Some People Say That Economic Growth Is The Only Way To End Hunger And Poverty - IELTS Writing Task 2

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Read the sample essay for 'Some people say that economic growth is the only way to end hunger and poverty, while others say that economic growth is damaging the environment so it must be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.'

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion Essay

Introduction

• Refer to the first view
• Refer to the second view
• Clearly state your inclination (as is asked in the question)

Body

• Paragraph 1- First viewpoint.
  (Only the growth of the economies of the developing countries will provide the poor with the wealth to afford the basic necessities of life. The profits made by corporations who are responsible for this economic growth will trickle down in the form of financial benefits to be enjoyed by the starving and needy.)
• Paragraph 2- Second viewpoint.
  (There are countless examples to support the opposing view that economic growth results in environmental destruction. Firstly, this is true for developing countries, where lowland rainforests have been cleared and unsustainable agricultural practices introduced to produce cash crops, often for export.)(The continued use of fossil fuels, which provide the energy for growing industrialization, causes global warming. This leads to a rise in sea levels, which will eventually make tens of millions of poor people in Bangladesh homeless.)

Conclusion

Give your opinion in the conclusion. (The economic growth which is not sustainable, must be stopped. If it is based on generating profits rather than meeting human needs, such growth will only create more poverty and lead to more hunger in the world by destroying natural resources.)

Sample Essay

It is true that some people contend that economic growth is the only solution to the global problems of hunger and poverty. Others, however, argue for an end to economic growth to conserve our environment. I agree completely with this second view.

Those who see economic growth alone as the sole cure for the tragedy of world hunger and poverty propose one major argument. Only the growth of the economies of developing countries will provide the poor with the wealth to afford the basic necessities of life. The profits made by corporations that are responsible for this economic growth will trickle down in the form of financial benefits to be enjoyed by the starving and needy. This view has justified the age of imperialism and the destruction of the livelihood of millions in the name of progress.

On the other hand, there are countless examples to support the opposing view that economic growth results in environmental destruction. Firstly, this is true for developing countries, where lowland rainforests have been cleared and unsustainable agricultural practices introduced to produce cash crops, often for export. Secondly, it is also true for developed economies. For example, the continued use of fossil fuels, which provide the energy for growing industrialization, causes global warming. This leads to a rise in sea levels, which will eventually make tens of millions of poor people in Bangladesh homeless.

In conclusion, economic growth which is not sustainable must be stopped. If it is not based on meeting human needs rather than generating profits, such growth will only create more poverty and lead to more hunger in the world by destroying natural resources.

Vocabulary

• To contend [verb] :

Meaning: to say that something is true (especially in an argument)
Example: Although Brazil did not win the World Cup, my friend contends that they were the best team.

• Tragedy [noun] :

Meaning: a very sad event or situation
Example: It is a tragedy that many children die of starvation in the world today.

• The basic necessities of life [expression] :

Meaning: the things which you must have in order to live and survive
Example: Many people cannot afford the basic necessities of life, such as food and clothing.

• To trickle down [phrasal verb] :

Meaning: to spread money from rich people to poor people, through the economic system of a country
Example: Although the corporation made a lot of money last year, none of this trickled down to its employees.

• Livelihood [noun] :

Meaning: means of earning money in order to live
Example: Communities on the island depend on fishing for their livelihood.

• In the name of [expression] :

Meaning: used to give a reason for doing something, often when what you are doing is wrong
Example: Many wars have been fought in the name of religion.

• Countless [adjective] :

Meaning: very many (too many to be counted)
Example: I’ve told John countless times, but he still doesn’t remember my phone number.

• Unsustainable [adjective] :

Meaning: that cannot be continued at the same rate or level
Example: The use of oil at the present rate is unsustainable – there are reserves only for 20 or 30 more years.

• Cash crops [noun] :

Meaning: crops grown for selling, not for use by the person who grows them
Example: The best land in the country is using for growing cash crops like pineapples for export to Europe.

• To generate [verb] :

Meaning: to produce or create something
Example: In order to generate more electricity, the government is providing funding for wind farms.

Band 9 Sample Essay

Economic growth, as some may propose, is the only alternative to eradicate destitution and the dearth of basic necessities amongst the underprivileged strata of our society. While some are proponents of the opposite view and advocate putting an end to economic growth in the wake of rising environmental issues, I am in alignment with the latter school of notion.

The major reason why some people steadfast the essence of economic growth vigorously is owing to their inclination towards considering money as the only way to lacerate the poverty line. Economic progress could increase the status quo as it is a quintessential pillar when it comes to the development stature of a country. The GDP, NNP, NI (National income), etc. are some of the deciding factors as to how a country performs and, thereby fortifying the economic front would conspicuously mean the improvisation and revamping the ailing lifestyle of the people below the poverty and hunger threshold.

In contrast, the argument that supports putting an end to the ideology of rigorous economic growth is propelled by several instances, which, more often than not, have been a deterrent to an overall dip in development and especially, sustainable development. The overhaul of natural resources is a principal detrimental factor that anchors the fact that under the pretext of the growth model, our natural economies have been overused and rather hackneyed in the spur of capital investment. It has not only put the flora and fauna to the endangered quotations but has also put the entire Earth on the verge of dereliction. Deforestation, animal poaching, industrialization, urbanization and all other underlying dynamics have debilitated the health of our planet and obviously, its constituents. Eutrophication, due to the increase in strengthening agricultural practices and faster yielding, has been exacerbated in the past few years. The paucity of water level and the retention of groundwater have been diminished mainly due to soil erosion, again a result of cutting trees and destructing vegetation and frondescence.

Therefore, it could be said in conclusion that reckless chasing of the desired capital and economic success has deterred and aberrated the all-around status of our nature at large. If that continues to prance likewise, we’ll indeed have to invest even more capital to restore the profligate spending of our natural assets.

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