This is an IELTS Paying Taxes Essay. In nearly all countries, people have to pay some kind of taxes.
In this essay, you have to decide whether you agree or disagree with the opinion that everyone should be able to keep their money rather than pay money to the government.
Here is the question:
Some people believe that they should be able to keep all the money they earn and should not have to pay taxes to the state.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Considering Both Sides
A good answer that looks at all the issues presented in the question would consider the following points:
- Why people may want to keep all the money they earn
- Why people should have to pay money to the state
Those are the two sides, so you should brainstorm some ideas around those two questions/opposing opinions before you start to write.
And, of course, it is very important to make sure you are very clear about what your opinion is.
Now, take a look at the paying taxes essay model answer.
Paying Taxes Essay
| You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that they should be able to keep all the money they earn and should not have to pay taxes to the state. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. |
Model Answer
Some people argue that they should be allowed to keep all the money they earn instead of paying taxes to the government. While this perspective is understandable, I firmly believe that taxation is essential for maintaining a stable society. Without taxes, governments would struggle to provide necessary services and infrastructure, leading to economic and social instability.
One major issue with eliminating taxes is that public services would be severely affected. Governments use tax revenue to fund critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation. Without taxation, public hospitals, schools, and roads would deteriorate, making life more difficult, especially for low-income individuals who rely on these services. For example, in countries with weak taxation systems, public infrastructure is often underdeveloped, forcing citizens to pay higher fees for private alternatives.
Another reason taxation is necessary is that it helps maintain economic stability. Governments use tax revenue to manage inflation, invest in national security, and provide financial aid during economic crises. Additionally, taxes allow governments to pay off national debts and fund social welfare programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary support. Without taxation, income inequality would increase, and economic growth could slow down due to a lack of government investment in key industries.
However, it is also true that some taxation systems are inefficient or unfair. In some countries, citizens feel overburdened by high taxes, while large corporations find ways to avoid paying their fair share. To address this, governments should focus on creating transparent and fair tax policies, ensuring that the tax burden is distributed more equally. By reducing corruption and using tax revenue effectively, public trust in taxation can be improved.
In conclusion, although people may feel that paying taxes reduces their personal wealth, taxation is necessary for maintaining essential public services and economic stability. Instead of avoiding taxes, efforts should be made to ensure fair taxation policies and efficient government spending.
Evaluation
Estimated Band Score: 7.5 – 8.0
1. Task Response: 8.0
✅ Strengths:
- The essay presents a clear and strong position throughout.
- All aspects of the question are addressed (reasons why people oppose taxes, benefits of taxation, and possible improvements).
- Well-developed arguments with relevant examples.
🔻 Areas for Improvement:
- Could briefly mention an opposing viewpoint in the introduction to strengthen balance.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0
✅ Strengths:
- Ideas are logically organized, and each paragraph builds on the previous one.
- A variety of linking words are used naturally (“One major issue is,” “Another reason is,” “However,” “In conclusion,” etc.).
- The argument flows smoothly from one idea to the next.
🔻 Areas for Improvement:
- Slightly more varied sentence structures in transitions could improve cohesion further.
3. Lexical Resource: 7.5 – 8.0
✅ Strengths:
- Academic and precise vocabulary (“economic stability,” “income inequality,” “government investment,” “public trust in taxation”) is well-used.
- No repetitive phrases or overused words.
🔻 Areas for Improvement:
- Could include a few more high-level words or idiomatic expressions to enhance fluency.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.5 – 8.0
✅ Strengths:
- Wide variety of sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences.
- Minimal grammatical errors (if any).
🔻 Areas for Improvement:
- Could include a conditional sentence (e.g., “If taxation were removed, public services would collapse.”) for even greater variety.
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