IELTS Writing Test Task 2 Essay
Some people believe we need to pay higher taxes in order for the government to provide basic services for the population. Others say that the government should find other means to finance these services.
What should the government do, in your opinion? Include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Sample Answer
All populations require certain basic services such as education, health, and infrastructure. While higher taxation would certainly allow governments to spend more on public services, further taxation always proves to be a contentious issue with the public. However, the alternative sources of funding are somewhat limited. Therefore, higher taxation appears to be a reasonable solution to the problem.
The issue is quite simple; where should the money come from? However, this is also something of a non-issue because the only real source of income for the government is the taxes received from individuals and corporations. Clearly, the government can borrow funds, however, in general, currently most governments are trying to reduce their level of debt.
While increased taxation is never popular, there have been, for example, indications that a large proportion of the UK population is willing to pay more tax if the funds generated are spent specifically on health services. In other words, a service-specific tax. However, most people do not believe that simply giving the government more money to spend as it wishes will necessarily result in the improvement of public services which is sought.
One of the greatest problems with government spending, typically, is the high level of waste and inefficiency which accompanies it. While many people might be willing to pay more tax if there was an improvement in public services, it is clear that more efficient use of public funds could result in savings, which could, subsequently, be diverted to those public services which need improvement, without the need for further taxation.
A key factor which is often overlooked is the fact that, for example, in the UK, the population is continually growing and ageing, so there is greater pressure on many public services, and it could be argued a greater need for financing of critical services. This is only to be expected. It is extremely difficult to provide the same level of service to a greater number of people with the same budget.
Overall, the government should tackle the problem on two fronts: firstly, prioritize services and seek savings through greater efficiency in certain non-essential services which can then be spent on public services under the greatest pressure. Secondly, create service-specific taxes to take into account the growing population and the growing demand for certain key services such as health and education. Public sector financing is a complex issue. However, governments must respond to changing demographics, needs, and demand levels to ensure that populations receive the basic services they expect without unnecessarily high taxation across the board.
Reading Comprehension Quiz
1. What are some basic services that all populations require?
A) Transportation, entertainment, and communication.B) Education, health, and infrastructure.
C) Food, water, and shelter.
2. Why is higher taxation considered a contentious issue?
A) Because it leads to economic instability.B) Because the public is reluctant to pay more taxes.
C) Because it reduces government spending.
3. What is the main source of income for the government?
A) Borrowing funds from international organizations.B) Taxes received from individuals and corporations.
C) Revenue from exports.
4. What do indications in the UK suggest about people's willingness to pay more tax?
A) They are willing to pay more tax for any purpose.B) They are willing to pay more tax if the funds are spent specifically on health services.
C) They are unwilling to pay more tax under any circumstances.
5. What is one of the greatest problems with government spending mentioned in the text?
A) Lack of government regulation.B) High level of waste and inefficiency.
C) Overinvestment in public services.
6. What is the alternative source of funding for public services mentioned in the text?
A) Borrowing funds.B) Donations from private organizations.
C) Revenue from exports.
7. Why do most people doubt that giving the government more money will necessarily improve public services?
A) Because governments are corrupt.B) Because of the high level of waste and inefficiency in government spending.
C) Because governments prioritize unnecessary services.
8. What does the text suggest as a potential solution to the problem of inefficient government spending?
A) Increasing taxes across the board.B) Prioritizing services and seeking savings through greater efficiency.
C) Implementing service-specific taxes.
9. According to the text, why is there greater pressure on public services in the UK?
A) Due to a decrease in population.B) Because the government is investing less in public services.
C) Because of population growth and aging.
10. What does the author suggest governments must do in response to changing demographics and needs?
A) Increase taxation across the board.B) Focus on providing essential services only.
C) Ensure populations receive basic services without high taxation.