IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Income Inequality on Society – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

Income inequality has become one of the most frequently tested topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in multiple test sessions across 2022-2024. This social issue resonates globally, making it essential for test-takers to understand how to approach related questions effectively. Whether you’re aiming for Band 6 or Band 9, mastering this topic requires understanding economic concepts, social impacts, and practical solutions.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover three authentic sample essays (Band 8-9, Band 6.5-7, and Band 5-6), detailed scoring analysis aligned with official IELTS descriptors, essential vocabulary with collocations, and high-scoring sentence structures that examiners look for. We’ll examine actual past exam questions and break down exactly what differentiates each band level.

Verified Past IELTS Questions on Income Inequality:

1. “The gap between rich and poor is becoming wider. The rich are becoming richer, and the poor are becoming poorer. What problems can this situation cause, and what measures can be taken to reduce this gap?” (Academic – reported June 2023)

2. “In many countries, the income gap between rich and poor people is increasing. What are the causes of this trend and what can be done about it?” (Academic – reported March 2023)

3. “Some people think that the best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is to provide education, while others believe that economic growth is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” (Academic – reported September 2022)

Understanding the role of taxation in society provides crucial context for discussing income inequality solutions, as fiscal policy remains one of the most debated approaches to wealth redistribution.

Question & Analysis

The gap between rich and poor is becoming wider. The rich are becoming richer, and the poor are becoming poorer. What problems can this situation cause, and what measures can be taken to reduce this gap?

Question Type: Problem-Solution Essay

Key Terms Explained:

• “The gap between rich and poor” – Income/wealth inequality, economic disparity
• “Becoming wider” – Increasing, expanding, growing
• “Problems can this situation cause” – Negative consequences, social impacts, challenges
• “Measures can be taken” – Solutions, policies, interventions, actions

Common Pitfalls:

1. Discussing only problems without adequate solutions (or vice versa)
2. Providing vague, general solutions without specific examples
3. Failing to link problems directly to income inequality
4. Using overly political language or one-sided arguments
5. Not addressing both the rich getting richer AND poor getting poorer

Strategic Approach:

• Allocate roughly equal word count to problems and solutions
• Provide 2-3 specific problems with clear explanations
• Suggest 2-3 practical, realistic measures
• Use concrete examples from real countries/situations
• Maintain balanced, analytical tone throughout
• Include clear thesis statement and position

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 8-9 Writing:
At this level, essays demonstrate sophisticated control of language, cohesive argument development, and nuanced understanding of complex issues. Writers use precise vocabulary naturally, vary sentence structures skillfully, and present well-supported positions with minimal errors.

The widening chasm between affluent and impoverished populations represents one of contemporary society’s most pressing challenges. This essay will examine the multifaceted problems arising from economic polarization and propose evidence-based solutions to address this growing disparity.

The ramifications of income inequality manifest across multiple societal domains. Primarily, extreme wealth concentration erodes social cohesion by creating parallel societies where the privileged and disadvantaged inhabit fundamentally different realities. When children from low-income families cannot access quality education or healthcare—privileges their wealthier counterparts take for granted—resentment and social fragmentation inevitably follow. Furthermore, income disparity undermines democratic processes, as wealthy elites wield disproportionate political influence through campaign financing and lobbying, effectively marginalizing the voices of ordinary citizens. Research from Scandinavian countries demonstrates that societies with greater equality consistently report higher levels of trust, wellbeing, and civic participation.

Addressing this complex issue requires coordinated policy interventions. First and foremost, governments must implement progressive taxation systems that redistribute wealth without stifling economic growth. The Nordic model exemplifies this approach, where higher earners contribute proportionally more while still maintaining robust entrepreneurial ecosystems. Additionally, investing substantially in universal public services—particularly education and healthcare—creates genuine equality of opportunity. Singapore’s education system, which combines academic excellence with means-tested subsidies, illustrates how strategic investment can level the playing field without compromising standards. Finally, strengthening workers’ rights and ensuring living wages helps prevent the working poor phenomenon where full-time employment still leaves families in poverty.

In conclusion, while income inequality generates serious social and political problems, pragmatic solutions exist. Through progressive taxation, investment in public services, and fair labor practices, societies can narrow the wealth gap while maintaining economic dynamism. The question is not whether we can reduce inequality, but whether we possess the political will to do so.

