You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Many countries aim to improve their standard of living through economic development.
Sometimes this may bring loss of social values as a result. Do the advantages of higher standard
of living outweigh its disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

In this modern world, the focus of the majority of governments is to provide enhanced living standards
for its citizens through economic growth. While I accept that there are potential problems to a higher
standard of life, I believe the benefits are profounder.

On the one hand, there are possible disadvantages to an improved standard of living. Firstly, many
children become financially independent in their late teenage itself. As a result, they may not respect
the elderly. Secondly, many parents owing to professional preoccupations, often do not have the time
to nurture their children. Such children are often brought up by a caretaker where they may not receive
adequate love and affection. These negative experiences would probably make them unkind and
socially insensitive.

On the other hand, I believe that the benefits of a developed living standard are far outweighed. The
governments of these countries allocate massive budgets to establish super-specialty hospitals offering
the advanced medical diagnosis and treatment facilities. This helps save the life of the chronically sick
who can be subjected to medical emergencies such as organ transplant enabling them to live a healthy
life. In addition, developed countries mostly use advanced technology in education, helping the people
build a stronger economy for their country. For instance, as the USA spends a large part of its revenue
offering advanced education for its citizens, their manpower utility is the best in the world making the
country an economic superpower.

In conclusion, I believe that improved living comfort has more positive than negative effects apropos
providing excellent health and education for its citizens, both vital to empowering a country’s economy.

(270 words)