TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 21/10/2024
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 19/10/2024)
Question: Many people believe that the best way to produce a happier society is to ensure that there are only small differences in earning between the richest and the poorest members. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
ANSWER:
Achieving societal contentment by minimizing income disparities between the wealthiest and least affluent is commonly believed as the ideal method. In this essay, I will provide reasons for my partial disagreement toward this viewpoint.
On one hand, I concede that lessening economic inequality can foster societal solidarity and unity. When gaps in wealth are less pronounced, fewer individuals feel ostracized or alienated due to their financial circumstances, potentially decreasing societal conflicts and enhancing community bonds. For example, nations like Denmark and Sweden, which are characterized by minimal wealth gaps, consistently rank highly on the World Happiness Index. The sense of fairness and equality in these societies contributes significantly to their high levels of contentment.
On the other hand, I believe that the absence of clear income disparities could potentially reduce motivation among lower-income individuals. When financial distinctions are not clearly defined, there might be less incentive for those at the lower end of the economic spectrum to strive for higher earnings or improved socioeconomic status. Indeed, if individuals feel that efforts to advance economically are not adequately rewarded due to a very narrow income gap, they may not exert the same level of effort towards personal development or career advancement. Consequently, this could lead to decreased productivity and innovation within society, as the driving forces of competition and reward for achievement are diminished.
In conclusion, I only partly agree that reducing income disparities can lead to a happier society to some extent, because it helps foster a sense of fairness. Nonetheless, it is important to consider that the complacency resulted from this practice may discourage individuals to transcend adversities due to insufficient motivation to thrive. A moderate approach, where income inequalities are reduced to prevent extreme poverty and promote social welfare without stifling competitive spirit and innovation, might be the most beneficial for society.
(295 words)
Highlight Vocabulary:
| English | Vietnamese |
| Disparities | sự chênh lệch |
| Ostracized | bị tẩy chay |
| Alienated | bị xa lánh |
| Contentment | sự hài lòng |
| Economic spectrum | phổ kinh tế |
| Complacency | sự tự mãn |
| Transcend | vượt qua |
| Stifling | kìm hãm |
