People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay, “People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance,” asks candidates to examine the reasons why many retirees face financial difficulties and to discuss differing views on how this issue should be addressed. This essay explores both perspectives, including whether financial support should come from governments, families, or personal savings. This blog includes three sample answers with useful vocabulary to help learners understand different ways of approaching the question.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion essay

Introduction 

Sentences 1&2 – It is a customary notion that individuals who have retired from work need monetary support to manage the demands of daily living. Some people opine that the government should lend a hand to these people while others suggest that the individuals should be financially self-reliant.

Sentence 3 – I agree with the former and in this essay, I will be discussing these contrasting viewpoints and examine the contributions of individuals and governments when saving up for retirement.

Body Paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 – Governments owe to their people to serve their needs and provide financial assistance to retired people if needed through benefits, not taxing income generated from pension and providing subsidies.

Paragraph 2 – Individuals and their employers can also help save up money during the time they spend in active service through contributing to pension funds before retirement, getting insurance and investments.

Conclusion

Thus, in conclusion, it can be said that both government and individuals have significant roles to play when providing monetary assistance towards people who have retired, with the individual contributions being more significant while the person is actively working and the government’s contributions emerging as more significant when the person in question has already retired.

People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance - Sample Answer 1

It is a customary notion that individuals who have retired from work need monetary support to manage the demands of daily living. Some people opine that the government should lend a hand to these people, while others suggest that the individuals should be financially self-reliant. I agree with the former and in this essay, I will discuss these contrasting viewpoints and examine how individuals’ and governments’ contributions play a role in retirement.

Firstly, I think it is the government’s job to see to the needs of all people and therefore, it is their duty to provide succour to retired persons for sustenance. They could do this by providing benefits or pensions as well as offering subsidies. The government can also provide free healthcare since many older people frequently suffer from chronic health issues. Providing bus passes and transport at a rebate may considerably help people who have retired. Lastly, ensuring that the passive income generated by retired persons through their pensions remains tax-free will also financially aid them.

However, it can also be argued that individuals themselves should have saved up enough when they were in active service so that they could look after themselves following their retirement. Moreover, organisations also have a duty to their employees to grant financial support to their pension funds. Individuals can also save up for the future during their tenure by setting financial goals and reining in their spending. Also, investing in funds and getting insurance can help provide financial security when the individual ultimately leaves the workforce.

Thus, in conclusion, it can be said that both government and individuals have significant roles to play when providing monetary assistance to people who have retired, with the individual contributions being more significant while the person is actively working and the government’s contributions emerging as more significant when the person in question has withdrawn from work.

People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance - Sample Answer 2

People after retirement often face financial difficulties due to rising living costs and limited income sources. Some people believe that the government should be responsible for supporting retirees, while others argue that individuals should plan for their own financial security. This essay discusses both views and gives my opinion.

On the one hand, it is argued that governments should provide financial assistance to retired citizens. Elderly people often suffer from health problems and reduced earning capacity, making it difficult for them to support themselves. Government-funded pensions and social welfare schemes ensure that retirees can afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare. Moreover, since retirees have contributed to the economy through taxes during their working lives, it is reasonable for the state to support them in old age.

On the other hand, some believe that individuals should take responsibility for their own retirement planning. Personal savings, private pension plans, and investments can reduce dependence on the government. Relying solely on public funds may place a heavy burden on national budgets, especially in countries with aging populations. Encouraging individuals to prepare financially also promotes independence and long-term financial awareness.

In my opinion, both the government and individuals should share responsibility. While people should make provisions for their retirement as early as possible, the government must still provide a safety net for those who are unable to save enough due to low income or unexpected circumstances. A combined approach would be the most effective solution.

People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance - Sample Answer 3

With increasing life expectancy and inflation, financial insecurity among retirees has become a serious concern. While some argue that the government should bear full responsibility for supporting retired citizens, others believe individuals must plan independently for their post-retirement life. This essay examines both perspectives before presenting my view.

Supporters of government responsibility claim that financial assistance is a basic social obligation. Many retirees are unable to work due to age-related health issues and depend heavily on pensions and welfare programs. State-funded financial support helps prevent poverty among the elderly and ensures equal access to healthcare and essential services. Furthermore, government intervention is particularly important for those who worked in low-paying jobs and lacked the opportunity to save adequately.

However, opponents argue that individuals should be accountable for their own retirement needs. With access to retirement savings schemes, insurance plans, and investment opportunities, people can prepare for financial independence in old age. Over-reliance on government assistance can strain public resources and increase taxes on the working population. Personal financial planning not only reduces this burden but also encourages responsible spending habits throughout one’s career.

In my view, a balanced system is necessary. Individuals should be encouraged and educated to save for retirement, while governments should provide support for vulnerable groups who cannot sustain themselves. This shared responsibility ensures financial stability for retirees without placing excessive pressure on public finances.

People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance - IELTS Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Succour

Meaning – Support or aid
Example – She provided succour to the victims of the accident by ensuring they received first aid and medical attention.

• Tenure

Meaning – The act or manner of holding a position or a job
Example – She has had a long tenure as a teacher in our esteemed institution.

• Rein

Meaning – To limit or control
Example – You must rein in your spending or risk facing bankruptcy.

• Withdraw

Meaning – To back away or remove oneself from a situation
Example – The boxer refused to withdraw from the fight.

• Monetary

Meaning – Financial
Example – She does not like to talk to me about her monetary concerns.

• Passive

Meaning – Unassertive
Example – Most people mistook his pacifism as him being passive or as cowardice.

• Self-reliant

Meaning – Independent
Example – Sita learned to be self-reliant from a young age after her parents’ demise.

• Subsidy

Meaning – Allowance or grant
Example – The organisation received a hefty subsidy from the government.

• Invest

Meaning – To spend money to make something better
Example – The government decided to invest heavily in defence with the threat of war looming large over them.

• Sustenance

Meaning – Support or maintenance
Example – The rivers were a source of sustenance for the village.

In conclusion, the IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay topic, “People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance,” asks candidates to examine both opposing views and clearly present their own opinion. With two Band 8 sample answers and useful vocabulary, this blog helps learners develop balanced arguments, organize ideas effectively, and improve their chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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