You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. www.test99.com
Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic. www.test99.com

A government’s role is only to provide defense capability and urban infrastructure (roads, water supplies, etc.) All other services (education, health, social security) should be provided by private groups or individuals in the community.www.test99.com

You should write at least 250 words. www.test99.com
You should you your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.www.test99.com

Topic words: www.test99.com
A government’s role – the job a government should do Defense capability – the ability to defend people against attack Infrastructure – roads, water supply Private groups or individuals – businesses, charities or private peoplewww.test99.com

Task words: www.test99.com
To what extent do you agree or disagree with… www.test99.com
Questions I must ask myself: www.test99.com
Do I think the statement is true? Is it true in all cases and countries? Do I disagree entirely with the statement?www.test99.com

The answer must: www.test99.com
Explain what you think a government should do. Give reasons for your opinion, with examples to show why your reasons are right. Give reasons and examples to show why other opinions are not right. www.test99.com

Sample Essay:www.test99.com

Government can only provide a limited range of services for citizens. Certain types of service, however, must be provided by government, whereas both government and private groups or individuals can share the responsibility to provide other services. - Introduction states the writer’s attitude to the opinion in the writing task. www.test99.com

A government must provide those services which are essential to a country. These include defense capabilities and social security. Private enterprise and the profit motive should not form part of these essential services. On the other had, some services could be provided by either government or private groups or both. Education and health care are examples of such services. A government must provide at least a basic level of education and health care so all citizens can have access to them. Private enterprise, though, could also provide services in these areas for those who wish to pay for them. - 1st argument: what governments must provide, with supporting statement - 2nd argument: providers of other services, with examples www.test99.com

Urban infrastructure is another area where government and private groups or individuals can share responsibility. Governments must build and maintain a system of roads, but toll roads can be built and road maintenance carried out by private contractors. Similarly, other infrastructures, such as water or electricity supply, can be operated by private companies. - More support and examples for 2nd argument www.test99.com

To sum up, there are some services such as defence and social security which must be provided by government. Other services, for example water supply or education, could be provided by both government and private enterprise. Consequently, it is not true to say that a government’s role is only to provide some services while others should be provided by the private sector. In fact, both government and private groups can share in the provision of most services. - Conclusion re-states main arguments and paraphrases opinion in the writing task. www.test99.com

Remember: this sample answer is one of several satisfactory ways to answer the question. Other essays which respond to the writing task would also be acceptable.www.test99.com

Source: Prepare for IELTS, by Vanessa Todd & Penny Cameron, 1996, UTS, Australia. For non-profit educational use only.