Why Some Essays Fail – And How Top Students Succeed
Vocabulary
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
- BrE: /ˌdʒiː.diːˈpiː/
- AmE: /ˌdʒiː.diːˈpiː/
Definition: The total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year.
Easy explanation: The size of a country’s economy.
Example: “GDP rose by 3% last year, showing strong economic performance.”
2. Progressive Taxation
- BrE: /prəˈɡres.ɪv tækˈseɪ.ʃən/
- AmE: /prəˈɡres.ɪv tækˈseɪ.ʃən/
Definition: A tax system where the rich pay a higher percentage.
Easy explanation: Rich people pay more tax than poor people.
Example: “Progressive taxation helps reduce the income gap between rich and poor.”
3. Income Inequality
- BrE: /ˈɪn.kʌm ˌɪn.ɪˈkwɒ.lə.ti/
- AmE: /ˈɪn.kəm ˌɪn.əˈkwɑː.lə.t̬i/
Definition: Large differences in earnings between people.
Easy explanation: Some people earn much more than others.
Example: “High income inequality can damage social stability.”
4. Sustainability
- BrE: /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/
- AmE: /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/
Definition: Meeting today’s needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
Easy explanation: Using resources in a way that doesn’t harm the future or the environment.
Example: “We need sustainability, not just fast growth.”
IELTS Speaking Challenge
IELTS Part 3 Sample Question
“Do you think economic growth is more important than social equality?”
Band 6
“Yes, growth is important because people make money. But it can be bad for the poor and nature.”
Band 6+
“While economic growth can increase national income and job creation, it must be paired with policies that ensure fair distribution of wealth and protect the environment. Without such balance, growth alone can widen inequality.”
Speaking Tip:
Use words like GDP, distribution of wealth, and long-term consequences. Structure your answers with while/although/whereas to show balanced thinking.
IELTS Writing Challenge
IELTS Task 2 Prompt:
Some people believe economic growth is the most important goal for a country. Others argue that social and environmental priorities are just as important.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 6 Body Paragraph (Simplified, vague):
“Some people think growth is good because people can get money and jobs. But others think it’s bad because the environment suffers. I think both are important.”
Band 6+ Body Paragraph (Precise, structured):
“Supporters of economic expansion highlight that a rising GDP improves employment and national income, enabling greater investment in public infrastructure. However, critics argue that without progressive taxation and social welfare systems, such growth often deepens income inequality and environmental harm. Therefore, balanced development should integrate economic and social goals.”
Writing Frame You Can Use:
“While [growth advantage], it must be noted that [social/environmental concern]. A sustainable approach would involve [policy/tool] to ensure both economic and social progress.”
Grammar Tool – Contrast Linkers
Use these advanced contrast structures to elevate your writing and speaking.
| Connector | Function | Band 7+ Example |
|---|---|---|
| Although | Express concession | “Although GDP has increased, inequality has also worsened.” |
| While | Show two views simultaneously | “While growth benefits the economy, it may damage the environment.” |
| Whereas | Make a clear contrast | “Whereas GDP tracks income, it doesn’t measure life satisfaction.” |
| However | Introduce a contrasting idea | “However, economic growth is not equally shared by all members of society.” |
Rewrite Challenge
Band 6 Idea:
“Rich countries grow, but poor people stay poor.”
Your Band 6+ Rewrite:
“Rapid GDP growth in developed nations often fails to reduce income inequality, unless accompanied by fair redistribution policies and inclusive social programs.”
Conclusion: What Top Students Do
| Band 6 Writers | Band 7+ Writers |
|---|---|
| List simple ideas without examples | Use real terms like taxation, inequality, and sustainability |
| Avoid structure or transition words | Connect ideas with grammar tools like while, although |
| Use vague expressions | Use precise academic vocabulary like GDP, policy reform |
Final Advice
Want to sound like a policymaker, not a casual observer?
Train your writing voice with structured frames, topic-specific vocabulary, and balanced reasoning — and you’ll move from Band 6 to Band 7+ with clarity and confidence.
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