ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 20/10/2024
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 21/10/2024
Question: Some people think that in order to produce a happy society, it is necessary to ensure that there is only a small difference between the earnings of the richest and poorest. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
(IELTS Academic – 19/10/2024)
ANSWER (8.0+):
It is sometimes asserted that creating a contented society requires minimizing the income gap between the wealthiest and the poorest. I largely disagree with this assertion, as pay parity can inhibit economic growth and equality even though social cohesion can be improved.
The primary reason for my disapproval of limiting the income gap to create a content society lies in the potential economic downsides. When people are restricted from earning to their full potential, they often lose motivation to innovate and develop profitable solutions to existing problems. If Elon Musk had not been allowed to earn billions, the world might never have seen the rise of affordable electric cars, which are now contributing significantly to environmental protection efforts.
Another reason I support not manipulating wealth distribution is the perceived injustice. It is undeniable that income should reflect an individual’s level of effort and expertise. Those who possess the right skills and work diligently for the development of an organization or a country deserve higher pay than those whose contributions are less significant. If highly competent individuals receive similar salaries to less competent ones, it could lead to feelings of unfairness and dissatisfaction.
However, I recognize the potential for a more cohesive society when income gaps are reduced. This is because people with similar incomes tend to share comparable lifestyles and attitudes. For example, many citizens in Cuba reportedly display frugality and friendliness as they receive roughly equal earnings from the central government, leading to fewer divisive conflicts and a stronger sense of community.
In conclusion, I mostly disagree with the idea that maintaining a small gap between people’s earnings is necessary for social satisfaction, as it can hinder economic development and represent unfairness in support of social cohesion. Therefore, governments should encourage innovation for wealth creation and allocate a portion of the resulting prosperity to support the less fortunate.
(Word count: 309)
WORD LIST
ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
A contented society | Một xã hội công bằng, hạnh phúc |
Pay parity | Sự bình đẳng về tiền lương |
To inhibit economic growth | Kìm hãm tăng trưởng kinh tế |
Potential economic downsides | Những mặt trái tiềm ẩn của kinh tế |
To develop profitable solutions: | Phát triển những giải pháp có lợi |
Affordable electric cars | Những chiếc ô tô điện giá rẻ |
To manipulate wealth distribution | Thao túng phân phối của cải/ tài sản |
Effort and expertise | Nỗ lực và chuyên môn |
Competent individuals | Những cá nhân có năng lực |
Unfairness and dissatisfaction | Sự bất công và không hài lòng |
Comparable lifestyles and attitudes | Lối sống và thái độ tương đương |
Frugality and friendliness | Tính tiết kiệm và thân thiện |
Wealth creation | Việc tạo ra của cải/ tài sản |
The resulting prosperity | Sự thịnh vượng có được |