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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that economic progress is the only way to measure a country’s success, while others think that there are other factors which can be used to measure a country’s success. What are these factors? And among them, which one is more important than others? 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 think that economic progress is the only way to measure a country’s success, while others think that there are other factors which can be used to measure a country’s success. What are these factors?

Some individuals argue that a nation’s success should be solely measured by its economic advancement, while others believe that there are alternative metrics to gauge a country's prosperity. In my opinion, apart from economic progress, factors such as social well-being, environmental sustainability, and quality of life should be considered in assessing a country’s success. Among these, I believe that social well-being holds greater importance.

Economic progress is undeniably crucial for a country's development as it influences the standard of living and employment opportunities. However, a nation’s success should not be evaluated based solely on economic factors. Social well-being, including access to healthcare, education, and social security, is equally significant. For instance, a country with a strong economy but high levels of inequality and social unrest cannot be deemed truly successful.

Moreover, environmental sustainability must also be taken into account when measuring a country’s success. A nation’s ability to preserve its natural resources and mitigate environmental degradation reflects its long-term viability and quality of life for its citizens. For example, countries like Norway and Sweden are often regarded as successful due to their strong environmental policies and high quality of life.

Lastly, the quality of life, encompassing factors such as safety, governance, and cultural richness, plays a pivotal role in determining a country's success. A society where citizens feel safe, have access to diverse cultural experiences, and benefit from effective governance is more likely to be deemed successful, regardless of its economic status.

In conclusion, while economic progress is undeniably important, factors such as social well-being, environmental sustainability, and quality of life should also be considered in measuring a country’s success. Among these, social well-being holds greater significance as it directly impacts the overall welfare and happiness of a nation’s citizens.

Model Essay #2:

Some people think that economic progress is the only way to measure a country’s success, while others think that there are other factors which can be used to measure a country’s success. What are these factors?

While some people argue that economic progress is not the sole measure of a country’s success, I believe that economic advancement is the most crucial factor in determining a nation's prosperity. Economic progress directly influences various aspects of a country's development, making it the most important measure of success.

Firstly, economic progress is vital for improving the standard of living and reducing poverty within a nation. When a country experiences economic growth, it creates job opportunities, increases income levels, and enhances access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. For instance, countries like South Korea and Singapore have achieved remarkable success by focusing on economic development, leading to significant improvements in the quality of life for their citizens.

Furthermore, economic progress allows a country to invest in crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are essential for overall development. A strong economy provides the necessary resources for building schools, hospitals, and transportation networks, ultimately benefiting the entire population. For example, the United States has been able to establish world-class educational institutions and healthcare facilities due to its robust economic growth.

In addition, economic success enables a nation to address social and environmental challenges effectively. Countries with strong economies have the means to implement social welfare programs, environmental conservation initiatives, and sustainable development projects, leading to overall societal well-being. For instance, countries like Germany and Denmark have successfully balanced economic growth with environmental sustainability, demonstrating that economic progress can contribute to a nation’s overall success.

In conclusion, while there are other factors to consider when measuring a country’s success, economic progress stands out as the most important metric. It directly impacts various aspects of a nation's development, including the standard of living, access to essential services, and the ability to address social and environmental challenges. Therefore, economic advancement should be prioritized as the primary measure of a country’s success.

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