Cambridge IELTS 12 Test 2 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

Countries with a large proportion of young adults are often said to enjoy a demographic dividend. I believe the advantages do outweigh the disadvantages, provided that governments respond sensibly.

The most obvious benefit is a plentiful and adaptable workforce. Young adults tend to be willing to retrain, relocate and learn new technology, which attracts foreign investors looking for energetic employees. A large number of working-age taxpayers also means that the state can fund schools, hospitals and infrastructure without placing a heavy burden on each individual, while the cost of pensions and elderly care remains comparatively low. South Korea's rapid growth in the late twentieth century was partly built on exactly this kind of population structure, since millions of new workers entered factories and offices each year, and their rising incomes in turn supported local businesses.

Young societies are also more likely to generate new businesses and cultural change. Graduates with fresh ideas start technology companies, and a large domestic market of young consumers encourages spending on housing, education and entertainment, which in turn creates further jobs and keeps towns and cities economically lively.

The disadvantages, however, are real. If the economy cannot create enough jobs, high youth unemployment may lead to frustration, crime and political unrest, as seen in several parts of North Africa a decade ago. Pressure on education and housing can also be severe, since schools and universities must expand quickly. Furthermore, a youthful population is not permanent; today's young workers will eventually age, and a country that fails to save for that day will face a pension crisis.

On balance, these problems can be managed through investment in vocational training, job creation and long-term pension planning, so the advantages remain greater.