Mock Test 1 | General Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 (General Training)

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  It is true that some people contend that economic growth is the only solution to the global problems of hunger and poverty. Others, however, argue for an end to economic growth to conserve our environment. I agree completely with this second view.

   

  Those who see economic growth alone as the sole cure for the tragedy of world hunger and poverty propose one major argument. Only the growth of the economies of the developing countries will provide the poor with the wealth to afford the basic necessities of life. The profits made by corporations who are responsible for this economic growth will trickle down in the form of financial benefits to be enjoyed by the starving and needy. This view has justified the age of imperialism and the destruction of the livelihood of millions in the name of progress.

  
  On the other hand, there are countless examples to support the opposing view that economic growth results in environmental destruction. Firstly, this is true for developing countries, where lowland rainforests have been cleared and unsustainable agricultural practices introduced to produce cash crops, often for export. Secondly, it is also true for developed economies. For example, the continued use of fossil fuels, which provide the energy for growing industrialization, causes global warming. This leads to a rise in sea levels, which will eventually make tens of millions of poor people in Bangladesh homeless.

   

  In conclusion, the economic growth which is not sustainable, must be stopped. If it is not based on meeting human needs rather than generating profits, such growth will only create more poverty and lead to more hunger in the world by destroying natural resources.

   

  Idioms and collocations:

  1. The basic necessities of life: the things which you must have in order to live and survive

  2. To trickle down: to spread money from rich people to poor people, through the economic system of a country

  3. In the name of: used to give a reason for doing something, often when what you are doing is wrong

  4. Cash crops: crops grown for selling, not for use by the person who grows them

   

  Please click the red words below for other Sections in this Mock Test:

  Mock Test 1 | Speaking Part 3

  Mock Test 1 | Speaking Part 2

  Mock Test 1 | General Writing Task 1

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