Writing Task:
Some people believe that paying taxes is the only responsibility they have towards society, while others think everyone should contribute more to their community beyond just paying taxes.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Task Analysis:
This task is a Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion type, which asks us to explore two perspectives — whether paying taxes is the only responsibility people owe to society or if they should take on additional duties — and then provide our own viewpoint.
The topic is not just tested in IELTS but also reflects a real-world issue worthy of deeper discussion. While there is no definitive right or wrong answer, supporting the idea that paying taxes alone is insufficient aligns more closely with logical reasoning and mainstream societal values. This is the perspective we would adopt for the discussion.
Structurally, the essay flows naturally. The first body paragraph will address the view we do not fully support, which is that paying taxes fulfills all societal obligations. The second body paragraph will present the viewpoint we agree with, emphasizing the importance of additional responsibilities beyond taxation.
Writing Sample:
There is a debate about whether paying taxes is the only obligation individuals have towards society or if they should take on additional duties. To fully understand what it means to contribute to the community, it is worthwhile to examine both sides of the debate.
Some think that filing taxes is enough. The primary source of government funding, taxes guarantee the availability of vital public services like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. For instance, taxpayer funds support public schools, offering free education to children, and hospitals, providing reasonably priced medical care. Additionally, taxes are collected according to income levels, and this encourages equality and fairness. Governments would find it difficult to provide essential services without tax revenue, which might result in social unrest. According to this viewpoint, paying one’s taxes is a sufficient and direct contribution to the welfare of society. What more could be expected from people?
However, I agree with those who contend that paying taxes is not the only way to contribute to society. Large-scale needs are met by taxes, but not all problems can be solved by them. For example, personal involvement is necessary to address social issues like neighbourhood littering or loneliness among the elderly. People can change the world by volunteering at shelters, mentoring impoverished kids, or participating in environmental projects. In addition to addressing particular issues, these initiatives strengthen ties within communities. For example, local clean-up drives not only improve the environment but also encourage teamwork and civic pride. Therefore, besides taxes, individual acts also contribute to the development of a more compassionate and all-encompassing society.
In conclusion, paying taxes is a vital responsibility, but it is not the only one. Contributing time, effort, and care to social causes enriches society in ways money alone cannot achieve.
