IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past
Why is this?
What can be learned from this?
Sample Answer:
It is true that economic growth has brought about a considerable improvement in the standard of living for many people, both in developed and developing countries. However, when it comes to the level of happiness, those in developed countries are not as content as they were in the past. This essay will discuss why this is the case and the lessons that can be drawn from the situation.
There are several reasons why those living in developed countries are not as happy as they used to be. Firstly, economic growth has led to an increase in the cost of living. This means that people have to work harder and longer hours in order to maintain the same standard of living as before. This has led to a decrease in the amount of time people have to spend with family and friends, which can have a negative effect on their mental wellbeing.
Secondly, economic growth has also caused an increase in environmental pollution. This has had a detrimental effect on people’s health, which can lead to a decrease in overall happiness. Furthermore, the increased use of technology has meant that people are constantly bombarded with negative news from around the world. This has created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, which can further impact happiness levels.
The situation also highlights the importance of having a balanced approach to economic growth. Countries should strive to increase living standards without sacrificing people’s wellbeing. This means prioritising policies that promote environmental sustainability, as well as creating initiatives that help people to build meaningful relationships with each other.
Finally, governments should ensure that people have access to basic needs such as housing and healthcare. This will help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a comfortable and fulfilling life. Additionally, governments should look to provide mental health services to help people to cope with the challenges of modern life.
In conclusion, economic growth has had a positive effect on the standard of living in many countries. However, it has also had a detrimental effect on the levels of happiness in developed countries. It is therefore important that governments adopt a balanced approach to economic growth and ensure that people have access to the necessary resources to lead happy and fulfilled lives.