(Word count: 318)

Band Score Analysis

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Sophisticated topic sentences: Each paragraph opens with clear, analytical statements that guide the reader (“The ramifications of income inequality manifest across multiple societal domains”)

2. Specific, relevant examples: References to Scandinavian countries, Nordic model, and Singapore’s education system demonstrate real-world knowledge

3. Natural cohesive devices: Transitions flow seamlessly without mechanical overuse of linking words

4. Precise vocabulary: Words like “polarization,” “erodes,” “wield disproportionate influence” show topic-specific lexical control

5. Complex sentence structures: Seamlessly integrates subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and participle phrases

6. Balanced argumentation: Equal attention to problems and solutions with clear logical connections

7. Strong conclusion: Synthesizes key points while adding a thought-provoking final observation

IELTS Writing Task 2 visual representation of wealth distribution showing income inequality impact on society

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 6.5-7 Writing:
Essays at this level demonstrate competent language control with good organizational skills. Writers present clear positions with relevant supporting points, though development may lack the sophistication of higher bands. Vocabulary is adequate with some less common items, and grammatical structures show variety with generally good control.

Income inequality has become a major issue in modern society. This essay will discuss the problems caused by the growing gap between rich and poor people and suggest some solutions to reduce this problem.

There are several serious problems that result from income inequality. Firstly, when the gap between rich and poor becomes too large, it can lead to social instability. Poor people may feel frustrated and angry when they see rich people enjoying luxuries while they struggle to meet basic needs. This can result in increased crime rates and social tensions in communities. Secondly, income inequality affects access to education and healthcare. Children from wealthy families can afford better schools and universities, while poor children often receive lower quality education. This means that poor people have fewer opportunities to improve their situation, and the cycle of poverty continues from one generation to the next.

To address these problems, governments should take several measures. One effective solution is to implement a fairer tax system. Rich people should pay higher taxes, and this money can be used to provide better public services for everyone, especially the poor. For example, countries like Sweden have progressive tax systems that help reduce inequality. Another important measure is to invest more in education. If governments provide free or affordable education for all children, regardless of their family background, it will give poor children better chances to succeed in life. Additionally, governments should set minimum wage laws to ensure that workers earn enough money to support their families.

In conclusion, income inequality causes serious social problems and limits opportunities for poor people. However, through progressive taxation, investment in education, and fair wage policies, governments can help reduce this gap and create a more equal society.

(Word count: 311)

Band Score Analysis

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

Examining the role of governments in reducing inequality reveals that successful policy implementation requires both political commitment and strategic resource allocation, which distinguishes effective from ineffective interventions.

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 5-6 Writing:
Essays at this level demonstrate modest language control with basic organizational structure. Writers address the task but development may be limited or tangential. Vocabulary is adequate for basic communication with noticeable errors. Grammatical structures show some variety but errors are frequent, though meaning generally remains clear.

In today’s world, the different between rich and poor people is getting bigger. This essay will talk about what problems this causes and how we can solve them.

Income inequality make many problems in society. First problem is that poor people feel unhappy when they see rich people have many things. They cannot buy good food or nice clothes, but rich people can buy everything they want. This make poor people feel bad and sometimes they do crime to get money. Also, rich children can go to good schools but poor children cannot go to these schools. They have to go to bad schools where teachers are not good. Because of this, poor people cannot get good jobs when they grow up and they stay poor. Their children will also be poor, so the problem continues.

There are some solutions for this problem. Government should make rich people pay more tax. If rich people pay more money to government, government can use this money to help poor people. They can build schools and hospitals for poor people. Another solution is government should give free education to everyone. When all children can study in good schools, they have same opportunity to get good job in future. Also, companies should pay good salary to workers. Many people work hard but get very low salary, this is not fair.

In conclusion, income inequality cause many problems like crime and poor education. Government must do something about this problem by making fair tax system and providing good education and salary for everyone. If we do these things, the gap between rich and poor will become smaller.

(Word count: 287)

Band Score Analysis

Learning from Mistakes

Comparison table showing differences between IELTS Writing Task 2 band scores for income inequality essays

How to Improve from Band 6 to 7:

1. Eliminate grammatical errors systematically: Focus on subject-verb agreement, article usage, and verb tenses. One week of focused practice on each area dramatically reduces errors.

2. Expand vocabulary range: Replace basic words (“good,” “bad,” “big,” “many”) with more precise alternatives (“qualified,” “detrimental,” “substantial,” “numerous”). Create personal vocabulary lists for common IELTS topics.

3. Develop ideas more fully: Instead of stating “poor people feel unhappy,” explain WHY and add consequences: “poor people experience psychological stress from relative deprivation, which undermines their wellbeing and social participation.”

