the slightly lower economic end, ultimately reducing societal progress to a state of stasis.
Another reason for my disagreement is that happiness is profoundly influenced by cultural values, personal goals and individual perspectives, rather than merely economic equality. As it is subjective, what one person considers essential to happiness such as spiritual fulfillment, family connections, or higher income may differ significantly from another person’s priorities. Thus, enforcing minimal income gaps overlooks these personal and cultural differences, assuming that financial equality is universally valuable. For example, tribal communities, who often prioritize spiritual and family values, may derive happiness independently from income status, making financial equality insufficient as a universal solution.
In conclusion, I completely disagree that striving for minimal income disparity is the best method to guarantee happiness within society, since this approach could hinder social advancement and ignores other measurements. Instead, fostering emotional resilience, mental health, and meaningful relationships offers a more effective route to sustained societal well-being.
(290 words)
HIGHLIGHT VOCABULARY:
English | Vietnamese |
Proponents | Những người ủng hộ |
Wholehearted | Toàn diện |
Stagnation | Trì trệ |
Privileges | Đặc quyền |
Extravagant | Xa hoa |
Complacency | Tự mãn |
Disparity | Sự chênh lệch |