IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 – Ageing Population
What problems does this cause for society, and how can these problems be managed?
Model Essay (Band 8–8.5)
Over the past few decades, life expectancy has risen significantly in many parts of the world due to medical and technological advancements. While longer lives are a positive achievement, this demographic shift also creates serious social and economic challenges. This essay will outline the key problems associated with an ageing population and suggest practical ways to manage them.
One major problem is the increasing pressure on healthcare systems. Older citizens typically require more frequent medical care, long-term treatment, and specialized services, which leads to sharply rising public health expenditure. In addition, pension systems are put under strain as the number of retirees grows faster than the working population, resulting in financial imbalances and heavier tax burdens on younger generations.
Another significant issue is workforce shrinkage. As a larger proportion of the population exits employment, productivity may decline and labor shortages can emerge in key sectors. This situation can slow economic growth and reduce national competitiveness in the global market.
Several measures can be adopted to address these challenges. Governments should gradually increase the retirement age in line with life expectancy to keep experienced workers economically active for longer. Encouraging private pension schemes can also reduce dependence on state-funded systems. Furthermore, investing in preventive healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles can lower long-term medical costs associated with ageing.
In conclusion, although longer life spans place considerable pressure on public finances, healthcare, and the labor market, these problems can be effectively managed through strategic policy reforms, pension restructuring, and health-focused prevention programs.
Analytical Review – Strengths, Weaknesses & Improvements
- Clear problem–solution structure fully aligned with the task.
- Strong academic vocabulary: “life expectancy,” “public expenditure,” “demographic shift,” “labor shortages”.
- Balanced coverage of economic, social, and workforce impacts.
- High logical cohesion across all paragraphs.
- No specific country example is included.
- The workforce paragraph could include a numerical reference for stronger impact.
- Add one brief example (e.g., Japan or European ageing trends).
- Insert one data-based pension or healthcare statistic.
- ageing population
- public healthcare expenditure
- financial burden
- retirement age reform
- preventive healthcare measures
- Use one mixed conditional to discuss long-term fiscal sustainability.
- Add a short counter-argument on social resistance to raising retirement age.
- Incorporate one advanced economic concept such as “dependency ratio.”