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Governments Spend a Lot of Money on Public Celebrations Such As National Holidays and Public Festivals - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

Updated: Oct 15, 2024


Governments Spend a Lot of Money on Public Celebrations Such As National Holidays and Public Festivals - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

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Sample Essay 1

Governments often allocate significant funds to public celebrations like national holidays and festivals, which some believe is an unnecessary expense that could be better used for essential services. However, I completely disagree with this view. I argue that such events foster national unity and cultural pride, which are vital for a healthy society. Moreover, these celebrations can generate economic benefits through tourism and local business engagement.


Firstly, public celebrations play an important role in building national identity and social cohesion. These events allow citizens to come together and celebrate shared values, history, and culture. For example, festivals like Independence Day celebrations or national holidays often highlight a nation's achievements and foster a sense of belonging among citizens. In many multicultural societies, such events are particularly important as they help bridge cultural differences, promoting social harmony and solidarity. Without these celebrations, a nation risks losing its collective identity, which could lead to social fragmentation over time. By investing in these events, governments help strengthen the emotional and psychological fabric of society, which is essential for national stability.


Secondly, public festivals provide significant economic benefits, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. National celebrations often attract both domestic and international tourists, generating income for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retailers. For instance, countries like Brazil see a substantial economic boost from events like Carnival, which draws millions of visitors each year. These visitors contribute to the local economy by spending on accommodations, transportation, and entertainment. Moreover, public festivals provide temporary employment opportunities for many individuals involved in event planning, security, and services. Therefore, the financial return from these celebrations often outweighs the initial government expenditure, benefiting the broader economy.


In conclusion, public celebrations are not merely extravagant expenses; they are critical for fostering social unity and generating economic growth. Rather than reallocating funds to other sectors, governments should continue investing in these events to strengthen both cultural identity and economic prosperity.


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Sample Essay 2

Governments often allocate substantial budgets to public events such as national holidays and festivals. Some argue that these expenditures are excessive and should be redirected to more essential sectors. I believe that while public celebrations hold cultural importance, government funds would be better spent on critical areas like healthcare and education. In this essay, I will discuss how redirecting these funds can have a more profound impact on societal well-being.


Firstly, public celebrations, though valuable for promoting national unity and cultural identity, do not offer tangible benefits to essential services such as healthcare. Governments worldwide face the growing challenge of providing adequate medical services, especially in the wake of pandemics and an aging population. For example, funds currently spent on elaborate festivals could be channelled into building more hospitals, improving rural healthcare access, or funding research into pressing medical issues. These initiatives would yield long-term societal benefits, ensuring that citizens receive the care they need, thus directly enhancing the quality of life.


Secondly, investing in education rather than lavish public events can contribute significantly to a country's development. In many nations, public schools and universities suffer from underfunding, leading to overcrowded classrooms, outdated curricula, and a lack of resources. Redirecting festival budgets towards improving the education system would foster a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce, driving economic growth and innovation. For instance, countries that prioritize education spending over entertainment often see higher literacy rates, better job prospects, and a more equitable society. In the long run, such investments would reduce poverty and boost national prosperity.


In conclusion, although public festivals have cultural significance, I strongly believe that redirecting government spending to critical areas like healthcare and education would create a more sustainable and prosperous society. By focusing on essential services, governments can address pressing issues and improve overall national well-being more effectively.


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Sample Essay 3

Governments often allocate significant financial resources to public events such as national holidays and festivals. Some argue that this is a misallocation of funds, especially when there are more pressing societal needs. I completely agree with this viewpoint, as these celebrations consume resources that could be better utilized in addressing urgent priorities like healthcare and infrastructure. In this essay, I will explore how such spending could be more effectively redirected towards essential services.


To begin with, diverting funds from public celebrations to healthcare would have a more meaningful and lasting impact on society. Many countries struggle with inadequate medical facilities, long waiting times for treatments, and insufficient access to essential medicines. By reallocating resources spent on grand festivities to healthcare, governments could improve hospital infrastructure, hire more medical staff, and provide better healthcare services to citizens. For example, countries facing public health crises could use these funds to expand emergency care facilities or support vaccination programs. Such investments would directly enhance the health of the population, leading to a more productive workforce and reduced long-term healthcare expenditures.


Moreover, public money could be far more effectively spent on improving infrastructure, which is crucial for a country’s long-term development. Many regions, particularly in developing countries, suffer from poor transportation systems, inadequate water supply, and unreliable energy sources. Governments could use the resources currently spent on public celebrations to upgrade roads, build sustainable energy solutions, or improve water management systems. For instance, investing in renewable energy infrastructure would not only create jobs but also ensure long-term energy security and environmental sustainability. By focusing on infrastructure, governments can foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens, providing far greater benefits than temporary festivities.


In conclusion, while national celebrations have cultural value, the money allocated for them could be more wisely used in areas like healthcare and infrastructure development. These sectors offer far-reaching and lasting benefits, contributing to the well-being and future prosperity of the nation as a whole.


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