IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay: Economy Topics with Sample Answers

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In the IELTS Writing Task 2, economy-related essays often focus on real-world financial issues and trends that impact society globally. Topics may include government spending on public services, the rise of consumerism, the impact of globalization on local businesses, unemployment and job automation, wealth inequality, and whether economic growth should be prioritized over environmental protection. These questions typically ask candidates to agree or disagree with a viewpoint or to discuss both sides before giving their opinion. Strong answers should include clear arguments, real-world examples, and a logical structure. Find useful IELTS vocabulary for economy, money and finance here.

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Essay Topics

Topic 1: Is Economic Progress Overshadowing Other Important Developments?
Topic 2: Do Small Independent Shops Have a Future in a Changing Market?

Task 1

Some people say that because of economic progress, the government is ignoring other types of progress for a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

How to approach the essay:

Understand the Question: Ask yourself if economic growth is being prioritized at the cost of other important areas like social welfare or the environment.
Take a Clear Stance: Decide if you agree, disagree, or partially agree with this idea.

Importance of Economic Progress	Importance of Other Forms of Progress
• Creates jobs and lowers unemployment • Raises government revenue for infrastructure and public services • Improves standard of living and global political influence	• Promoting social justice, equality, and human rights • Protecting privacy and freedom of expression • Environmental protection through investment in renewable energy • Success should be measured by social and environmental health as well

Model Answer

It is clear that making strong progress in a nation’s economy is often seen as a top priority for governments. While I agree that economic advancement is a crucial goal for any country, I firmly believe that governments must not overlook other forms of progress that are equally vital for the holistic development of society.

On one hand, many governments prioritize economic progress for several compelling reasons. Firstly, a robust and flourishing economy creates jobs, lowers unemployment, raises tax income, and improves the overall standard of living. This means economic growth provides governments with the financial resources necessary to invest in public infrastructure and services, particularly in education, public transportation, state-owned enterprises, and healthcare. A thriving economy also bolsters a nation’s income, thereby elevating its status on the global stage in terms of political influence, trade, and negotiation power.

On the other hand, there are many factors that governments must address to improve the quality of life for their citizens. Above all, social justice, equality, and human rights should be prioritized. For instance, safeguarding the right to privacy and freedom of expression, which are universally recognized values, is essential. Environmental protection is another key area. Governments ought to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power while also working to reduce their impact on climate change. Moreover, a country’s success can also be measured by how developed and healthy its society is.

In conclusion, I believe that governments should not ignore other forms of progress, as they are just as significant as economic advancement. A well-rounded approach that encompasses economic, social, and environmental progress is essential for a nation’s overall success.

Commentary

Essay Question: Some people say that because of economic progress, the government is ignoring other types of progress for a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction
• Clarity: Yes, the topic is introduced clearly and directly.
• Thesis: The writer takes a clear stance (partial agreement), emphasizing the need to balance economic and other forms of progress.

? Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):

Paragraph 1:
• Economic growth ? job creation
• Higher tax revenue ? public service investment
• Boosts international status

Paragraph 2:
• Importance of social justice and human rights
• Environmental protection and sustainability
• Broader definition of national success (health, equality, well-being)

Coherence:
• Balanced coverage of both perspectives
• Logical organization and smooth transitions between paragraphs

? Conclusion
Summary:

• Clearly restates the main argument: economic growth is important but must be pursued alongside social and environmental development.

? Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:

• Robust – strong and effective
• Flourishing – thriving, doing well
• Safeguarding – protecting something important
• Renewable energy – sustainable energy sources like solar or wind
• Holistic – considering the whole picture, not just parts

Academic Phrases:
• “There are many other factors that governments must address…”
• “A well-rounded approach that encompasses…”

Complex Sentences:

• “This means economic growth provides governments with the financial resources necessary to invest in public infrastructure and services…”
• “Governments ought to invest in renewable energy sources… while also working to reduce their impact on climate change.”

Task 2

Small, independent shops will have no place in the future. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

How to approach the essay:

• Understand the question: You are being asked whether small, independent shops will disappear in the future—decide if you agree, disagree, or partially agree.
• Plan your opinion: If you agree, argue that large malls and retail chains are overtaking local shops. If you disagree, argue that community support and uniqueness keep small shops alive.

Reasons Small Shops Are Closing	Why Shopping Malls Dominate
• Malls offer a wide variety of products in one location • Small independent shops struggle to compete with large malls • Historical examples show malls causing closures (e.g., AEON in Japan)	• Malls provide convenience and lower prices • Proprietary brands (e.g., Topvalue by AEON) offer cheaper products • Bulk stocking and widespread distribution lower operational costs

Model Answer

In today’s world, small independent shops are increasingly facing closure in many urban areas. Some people believe that this trend will persist until such establishments disappear from the marketplace. I completely agree with this view, as the dominance of large shopping malls poses a significant threat to the survival of small businesses.

The growth of large shopping malls has made it much harder for traditional small shops to stay in business. Historically, these individual stores specialized in specific products, ranging from appliances to fresh produce and furniture. However, shopping malls offer a wide variety of retail options all in one place, making them more convenient and appealing to consumers. For instance, in my hometown, the introduction of AEON, a major shopping mall in Japan, led to the closure of independent retailers that couldn’t compete with such a dominant presence.

While some may argue that independent shops can survive by building strong community ties, I feel that the compelling advantages offered by shopping malls—namely convenience and competitive pricing—will ultimately prevail. As large retailers, many of these malls feature proprietary brands, such as Topvalue by AEON, which provide products at significantly lower prices than those available in small shops. Also, because malls can stock products in bulk and spread them across many branches, they’re able to keep prices low in a way independent stores cannot.

In conclusion, this essay has explained why small independent shops are unlikely to thrive in the modern retail landscape. I strongly believe that the unbeatable convenience and affordability offered by large malls will continue to make it hard for small store owners to survive.

Commentary

Essay Question: Small, independent shops will have no place in the future. To what extent do you agree with this statement?Introduction
• Clarity: Yes – clearly introduces the decline of small shops and presents the topic in a straightforward manner.
• Thesis: Yes – explicitly states agreement with the idea that small shops will disappear.Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Cons of small shops / Pros of malls):• Small shops can’t compete with shopping malls in product range and convenience.
• Example of AEON shows malls driving small retailers out.
• Malls offer lower prices through bulk supply and in-house brands (e.g., Topvalue).
• Small shop community ties are not strong enough to outweigh economic advantages of malls.

Coherence:

• Essay is logically organized with a clear contrast between both viewpoints.
• Transitions like “however” and “while some may argue” ensure smooth flow.

Conclusion
• Summary: Restates key arguments effectively.
• Opinion: Clearly supports the view that small shops will not thrive due to convenience and pricing from malls.

Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:

• Dominance – strong influence or control.
• Proprietary brands – brands owned and produced by a company itself.
• Compelling – convincing or powerful.
• Retail landscape – the overall structure and trends of the shopping industry.

Academic Phrases:

• “I completely agree with this view…”
• “This essay has explained why…”
• “I strongly believe that…”

Complex Sentences:

• “While some may argue that independent shops can survive by building strong community ties, I maintain that the compelling advantages offered by shopping malls… will ultimately prevail.”
• “Because malls can stock products in bulk and spread them across many branches, they’re able to keep prices low in a way independent stores cannot.”