Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford - IELTS Writing Task 2

Many individuals nowadays measure success through visible consumption rather than financial stability, which often leads to unsustainable spending habits. As a result, the IELTS Writing Task 2 topic ‘Some people get into debt by buying they don’t need and can’t afford’ requires analysing behavioural psychology as well as practical economic solutions. 

We have included three expert-written sample answers and a vocabulary table in this blog, focusing on the theme 'Some people get into debt by buying they don’t need and can’t afford'.

Essay Question for ‘Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford’

Outline for IELTS Cause & Solution Essay

Below is an outline for the cause and solution essay, which is similar to the IELTS Problem Solution essay, specifically designed for the topic ‘Some people get into debt by buying they don’t need and can’t afford’.

Sample Answers for Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford IELTS Writing Task 2

You will find three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic ‘Some people get into debt by buying they don’t need and can’t afford’, and these will help you write your own essay and achieve a high score.

Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford - Sample Answer 1

In modern consumer societies, many individuals accumulate debt by purchasing items they neither need nor can afford. While the problem is widespread, it can be effectively addressed through smart solutions listed in the following paragraphs.

One major reason people overspend is social pressure. In highly materialistic environments, individuals often compare their possessions with those of friends, colleagues, or influencers on social media. This constant comparison creates a desire to maintain a particular lifestyle, even when it exceeds one’s financial means. For instance, young professionals may feel compelled to purchase expensive smartphones, designer clothing, or luxury vehicles simply to project success and social status. Moreover, modern payment systems make spending effortless. Credit cards, “buy now, pay later” services, and digital wallets allow consumers to acquire products instantly while postponing the financial consequences. Because the payment is delayed or divided into instalments, people often underestimate the true cost of their purchases, gradually accumulating debt without fully realising the long-term burden.

To address this growing problem, financial literacy must become a priority from an early age. Schools can play a vital role by teaching students practical skills such as budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, and understanding interest rates. When individuals understand how quickly debt can grow, especially through compound interest, they are more likely to make cautious financial decisions. For example, learning how minimum credit card payments extend repayment periods can discourage reckless borrowing. Furthermore, advertising standards should be strengthened to reduce misleading promotional tactics. Regulations could restrict marketing that targets young or financially inexperienced consumers or exaggerates the emotional benefits of products. 

In conclusion, unnecessary spending and rising personal debt are primarily driven by social pressure and easy access to credit. Therefore, by equipping individuals with financial knowledge and ensuring responsible advertising practices, societies can reduce excessive consumption and protect people from long-term financial hardship.

Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford - Sample Answer 2

Many people fall into debt because they purchase items beyond their financial means. This growing problem is increasingly visible in modern consumer societies. It arises from both emotional decision-making and structural economic factors, but it can be reduced through targeted intervention and responsible policy measures.

One significant cause is emotional spending. Individuals frequently buy unnecessary items to relieve stress, reward themselves, or enhance self-esteem. For example, someone experiencing workplace stress may purchase expensive gadgets or luxury clothing as a form of comfort, even when such purchases are financially imprudent. Moreover, advertisements often portray products as symbols of confidence, attractiveness, or achievement, encouraging people to spend in order to feel valued or accepted. Additionally, modern marketing strategies intensify this behaviour by linking consumption with personal identity, success, and social status. Advertisements often portray products as symbols of confidence, attractiveness, or achievement, encouraging people to spend in order to feel valued or accepted. 

Addressing this issue requires coordinated action at both individual and institutional levels. Firstly, educational programmes should emphasise long-term financial planning, budgeting skills, and the risks associated with debt accumulation. When people understand interest rates, repayment structures, and financial consequences, they are more likely to make cautious decisions. Secondly, governments could also implement stricter advertising regulations, particularly those targeting young or financially inexperienced consumers. Lastly, clearer credit limits and interest rate controls would discourage excessive borrowing and promote responsible financial management.

In conclusion, emotional spending and easy credit availability are key drivers of consumer debt. Comprehensive financial education and stronger regulatory frameworks can significantly reduce this widespread problem and encourage more sustainable financial behaviour.

Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford - Sample Answer 3

People are inherently drawn to possess expensive things. Consequently, some people become debt-ridden by buying things they don’t need and are unable to afford. Several factors, including reckless spending by individuals, have caused the current problem. In this essay, I will discuss my view of the situation and try to provide a solution for the same.

The fact is, people are never satisfied with what they have, and they have a constant urge to acquire more. People nowadays want a luxurious lifestyle. With the implementation of technology, new tools and gadgets are being designed to make our lives easier; however, they are constantly becoming cost-prohibitive. Most of the time, individuals buy extravagant items that they don’t really need and have no inclination to use them for anything other than showing off. Likewise, when someone lives in a high-class society, they tend to try to keep up with the level of their culture, as a result, they often end up spending on items they can not afford. Indians, for instance, regard cars as status symbols, so many of them take loans to buy a car, putting themselves under credit pressure.

Creating a budget is an effective way to prevent this problem. People should cease competing pointlessly and accept whatever their budgets allow instead of living beyond their means. We can’t stop ourselves from purchasing unnecessary things unless we take responsibility for our actions. Also, the government should make strict rules, and more rigidity should be added to the lending process.

To summarize, the availability of a wide range of product choices combined with unbridled spending may lead to financial debts. Keeping these behaviours under control requires clever budgetary planning.

Vocabulary to Use for Some People Get into Debt by Buying They Don’t Need and Can’t Afford - IELTS Writing Task 2

Here's a list of good vocabulary words to use in an IELTS essay on the topic ‘Some people get into debt by buying they don’t need and can’t afford’. You can enhance your essay question vocabulary for this subject with this list.

In conclusion, strong IELTS essays maintain logical progression, precise vocabulary, and balanced explanations. By focusing on both underlying motivations and preventative strategies, you can produce a well-developed and persuasive academic response and achieve a high IELTS band score in the writing module.

Useful Links:

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