Model Answer - Ielts Writing (Task 2)

Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

Occasionally wealthy nations provide humanitarian aid to poorer nations such as food in cases of droughts or floods, and offer educational services like free books to improve the quality of life in Third World countries. These kinds of gestures demonstrate our compassion as humans and are provided voluntarily from one country to another.

An independent and strong country is a valuable commodity, able to stand on its own two feet and provide a good standard of living for its citizens. It shouldn’t depend on hand-outs from other countries. National disasters are unavoidable and under these circumstances, richer nations could provide some assistance. We must not forget that governments are elected with the expectation that they will pass laws to help the economy grow and the country prosper.

Richer nations are not obliged to bail out poorer ones. Their primary responsibility is towards the well-being of their own citizens. If they have surplus funds, excess expertise, volunteers etc then they may send supplies to poorer countries. The help provided by the government, organisations or individuals should be purely voluntary without any hidden motives.

The self-sufficiency of poorer nations is important to retain a positive, healthy image and to maintain their dignity. If they are able to overcome hardships on their own this will raise their self-esteem. This of course is an ideal scenario. In real life it is much harder for a country to recover from poverty and foreign aid is given throughout the year.

Cambridge, Ielts 1 past papers, p.52.