IELTS HUB
Positive or negative Money Essay #330
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Many people today are able to take out loans from the bank or get a credit card very easily.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
252 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase topic (easy access to loans/credit cards). State that there are benefits and downsides, with the negatives often outweighing the positives.

In the contemporary world, the ease of obtaining loans or credit cards from financial institutions is a prevalent phenomenon. This practice, while having its merits, may also harbor significant drawbacks, with the latter seemingly outweighing the former.

Body 1 · View 1

Topic sentence: Discuss benefits. Point 1: Meeting urgent financial needs (medical crisis example). Point 2: Helping start business ventures (aspiring owner example).

One of the primary advantages of this trend is the facilitation of immediate financial needs. For instance, in the face of an unforeseen medical emergency, the availability of a credit card can prove to be a lifesaver, allowing immediate payment for necessary treatments. Furthermore, these financial tools can also serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial endeavors. A budding entrepreneur, lacking the necessary capital, can utilize a loan to kickstart their business, potentially leading to economic growth and job creation.

Body 2 · View 2

Topic sentence: Discuss risks/disadvantages. Point 1: Risk of debt cycle (careless spending, high interest rates). Point 2: Leading to economic bubbles (2008 housing crisis example).

However, the ease of access to such financial instruments also carries substantial risks. The most glaring of these is the potential for individuals to fall into a debt trap. Easy access to credit can lead to reckless spending, and the high interest rates associated with these loans can result in a cycle of debt that is difficult to escape from. Moreover, this practice can also contribute to the creation of economic bubbles. For example, the easy availability of mortgage loans was a significant factor in the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis of 2008, demonstrating the potential for widespread economic damage.

Conclusion

Summarize main points (immediate help, business boost vs. debt cycles, economic bubbles). Restate opinion (more harmful than helpful).

In conclusion, while the ease of obtaining loans and credit cards can provide immediate financial relief and stimulate entrepreneurial activity, the risks of debt traps and economic bubbles make this practice more detrimental than beneficial.

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Writing Task 2

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Next question: These days, older people who have retired often choose to spend money on themselves (for example on holidays) rather than save money for their children. Is this a positive or negative development?