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

A government’s role is only to provide defense¹ capability² and urban infrastructure³ (roads, water supplies, etc.) All other services (education, health, social security) should be provided by private groups or individuals in the community.

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

Topic words:
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 people

Task words:
To what extent do you agree or disagree with…
Questions I must ask myself:
Do I think the statement is true? Is it true in all cases and countries? Do I disagree entirely⁴ with the statement?

The answer must:
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.

Sample Essay:

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.

A government must provide those services which are essential to a country. These include defense capabilities⁵ and social security. Private enterprise and the profit motive⁶ 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

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 toll⁷ roads can be built and road maintenance carried out by private contractors⁸. Similarly, other infrastructures⁹, such as water or electricity supply, can be operated by private companies. - More support and examples for 2nd argument

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 sector¹⁰. In fact, both government and private groups can share in the provision of most services. - Conclusion re-states main arguments and paraphrases¹¹ opinion in the writing task.

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.

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