IELTS Sample Bank

IELTS Writing Task 2: at the present time the population of some countries

at the present time the population of some countries
at the present time the population of some countries

Full Essay Requirement: “At the present time the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?”

The demographic composition of nations continues to shift dramatically across the globe, presenting both opportunities and challenges for societies. This particular IELTS Writing Task 2 question examines one of the most significant demographic trends of our era: countries where young adults substantially outnumber older generations. Understanding how to approach this complex topic requires careful analysis of the question structure, strategic planning, and precise execution of your response.

Outline for “At The Present Time The Population of Some Countries” Topic

Analyzing the Question Type

This prompt represents an advantages-disadvantages IELTS essay with an evaluative component. The question “at the present time the population of some countries” demands that you assess whether positive aspects of a youthful population surpass the negative implications. You must present both sides comprehensively before reaching a clear conclusion about which perspective carries greater weight.

The demographic scenario described here – where at the present time the population of some countries shows a youth bulge – occurs in developing nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Countries like India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh exemplify this pattern, with median ages between 20-28 years compared to aging societies like Japan or Germany.

Structural Framework Template

Structural Framework Template
Structural Framework Template
  • Introduction (50 words): Paraphrase the demographic situation, acknowledge the debate’s complexity in this “at the present time the population of some countries’ question, and state your clear position on whether advantages outweigh disadvantages.
  • Body Paragraph 1 (80 words): Present the strongest advantages with supporting evidence and examples from specific countries or regions.
  • Body Paragraph 2 (80 words): Analyze significant disadvantages with concrete illustrations and potential consequences.
  • Conclusion (40 words): Restate your position definitively while briefly summarizing the most compelling arguments from both perspectives.

Sample Essays for “At The Present Time The Population of Some Countries”

Band 5.5-6.5 Sample Response

Countries today face different population situations. Some countries have more young people than old people. This essay will discuss if this is good or bad for these countries.

There are many good things about having more young adults. Young people can work hard and help the economy grow. They have energy and new ideas that can make companies better. For example, in India, many young people work in technology companies and this helps India become richer. Young people also buy more things like clothes, phones, and cars, which is good for business. They do not need expensive healthcare like older people, so the government can spend money on other important things.

However, there are also problems when countries have too many young people. The biggest problem is that there are not enough jobs for everyone. When young people cannot find work, they become angry and this can cause trouble in society. Also, the government needs to build more schools and universities for all the young people, which costs a lot of money. In some African countries, many young people cannot find jobs and this creates social problems.

In conclusion, I think having more young adults is better than having more old people. Even though there are some problems, young people can help countries develop faster. Governments just need to create more jobs and education opportunities to solve the problems.

Vocabulary for at the present time the population of some countries band 5.5 – 6.5:

Word/Phrase Meaning Example Usage
demographic relating to population characteristics The demographic shift affects economic planning
energy physical and mental strength Young workers bring energy to companies
technology scientific knowledge applied practically India’s technology sector employs millions
economy system of trade and industry A young workforce strengthens the economy
healthcare medical care services Younger populations require less healthcare spending
opportunities chances for advancement Education creates employment opportunities
society community of people Social problems affect the entire society
develop grow and improve Countries develop faster with young populations

To structure your ideas effectively, apply logical linking strategies similar to those in Connectors for Task 2 Writing — helping you transition smoothly between social and practical dimensions.

Band 6.5-7.5 Sample Response

Sample Essays for “at the present time the population of some countries”
Sample Essays for “at the present time the population of some countries”

Contemporary demographic patterns reveal significant variations in age distribution across nations worldwide. While some countries grapple with aging populations, others experience a demographic dividend characterized by a substantial proportion of young adults relative to elderly citizens. Although this demographic structure presents certain challenges, I believe the advantages considerably outweigh the disadvantages for national development.

The predominance of young adults generates substantial economic benefits that drive national prosperity. These individuals constitute a dynamic workforce capable of sustaining high productivity levels and adapting to technological innovations with remarkable agility. Countries experiencing this demographic phenomenon, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, have witnessed unprecedented economic growth rates exceeding 6% annually, largely attributed to their youthful labor force. Furthermore, young adults demonstrate higher consumption patterns, stimulating domestic markets through increased demand for housing, consumer goods, and services. This demographic also exhibits entrepreneurial tendencies, establishing startups and innovative enterprises that contribute to economic diversification and job creation.

Nevertheless, governments face considerable pressure to accommodate the needs of expanding youth populations. Educational infrastructure requires substantial investment to provide quality training and higher education opportunities for millions of young citizens. Countries like Nigeria struggle to maintain educational standards while accommodating rapidly growing student populations. Additionally, labor markets must generate sufficient employment opportunities to prevent youth unemployment, which can trigger social unrest and political instability. The competition for limited positions often results in underemployment, where qualified individuals accept positions below their skill levels.

Despite these challenges, the economic dynamism and innovation potential of young populations provide stronger foundations for long-term prosperity than the social security burdens associated with aging demographics. Strategic investment in education and job creation can effectively harness this demographic advantage while mitigating potential drawbacks.

