In the Academic IELTS Writing section, economy-related essay topics often focus on broad themes like the role of government in the economy, the impact of economic growth on society, and the effects of globalization. Other common areas include the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, as well as the influence of technology on industries and employment. These topics test your ability to discuss economic issues from a balanced and analytical perspective.
Find useful IELTS vocabulary for economy, money and finance here.
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Task 1
More and more people shop at big shopping malls these days. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this for individuals and society?
- To approach this essay, first analyze the question by identifying the two key aspects: the advantages and disadvantages of shopping at large malls for individuals and society.
- In the first body paragraph, focus on the benefits, such as time-saving and convenience.
- In the second paragraph, discuss the drawbacks, including consumerism and the societal impact of unnecessary purchases. This structure ensures a balanced exploration of both perspectives before concluding with a thoughtful stance.
Introduction
The introduction below will clearly introduce the topic, provide context (contrast between large malls and small retail shops), and present a clear thesis outlining the essay’s focus on both advantages and disadvantages.
Body Paragraphs
| Advantages of Shopping Malls | Disadvantages of Shopping Malls |
- Time-saving
- Diverse product availability in one location
- Reduced congestion (pedestrian and vehicular traffic)
| - Promotes consumerism
- Tempts consumers to buy unnecessary items
- Contributes to economic hierarchies
|
Conclusion
- The conclusion will summarize the main points effectively, reiterating the need for balance between convenience and the dangers of excessive consumerism. The thesis will be reinforced clearly as well.
Model Answer
The business of large shopping malls is flourishing steadily in contrast to small retail shops in today’s world. An increasing number of individuals prefer to purchase goods and services at a single large location rather than visiting multiple smaller establishments. This essay will examine the key advantages and disadvantages that shopping in large malls presents for both individuals and society at large.
To begin with, the trend of purchasing items under one roof, facilitated by large malls, significantly saves time. One of the main advantages is the availability of a diverse array of products in a single location, unlike traditional market styles where individual shops typically specialize in a specific category of goods, such as kitchenware. Consequently, customers can avoid excessive wandering and instead buy several items in bulk in a single visit. Furthermore, this phenomenon helps reduce congestion on roadways particularly in terms of pedestrian and vehicular traffic as most shoppers can complete their shopping in a single location.
Despite these advantages, large shopping centers often promote consumerism, which can be detrimental to both individuals and society. The manner in which products are displayed in shopping malls not only encourages individuals to leisurely browse but also entices them to purchase unnecessary items. Over time, this behavior creates an unnecessary and unnaturaldesire to shop without genuine need. Ultimately, people may find themselves comparing their purchases with those of others, inadvertently contributing to the creation of economic hierarchies within the community.
In conclusion, while large shopping centers undoubtedly save time and help manage pedestrian and vehicular traffic, they also encourage the unnecessary purchase of items. It is essential for individuals and society to strike a balance between the convenience offered by these malls and the potential pitfalls of consumerism.
- High-Level Vocabulary:
- Flourishing (thriving)
- Detrimental (harmful)
- Entice (attract)
- Pitfall (a hidden danger)
- Useful Phrases:
- “This essay will examine…”
- “One of the main advantages is…”
- “In conclusion…”
- Complex Sentences:
- “The manner in which products are displayed in shopping malls not only encourages individuals to leisurely browse but also entices them to purchase unnecessary items.”
- Relative clause: “in which products are displayed”
- “Ultimately, people may find themselves comparing their purchases with those of others, inadvertently contributing to the creation of economic hierarchies within the community.”
- Conditionals: “may find themselves”
- Relative clause: “contributing to the creation”
Task 2
Many countries aim to improve their living standard by economic development, but some important social values are lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of economic development outweigh the disadvantages? (Reported 2017, Academic Test)
- To approach this essay, first break down the question by identifying the trade-off: economic development versus the loss of social values.
- In the first body paragraph, focus on the disadvantages, such as the potential erosion of cultural and social traditions.
- In the second paragraph, highlight the advantages, like improved life satisfaction and reduced financial insecurity.
- This structure will allow you to present both sides before concluding with your opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Introduction:
- The introduction will clearly present the topic and provides a thesis, stating that the benefits of economic progress outweigh the drawbacks.
Body Paragraphs:
| Advantages of | Disadvantages of |
- Economic progress leads to reduced financial insecurity, improving quality of life.
- More time for personal relationships, leading to higher happiness and better mental well-being. Personal experience shared.
| - Employment of immigrants may undermine traditional values (e.g., changes in religion and cuisine).
- Large influx of immigrants could alter local practices and traditions.
|
Conclusion:
- The conclusion will reinforce the thesis by stating that the positive effects on life satisfaction and happiness outweigh the disadvantages related to cultural changes.
Model Answer
In contemporary society, it is increasingly common for nations to prioritize enhancingtheir citizens’ living standards through economic development, often at the expense of important social values. I, however, feel that the advantages of this economic progress significantly outweigh the disadvantages, and this essay will explain my perspective.
When a country seeks to raise its living standards, it often relies on the employment of immigrants, which can in advertently undermine traditional values and customs. These workers, tend to hail from diverse cultural backgrounds, and may introduce different religions and cuisines. If their numbers increase substantially, this influx could potentially alter the religious practices and culinary traditions of the local population. For example, in Britain, curry has become more popular than traditional fish and chips.
Nevertheless, I believe that when a government successfully improves the living standards of its people, the positive impact on life satisfaction is profound. When citizens are freed from financial insecurity, they can devote more time to nurturing essential relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.This leads to increased happiness and improved mental well-being. Drawing from personal experience, when Poland joined the European Union and my parents received a significant salary increase, we began to spend more quality time together than ever before, as they were no longer preoccupied with financial concerns and had sufficient resources to support our family.
In conclusion, while there are certain drawbacks associated with economic development, such as potential shifts in a country’s traditional cuisine and beliefs, I firmly believe that the benefits—namely, enhanced life satisfaction and overall happiness among citizens—far outweigh these disadvantages.
Useful Vocabulary and Complex Structures:High-Level Vocabulary:
o Inadvertently (unintentionally)
o Undermine (weaken)
o Influx (arrival in large numbers)
o Sufficient (enough)
o Well-being (overall health and happiness)
Useful Academic Phrases:
o “I however feel that…”
o “I firmly believe that…”
o “In conclusion…”
Complex Sentence Examples:
o “When a country seeks to raise its living standards, it often relies on the employment of immigrants, which can inadvertently undermine traditional values.” (relative clause)
o “As a result, this leads to increased happiness and improved mental well-being.” (cause and effect)
