IELTS Band 9 Essay About some experts believe that when a country is already rich
Here we take a look at a band 9 IELTS writing task 2 sample about “Some experts believe that when a country is already rich”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens any more satisfied. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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It is often asserted that once a nation reaches a certain level of prosperity, further economic growth does not enhance the subjective well-being of its citizens. While this argument holds some validity, I partially disagree with this perspective as there are factors beyond material wealth that contribute to life satisfaction.
One key reason why additional economic growth may not necessarily increase happiness is the law of diminishing returns. When basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare have been met, the marginal benefit of acquiring more wealth decreases. For instance, buying a second or third luxury car may provide little incremental utility compared to obtaining necessities. This suggests that beyond a certain point, financial wealth becomes less of a determinant of life satisfaction.
Furthermore, as societies become richer, expectations tend to rise, which can lead to hedonic adaptation—a psychological phenomenon where people quickly return to a baseline level of happiness despite improvements in their circumstances. This means that no matter how affluent a society becomes, individuals may continually strive for more, resulting in a persistent sense of dissatisfaction.
However, wealth remains crucial in promoting non-material aspects of well-being, such as education, health, and social welfare. With increased economic resources, governments can invest in public services that improve the overall quality of life. For example, well-funded education systems foster intellectual development, while accessible healthcare systems reduce stress and improve longevity. Thus, while personal wealth might reach a saturation point, public investment facilitated by national wealth can still elevate societal well-being.
In conclusion, although the correlation between economic growth and happiness weakens after achieving a certain level of prosperity, it would be overly simplistic to dismiss the importance of continued wealth generation. Beyond personal affluence, national wealth can significantly enhance social infrastructure, thereby fostering greater long-term satisfaction. Therefore, while economic growth may not directly increase happiness indefinitely, it remains an essential component of societal development.
Vocabulary Selection in the sample for Some experts believe that when a country is already rich
1. Asserted /əˈsɜːtɪd/
Example: The researcher asserted that economic growth alone cannot guarantee happiness.
2. Prosperity /prɒˈspɛrɪti/
Example: Nations experiencing high levels of prosperity tend to invest more in public welfare.
3. Validity /vəˈlɪdɪti/
Example: The study provides validity to the argument that wealth does not always increase life satisfaction.
4. Incremental /ˌɪŋkrəˈmɛntl/
Example: The incremental improvement in public services can have a profound impact on societal well-being.
5. Hedonic /hɪˈdɒnɪk/
Example: Hedonic adaptation explains why people often revert to a consistent level of happiness despite gaining wealth.
Advanced Grammatical Structures
1. Complex Sentences with Concessive Clauses
Example: Although the correlation between economic growth and happiness weakens after achieving a certain level of prosperity, it would be overly simplistic to dismiss the importance of continued wealth generation.
Explanation: Using concessive clauses shows the writer’s ability to balance contrasting ideas, which enhances coherence and critical thinking.
2. Use of Passive Voice
Example: It is often asserted that once a nation reaches a certain level of prosperity, further economic growth does not enhance subjective well-being.
Explanation: Passive voice is useful in formal writing to emphasize the argument rather than the person making it.
3. Noun Phrases with Pre-modifiers
Example: With increased economic resources, governments can invest in well-funded education systems that improve the overall quality of life.
Explanation: The use of noun phrases with pre-modifiers adds specificity and academic tone to the writing.
4. Nominalization
Example: The promotion of non-material aspects of well-being is crucial for long-term satisfaction.
Explanation: Nominalization helps create a formal tone and allows for the expression of abstract ideas succinctly.
5. Conditionals for Hypothetical Scenarios
Example: If societies continue to strive for more without addressing social infrastructure, dissatisfaction will likely persist.
Explanation: Conditionals are useful for discussing hypothetical outcomes, which adds depth to the argument.
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