4. Use more sophisticated cohesive devices: Move beyond “First,” “Also,” “Another” to “Furthermore,” “Consequently,” “In addition to this.” Practice writing paragraphs using only advanced linking words.

5. Add specific examples: Instead of general statements, reference real countries, statistics, or research: “According to OECD data, countries with higher inequality experience 20% more social problems.”

6. Improve sentence variety: Practice combining simple sentences into complex ones using subordination, relative clauses, and participle phrases.

Exploring the impact of technology on social equity demonstrates how digital transformation both exacerbates and potentially alleviates income disparities, adding another dimension to contemporary inequality discussions.

Essential Vocabulary

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex Subordination with Concessive Clauses

Formula: While/Although/Even though + [contrasting point], [main argument] + [consequence]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“While income inequality generates serious social and political problems, pragmatic solutions exist.”

Why It Scores Well:
This structure demonstrates sophisticated thinking by acknowledging complexity rather than presenting simplistic arguments. It shows the writer can handle nuanced positions, which is essential for Band 8+. The concessive clause recognizes opposing viewpoints or complications before asserting a position.

Additional Examples:

• Although progressive taxation faces political resistance, it remains the most effective mechanism for wealth redistribution.
• Even though economic growth benefits society overall, its advantages accrue disproportionately to those already wealthy.
• While education investment yields long-term benefits, immediate measures are necessary to address current poverty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ “While income inequality is bad, but solutions exist.” (Don’t use “but” after “while”)
❌ “Although it’s a problem. Solutions exist.” (Fragment error—join clauses properly)

2. Non-defining Relative Clauses for Adding Information

Formula: [Main clause], which/who/where + [additional information], [continuation]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“Singapore’s education system, which combines academic excellence with means-tested subsidies, illustrates how strategic investment can level the playing field.”

Why It Scores Well:
Non-defining relative clauses allow writers to pack more information into sentences elegantly without creating run-ons. They show grammatical sophistication and the ability to layer ideas. The commas are essential—this structure adds non-essential but valuable detail.

Additional Examples:

• The Nordic model, which balances high taxation with robust public services, achieves both equality and prosperity.
• Wealth concentration, which has accelerated since the 1980s, threatens democratic institutions globally.
• Minimum wage laws, where properly enforced, prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ “The Nordic model which balances high taxation…” (Missing commas makes this defining, changing meaning)
❌ “Singapore’s system, that combines excellence…” (Use “which” not “that” for non-defining clauses)

3. Participle Phrases for Sophisticated Flow

Formula: [Present/Past participle phrase], [main clause] OR [Main clause], [participle phrase]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“Research from Scandinavian countries demonstrates that societies with greater equality consistently report higher levels of trust, wellbeing, and civic participation.” (Implied: “demonstrating that…”)

Why It Scores Well:
Participle phrases create flowing, economical sentences by eliminating unnecessary words. They demonstrate advanced grammatical control and make writing more dynamic and engaging. This structure is particularly effective for showing cause-effect relationships.

Additional Examples:

• Recognizing the severity of inequality, policymakers have proposed comprehensive reforms.
• Income gaps continue widening, exacerbating social tensions across communities.
• Implemented effectively, progressive taxation reduces inequality without hampering growth.
• Having invested heavily in education, several Asian nations achieved remarkable social mobility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ “Recognizing the problem, reforms were proposed.” (Dangling modifier—who recognized? Make subject clear)
❌ “The gap is widening, caused social problems.” (Should be “causing” not “caused”)

Advanced grammar structures for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on income inequality topics

4. Cleft Sentences for Emphasis

Formula: It is/was [emphasized element] + that/who + [rest of sentence] OR What [clause] + is/was + [emphasized element]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“The question is not whether we can reduce inequality, but whether we possess the political will to do so.”

Why It Scores Well:
Cleft sentences allow writers to emphasize specific elements, showing rhetorical control and the ability to guide reader attention. They’re particularly effective in conclusions or when making crucial distinctions. This structure demonstrates that the writer can manipulate sentence structure for effect.

Additional Examples:

• It is through education that societies can most effectively reduce intergenerational poverty.
• What concerns economists most is not inequality per se, but its rate of increase.
• It was the Nordic countries that first demonstrated how high taxes and prosperity can coexist.
• What distinguishes successful interventions from failures is consistent implementation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ “It is education what reduces poverty.” (Use “that” not “what” after “It is”)
❌ “What the problem is, is the lack of will.” (Awkward double “is”—restructure sentence)

5. Advanced Conditionals with Inversion

Formula: Had/Were/Should + [subject] + [verb], [main clause] OR [Main clause] + provided/provided that/on condition that + [condition]

Example Pattern:
“Were governments to implement these measures consistently, inequality would decline measurably within a generation.”

