11/6: Measuring a Nation’s Success – Beyond Economic Growth

Writing Task:

Economic progress is often used to measure a country’s success. However, some people believe other factors are also important. What other factors should be considered when measuring a country’s success? Which factor do you think is the most important?

Task Analysis:

This task asks us to identify elements that should be taken into account and which one is the most important when evaluating a nation’s success. The key problem here is ‘which one is the most important’. In practice, determining a nation’s level of success depends on a number of factors. Therefore, it’s critical to avoid getting caught up in the debate that one factor is all that matters. Rather, we must take a balanced approach.

In terms of the essay structure, we will start by discussing the elements that go beyond economic growth in order to organize the essay. These could include environmental sustainability, social equality, and access to high-quality healthcare and education. We should emphasize in the second body paragraph that it is challenging to prioritize these factors because they are equally important.

This approach ensures a comprehensive answer to the task while avoiding the trap of overly simplifying the issue by choosing a single most important factor. 

 

Writing Sample:

While economic progress is often seen as the primary indicator of a country’s success, factors like the well-being of its citizens, social equality, and environmental sustainability are equally crucial. Success should be evaluated by a combination of these factors, rather than any single one.

There is no doubt that economic growth is vital to a nation’s progress. Better living conditions, access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities are all made possible by a robust economy. It nurtures innovation, upgrades infrastructure, and establishes a stable atmosphere that allows companies to succeed. Economic growth is an important component, but it is not the sole factor that determines success. Some nations with comparatively slower rates of economic growth might be superior in other aspects, like social welfare or healthcare. For example, nations like Costa Rica rank highly in terms of life expectancy, healthcare, and environmental sustainability despite spending much less on defence and the military. This illustrates how social and environmental factors, in addition to economic advancement, are what truly determine a country’s success.

However, when assessing a country’s overall success, social and environmental factors are equally important. It is important for people to have access to social services, healthcare, and education. Regardless of its economic status, a nation is more likely to be successful in the long run if its citizens are safe, educated, and healthy. A happier society and a more productive workforce are the results of high levels of education and access to high-quality healthcare, and these factors in turn inspire additional development. Furthermore, environmental sustainability has grown in significance as a success metric. In addition to ensuring the health of its citizens in the future, a country that takes action to combat climate change, protect its natural resources, and cut pollution also helps to maintain global stability. To take Sweden and New Zealand as examples, they have received recognition for their dedication to environmental preservation and green energy, which are thought to be essential for the welfare of future generations. 

Therefore, a nation’s ability to balance economic, social, and environmental factors should be used to determine its success rather than just its rate of economic growth.

learning@ieltswriting.org

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With 20 years of experience in IELTS English teaching and an IT enthusiast.

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