Vocabulary
1. Income Gap
- BrE: /ˈɪn.kʌm ɡæp/
- AmE: /ˈɪn.kəm ɡæp/
Definition: The difference in how much money people earn
Easy Explanation: Some people make a lot of money, others make very little
Example: “The income gap between rich and poor is getting bigger.”
2. Fairness
- BrE: /ˈfeə.nəs/
- AmE: /ˈfer.nəs/
Definition: Treating people in a way that does not favor some over others
Easy Explanation: When things are equal and just
Example: “People want fairness in how money and jobs are given.”
3. Free Education
- BrE: /friː ˌed.jʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/
- AmE: /friː ˌed.jʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/
Definition: School or training that does not cost money
Easy Explanation: Learning without paying
Example: “Free education can help poor students get better jobs later.”
4. Social mobility
- BrE: /ˌsəʊ.ʃəl məˈbɪl.ə.ti/
- AmE: /ˌsoʊ.ʃəl moʊˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/
Definition: The ability of a person or group to move up or down in social class or income level.
Easy explanation: How easy it is for poor people to become rich, or for rich people to lose their money.
Example:”Good education helps increase social mobility in a country.”
5. Redistribute Wealth
- BrE: /ˌriː.dɪsˈtrɪ.bjuːt wɛlθ/
- AmE: /ˌriː.dɪsˈtrɪ.bjuːt wɛlθ/
Definition: To share money or resources more fairly across different groups in society, usually by government action.
Easy explanation: When the government takes money from richer people and gives more support to poorer people.
Example: “Governments redistribute wealth through taxes and social programs to reduce poverty.”
IELTS Speaking Practice
Question: How can the government help people who are poor?
Band 6 Sample Answer:
“The government can give free education. It helps poor people find a job and earn more money in the future.”
Try it yourself:
Answer using the words income gap and fairness.
IELTS Writing Challenge
Writing Task:
Some people think the government should reduce the income gap between rich and poor. Others think some inequality is normal. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 6 Essay Plan
Introduction
- Some people want income to be more fair.
- Others think some people work harder.
- I think the gap should not be too big.
Body Paragraph 1 – Reduce the Gap
- Some people are poor because of bad education or low pay.
- The government can give help, like free schools and health care.
- This makes things more fair.
Body Paragraph 2 – Some Gap is OK
- Some people work hard and take risks.
- They get more money because of effort.
- But the government still needs to stop very big gaps.
Conclusion
- It’s okay if some people are richer.
- But the government should stop extreme inequality.
Grammar Focus
Band 6 Grammar Tip:
Use the simple present tense and modal verbs like can, should, need to when giving ideas or opinions.
| Band 5 Sentence | Band 6 Sentence |
|---|---|
| Government give money to poor. | The government should give money. |
| Rich people works harder. | Rich people work harder. |
| Government help everyone. | The government can help everyone. |
Rewrite Challenge
Rewrite the following Band 5 sentences to make them clearer and more correct.
- Rich people is rich because they smart.
- Government need help people to get more job.
- Some people is poor because they not try hard.
Suggested Rewrites:
- Rich people are rich because they are smart, but also because they have more chances.
- The government needs to help people find better jobs.
- Some people are poor, but not just because of effort — they may have fewer opportunities.
Conclusion
- You learned 10 useful words for writing and speaking about fairness and economics.
- You practiced a real IELTS writing question using a clear Band 6 structure.
- You improved grammar by using modal verbs and simple present tense.
- You practiced rewriting common mistakes into better Band 6 sentences.
Well done! Band 6 writing needs good vocabulary, clear logic, and correct grammar. Keep practicing — you’re building real skills!
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