Writing Task 2 Sample 6

Writing Task 2 - Sample 6: Economy (Band 9)

Topic: People in many countries today are encouraged to buy and more
consumer products. Some people think that this development is good for the
economy, while others think that it is very bad for society as a whole.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Consumers now, through an increasingly more materialistic mentality along with
mass marketing and sophisticated targeted and viral marketing, are encouraged to
buy more. There is a pervasive anxiousness from some about the adverse impacts
of this trend on individuals and society as a whole, while others claim that this
development, from an economic and business perspective, instead brings a great
array of long term benefits that can filter down to the individual level.
Analysing this issue from an economic basis shows a clear positive cycle linking
national economic growth and business development to higher standards of living
for all in society. Firstly, if a greater demand for products is stimulated through the
media via different forms of advertising, then manufacturers and producers will
aim to meet this market need in the production of more goods. This then results in
job growth, a greater range of employment options, and possibly higher job
earnings for individuals in all industry levels. If a person has a higher earning
potential than they have greater personal spending power and a greater amount of
domestic spending, which is clearly good for the economy, along with greater
prosperity for individuals are the final results.
This trend of consumerism, however, does have its obvious downsides.
Advertising permeates every facet of our lives through various direct and more
subliminal means in the media. For some, a negative cycle of borrowing and
spending, in the end leading to a debt trap, can have detrimental impacts on their


lives. Though it is worth pointing out that overspending and an overly materialistic
mindset does not affect the majority of people in our community, and for most
individuals, addictive spending tendencies can be managed.

From the issues outlined above, one can conclude that there is stronger evidence in
favour of economic and societal benefits of encouraging people to buy increasingly
more products. Uncontrolled spending and debt are negative consequences of this
trend which only affect a small percentage of the population that cannot escape
from the downward spiral of this spending trap.