Economic growth and poverty: IELTS Task 2 essay #2, band 7.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
326 words. Marked by Axiom on 8 September 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2326 words
Some people believe that economic growth is the only way to reduce poverty and hunger, while others argue that economic growth can harm the environment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
There is an ongoing debate about whether economic growth is an effective way to reduce poverty and hunger, while others that economic expansion can have serious environmental consequences.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedWhile it is true that economic growth can improve living standards, I am of the opinion that it can also cause significant harm to the environment.
The revised sentence provides a smoother transition between the two contrasting ideas.
Proponents of the view that economic expansion is the best way to tackle poverty and hunger cite various reasons to support their stance. One key benefit is that economic growth can reduce poverty by creating more jobs and increase household incomes. As businesses expand, they often require more workers, allowing people to work in stable jobs and earn regular salaries. Furthermore, economic growth can increase government tax revenue. With more money available, government can invest in schools, hospitals and other programmes.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedAs a result, families are better able to afford essential goods such as food, housing, and clothing.
The revised sentence corrects the improper use of the gerund and provides a more accurate expression of the idea.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedThese investments can enhance the living conditions of disadvantaged communities and provide people with better opportunities to escape poverty and hunger.
The revised sentence corrects the typo and improves the clarity of the sentence.
Despite these arguments, I side with those who believe that economic expansion can be harmful for the environment. Drought, floods and declining agricultural productivity can threaten the livelihood of low-income populations.
Lexical resource
RevisedOne main concern is that industrial expansion often requires significant amounts of energy and natural resources, which can lead to air and water pollution, deforestation and increased greenhouse emissions.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and the plural form of 'emission'.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedFor instance, countries that are undergoing rapid industrialization may rely heavily on fossil fuels to power factories and transport systems, contributing to climate change and poor air quality.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and the plural form of 'system'.
Lexical resource
RevisedMore importantly, this environmental degradation can worsen the living standards of low-income people.
The revised sentence corrects the improper use of the word 'worse'.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedIn addition, illnesses related to population can increase healthcare costs, which can reduce people's ability to work.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and the use of the word 'related'.
However, uncontrolled expansion can cause serious environmental damage that may create problems in the future.
Lexical resource
RevisedIn conclusion, economic growth can help alleviate poverty and hunger by generating jobs and providing governments with the resources for public investment.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate expression of the idea.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedThe best approach, therefore, is to increase the economy in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.
The revised sentence provides a clearer and more concise expression of the idea.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and the ideas are connected well. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas.
- Make sure that your conclusion effectively summarizes the key points of your essay.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedWhile it is true that economic growth can improve living standards, I am of the opinion that it can also cause significant harm to the environment.
The revised sentence provides a smoother transition between the two contrasting ideas.
RevisedThese investments can enhance the living conditions of disadvantaged communities and provide people with better opportunities to escape poverty and hunger.
The revised sentence corrects the typo and improves the clarity of the sentence.
RevisedThe best approach, therefore, is to increase the economy in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.
The revised sentence provides a clearer and more concise expression of the idea.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay uses a variety of complex structures. However, there are a few grammatical errors and awkward constructions.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedAs a result, families are better able to afford essential goods such as food, housing, and clothing.
The revised sentence corrects the improper use of the gerund and provides a more accurate expression of the idea.
RevisedFor instance, countries that are undergoing rapid industrialization may rely heavily on fossil fuels to power factories and transport systems, contributing to climate change and poor air quality.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and the plural form of 'system'.
RevisedIn addition, illnesses related to population can increase healthcare costs, which can reduce people's ability to work.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and the use of the word 'related'.
Lexical resource
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay demonstrates a good command of a broad lexical repertoire. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne main concern is that industrial expansion often requires significant amounts of energy and natural resources, which can lead to air and water pollution, deforestation and increased greenhouse emissions.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and the plural form of 'emission'.
RevisedMore importantly, this environmental degradation can worsen the living standards of low-income people.
The revised sentence corrects the improper use of the word 'worse'.
RevisedIn conclusion, economic growth can help alleviate poverty and hunger by generating jobs and providing governments with the resources for public investment.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate expression of the idea.
Task response
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. However, the argument could be more fully developed in places.
Suggestions
- Try to provide more specific examples to support your arguments.
- Make sure that you fully develop your arguments and provide a clear conclusion for each.
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