IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1493 - Wealthy nations should assist poorer countries with humanitarian relief
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Wealthy nations should assist poorer countries with humanitarian relief during natural disasters.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
Some people say that in a world riddled with natural disasters, the ethical responsibility of affluent nations to extend support to poorer countries in times of crises cannot be overstated. I wholeheartedly agree that wealthy nations should play a pivotal role in offering humanitarian relief during natural calamities that strike impoverished regions.
Firstly, natural disasters do not discriminate; they impact everyone irrespective of economic status. Underprivileged nations often lack the resources, infrastructure, and financial backing to adequately respond to such catastrophic events. Aid from affluent countries can make a profound difference in mitigating the immediate aftermath by providing food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. For instance, following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, various countries around the world extended substantial support through aid programs and medical teams, aiding in rescue efforts and the provision of basic necessities to affected populations.
Secondly, assistance during such emergencies not only saves lives but also promotes global solidarity and cooperation. It fosters a sense of unity among nations and strengthens international relations. Providing relief demonstrates compassion and empathy, building a positive image for wealthier nations and reinforcing a sense of shared humanity. This unity is crucial in addressing the transnational challenges posed by natural disasters and establishes a framework for collaborative responses to future crises.
In conclusion, the moral obligation of affluent nations to assist impoverished countries during natural disasters cannot be disregarded. Such assistance is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental gesture of global solidarity and human decency. By offering timely and substantial support, wealthier nations play a pivotal role in alleviating suffering and fortifying global ties, fostering a more connected and compassionate world.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Natural catastrophes often devastate underprivileged nations, leaving them in desperate need of humanitarian aid. While some argue that wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to assist, others contend that such aid is not always beneficial. This essay disagrees with the notion that developed countries should bear this responsibility, as it can lead to dependency and mismanagement of resources.
One major concern with relying on foreign aid is the creation of long-term dependency. When developing nations receive continuous support from wealthier countries, they may become reliant on external assistance rather than developing their own disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. This discourages self-sufficiency and prevents governments from taking necessary measures to strengthen their resilience. For example, despite receiving billions in foreign aid after the 2010 earthquake, Haiti still struggles with poor infrastructure and disaster preparedness due to over-reliance on international assistance rather than internal reforms.
Another critical issue is the mismanagement and misuse of aid. Corruption in some developing nations means that funds and resources intended for relief efforts do not always reach those in need. Instead, they are sometimes diverted to personal or political interests, reducing the effectiveness of such support. For instance, reports have shown that a significant portion of international aid provided to some African nations during past droughts was misappropriated by government officials, leading to minimal impact on affected populations. This inefficiency raises concerns about the effectiveness of humanitarian relief from wealthy nations.
In conclusion, while the intention behind providing humanitarian relief is noble, it is not a sustainable solution. Encouraging self-reliance and ensuring that funds are managed effectively within affected countries should be the priority. Instead of direct aid, wealthier nations can focus on supporting long-term development projects that empower poorer nations to handle future disasters independently.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Wealthy nations should assist poorer countries with humanitarian relief during natural disasters.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Essay Type: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
Should wealthy nations be responsible for providing humanitarian relief to poorer nations during natural disasters?
Agreement:
1. Moral responsibility and global solidarity:
Wealthier nations have a moral duty to support those in dire need, as natural disasters cause immense suffering, loss of life, and destruction of essential infrastructure. Humanitarian aid strengthens global unity and demonstrates compassion. For instance, after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, numerous developed countries provided financial aid, medical assistance, and emergency supplies to help the affected population.
2. Advanced resources and expertise in disaster management:
Developed nations often have superior technology, medical expertise, and logistical capabilities to respond quickly and effectively to disasters. Their well-established emergency response teams and experience in crisis management can save lives. For example, countries like the USA and Japan have specialized disaster relief teams that are often deployed internationally in times of crisis.
3. Preventing long-term economic and social instability:
Natural disasters can cripple economies and push vulnerable communities deeper into poverty. Without external assistance, poorer nations struggle to rebuild their infrastructure and recover economically. International aid helps stabilize the affected regions, preventing mass migration, unemployment, and potential conflicts. For instance, aid provided to Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami played a crucial role in rebuilding affected areas and restoring livelihoods.
4. Reducing the spread of diseases and public health crises:
Disasters often lead to water contamination, malnutrition, and outbreaks of infectious diseases. Wealthy nations can provide medical supplies, vaccines, and emergency healthcare services to prevent humanitarian crises from worsening. A notable example is the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, where international medical teams and financial support from wealthier nations played a crucial role in controlling the epidemic.
5. Strengthening diplomatic ties and international cooperation:
Offering humanitarian aid fosters goodwill and strengthens diplomatic relationships between nations. Such assistance can lead to long-term trade partnerships, alliances, and political stability. For example, after India provided disaster relief to Nepal following the 2015 earthquake, their bilateral relations improved, leading to stronger economic and cultural cooperation.
Disagreement:
1. Creates dependency on foreign aid:
If developing countries continually receive aid from wealthier nations, they may not invest in their own disaster preparedness and management systems. This leads to long-term reliance on external assistance rather than fostering self-sufficiency. For example, despite receiving significant international aid after the 2010 earthquake, Haiti still struggles with weak infrastructure and disaster response capabilities due to overdependence on foreign relief.
2. Mismanagement and corruption in aid distribution:
In some developing nations, humanitarian aid is often misused due to corruption, meaning that relief supplies and funds do not always reach those in need. This diminishes the impact of assistance and sometimes exacerbates the crisis. For example, during drought relief efforts in parts of Africa, reports revealed that government officials siphoned off international funds, leaving many affected communities without essential resources.
3. Diverts resources from domestic issues in donor countries:
Wealthy nations also face their own economic and social challenges, and diverting substantial financial and material resources to foreign aid could strain their national budgets. Governments should prioritize their own citizens before committing large-scale assistance abroad. For example, the USA spends billions on foreign aid each year, yet still struggles with domestic issues such as homelessness and inadequate healthcare.
4. Encourages ineffective governance in recipient nations:
When countries receive consistent aid, their governments may neglect long-term policies to strengthen disaster resilience, relying instead on emergency relief. This leads to poor governance and lack of accountability in disaster response. For instance, some nations that frequently receive aid after hurricanes or floods fail to implement sustainable urban planning measures that could mitigate future disasters.
5. Investing in long-term disaster preparedness:
Instead of providing short-term relief, developed nations should assist poorer countries in building infrastructure, early warning systems, and emergency response frameworks. This empowers them to handle future disasters independently. For example, Japan has shared its advanced earthquake-resistant building technologies with countries prone to seismic activity, reducing damage and casualties in affected areas.
6. Promoting economic growth to reduce vulnerability:
Rather than providing emergency relief, developed nations should focus on trade agreements, investment in infrastructure, and education in poorer nations. Economic stability allows countries to develop their own disaster management strategies. For example, South Korea, once reliant on aid, transitioned into a developed economy through strategic investments in education and technology, making it more resilient to crises.
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