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In Some Countries, a Few People Earn Extremely High Salaries - Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays


In Some Countries, a Few People Earn Extremely High Salaries - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays

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Sample Essay 1

In some nations, a small group of individuals earns disproportionately high salaries, sparking debate over whether this benefits society. While some argue that such income disparity drives economic growth, others believe government intervention is needed to cap salaries. This essay will explore both perspectives before offering a reasoned opinion that supports the economic benefits of high incomes, provided that some regulation ensures fairness.


On the one hand, proponents of allowing extremely high salaries contend that it incentivizes innovation and hard work. High earners, often CEOs or entrepreneurs, invest in industries that create jobs and stimulate economic progress. For instance, technology giants like Apple or Amazon have flourished under the leadership of highly paid executives, fostering unprecedented growth, job creation, and tax revenues. Moreover, these high salaries encourage individuals to pursue excellence in competitive fields, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded, which can ultimately raise the standard of living for all. From this perspective, limiting salaries could stifle ambition and hinder the progress that benefits the broader economy.


On the other hand, critics argue that uncontrolled salary disparities can exacerbate inequality, leading to social instability. When the wealth gap widens too far, it can create societal resentment, reduce social mobility, and undermine the idea of equal opportunity. Additionally, excessive salaries may lead to the misallocation of resources, as funds that could be used for education, healthcare, or infrastructure are concentrated in the hands of a few. For example, while top executives may earn millions, essential services like public healthcare may remain underfunded. Thus, imposing salary caps could promote a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources, contributing to a fairer society.


In conclusion, while high salaries can stimulate economic growth and innovation, unchecked income inequality poses significant risks to societal balance. A moderate approach, where governments encourage high earnings but maintain oversight to prevent extreme disparity, would ensure both economic vitality and social fairness.


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Sample Essay 2

In certain countries, a minority of individuals earn exceedingly high incomes, prompting debate over whether this benefits the nation or whether the government should impose restrictions on earnings. While some argue for regulating salaries to promote equality, I believe that allowing individuals to earn high incomes without restrictions has significant advantages for a country’s overall growth. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why high earnings should be encouraged.


On the one hand, those who advocate for limiting salaries suggest that uncontrolled wealth disparity can lead to social and economic imbalances. When only a few people enjoy immense wealth while the majority struggle with financial difficulties, it can create social tension, division, and unrest. Furthermore, critics argue that excessive salaries could divert resources from essential public sectors, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This can slow down societal progress, as the wealth generated remains concentrated in the hands of a few rather than being distributed more evenly. For example, without salary caps, certain industries might overpay executives while underfunding essential services, potentially exacerbating inequality and reducing public trust in institutions.


On the other hand, allowing high salaries can serve as a powerful motivator for economic development. High earners are often innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders of large corporations, and their success drives economic expansion. For instance, companies like Tesla and Microsoft, led by highly compensated individuals, have not only created thousands of jobs but have also pushed technological advancements that benefit society as a whole. Additionally, high-income individuals contribute significantly to tax revenues, which can be reinvested into public services, ultimately benefiting the broader population. Encouraging high earnings can also attract global talent, foster competition, and lead to the development of new industries, which strengthens a country's economic foundation.


In conclusion, while regulating high salaries may seem like a way to reduce inequality, it risks stifling innovation and growth. A society that allows individuals to achieve high earnings can stimulate progress, create jobs, and generate substantial tax revenues, all of which contribute to the overall welfare of the country. Therefore, promoting high salaries is beneficial to national prosperity.


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Sample Essay 3

In some countries, a few individuals earn exceptionally high incomes, raising the question of whether this is beneficial or if the government should intervene to cap salaries. While some argue that high salaries stimulate economic progress, I believe that governments should regulate incomes to prevent excessive wealth concentration. This essay will explore both viewpoints before explaining why salary caps are essential for societal fairness.


Supporters of allowing high salaries argue that such income inequality drives innovation and economic growth. High earners are typically individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields, such as entrepreneurs, CEOs, or top professionals. Their wealth often enables them to invest in new ventures, leading to job creation and technological advancement. For example, tech entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk have revolutionized entire industries, creating countless jobs and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Additionally, high earners tend to pay substantial taxes, which can help fund public services, benefiting the wider society. From this perspective, imposing salary limits could discourage ambition and stifle the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels national progress.


On the other hand, there is a strong argument for limiting salaries to address the deepening gap between the rich and the poor. Unregulated income disparity can lead to social inequality, where the wealthy control a disproportionate share of resources, leaving the majority with limited opportunities for upward mobility. This imbalance can erode social cohesion, foster resentment, and even lead to social unrest. Moreover, excessively high salaries in certain sectors often come at the expense of underfunded public services. For instance, in industries where top executives earn millions, workers at the lower end of the pay scale may struggle with stagnant wages and limited benefits. By imposing salary caps, governments can ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth, creating a fairer society where public welfare is prioritized.


In conclusion, while high salaries may drive economic growth and innovation, unchecked income inequality can undermine social stability and fairness. Government intervention to control salaries is necessary to reduce wealth gaps and promote a more balanced and just society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


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