Rich Countries are Getting Richer while Poor Countries are Getting Poorer - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause–Solution Essay, “Rich Countries are Getting Richer while Poor Countries are Getting Poorer,” requires candidates to examine the reasons behind global economic inequality and propose practical solutions. This blog features three Band 8 sample answers, along with relevant vocabulary, structured ideas, and exam-oriented tips to help you write a well-balanced, high-scoring response.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

• Cause & Solution essay

Introduction

• Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic using synonyms to establish a base upon which you will elaborate.
• Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will understand the causes and solutions.

Body paragraphs

• Paragraph 1 – Outline the causes of why there has been a tremendous wealth gap between rich and poor.
• Paragraph 2 – Elucidate the solutions for this topic.

Conclusion

• Summarise the essay and state your opinion.

Rich Countries are Getting Richer while Poor Countries are Getting Poorer - Sample Answer 1

Economically developed countries indeed take advantage of developing countries. It is mainly due to the wage gap between countries and the domination of local markets. However, this problem could be at least partially solved with government intervention.

One factor that significantly influences the wealth gap between prosperous and impoverished countries is that workers in developing countries are paid poorly. Global corporations seek to minimise their labour costs. Therefore, they set up their branches in developing countries and only offer low-paid work, keeping the highly paid corporate jobs back in their home country. Consequently, they maximise their profits, while the citizens of developing countries suffer from this economic inequality. Another major cause of wealth inequality is the control of prices of goods. As multinational businesses produce products of high quality and make them cheaper than local businesses, they can set lower prices of goods, so local companies cannot compete or go out of business trying to do so.

Consequently, the way to address these problems would be for the government to introduce stricter tax legislation for foreign companies. As a result, global corporations would have their profit margins shrunk, and hence, they would be pushed to increase the price of their products, which would benefit local sellers. Whereas to resolve the wealth gap issue, the governments of developing countries must increase the minimum wage. If they did this, the global companies would have to raise wages, and workers of poverty-stricken countries would earn more.

In conclusion, poorly paid jobs and market control increase the gap between economically developed and developing countries. The situation will be remedied when governments increase the minimum wage and reform tax laws.

Rich Countries are Getting Richer while Poor Countries are Getting Poorer - Sample Answer 2

In recent decades, the gap between rich and poor countries has widened significantly. This essay will examine the primary causes of this economic disparity and suggest practical solutions to reduce the inequality.

One major cause is the unequal distribution of resources and technology. Rich countries have advanced industries, better education, and access to innovative technologies, which boost their economic growth. In contrast, many poor countries lack the infrastructure and investment needed to develop their economies. Additionally, unfair trade practices and debt burdens often trap developing nations in a cycle of poverty, preventing them from competing on equal footing in the global market.

To address this problem, international cooperation is crucial. One solution is to provide financial aid and technical support to developing countries, enabling them to improve education, healthcare, and industrial capacity. Another effective measure is to reform global trade policies, ensuring fairer terms and reducing exploitative practices. By implementing such strategies, developing nations can gradually strengthen their economies and reduce the wealth gap.

In conclusion, the widening economic divide results mainly from unequal resources, technology, and unfair trade practices. By offering targeted support and reforming international trade, this problem can be alleviated, fostering more balanced global development.

Rich Countries are Getting Richer while Poor Countries are Getting Poorer - Sample Answer 3

The growing disparity between rich and poor countries is a pressing global issue. This essay will explore the main causes and suggest feasible solutions to tackle this problem.

A key reason for this inequality is political instability and poor governance in many developing nations. Corruption, weak institutions, and mismanagement of resources prevent these countries from achieving sustainable economic growth. Another factor is the historical legacy of colonialism and exploitation, which has left many poor countries dependent on richer nations for aid and trade. In contrast, wealthy nations benefit from stable governments, robust economies, and strong international networks, allowing them to accumulate more wealth over time.

To solve this issue, improving governance and reducing corruption in developing countries is essential. Strengthening education and skill development can also empower citizens to participate in the economy more effectively. Furthermore, richer nations should promote fair investment and ethical business practices abroad, helping developing countries generate sustainable income and improve living standards.

In conclusion, political instability, poor governance, and historical exploitation are the main reasons for the growing divide between rich and poor countries. By improving governance, investing in human capital, and encouraging fair international cooperation, this inequality can be gradually reduced.

Rich Countries are Getting Richer while Poor Countries are Getting Poorer - Vocabulary

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

• Wage

Meaning – a fixed, regular payment earned for work or services, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis.
Example – Most wage claims are settled by compromise through arbitration.

• Domination

Meaning – the exercise of power or influence over someone or something, or the state of being so controlled.
Example – Most companies struggle to maintain their domination in the marketplace.

• Intervention

Meaning – interference by a state in another’s affairs.
Example – The government’s intervention in the dispute between the two states might help.

• Prosperous

Meaning – successful in material terms; flourishing financially.
Example – The country was on the verge of becoming prosperous and successful.

• Impoverished

Meaning – (of a person or area) made poor.
Example – Excessive farming had impoverished the soil.

• Corporate

Meaning – relating to a large company or group.
Example – The company is moving its corporate headquarters from Mumbai to Bangalore.

• Compete

Meaning – strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others.
Example – The company must reduce costs to compete effectively in the marketplace among the competitors.

• Legislation

Meaning – laws, considered collectively.
Example – He gave his consent to the proposed legislation held in the company’s general meeting.

• Shrunk

Meaning – become or make smaller in size or amount.
Example – Television, in a sense, has shrunk the world.

• Remedied

Meaning – set right (an undesirable situation).
Example – The sexual harassment case against the senior partner could easily be remedied if the authorities were willing.