ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 30/06/2024
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 01/07/2024
Question: Some people believe that people are poor because they lack opportunities or resources, while others say people are poor because they are lazy or lack a strong work ethic.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
(IELTS Academic – 29/06/2024)
ANSWER (8.0+):
To explain the causes of poverty, some point to the shortage of necessary prospects and resources, whereas opponents believe the main culprits are people’s professional and personal attitudes. In this essay, I will elaborate on both sides of the argument and the reasons why I lean towards the latter opinion.
Admittedly, external conditions might cause some people to struggle with earning a living. In some countries, there is a scarcity of jobs that provide people with a good source of income, coupled with limited governmental support. This combination creates harsh conditions for citizens to thrive. An illustrative example is Sudan, where the vast majority of citizens still heavily rely on subsistence farming and hunting techniques to make just enough to feed their families, as only a few modern companies are in operation. Meanwhile, the government has reportedly failed to provide financial aid programs that might have supported people to afford more advanced farming machinery or start their own businesses.
On the other hand, many individuals regard work ethic and intrinsic motivation as more crucial factors. They maintain that the poor can figure out their own solution to earn a better living if they work hard and remain dedicated. This can be exemplified in the case of ethnic people in Ha Giang, a mountainous province of Vietnam. Defying the unfavourable economic condition and insufficient assistance from the local authorities, a number of locals have dedicated numerous hours to learning how to make videos that flatter their homeland’s natural landscapes and cultures to attract tourists. Over the years, they have successfully promoted Ha Giang as a desirable tourist destination, selling services and local specialties to tourists and enjoying substantial income growth.
In conclusion, both perspectives have their own validity. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that people’s positive attitude towards their profession plays a more pivotal role in eradicating poverty. That is why governments should instill in the poor a greater sense of responsibility and dedication before offering additional assistance in finance or training.
(Word count: 332)
WORD LIST
| ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
| Main culprits | Nguyên nhân chính |
| Personal attitudes | Thái độ cá nhân |
| External conditions | Các điều kiện bên ngoài |
| Harsh conditions | Điều kiện khắc nghiệt |
| Financial aid programs | Các chương trình hỗ trợ tài chính |
| Intrinsic motivation | Động lực bên trong |
| Insufficient assistance | Sự hỗ trợ không đầy đủ |
| Desirable tourist destination | Điểm đến du lịch hấp dẫn |
| Local specialties | Đặc sản địa phương |
| A more pivotal role | Vai trò quan trọng hơn |
| A greater sense of responsibility | Ý thức trách nhiệm lớn hơn |
| Additional assistance | Sự hỗ trợ thêm |
