TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 11/3/2024
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 9/3/2024)
Question: It is a good idea for people to continue working in their old age, if it is possible for them to do so. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
ANSWER:
It is beneficial for individuals to pursue employment opportunities in their advanced age, provided they are capable of performing these tasks. Although this can provide a stable income for old people, I mostly disagree with this opinion because of health concerns and limited time for other profitable endeavours.
Admittedly, I concede that extending one’s career past normal retirement age can ensure their financial stability. With increasing life expectancies and the growing financial strain of healthcare costs, senior people who rely solely on pension funds and the welfare system may struggle to maintain a decent quality of life. For example, the provision of funding from social welfare in Vietnam can barely assist retirees to cover their daily expenses, necessitating many to work part time to alleviate financial pressures and enable them to sustain their independence.
However, I believe that when reaching a predetermined age, older employees should retire due to their health limitations. Ageing is often associated with many physical and mental challenges such as osteoarthritis or Alzheimer’s, rendering them less efficient at performing occupational duties compared to their younger counterparts. Particularly, numerous physically demanding jobs such as farming or trade are regarded as overwhelming for the elderly.
A further argument to support my disagreement is a shortage of time that can be allocated to personal commitments. The continuity of employment can limit their time spent with loved ones, particularly with those having grandchildren or ageing spouses who require care and attention. This even steals precious time that could be diverted to personal goals which they were unable to achieve in their youth, instilling a sense of regret.
In conclusion, I admit that elderly residents pursuing professional endeavours can help them generate an ongoing income stream to afford the expensive daily bills. Nonetheless, I largely contend that they should not do so due to valid concerns regarding well-being and a lack of time for personal pursuits. (315 words)
Highlight Vocabulary:
English | Vietnamese |
Endeavours | Nỗ lực |
Financial stability | Ổn định tài chính |
Life expectancies | Tuổi thọ |
Financial strain | Căng thẳng tài chính |
Social welfare | Phúc lợi xã hội |
Sustain | Duy trì |
Osteoarthritis | Viêm xương khớp |
Counterparts | Đối tác |
Trade | Buôn bán |
Personal commitments | Cam kết cá nhân |
Spouses | Vợ chồng |
Income stream | Dòng thu nhập |