IELTS Discuss Both Views Essay: Charity Topics with Sample Answers
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Charity is a recurring theme in the IELTS Writing Task 2, often explored through topics related to giving, social responsibility, and the role of organizations. Candidates may encounter questions on whether individuals or governments should fund charitable causes, the effectiveness of foreign aid, or if celebrities should promote charity work. Other possible sub-topics include the impact of donations on local communities, the ethics of compulsory giving in schools or workplaces, and whether national or international charities are more effective. These questions require test-takers to critically evaluate causes, consequences, and solutions related to charitable actions in society.
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Task
Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in the local community who need it. Others, however, prefer to give money to national and international charitable organizations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
How to approach the essay:
- Understand the Question: Identify both tasks—discuss why some prefer helping locally and why others donate to larger charities, and give your own opinion.
| Supporting National/International Organizations | Supporting Local Communities Directly |
|---|---|
| • Able to raise large sums and provide rapid aid in emergencies • Have infrastructure and expertise to reach remote or crisis areas • Example: Global aid during Japan’s major earthquake | • Greater transparency and trust compared to some large charities • Donors can witness direct impact and foster community connection • Reduces risk of fund misuse by ensuring local distribution |
• Stay Focused: Present both sides fairly, use examples, and clearly state your opinion in the conclusion.
Model Answer
Despite technological progress and improved living standards, poverty and disaster-related hardship remain widespread. This has led to differing views on how best to help—some prefer direct support within their communities, while others choose to donate to national or international charitable organizations. This essay will discuss both points of view.
One key advantage of donating to established organizations is their capacity to gather large sums and distribute aid efficiently to regions facing emergencies. For instance, during the catastrophic earthquake in Japan, which measured over 9.0 on the Richter scale, coordinated international support played a crucial role in reducing the disaster’s impact. These organizations possess both the infrastructure and expertise to deliver timely assistance where it is needed most. Additionally, their global presence allows them to respond to crises in remote or politically unstable areas where local efforts may be insufficient or impossible.
Conversely, many individuals choose to donate directly to their local communities due to concerns about the transparency and accountability of larger charitable organizations. Reports of misappropriation of funds by some entities have led to skepticism regarding whether donations are utilized for their intended purposes. As a result, local donations are perceived as a more reliable means of ensuring that assistance directly benefits those who are suffering. This grassroots approach fosters a sense of community and personal connection, as donors can witness the tangible impact of their contributions.
In my opinion, as part of a global community, we share a responsibility to support those in need. Whether assistance is offered locally or through larger organizations, the focus should remain on the urgency of the need. What truly matters is the integrity of the support and the genuine intention to make a difference.
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Commentary:
Essay Question:
Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in the local community who need it. Others, however, prefer to give money to national and international charitable organizations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction
Clarity: The topic is introduced clearly with reference to poverty and disasters, setting context.
Thesis: Clearly states that the essay will discuss both viewpoints, although the stance is reserved for the conclusion.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Pros of donating to large organizations:
• Can collect and manage large funds.
• Efficient emergency response (e.g., Japan earthquake).
• Global infrastructure to reach unstable or remote regions.
Pros of local donations:
• Avoids mismanagement of funds.
• Direct impact and visibility of results.
• Builds community and trust.
Coherence:
• Both sides are evenly developed with examples.
• Logical progression from one paragraph to the next.
Conclusion
• Summary: Restates the core issue and presents a balanced opinion.
• Opinion: Emphasizes that both methods are valid, depending on sincerity and the urgency of the need.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Catastrophic – extremely harmful or disastrous.
• Infrastructure – physical systems and structures needed for operation.
• Transparency – openness and honesty in operations.
• Grassroots – involving ordinary people rather than elites.
• Skepticism – doubt or lack of trust.
• Misappropriation – misuse
Academic Phrases:
• “One key advantage…”
• “This essay will discuss both points of view…”
• “This grassroots approach fosters…”
Complex Sentences:
• “Additionally, their global presence allows them to respond to crises in remote or politically unstable areas where local efforts may be insufficient or impossible.”
• “Reports of misappropriation of funds by some entities have led to skepticism regarding whether donations are utilized for their intended purposes.”