Why It Scores Well:
Inverted conditionals demonstrate mastery of complex grammatical structures rarely seen below Band 8. They add formality and sophistication to academic writing. This structure is particularly effective when discussing hypothetical policy scenarios or making predictions.

Additional Examples:

• Should policymakers prioritize redistribution over growth, they risk alienating business sectors.
• Had progressive taxation been implemented earlier, current inequality levels might be less severe.
• Inequality will persist provided that political systems favor wealthy interests.
• Were education made truly universal, social mobility would increase substantially.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ “If governments would implement…” (Don’t use “would” in if-clause with inverted conditional)
❌ “Were the government implements policies…” (After “were” use bare infinitive: “were to implement”)

6. Nominalization for Academic Tone

Formula: [Noun form of verb/adjective] + of + [noun] + [verb] + [complement]

Example from Band 8-9 Essay:
“The ramifications of income inequality manifest across multiple societal domains.”

Why It Scores Well:
Nominalization transforms verbs and adjectives into nouns, creating denser, more academic prose. It’s a hallmark of high-level academic writing and demonstrates lexical flexibility. This technique allows writers to discuss abstract concepts with precision and formality.

Additional Examples:

• The implementation of progressive policies requires substantial political courage.
• The concentration of wealth among elites undermines democratic participation.
• The erosion of social mobility perpetuates existing class divisions.
• The provision of universal services ensures equal access to opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Overuse creating incomprehensible prose: “The implementation of the consideration of the examination of policies…” (Too many nominalizations)
❌ “The implement of policies…” (Wrong noun form—should be “implementation”)

Understanding how to address income inequality through progressive taxation provides practical insight into fiscal mechanisms that can transform theoretical policy discussions into actionable governmental strategies.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (5 minutes)

Question Analysis:

• [ ] Identified question type (Discussion/Opinion/Problem-Solution/Two-part)
• [ ] Underlined key instruction words (discuss, what extent, causes, solutions)
• [ ] Identified how many parts the question has
• [ ] Noted any specific requirements (both views, your opinion, examples)
• [ ] Determined minimum word count requirement (250 words)

Planning:

• [ ] Brainstormed main ideas (2-3 for each body paragraph)
• [ ] Selected specific examples I can develop
• [ ] Created simple outline showing paragraph structure
• [ ] Identified relevant vocabulary I’ll use
• [ ] Noted potential grammar structures to incorporate

While Writing (35 minutes)

Introduction (5 minutes):

• [ ] Paraphrased the question statement
• [ ] Clearly stated my thesis/position
• [ ] Outlined what the essay will cover
• [ ] Avoided copying question word-for-word
• [ ] Kept to 2-3 sentences maximum

Body Paragraphs (20 minutes):

• [ ] Started each paragraph with clear topic sentence
• [ ] Provided 2-3 main ideas per paragraph
• [ ] Supported ideas with explanations and examples
• [ ] Used cohesive devices to link ideas
• [ ] Maintained relevance to question throughout
• [ ] Allocated roughly equal length to required parts
• [ ] Used variety of sentence structures
• [ ] Incorporated topic-specific vocabulary

Conclusion (5 minutes):

• [ ] Summarized main points without repetition
• [ ] Restated position/thesis in new words
• [ ] Avoided introducing completely new ideas
• [ ] Made conclusion proportional (2-3 sentences)
• [ ] Ended with strong final statement

Language:

• [ ] Varied sentence beginnings
• [ ] Used mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences
• [ ] Incorporated advanced vocabulary naturally
• [ ] Avoided repetition through synonyms and paraphrasing
• [ ] Maintained formal academic tone throughout

After Writing (10 minutes)

Content Review:

• [ ] Answered all parts of the question
• [ ] Position is clear throughout
• [ ] All main ideas are relevant
• [ ] Examples support points effectively
• [ ] Word count is 250-290 words (avoid exceeding 300)
• [ ] No contradictions in argument

Grammar Check:

• [ ] Subject-verb agreement in all sentences
• [ ] Correct verb tenses (consistency maintained)
• [ ] Articles (a/an/the) used correctly
• [ ] Plural/singular forms accurate
• [ ] Pronouns reference clear
• [ ] No sentence fragments or run-ons