Vocabulary for at the present time the population of some countries band 6.5 – 7.5:

Word/Phrase Meaning Example Usage
demographic dividend economic benefit from age structure The demographic dividend drives economic growth
agility ability to adapt quickly Workforce agility enables technological adoption
unprecedented never experienced before The growth rates were unprecedented in the region
consumption patterns spending behaviors Young adults show distinct consumption patterns
entrepreneurial business-minded, innovative Entrepreneurial youth create new businesses
diversification spreading across different areas Economic diversification reduces dependency risks
accommodate provide space or opportunity for Schools must accommodate growing student numbers
underemployment working below one’s skill level Underemployment wastes human potential
harness make use of effectively Countries must harness their demographic advantage

Band 7.5+ Sample Response

The demographic landscape of numerous developing nations presents a striking contrast to their developed counterparts, with youthful populations constituting the majority demographic cohort. At the present time, the population of some countries demonstrates this pronounced age distribution disparity, where individuals aged 15-35 significantly outnumber those above 65. While this demographic configuration poses certain socioeconomic challenges, the cumulative advantages substantially supersede the potential drawbacks, positioning these nations for accelerated development trajectories.

The economic ramifications of a youth-dominated population structure manifest through multiple interconnected mechanisms that drive sustainable growth. Primarily, this demographic composition ensures a robust labor force characterized by physical vigor, technological adaptability, and prolonged productive capacity spanning several decades. Countries exemplifying this pattern, including Bangladesh and Kenya, have leveraged their human capital to attract foreign direct investment in manufacturing and service sectors, achieving GDP growth rates that consistently exceed global averages. Moreover, the elevated consumption propensity of younger demographics stimulates aggregate demand across diverse market segments, from digital technologies to real estate development. This demographic cohort also demonstrates superior innovation capabilities, as evidenced by the proliferation of technology startups and digital entrepreneurship in markets like India and Brazil, where young founders have established billion-dollar enterprises within abbreviated timeframes.

Conversely, accommodating the aspirations and requirements of expansive youth populations necessitates substantial infrastructural investments and policy interventions. Educational systems face unprecedented strain as enrollment figures surge exponentially, often exceeding institutional capacities and compromising pedagogical quality. Countries experiencing rapid demographic transitions frequently struggle to maintain teacher-to-student ratios within acceptable parameters, as observed in Sub-Saharan African nations where classroom densities routinely exceed 50 students per instructor. Additionally, labor market absorption rates must align with the continuous influx of job seekers, requiring diversified economic structures capable of generating employment opportunities across skill levels. Failure to achieve this equilibrium precipitates youth unemployment crises, potentially catalyzing social fragmentation and political instability, as witnessed during the Arab Spring uprisings where unemployed graduates became primary catalysts for revolutionary movements.

Nonetheless, the transformative potential inherent in youthful populations fundamentally outweighs the associated challenges, provided governments implement strategic frameworks for human capital development. The demographic dividend represents a temporary window of opportunity that, when properly harnessed through education, infrastructure, and employment generation, can propel nations toward sustained prosperity and technological advancement.

Vocabulary for at the present time the population of some countries band 7.5+:

Word/Phrase Meaning Example Usage
demographic cohort population group of similar age The largest demographic cohort consists of young adults
supersede replace or be greater than Economic benefits supersede potential disadvantages
ramifications complex consequences The ramifications extend beyond immediate economic effects
vigor physical strength and energy Young workers bring vigor to industrial production
propensity natural tendency Youth show higher propensity for technology adoption
proliferation rapid increase in number The proliferation of startups drives innovation
unprecedented never done before Educational systems face unprecedented enrollment pressure
exponentially at an increasingly rapid rate Student numbers grow exponentially each year
equilibrium state of balance Labor markets seek equilibrium between supply and demand
catalyzing causing or accelerating change Youth unemployment risks catalyzing social unrest

Effective Strategies and Common Errors in IELTS Writing

Beside the outline and sample essays of “Vocabulary for at the present time the population of some countries band” topic of IELTS Sample Bank above, don’t miss these common pitfalls to improve your writing skill. 

Excellence Strategies and Common Missteps
Excellence Strategies and Common Missteps
  • Balanced Perspective Maintenance: Avoid presenting one-sided arguments despite your ultimate position. Acknowledge genuine challenges while maintaining your stance. For instance, recognize unemployment concerns in youth-heavy populations while arguing that proper policies can transform this challenge into opportunity.
  • Lexical Sophistication: Employed varied vocabulary to describe demographic concepts. Replace repetitive uses of “young people” with alternatives like “emerging workforce,” “millennial cohort,” or “working-age population.” Similarly, vary expressions for advantages using terms like “benefits,” “positive implications,” or “favorable outcomes.”
  • Coherence Through Logical Progression: Not only in “at the present time the population of some countries band” essay, but also any other topics, structure arguments from strongest to weakest within each body paragraph. Begin with the most compelling advantage, then present supporting points in descending order of importance. This approach ensures readers grasp your primary arguments even if they skim your content.
  • Avoiding Overgeneralization Pitfalls: Resist making sweeping statements about entire populations or countries. Instead of claiming “all young people are innovative,” specify that “young adults demonstrate higher rates of entrepreneurship and technology adoption compared to older demographics.” This precision enhances credibility and demonstrates sophisticated understanding.
  • Conclusion Effectiveness: Your final paragraph must directly address the evaluative component of the question. Clearly state whether advantages outweigh disadvantages and briefly justify this position. Avoid introducing new arguments in your conclusion; instead, synthesize your main points to reinforce your thesis.

Conclusion

In summation, while nations experiencing youthful demographic compositions encounter legitimate challenges regarding employment generation and educational infrastructure development, the economic dynamism, innovation potential, and sustained productivity that characterize these populations provide compelling advantages for long-term national prosperity. 

At the present time the population of some countries with substantial youth majorities represents untapped potential that, through strategic policy implementation and targeted investment, can transform demographic challenges into competitive advantages, ultimately benefiting societal advancement and economic growth.

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