Ielts Academic Writing Task 2 Sample 102

The issue of income taxation has sparked debates over fairness and redistribution of wealth. Some argue for progressive taxation to address income inequality, while others advocate for flat taxes to stimulate economic growth and incentivize productivity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The issue of income taxation has been a longstanding topic of debate, with proponents and opponents presenting contrasting views on its implications for fairness, wealth redistribution, economic growth, and productivity.

Advocates of progressive taxation argue that it is essential for addressing income inequality and promoting social justice. Progressive taxation imposes higher tax rates on individuals with higher incomes, thereby redistributing wealth from the wealthy to the less affluent.

Proponents argue that progressive taxation helps fund essential public services, social welfare programs, and infrastructure investments, creating a more equitable society and reducing poverty.

Moreover, they contend that progressive taxation reflects the ability-to-pay principle, ensuring that those who can afford to contribute more do so, while protecting low-income earners from excessive tax burdens.

On the other hand, proponents of flat taxes argue that they stimulate economic growth and incentivize productivity by simplifying the tax code, reducing compliance costs, and promoting investment and entrepreneurship.

Flat taxes impose a uniform tax rate on all income levels, thereby fostering economic efficiency and reducing distortions in behavior. Moreover, advocates of flat taxes argue that they promote fairness by treating all taxpayers equally under the law, regardless of their income or wealth status.

In my opinion, a progressive taxation system is more conducive to fairness and equity in society. While flat taxes may offer simplicity and efficiency, they risk exacerbating income inequality by disproportionately burdening low-income earners and reducing the progressivity of the tax system.

A progressive taxation system, with higher tax rates for higher incomes, ensures that the tax burden is distributed more equitably and that those who benefit most from society contribute proportionately more to its upkeep.

Additionally, progressive taxation can help fund social programs and investments that promote upward mobility and social cohesion, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Note: This is a sample answer, and there can be many other views and sentences used to write the answer.