Vocabulary Check:

• [ ] Spelling checked (especially commonly confused words)
• [ ] Word forms correct (noun/verb/adjective/adverb)
• [ ] Collocations sound natural
• [ ] Academic tone maintained (no contractions, informal language)
• [ ] No unnecessary word repetition

Coherence Check:

• [ ] Logical flow between ideas
• [ ] Paragraphs clearly separated
• [ ] Cohesive devices used appropriately
• [ ] Referencing is clear (this, these, such)
• [ ] Reader can follow argument easily

Time Management Tips

Recommended Time Allocation:

• 5 minutes: Analyze question and plan
• 35 minutes: Write essay
• 10 minutes: Review and edit
• Total: 50 minutes (leaving 10 minutes for Task 1 review if needed)

If Running Short on Time:

1. Write shorter but complete conclusion rather than leaving it unfinished
2. Sacrifice one example rather than leaving paragraph undeveloped
3. Quick proofread focusing only on obvious errors
4. Ensure word count minimum is met

If Ahead of Schedule:

1. Add specific example to strengthen weakest paragraph
2. Vary vocabulary by finding synonym opportunities
3. Check each sentence for grammatical accuracy
4. Improve cohesion by adding transitional phrases
5. Strengthen conclusion with more impactful final statement

Warning Signs You’re Off Track:

• ⚠️ Introduction taking more than 5 minutes
• ⚠️ Still planning after 7 minutes
• ⚠️ Body paragraph exceeding 120 words
• ⚠️ Less than 8 minutes remaining and conclusion not started
• ⚠️ Below 200 words with 10 minutes left

Conclusion

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on income inequality requires understanding not just the topic itself, but how to structure arguments, deploy sophisticated language, and present balanced analysis. As we’ve examined through three detailed sample essays, the difference between Band 6 and Band 9 lies in precision of vocabulary, complexity of sentence structures, depth of idea development, and accuracy of grammar.

Key Takeaways:

1. Address all parts of the question equally—problem-solution essays require balanced attention to both components
2. Support arguments with specific examples—general statements score lower than referenced evidence from real countries or research
3. Vary sentence structures systematically—incorporate subordination, relative clauses, participle phrases, and other advanced patterns
4. Use topic-specific vocabulary naturally—terms like “economic polarization,” “wealth redistribution,” and “social mobility” demonstrate preparation
5. Eliminate systematic errors—particularly subject-verb agreement, articles, and word forms that characterize Band 5-6 writing
6. Plan effectively—five minutes of planning prevents structural problems and ensures complete task response

Your Path to Improvement:

For Band 5-6 writers, focus intensively on grammatical accuracy—specifically subject-verb agreement, article usage, and sentence boundaries. Build vocabulary systematically by learning 10-15 new words weekly with their collocations. Practice writing 250-word essays within 40 minutes to build stamina and time management skills.

For Band 6-7 writers, elevate lexical precision by replacing common words with academic alternatives. Develop ideas more fully by adding explanation layers after each point. Study and consciously incorporate complex sentence structures, aiming for at least 3-4 sophisticated patterns per essay.

For Band 7+ writers targeting Band 8-9, refine nuance and sophistication. Focus on seamless cohesion where ideas flow without obvious linking words. Add authoritative references to real research or policies. Polish grammatical accuracy until errors are extremely rare.

When considering related topics like the impact of universal healthcare on life expectancy, remember that social policy discussions often intersect, and the analytical frameworks developed for income inequality essays transfer effectively to other socioeconomic topics.

Realistic Timeline:

• 4-6 weeks: Improve one band score with focused daily practice
• 3-4 months: Improve two band scores with systematic study
• 6+ months: Reach Band 8-9 from intermediate starting point

Practice Action Steps:

1. Write one timed essay weekly on varied topics
2. Analyze model essays, noting specific techniques used
3. Build personalized vocabulary lists organized by topic
4. Record yourself explaining essays to improve coherence
5. Exchange essays with study partners for peer feedback

The journey to IELTS writing excellence is incremental but achievable. Start with the checklist above, practice consistently, and track your progress systematically. Remember that every high-scoring essay you read provides templates and techniques you can adapt to your own writing.

Share your practice essays in the comments below for community feedback, or describe specific challenges you face with income inequality topics. What aspects of this essay type do you find most difficult? Which band level sample resonated most with your current abilities? Your engagement helps create a supportive learning environment for all test-takers pursuing IELTS success.