You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest that people over the age of sixty-five can continue to live full and active lives.
In what ways can society benefit from the contribution that older people can make?
How to Write a Band 9 Essay on Longer Life Spans and the Contributions of Older People
Before diving into the Band 9 sample essays below, we’d like to give you a quick briefing to help you understand how to approach this essay question strategically. If you’d rather skip the tips and dive straight into the sample essays, feel free to scroll down now!
This essay topic explores the ways society benefits from older individuals leading full and active lives, thanks to longer life spans and improvements in their health. To achieve a Band 9, focus on one or two well-developed points rather than trying to list every possible contribution older people might make. For example, instead of briefly mentioning that older people can mentor younger generations, volunteer in communities, and participate in governance, select one or two of these ideas and explain them thoroughly with examples. IELTS examiners value clarity, coherence, and depth over the number of points you include.
When forming your argument, prioritize points that you can explain logically and back with examples. Don’t worry about whether your opinion aligns with reality; what matters is how convincingly you present your position. Use examples to illustrate your ideas—these can be from real-life experiences or hypothetical but relevant situations. Remember to meet the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors by focusing on Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resources, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
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Sample Essay 1
Advancements in healthcare have resulted in longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people, enabling those over sixty-five to remain active and contribute meaningfully to society. This essay argues that the contributions of older individuals can significantly benefit society, particularly through mentorship and community engagement, both of which will be discussed in detail below.
Older people possess a wealth of experience and knowledge, making them invaluable mentors for younger generations. Their life experiences often provide unique perspectives on work, relationships, and decision-making. For instance, in professional environments, retired experts returning as consultants or advisors can help younger employees navigate challenges and grow their skills. Similarly, older family members often play a crucial role in nurturing and guiding grandchildren, passing down cultural and ethical values. With longer life spans and improvements in health, older individuals can actively participate in mentorship roles for extended periods, enriching both their own lives and the lives of those they mentor. This intergenerational exchange not only strengthens societal bonds but also ensures the preservation of traditions and values.
In addition to mentorship, older people significantly contribute through community engagement. Many retirees use their time and energy to volunteer for charitable organizations, participate in civic activities, or offer support to vulnerable groups. For example, an older individual with improved health might dedicate time to local food banks or lead community improvement projects. These contributions can address pressing social issues such as poverty and environmental conservation. With longer and healthier lives, their sustained participation amplifies the collective impact of community programs, fostering societal progress. Furthermore, their active involvement can inspire younger people to adopt similar civic responsibilities, creating a culture of giving and social consciousness.
In conclusion, society greatly benefits from the contributions of active and healthy older individuals through mentorship and community engagement. These contributions not only enhance societal well-being but also ensure intergenerational collaboration and progress. As older individuals live longer and healthier lives, their active participation becomes an increasingly vital asset to society.
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Sample Essay 2
Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people allow those over sixty-five to continue living full and active lives, offering unique contributions to society. This essay contends that older individuals significantly benefit society by fostering innovation through their accumulated expertise and enhancing cultural preservation through their deep-rooted knowledge. These points will be critically examined below.
Older people play a pivotal role in fostering innovation by contributing their extensive expertise to various fields. Having spent decades refining their skills and understanding industry trends, they can provide innovative solutions to complex challenges. For instance, a retired engineer might serve as a consultant in renewable energy projects, offering fresh insights grounded in years of practical experience. Their ability to analyze patterns over time gives them a unique edge in recognizing long-term opportunities and risks. Additionally, healthy older individuals often engage in mentorship within start-ups and research institutions, helping younger professionals think critically and make informed decisions. With longer life spans and improved health, they can sustain these contributions, acting as catalysts for progress in sectors like technology, medicine, and education. This continuity not only accelerates innovation but also builds a knowledge base that benefits future generations.
Cultural preservation is another area where active older individuals contribute immensely to society. Older people often carry the traditions, languages, and historical narratives of their communities, which are essential for maintaining cultural identity. For example, elders in indigenous communities often pass on traditional practices like sustainable farming or local craftsmanship to younger generations. Their involvement in storytelling, workshops, and cultural festivals helps keep these traditions alive in a rapidly modernizing world. Furthermore, healthier and longer lives enable them to bridge generational gaps, ensuring that cultural wisdom remains relevant. By actively participating in cultural initiatives, they strengthen societal cohesion and instill a sense of belonging and pride in younger members of the community.
In conclusion, longer and healthier lives empower older individuals to foster innovation and preserve cultural heritage, both of which are invaluable for societal progress. These contributions not only enrich communities but also ensure continuity and growth in knowledge, tradition, and identity, making their role indispensable in an evolving world.
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