ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 13/02/2023
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 14/02/2023
Question: Some people think that if a country is already rich, any addition in economic wealth does not make its citizens happier. Do you agree or disagree?
(IELTS Academic – 11/02/2023)
ANSWER (8.0+):
It is argued that economic progress in wealthy countries cannot enable their citizens to feel more satisfied. Although I admit that greater affluence can give rise to work demands and widen the gap between social classes, I mostly disagree with this notion since it ensures greater sense of comfort among people in the form of enhanced living conditions and effective solutions to community concerns.
On the one hand, I concede that the citizens of a prosperous nation might not experience greater happiness as a result of further economic prosperity in several aspects. The first one is that individuals often assume a greater workload. More specifically, in order to expand the economy, businesses have to boost their productivity and foster innovation, which normally translates into extended working hours. This may leave employees less time for personal lives, leading to exacerbating their mental health issues such as stress and depression. Furthermore, expanding the economy has the potential to increase income inequality. This is because the benefits of economic growth are often concentrated in the hands of a few magnates or corporations, rather than being shared equally among all citizens. As a result, employees receiving minimal or no wage increments may feel discontented.
On the other hand, I consider improving the economy is associated with increased happiness among citizens for several reasons. Most noticeably, an increase in wealth can also result in improved quality of life. Those living in a thriving economy can be offered better living conditions, improved infrastructure and greater access to leisure and entertainment. Therefore, their level of satisfaction can be higher. Another justification is the financial ability to address social problems. To be more specific, economic growth can provide resources for governments to tackle social problems like poverty, inequality and unemployment. If people see that their government is taking action to address these issues, they may feel more optimistic and content with their lives.
In conclusion, while increased wealth can trigger a higher volume of work and income disparity in society, I am of the opinion that it greatly contributes to one’s fulfilment due to better living standards and social issues being tackled to establish more pleasant communities. It is advisable that nations should continue to boost their economic affluence while considering their people’s happiness.
(Word count: 376)
WORD LIST:
ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
Give rise to work demands | Gia tăng nhu cầu làm việc |
Widen the gap between social classes | Mở rộng khoảng cách giữa các tầng lớp xã hội |
Economic prosperity | Sự thịnh vượng về kinh tế |
Foster innovation | Thúc đẩy đổi mới |
Extended working hours | Giờ làm việc kéo dài |
Increase income inequality | Gia tăng bất bình đẳng thu nhập |
Magnates | Người giàu |
Improved quality of life | Chất lượng cuộc sống được cải thiện |
A thriving economy | Một nền kinh tế thịnh vượng |
Financial ability | Khả năng tài chính |
Income disparity | Sự chênh lệch thu nhập |
Economic affluence | Sự sung túc về kinh tế |