IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1459 - Poor infrastructure hinders under-developed countries from progressing
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Poor infrastructure hinders under-developed countries from progressing and modernising. Some people think that this should be the first problem tackled by foreign aid.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
In underdeveloped nations, inadequate infrastructure serves as a significant obstacle to progress and modernisation. There is a contention that addressing this problem should be the foremost concern regarding foreign aid that those countries receive. However, I disagree with the assertion that poor infrastructure is the primary issue that foreign aid should address first.
One reason why solely focusing on infrastructure with foreign aid may not be the most effective approach is that underdeveloped countries often grapple with multifaceted challenges. While infrastructure development is important, other pressing issues such as healthcare, education, and socio-economic disparities also impede progress. For instance, a lack of access to quality healthcare and education can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and ill health, ultimately hampering the workforce needed to contribute to infrastructure projects. It is proven that investing in education and health care often brings better results than solely investing in infrastructural development.
Furthermore, simply prioritising infrastructure development without addressing underlying systemic issues can result in unsustainable outcomes. Countries may find themselves burdened with debt from large-scale infrastructure projects that may not serve the immediate needs of the population. For example, constructing grand highways or expansive public transportation systems might be commendable, however, if these projects do not benefit the majority due to a lack of access or affordability, they become ineffective and financially burdensome.
In conclusion, while infrastructure development is necessary for the progress of underdeveloped nations, it should not be the sole focal point of foreign aid efforts. Addressing other critical aspects like healthcare, education, and socio-economic disparities concurrently can create a more comprehensive foundation for sustainable development in these countries.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
In many underdeveloped nations, poor infrastructure is a major barrier to economic growth and societal progress. Roads, power supplies, water systems, and digital connectivity are either outdated or insufficient, making everyday life and commercial activity highly challenging. I fully agree that foreign aid should prioritise addressing infrastructure problems, as doing so lays the groundwork for sustainable development and unlocks long-term progress.
Firstly, without adequate infrastructure, even the most basic economic activities are hindered. Poor roads and transportation networks prevent farmers from accessing markets, while unreliable electricity disrupts businesses and schools. This is a vicious cycle for many poor countries that suffer tremendously due to the lack of sufficient infrastructure. Foreign aid that targets these foundational systems enables commerce to flourish and allows essential services to function efficiently. For instance, international funding for road construction in Ethiopia has significantly improved access to markets and reduced travel time for rural communities. It highlights the necessity of using foreign aid to prioritise infrastructural development.
Secondly, investing in infrastructure creates a multiplier effect, generating employment and encouraging both domestic and foreign investment. When countries have stable electricity, efficient transport systems, and reliable communication networks, they become more attractive to investors. This, in turn, accelerates industrial growth and provides long-term economic benefits. A good example is Vietnam, where foreign assistance in modernising ports and transport hubs led to a surge in manufacturing exports and job creation.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that tackling infrastructure problems should be the primary focus of foreign aid. Improved infrastructure not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters self-reliance, economic resilience, and long-term development for underdeveloped nations.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Poor infrastructure hinders under-developed countries from progressing and modernising. Some people think that this should be the first problem tackled by foreign aid.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree).
The main question of this essay:
Do you agree or disagree that improving infrastructure should be the first issue foreign aid addresses in underdeveloped countries?
Reasons why foreign aid should first focus on infrastructure:
1. Infrastructure underpins economic development:
Without basic infrastructure like roads, bridges, and electricity, economic activities cannot flourish. Agriculture, trade, and industrial operations all rely on these systems. For instance, in rural Africa, poor road conditions delay agricultural trade and increase food waste due to long travel times.
2. Reliable infrastructure attracts investment:
International and local investors are more likely to invest in regions that have stable power, smooth transportation, and internet connectivity. This boosts industrialisation and employment. For example, Vietnam's foreign-aided port upgrades led to an export boom and made it a manufacturing hub in Asia.
3. Essential services depend on infrastructure:
Hospitals, schools, and water systems function properly only when supported by dependable infrastructure. Addressing this first ensures that other forms of aid are effective. For example, clinics in remote areas without electricity cannot store vaccines, rendering health aid ineffective.
4. Infrastructure creates long-term self-sufficiency:
Unlike short-term food or medical aid, infrastructure development has lasting impacts. It empowers nations to become self-reliant and plan their future development. For instance, the expansion of the national highway in India led to increased trade between remote and urban regions, benefiting the economy sustainably.
5. Infrastructure investment reduces urban-rural disparity:
Many rural regions remain isolated due to poor connectivity. Improving infrastructure in these areas promotes inclusive development and reduces regional inequality. For example, Ethiopia’s road development project helped link remote agricultural zones to central markets, boosting incomes and local development.
Reasons why infrastructure development should not be the first problem tackled by foreign aid:
1. Immediate human needs should come first:
In many underdeveloped nations, citizens face acute shortages of food, clean water, and basic healthcare. Addressing these needs can save lives and improve living conditions more urgently than long-term infrastructure projects. For example, in famine-hit regions of Somalia, food and medical aid were prioritised over infrastructure to prevent mass starvation.
2. Infrastructure projects often suffer from corruption and mismanagement:
Large-scale infrastructure initiatives require transparency and good governance, which are often lacking in impoverished countries. This may result in misuse of foreign funds. For instance, a foreign-funded road project in South Sudan was halted after millions were lost due to corruption and lack of oversight.
3. Infrastructure does not automatically reduce poverty:
Building roads or bridges does not guarantee improved livelihoods for the poorest unless accompanied by education, job creation, and social reform. For example, in parts of Latin America, new highways improved logistics but did little to address unemployment and social inequality in local communities.
4. Long-term infrastructure projects delay immediate results:
Infrastructure development takes years to complete, whereas many underdeveloped nations face crises that require rapid intervention. For example, refugees in war-torn areas need shelter and medical attention, not highways that may take a decade to build.
5. Human capital development is more foundational:
Investing in education, healthcare, and training can empower citizens to eventually build and maintain their own infrastructure. Prioritising human development lays a stronger groundwork for sustainable progress. For instance, countries like Bangladesh made strides in reducing poverty through microfinance and education initiatives before major infrastructure investments.
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