IELTS Writing Task 2, Discuss Both Views:

 IELTS Writing Tas 2 

Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion

Task

You should spend 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words. 

In some countries, a small number of people earn extremely high salaries. Some people believe that this is good for the country, whereas others think that governments should not allow a huge gap between high and low salaries. Discuss both the views and give your opinion.

Include reasons for your answers and relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Key words

1.  A small number of people earn extremely high salaries.

2. This is not good for the country - view 1.

3. Governments should not allow salaries above a certain level - view 2.

4. Discuss both views.

5. Your opinion.

Points to include:

1. Why different countries have difference in  levels of  salaries?

2. What are the benefits of of a small number of people earning very high salaries?

3. Are there any disadvantages?

4. Should the governments not allow salaries above a certain level? 

5. What is your opinion 

Sample Answer

Paragraph 1. Introduction

There exits an inordinate gap between the low and the high salaries, and it is often argued that it is beneficial for the country, whereas others hold the view that the governments should take measures to fill such large divide between the citizens. (paraphrase) This essay will dwell on both the views and validate my opinion that it is unfair, unjust and harmful to the society to allow a huge split between high and low incomes and the  authorities should take measures to bridge it as far as possible.  (Thesis sentence)

Synonyms

1. Inordinate: Extreme,  steep, drastic, outrageous, ruthless, astronomical.

2. Beneficial: Favourable, useful, advantageous, salubrious, helpful.

3. Gap: Divide (noun), gulf, gap, split,  breakup

4. Bridge: tide over, narrow, fill, see through, close up, minimise.

5. Validate: Prove, confirm, substantiate

Paragraph 2 BP1 (Why some people believe it is good)

To embark on,  high salaries can attract talents, encourage innovation and contribute to the economic growth and development of the country by creating new products, services, or jobs. (Argument). Moreover, it motivates others to work harder and improve their skills to achieve higher income levels.(Reason)  It is favourable to the country, for instance, people who earn high salaries pay more taxes to the government, which can be used to fund public services, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other social programs that benefit the society. (Example) Thus, astronomical salaries are helpful for a nation (Conclusion of BP1)

Synonyms

1. Motivate: Inspire, persuade, stimulate, induce, drive

2. Astronomical: Huge, enormous, massive, giant, titanic.

Paragraph 3 BP 2 (why governments should not allow the huge gap)

On the flip side, very high salaries can create inequality  and social problems. (Argument) When a minority of the people earn very high returns, it can widen the gap between the rich and the poor, and create a sense of unfairness and resentment among the majority of population. This can lead to social unrest, crime, violence, corruption and political instability. (Reason) Studies have revealed that the militant groups,  such as Naxalites sprout up because of such disparity in the society. (Example) Therefore, measures should be taken  to address it (Conclusion)

Synonyms

1. Inequality: Disparity, imbalance, bias, diversity

2. Resentment: Anger, bitterness, irritation, rage, grudge.

3. Sprout: Break out, shoot up, germinate, produce

4. Disparity: Difference, contrast, imbalance, gap

5, Returns: Salaries.

6. To address: To solve

Paragraph 4 Conclusion

There are wide range of discrepancies in salaries earned by employees in several countries and it is argued that the governments should control salaries to be under certain levels. In my view the authorities should put a cap  on higher salaries in order to bring about fairness and social justice in the society. (Paraphrase of Introduction)

Synonyms

1. Discrepancy: Difference,  disparity, variance, variation, dissimilarity

2. Put a cap on: Control, limit, restrict, stop

Points to consider

1. Why different countries have difference in  levels of  salaries?

Different countries have different economic, social and cultural contexts and challenges which determine the salaries of employees and the gap between them. 

2. What are the benefits of of a small number of people earning very high salaries?

High salaries are earned by people with high educational qualification, exceptional skills, creativity or entrepreurship. Such skills are rare, especially undeveloped and underdeveloped countries. That is why only a small number of people earn huge salaries.

* High salaries can attract talents and encourage innovation. They can contribute to the economic growth and development of the country by creating new products, services, or jobs. It also motivates others to work harder and improve their skills to achieve higher income levels. 

* Higher salaries can increase tax revenue and social welfare. People who earn high salaries pay more taxes to the government, which can be used to fund public services, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other social programs that benefit the society. Higher salaries can also enable people to spend more on goods and services, which can stimulate the demand and consumption in the market. 

3. Are there any disadvantages of earning very high salaries?

Very high salaries can create inequality  and social problems. When a small number of people earn very high salaries, it can widen the gap between the rich and the poor, and create a sense of unfairness and resentment among the majority of population. This can lead to social unrest, crime, violence, corruption and political instability. 

* It can also reduce the social mobility and opportunity for the poor who may face discrimination and barriers to access to good education, healthcare and other resources. 

* Higher salaries can influence people to pursue money at the expense of their happiness, health and relationships, 

4. Should the governments not allow a huge gap between high and low salaries?

It is unfair, unjust and harmful to a society to allow a huge gap between high and low salaries. Governments should take measures to prevent it because of the following reasons: 

* Economic inequality: A large gap between high and low salaries means that some people have much more wealth and income than others, creating economic inequality in the society. It is harmful for the social mobility and democracy. 

* Social cohesion: A big disparity in salaries can create social problems , such as resentment, distrust crime and violence. So, governments should take steps to narrow the the gao by promoting social justice and inclusion. 

* Moral values: Moral values, such as fairness, dignity and human rights are challenged when there is a huge disparity in income. These values are essential for aa good and ethical society. It is important that everyone should get equal opportunities and outcomes.