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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people get into debt by buying things they don’t need and can’t afford. What are the reasons for this behaviour? What action can be taken to prevent people from having this problem? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people get into debt by buying things they don’t need and can’t afford. What are the reasons for this behaviour?

Some individuals find themselves in debt due to purchasing unnecessary items that are beyond their financial means. There are several reasons for this behavior, and measures can be taken to address and prevent such issues.

One reason people accumulate debt is the allure of consumerism and the desire to keep up with societal trends. Advertisements and social pressures often lead individuals to purchase items they may not need, in order to fit in or appear successful. For example, many people buy the latest electronic gadgets or luxury items to maintain a certain image, even if it means going into debt.

Moreover, lack of financial literacy and budgeting skills can contribute to overspending and debt accumulation. Many individuals are not adequately educated on managing their finances, leading to impulsive and uninformed purchasing decisions. Without proper understanding of budgeting and financial planning, people are more likely to fall into debt traps.

To address this issue, educational initiatives can be implemented to promote financial literacy at an early age. Schools and communities can offer courses and workshops on budgeting, saving, and responsible spending. Additionally, stricter regulations on lending and borrowing can help prevent individuals from taking on excessive debt. For instance, financial institutions can be mandated to assess borrowers' creditworthiness more rigorously to ensure they can afford the loans they seek.

In conclusion, the propensity to accumulate debt through unnecessary purchases stems from societal pressures and lack of financial knowledge. By promoting financial literacy and implementing stricter lending practices, individuals can be better equipped to make informed financial decisions and avoid falling into unnecessary debt.

Model Essay #2:

Some people get into debt by buying things they don’t need and can’t afford. What are the reasons for this behaviour?

The reasons for people getting into debt by purchasing things they don’t need and can’t afford are multifaceted. One major factor is the lack of access to affordable essentials, such as housing, healthcare, and education. Many individuals resort to using credit to bridge the gap between their needs and their financial capabilities. For instance, a person might take on debt to cover medical expenses or to finance their education, which are necessities but often come with high costs.

Another reason for this behavior is the prevalence of unexpected financial emergencies. Sudden unemployment, medical emergencies, or natural disasters can force individuals to rely on credit to meet their basic needs. For example, a family may find themselves in debt after a breadwinner loses their job and struggles to make ends meet without adequate savings.

To prevent people from falling into this problem, systemic changes are essential. Governments and policymakers can work towards providing more accessible social services, such as affordable healthcare and education, to reduce the need for individuals to go into debt for essential services. Additionally, implementing regulations to cap interest rates on loans and credit cards can prevent individuals from accumulating overwhelming debt during financial crises.

In conclusion, while unnecessary purchases contribute to debt, it's important to recognize that some individuals incur debt to meet essential needs or in response to unforeseen circumstances. By addressing the root causes of financial insecurity and implementing policies that protect individuals from predatory lending practices, societies can work towards preventing people from falling into debt due to circumstances beyond their control.

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