People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before - IELTS Writing Task 2

In an IELTS discussion essay, you are required to explore multiple viewpoints on a given issue. Therefore, while answering a topic, like ‘People are Living Longer - IELTS Writing Task 2’, your task is to present and discuss different perspectives before concluding with your own opinion or a balanced view. 

In this article, we examine sample answers for the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay on the topic ‘People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before’, along with an outline and relevant vocabulary to help you craft a well-structured and compelling discussion essay.

Before you move on to the sample essays, know the secret 9 expert tips to score a band 8+ in IELTS Writing Task 2 from the video below!

Essay Question for People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before

Outline for IELTS Discussion Essay

Given below is the outline that will help you to understand how to write an IELTS discussion essay.

• Introduction
  • Briefly explain the question in your own words in one-two sentences.
  • State which side you are in favor of in one sentence
  • Mention both sides will be discussed in this essay.
• Body Paragraph 1
  • Present your ideas in support of one side.
  • Provide examples to explain this point of view.
• Body Paragraph 2
  • Present your ideas in support of the other side.
  • Provide examples to support this viewpoint.
• Conclusion
  • Summarize the main points made in the essay.
  • State your opinion.

Sample Answers for People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before IELTS Writing Task 2

To achieve a band 9 score on the IELTS, you should carefully study the three IELTS Band 9 essays provided below, each focusing on the IELTS Writing Task 2 topic, 'People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before'.

People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before - Sample Answer 1

There is little room for doubt that there has been staggering growth in the proportion of elderly people in many countries. In my opinion, I believe that this trend brings both advantages and disadvantages to society as a whole. However, I find myself more inclined towards the positive aspects of growing life expectancies. This essay shall deal with the same.

On the one hand, it is inevitable that the remarkable increase in life expectancy has some negative consequences for some reasons. Firstly, the ageing population can impose heavy pressure on the economy and the healthcare system as the more people retire, the heavier the pension burden the state has to carry. Hospitals will be flooded with frail and infirm elderly citizens searching for medical treatments while the labour force also suffers due to the shortage of productive workers who often make the biggest contribution to society. Secondly, the ageing population can impose heavy pressure on the economy and the healthcare system as the more people retire, the heavier the pension burden the state has to carry.

On the positive side, the benefits of this development should not be underestimated. First, they are able to contribute to some sectors such as teaching, management, scientific research and politics thanks to their extensive experience. We often see top executives in their 50s doing consultation sessions and help companies function more efficiently, or old teachers coaching students for contests because of their vast knowledge and hands-on experience. Second, as most people in modern times are busy with tasks at the workplace, elderly members like grandparents can do the babysitting, relieving parents’ worries of their children lacking in moral support or leisure activities.

In conclusion, for the reasons I have mentioned above, it seems to me that an ageing population has substantial benefits to society that could work in its favour.

People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before - Sample Answer 2

The medical and healthcare front has taken substantial strides in recent years owing to which the average life span has proliferated and increased. As a result, the mortality rate has been reduced and people are living for a longer duration. However, some people consider it to be having a negative impact on the population dynamics while others contend that it has a rather positive impact on the growth of society from all aspects. Moving ahead, we shall be discussing both the viewpoints and why the ageing population is beneficial to society.

People who consider the longer durability of humans as a menace to society put forth that increased life expectancies may be burdensome to the world as it increases and aggravates the competition for scarce and scanty resources to survive. It could exacerbate the relationship between the generations and could disgruntle the paradoxical ideologies that are understandably contrary to each other owing to the age margin. At times, this could sever the ties of households as older people are generally conservative and orthodox with respect to the new generations and hence their lifestyle incongruency often leads to pandemonium between them. Moreover, the middle age people are often seen getting drudged and hackneyed due to working more in order to provide for their children as well as the elderly of their families who often fall sick and are generally in constant need of medical aid.

In contrast, the longer life and sustenance of human beings has a positive side and if is harnessed vigilantly and logically, it could rather prove to be an oblation for the human diaspora. The best resource out of all i.e., the human resource is the most prime tool for the society that could sculpt its shape to the welfare of itself. Since, the more, the better, therefore, increasing lifelines could be utilized and availed to pave a way for the betterment of the world. On the work front, the experienced and seasoned professionals are often seen to be sitting at the consulting role as their dexterity and knack in their respective professions could be seen promulgating the businesses higher and faster. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic when a lot of businesses started to ramshackle, the seasoned employees were being hired intensively to have their drowning boats harboured. Similarly, for teaching, finance, people’s management, medical lines and research fields keep on turning to the counselling and consulting sessions of the experienced individuals in the related field of work as their experience is worth learning from.

In conclusion, it could be said that no matter how old one becomes, every other aspect and reason obliterates when experience comes and balances the equation. Therefore, burgeoning lifespan is indeed a positive development provided it is dealt with prudentially.

People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before - Sample Answer 3

People are living longer today than ever before due to advances in healthcare, improved living conditions, and better nutrition. While some argue that an ageing population creates serious challenges, others believe it offers important benefits to society. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal viewpoint.

On the one hand, the increasing proportion of elderly people can put pressure on public services, especially healthcare and pension systems. Older individuals often require long-term medical care, leading to rising costs for governments and taxpayers. Moreover, a declining working-age population may slow economic growth, as fewer people are available to contribute to the labour force. In countries like Italy and Japan, where life expectancy is high and birth rates are low, these demographic imbalances have led to labour shortages and higher dependency ratios.

On the other hand, many believe that an ageing population contributes positively to society. Retired individuals often possess valuable experience, wisdom, and emotional intelligence. They can support families by looking after grandchildren and volunteering in community services. In business, older professionals can mentor younger colleagues and offer insights gained from years of experience. Additionally, if governments introduce policies to encourage seniors to remain active longer, such as flexible retirement plans or lifelong learning programmes, they can help reduce the burden on public systems.

In conclusion, while living longer does create economic and healthcare challenges, it also presents social and cultural opportunities. In my view, although an ageing population does present challenges, it can be transformed into a national asset if managed well. With the right planning, older citizens can play a productive role in society instead of being seen as a burden. Therefore, a balanced, forward-thinking approach is key to addressing this demographic shift successfully.

Vocabulary to Use for People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before - IELTS Writing Task 2

Given below are some important IELTS vocabulary related to the topic, ‘People are Now Living Longer Than Ever Before’, that you can use while framing your answer for this specific topic or other related topics.

To conclude, structuring your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with a clear introduction, well-organized body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion are crucial for demonstrating your ability to effectively communicate and argue your perspective. In order to master the above-mentioned skills and improve your writing skills, it is important to practice common IELTS essay topics for Writing Task 2. So, work on writing balanced discussion essays that evaluate both sides and provide a clear opinion to achieve high band scores.

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